JP6870520B2 - Printing equipment, printing programs, and printing methods - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device, a printing program, and a printing method that estimate the temperature inside the device and perform printing control according to the estimated temperature.

It is preferable that the printing apparatus is driven under conditions according to the temperature inside the apparatus to perform printing. This is because, for example, various elements may not operate normally in response to an increase in the temperature inside the apparatus, and the print quality may deteriorate. The printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a temperature detector that detects the surface temperature of an element in a power source. The temperature detector outputs the detected temperature information to the control unit. The control unit specifies the print control conditions corresponding to the received temperature information based on the warning temperature region, the limit temperature region, and the like stored in advance. The control unit executes print control based on the specified print control conditions.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-102962

Due to structural restrictions of the device, it may not be possible to attach the temperature detector to the part of the printing device that requires temperature detection. In this case, the method described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the temperature inside the apparatus may not be accurately specified.

An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device, a printing program, and a printing method capable of accurately specifying the temperature inside the device.

The printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention has a printing unit that prints on a printing medium and at least a power supply unit that generates a power source that drives the printing unit, and printing by the printing unit is being executed. A printing device that can operate in each of a printing state and a standby state in which printing by the printing unit is not being executed, and the temperature of the power supply unit in the standby state is first set every predetermined first cycle. It is estimated by the first estimation means that estimates as the estimated temperature, the second estimation means that estimates the temperature of the power supply unit in the printing state as the second estimated temperature every predetermined second cycle, and the second estimation means. A printing means for controlling the printing unit is provided in a manner corresponding to the relationship between the second estimated temperature and a predetermined threshold value, and the first estimating means switches from the printing state to the standby state and then i (i). Is an integer of 2 or more) The first estimated temperature in the i-standby cycle, which is the third first cycle, is estimated by applying the first parameter to the first estimated temperature in the i-1 standby cycle, and the second estimation is performed. The means sets the second estimated temperature in the j printing cycle, which is the second second cycle of the j (j is an integer of 2 or more) after switching from the standby state to the printing state, to the second estimated temperature in the j-1 printing cycle. and the estimated temperature, the each of the heat generating parameters corresponding to the current supplied to the printing portion between the j-th print cycle, estimated by applying the second parameter being different from the first parameter, the first parameter Includes at least a first coefficient, a second coefficient, and a third coefficient, the first coefficient is applied to a temperature corresponding to the heat received by the ambient air of the power supply unit from the power supply unit, and the second coefficient is , The temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus is applied to the ambient air of the power supply unit, and the third coefficient is applied to the ambient air by the power supply unit. Applied to the temperature according to the heat released, the second parameter includes at least a fourth coefficient, a fifth coefficient, and a sixth coefficient, and the fourth coefficient is such that the ambient air of the power supply unit is from the power supply unit. The fifth coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received, and the fifth coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus. It is the sixth coefficient, the power supply unit is applied to each of the temperature and the heating parameters in accordance with the heat released to the ambient air, characterized in Rukoto.

According to the first aspect, the printing apparatus estimates the temperature of the power supply unit in the standby state based on the first parameter, and estimates the temperature of the power supply unit in the printing state based on the heat generation parameter and the second parameter. .. As a result, the printing apparatus can accurately estimate the temperature of the power supply unit without the need for a temperature sensor or the like. Further, the printing apparatus can accurately estimate the first estimated temperature in the standby state based on the first parameter. Further, the printing apparatus can accurately estimate the second estimated temperature in the printing state based on the second parameter.

In the first aspect, after switching from the printing state to the standby state, the first estimating means sets the first estimated temperature in the first standby cycle, which is the first first cycle, before switching to the standby state. The first parameter is applied to the second estimated temperature in the second J (J is an integer of 2 or more) printing cycle, which is the final second cycle of the printing state, and the second estimation means is the above. After switching from the standby state to the printing state, the second estimated temperature in the first printing cycle, which is the first second cycle, is the final first cycle of the standby state before switching to the printing state. The second parameter is applied to each of the first estimated temperature in the first I (I is an integer of 2 or more) standby cycle and the heat generation parameter corresponding to the current supplied to the printing unit during the first printing cycle. You may estimate. After switching from the printing state to the standby state, the printing apparatus estimates the first estimated temperature of the first first standby cycle based on the second estimated temperature last estimated in the printing state. Similarly, after switching from the standby state to the printing state, the printing apparatus estimates the second estimated temperature of the first first printing cycle based on the first estimated temperature last estimated in the standby state. Thereby, the printing apparatus can estimate the temperature in the state after the switching by adding the estimated temperature in the state immediately before the switching. Therefore, the printing apparatus can improve the accuracy of temperature estimation.

In the first aspect, the first estimation means applies the first estimated temperature in the first initial standby cycle, which is the first first cycle, to a predetermined initial temperature after the start of the printing apparatus. May be estimated. In this case, the printing apparatus can improve the accuracy of the first estimated temperature in the first standby cycle immediately after the printing apparatus is started.

In the first aspect, the first estimation means and the second estimation means each further estimate the ambient temperature of the power supply unit, and the first estimation means determines the first estimated temperature in the i-standby cycle. The first parameter is applied to each of the first estimated temperature in the i-1 standby cycle, the ambient temperature in the i-1 standby cycle, and the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus, and the second is estimated. The estimation means uses the second estimated temperature in the j-print cycle as the second estimated temperature in the j-1 printing cycle, the ambient temperature in the j-1 printing cycle, the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus, and The second parameter may be applied to each of the heat generation parameters for estimation. In this case, the printing apparatus can more accurately estimate the first estimated temperature and the second estimated temperature based on the ambient temperature of the power supply unit and the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus.

In the first aspect, when the second estimated temperature is higher than the first threshold value, the printing means may control the printing unit to stop the printing operation. In this case, when the second estimated speed is higher than the first threshold value, the printing apparatus can stop the printing operation and suppress the temperature rise of the power supply unit.

In the first aspect, when the second estimated temperature is lower than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, the printing means determines the printing speed by the printing unit. When the second estimated temperature is lower than the first threshold value and higher than the second threshold value, the printing speed by the printing unit may be set to a second speed smaller than the first speed. Good. In this case, the printing apparatus can suppress the temperature rise of the power supply unit while continuing the printing operation by switching the printing speed according to the second estimated speed.

In the first aspect, a fan for cooling the power supply unit may be further provided, and a fan control means for rotating the fan in the printing state and not rotating the fan in the standby state may be further provided. The printing apparatus can accurately estimate the temperature of the power supply unit in each of the standby state and the printing state in which the driving states of the fans are different, based on the first parameter and the second parameter.

The printing program according to the second aspect of the present invention has a printing unit that prints on a printing medium and at least a power supply unit that generates a power source that drives the printing unit, and printing by the printing unit is being executed. The temperature of the power supply unit in the standby state is first applied to the computer of the printing apparatus capable of operating in each of the printing state and the standby state in which printing by the printing unit is not being executed, in each predetermined first cycle. It is estimated by the first estimation step of estimating as the estimated temperature, the second estimation step of estimating the temperature of the power supply unit in the printing state as the second estimated temperature every predetermined second cycle, and the second estimation step. A printing program for executing a printing step for controlling the printing unit by a method corresponding to the relationship between the second estimated temperature and a predetermined threshold, and the first estimation step is the standby from the printing state. The first parameter is applied to the first estimated temperature in the i-standby cycle, which is the first cycle of the i (i is an integer of 2 or more) after switching to the state, and to the first estimated temperature in the i-1 standby cycle. In the second estimation step, the second estimated temperature in the j printing cycle, which is the j (j is an integer of 2 or more) th second cycle after switching from the standby state to the printing state, is set. A second parameter different from the first parameter is applied to each of the second estimated temperature in the j-1 printing cycle and the heat generation parameter corresponding to the current supplied to the printing unit during the j printing cycle. The first parameter includes at least a first coefficient, a second coefficient, and a third coefficient, and the first coefficient is a temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power source unit by the ambient air of the power source unit. The second coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus, and the third coefficient is applied. The second parameter includes at least a fourth coefficient, a fifth coefficient, and a sixth coefficient, and the fourth coefficient is the power supply unit. The ambient air is applied to a temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit, and the fifth coefficient is the heat received from the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus. of the applied temperature depending on each said sixth coefficient is characterized Rukoto be applied to each of the temperature and the heating parameters corresponding to heat the power supply unit is discharged to the ambient air. According to the second aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained.

The printing method according to the third aspect of the present invention includes a printing unit that prints on a printing medium and at least a power supply unit that generates a power source that drives the printing unit, and printing by the printing unit is being executed. A printing method executed by a printing device that can operate in each of a printing state and a standby state in which printing by the printing unit is not being executed.
The first estimation step of estimating the temperature of the power supply unit in the standby state as the first estimated temperature in each predetermined first cycle,
A second estimation step in which the temperature of the power supply unit in the printing state is estimated as a second estimated temperature every predetermined second cycle, and
A printing step for controlling the printing unit by a method according to the relationship between the second estimated temperature estimated by the second estimation step and a predetermined threshold value is provided.
The first estimation step is
The first estimated temperature in the i-standby cycle, which is the first i (i is an integer of 2 or more) th after switching from the printing state to the standby state, is changed to the first estimated temperature in the i-1 standby cycle. Estimate by applying the first parameter
The second estimation step is
The second estimated temperature in the j printing cycle, which is the j (j is an integer of 2 or more) th second cycle after switching from the standby state to the printing state, is defined as the second estimated temperature in the j-1 printing cycle. , Estimates by applying a second parameter different from the first parameter to each of the heat generation parameters corresponding to the current supplied to the printing unit during the j-th printing cycle, and the first parameter is at least , The first coefficient, the second coefficient, and the third coefficient are included, the first coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power source unit by the ambient air of the power source unit, and the second coefficient is the power source. The temperature is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus, and the third coefficient is the heat released to the ambient air by the power supply unit. The second parameter includes at least a fourth coefficient, a fifth coefficient, and a sixth coefficient, and the fourth coefficient is the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit. The fifth coefficient is applied to the corresponding temperature, and the fifth coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to each of the heat received from the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus. the sixth factor is characterized Rukoto be applied to each of the temperature and the heating parameters corresponding to heat the power supply unit is discharged to the ambient air. According to the third aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect can be obtained.

It is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1. It is the figure which looked at the inside of the printing apparatus 1 from the lower side. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the printing apparatus 1. It is a flowchart which shows the main process. It is a flowchart which shows the main process, and is the continuation of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st estimation process. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd estimation process.

<Overview of printing device 1>
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The printing device 1 is a thermal printing device. In the following description, the lower right, upper left, upper right, lower left, upper, and lower parts of FIG. 1 are defined as the right side, left side, rear side, front side, upper side, and lower side of the printing apparatus 1, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes a box-shaped housing 9. The housing 9 has a lower cover 91 and an upper cover 92. Although not shown, the lower cover 91 has an accommodating portion for accommodating rolls. The roll is composed of a mount (hereinafter referred to as "tape") to which a thermal label is affixed and wound around a tubular core. The lower cover 91 has an opening 910 on the upper side of the accommodating portion. The upper cover 92 is rotatably supported by the rear end portion of the lower cover 91. The upper cover 92 can open and close the opening 910 of the lower cover 91 by swinging around the rear end portion. The upper cover 92 is locked by a locking portion (not shown) with the opening 910 closed. An operation lever 91A is provided on the right side surface of the lower cover 91. When the user operates the operation lever 91A, the locking by the locking portion is released, the upper cover 92 swings, and the opening 910 is switched to the open state.

An operation unit 91B composed of a plurality of push buttons is provided on the upper side surface of the lower cover 91. The discharge port 91C is formed on the upper side surface of the lower cover 91 on the front side of the operation portion 91B. The discharge port 91C discharges the tape printed inside the printing device 1 to the outside. A cutting blade 73C (see FIG. 3) is provided inside the discharge port 91C of the lower cover 91. The cutting blade 73C can cut off the printed portion of the tape.

As shown in FIG. 2, a power socket 91D, an exhaust port 91E, and a USB socket 91F are provided on the rear side surface of the lower cover 91 in this order from the right side to the left side. An AC adapter (not shown) is connected to the power socket 91D. The AC adapter generates a drive power source for the printing device 1 and supplies it to the printing device 1 via the power socket 91D. The exhaust port 91E has a plurality of slits. A fan 75C is provided inside the exhaust port 91E. The fan 75C cools the power supply board 82, which will be described later, by discharging the air inside the housing 9. A USB cable extending from an external terminal (not shown) is connected to the USB socket 91F. The printing device 1 can print characters, figures, and the like on the thermal label based on the print data received from the external terminal via the USB cable. The external terminal is a general-purpose personal computer (PC) or a mobile terminal.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1 as viewed from below, and is shown so that the inside of the lower cover 91 can be seen for convenience of explanation. The control board 81 is housed inside the lower cover 91 on the rear side of the center in the front-rear direction, and the power supply board 82 is housed on the front side of the center in the front-rear direction. A CPU 71 (see FIG. 3) and the like, which will be described later, are mounted on the control board 81. The power supply board 82 boosts or lowers the power supplied via the power socket 91D, and supplies the power to the control board 81 and the like. The partition wall 83 partitions between the control board 81 and the power supply board 82, and forms an air flow path from the power supply board 82 to the fan 75C. When the fan 75C rotates, the air around the power supply board 82 is discharged to the outside of the housing 9 through the flow path formed by the partition wall 83. That is, the power supply board 82 is cooled by discharging the surrounding air by the rotation of the fan 75C.

<Electrical configuration of printing device 1>
The electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. A CPU 71 that controls the overall control of the printing apparatus 1 is mounted on the control board 81. The FROM 72A, SDRAM 72B, EEPROM 72C, drive circuits 73A, 74A, 75A, and interface (I / F) circuit 76 are mounted on the control board 81 and electrically connected to the CPU 71. The FROM 72A stores various programs executed by the CPU 71. The SDRAM 72B stores temporary data. The EEPROM 72C stores various parameters required by the CPU 71 when executing various programs. The drive circuit 73A outputs a pulse signal to the motor 73B for driving the cutting blade 73C, and controls the rotation of the motor 73B. The drive circuit 74A outputs a pulse signal to the motor 74B that drives the transfer roller 74C that conveys the tape in the printing apparatus 1, and controls the rotation of the motor 74B. The drive circuit 75A outputs a pulse signal to the motor 75B for driving the fan 75C, and controls the rotation of the motor 75B. The I / F circuit 76 is a driver circuit for communicating via a USB cable connected to the USB socket 91F.

The sensor 77, the thermistor 78, and the thermal head 79 are provided in the printing apparatus 1 and are electrically connected to the CPU 71. The sensor 77 includes a photo sensor that detects whether or not there is tape in the tape transport path in the printing device 1, a contact sensor that detects the open / closed state of the upper cover 92, and the like. The thermistor 78 is provided on the control board 81, the thermal head 79, and the motor 74B for driving the transfer roller 74C, and detects the temperatures thereof. The thermal head 79 has a plurality of heat generating elements linearly arranged in a direction orthogonal to the tape transport direction. The thermal head 79 prints by heating the thermal label.

At least a plurality of FETs for stepping up or lowering the power supply supplied via the power supply socket 91D are mounted on the power supply board 82. The power supply board 82 generates and supplies power supplies that can be driven by various devices mounted on the control board 81, the sensor 77, the thermistor 78, and the thermal head 79 by switching a plurality of FETs. Hereinafter, among the plurality of FETs, the FET that generates a power source for supplying to the thermal head 79 is referred to as "FET 82A".

The program stored in the FROM 72A may be transmitted from an external terminal via a USB cable connected to the USB socket 91F. The CPU 71 may receive the program from the external terminal and store it in the FROM 72A.

<Temperature estimation of FET82A>
When the FET 82A generates a power supply to be supplied to the thermal head 79, the FET 82A generates heat due to switching and the temperature rises. If the temperature of the FET 82A rises to a level exceeding an appropriate range, the FET 82A may not be able to operate under appropriate operating conditions. In this embodiment, the CPU 71 estimates the temperature of the FET 82A based on the current supplied from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79. The CPU 71 switches the operation mode during the printing operation (referred to as “printing mode”) to the first mode or the second mode according to the estimated temperature. The CPU 71 suppresses the temperature of the FET 82A from rising until it exceeds an appropriate range by executing a printing operation that heats the thermal head 79 under conditions corresponding to the estimated temperature.

（１）式におけるΨ_ｋは、次の（２）式により示される。但し、Ｉ_{ｒｍｓ（ｋ）}は、第ｋラインが印刷される場合においてサーマルヘッド７９に通電される電流の実効値を示す。ｔ_ｋは、第ｋラインが印刷される場合の周期を示す。

（１）式及び（２）式の導出方法について説明する。印刷周期毎に１ライン分の印刷動作のみ実行される場合、第ｋラインが印刷される場合にＦＥＴ８２Ａからサーマルヘッド７９に供給される電流の実効値Ｉ_{ｒｍｓ（ｋ）}は、次の（３）式により示される。但し、ｔ_{ｏｎ（ｉ）}は、サーマルヘッド７９のうち発熱させるｉ番目の発熱素子に供給される電流パルスのＯＮ時間を示す。ｊは、印刷周期に含まれるパルス数を示す。Ｉ_ｐ（ｉ）は、ｉ番目のパルスのピーク電流を示す。

印刷周期毎にｎライン分の印刷動作が実行される場合、第ｋラインが印刷される場合にＦＥＴ８２Ａからサーマルヘッド７９に供給される電流の実効値Ｉ´_{ｒｍｓ（ｋ）}は、次の（４）式により示される。

印刷周期毎にｎライン分の印刷動作が実行される場合、印刷周期当たりの電流の実効値Ｉ_{ｒｍｓ（Σｎ）}は、次の（５）式により示される。

（５）式のうち点線枠にて囲まれた項は、（２）式のＩ^２ _{ｒｍｓ（ｋ）}に対応する。（５）式のうち一点鎖線枠にて囲まれた項は、（２）式のΨ_ｋに対応する。従って、（５）式のうち一点鎖線枠にて囲まれた項をΨ_ｋにて置き換えることによって、（１）式を導出できる。 When the printing apparatus 1 executes printing operations for n lines in each printing cycle, the effective value Irms _(Σn) per printing cycle of the current supplied from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79 is as follows (1). Derived by the formula. However, t _m indicates the period when each line is printed.

_{Ψ k in} Eq. (1) is expressed by the following Eq. (2). However, _{Irms (k)} indicates the effective value of the current applied to the thermal head 79 when the k-th line is printed. t _k denotes the period when the k-th line are printed.

The derivation method of Eqs. (1) and (2) will be described. When only the printing operation for one line is executed in each printing cycle, the effective value Irms _(k) of the current supplied from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79 when the kth line is printed is the following (3). It is indicated by the formula. However, to _{on (i)} indicates the ON time of the current pulse supplied to the i-th heating element that generates heat in the thermal head 79. j indicates the number of pulses included in the printing cycle. I _{p (i)} indicates the peak current of the i-th pulse.

When the printing operation for n lines is executed every printing cycle, the effective value I'rms _(k) of the current supplied from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79 when the kth line is printed is as follows (4). ) Is shown by the formula.

When the printing operation for n lines is executed in each printing cycle, the effective value _{Irms (Σn)} of the current per printing cycle is expressed by the following equation (5).

The term surrounded by the dotted line frame in the equation (5) corresponds to ^{I 2} _{rms (k) in the equation (2).} The term enclosed by the alternate long and short dash line frame in Eq. (5) corresponds to _{Ψ k in Eq. (2).} Therefore, the equation (1) can be derived by replacing the term surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line frame in the equation (5) with Ψ _k.

（６）式において、実線枠で囲まれた項は、前回の第ｋ−１印刷周期における推定温度を示し、点線枠で囲まれた項は発熱パラメータを示す。（６）式の一点鎖線枠で囲まれた項のうち、θ_ＰＷＲは、ＦＥＴ８２Ａの周辺の空気温度、より詳細には、ＦＥＴ８２Ａが実装された電源基板８２の周囲の仕切り壁８３（図２参照）によって囲まれた空間のＦＥＴ８２Ａ近傍の空気温度を示す。以下、この温度を「周囲温度」という。・・・第ｋ−１印刷周期、第ｋ印刷周期、第ｋ＋１印刷周期・・・における周囲温度を、それぞれ、・・・、θ_{ＰＷＲｋ−１}、θ_ＰＷＲｋ、θ_{ＰＷＲｋ＋１}、・・・と表記する。つまり、（６）式において、一点鎖線枠で囲まれた項は、推定温度Ｔ_{ＦＥＴｋ−１}から周囲温度θ_{ＰＷＲｋ−１}を減算した値に対応し、ＦＥＴ８２Ａが周辺の空気に放出する熱に応じた温度を示す。又、Ｋは所定の係数であり、実測結果に基づいて決定される。係数Ｋは、ＦＥＴ８２Ａが周辺の空気に放出する熱に応じた温度に適用され、且つ、発熱パラメータβから減算される値に影響する。即ち、ＦＥＴ８２Ａが周辺の空気に放出する熱に応じた温度と発熱パラメータβとのそれぞれに適用される係数であることになる。 When the printing operation is being executed, the CPU 71 calculates the surface temperature on the primary side of the FET 82A as an estimated temperature for each sampling time δt, which is the same as the printing cycle. Each printing cycle for each sampling time δt is expressed as ... k-1st printing cycle, kth printing cycle, k + 1th printing cycle ... ..., the estimated temperatures estimated in each of the k _{-1th printing cycle, the kth printing cycle, the k + 1th printing cycle ..., T FETk-1} , T _FETk , T _{FETk + 1} , ... Notated as. _{The estimated temperature T FETk} in the k-th printing cycle is calculated by the following equation (6). However, β is a heat generation parameter based on the effective value of the current flowing through the FET 82A and supplied to the thermal head 79 in the k-th printing cycle, and is represented by Irms _(Σn) (see equation (1)). K is a predetermined coefficient and is determined based on the actual measurement result.

In the equation (6), the term surrounded by the solid line frame indicates the estimated temperature in the previous k-1 printing cycle, and the term surrounded by the dotted line frame indicates the heat generation parameter. Among the terms surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line frame in the equation (6), θ _PWR is the air temperature around the FET 82A, and more specifically, the partition wall 83 around the power supply board 82 on which the FET 82A is mounted (see FIG. 2). ) Indicates the air temperature in the vicinity of the FET 82A in the space surrounded by. Hereinafter, this temperature is referred to as "ambient temperature". The ambient temperatures in the k-1th printing cycle, the kth printing cycle, the k + _{1th printing cycle, and so on are expressed as ..., θ PWRk-1} , θ _PWRk , θ _{PWRk + 1} , ..., Respectively. .. That is, in the equation (6), the term surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line frame corresponds to the value obtained by subtracting the ambient temperature θ _{PWRk-1 from the estimated temperature T FETk-1,} and corresponds to the heat released by the FET 82A to the surrounding air. Indicates the temperature. Further, K is a predetermined coefficient and is determined based on the actual measurement result. The coefficient K is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat released by the FET 82A to the surrounding air, and affects the value subtracted from the heat generation parameter β. That is, it is a coefficient applied to each of the temperature corresponding to the heat released by the FET 82A to the surrounding air and the heat generation parameter β.

（７）式の実線枠で囲まれた項は、前回の第ｋ−１印刷周期における周囲温度を示す。（７）式の点線枠で囲まれた項は、推定温度Ｔ_{ＦＥＴｋ−１}から周囲温度θ_{ＰＷＲｋ−１}を減算した値に対応し、ＦＥＴ８２Ａの周辺空気がＦＥＴ８２Ａから受ける熱に応じた温度を示す。又、係数γは、ＦＥＴ８２Ａの周辺空気がＦＥＴ８２Ａから受ける熱に応じた温度に適用される係数であることになる。更に、（７）式の一点鎖線枠で囲まれた項は、周囲温度θ_{ＰＷＲｋ−１}から環境温度Ｔ_ａを減算した値に対応し、印刷装置１の外部に放出される熱に応じた温度を示す。又、係数λは、ＦＥＴ８２Ａの周辺空気がＦＥＴ８２Ａから受ける熱に応じた温度と、印刷装置１の外部に放出される熱に応じた温度とのそれぞれに適用される係数であることになる。 The ambient temperature θ _PWRk is calculated by the following equation (7). However, λ and γ are predetermined coefficients and are determined based on the actual measurement results. T _a represents the environmental temperature the printing apparatus 1 is installed.

The term surrounded by the solid line frame in Eq. (7) indicates the ambient temperature in the previous k-1 printing cycle. The term surrounded by the dotted line frame in Eq. (7) corresponds to the value obtained by subtracting the ambient temperature θ _{PWRk-1 from the estimated temperature T FETk-1,} and indicates the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the FET 82A by the ambient air of the FET 82A. .. Further, the coefficient γ is a coefficient applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the FET 82A by the ambient air of the FET 82A. Moreover, terms surrounded by (7) the dashed line frame type, the temperature corresponding to the heat corresponding to the value obtained by subtracting the ambient temperature T _a from ambient temperature theta _PWRK-1, is discharged to the outside of the printing apparatus 1 Is shown. Further, the coefficient λ is a coefficient applied to each of the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the FET 82A by the ambient air of the FET 82A and the temperature corresponding to the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus 1.

As described above, CPU 71 the estimated temperature _{T FETk} in the k printing cycle, the estimated temperature _{T FETk-1} in the k-1 printing cycle, heating parameter beta, ambient temperature theta _PWRK-1, with respect to the environmental temperature _{T a} It is calculated by applying the coefficients γ, λ, and K (see equations (6) and (7)).

Hereinafter, the state in which the printing operation is executed in the printing device 1 is referred to as a “printing state”. The estimated temperature calculated by the CPU 71 in the printing state is referred to as a "second estimated temperature". The coefficients γ, λ, and K used to calculate the second estimated temperature are called the fourth coefficient γ ₂ , the fifth coefficient λ ₂ , and the sixth coefficient K ₂ , respectively, and are called γ ₂ , λ ₂ , and K _2. Are collectively referred to as "second parameter". The predetermined sampling time δt in which the CPU 71 calculates the second estimated temperature in the printing state is referred to as “second period Ts”.

（８）式において、実線枠で囲まれた項は、前回の第ｋ−１スタンバイ周期における推定温度を示す。（８）式において、一点鎖線枠で囲まれた項は、推定温度Ｔ_{ＦＥＴｋ−１}から周囲温度θ_{ＰＷＲｋ−１}を減算した値に対応し、ＦＥＴ８２Ａが周辺の空気に放出する熱に応じた温度を示す。又、係数Ｋは、ＦＥＴ８２Ａが周辺の空気に放出する熱に応じた温度に適用される係数である。 Further, the CPU 71 calculates the surface temperature on the primary side of the FET 82A in each cycle of the sampling time δt separately from the above-mentioned second estimated temperature in a state where the printing operation is not being executed (hereinafter, referred to as “standby state”). To do. The CPU 71 calculates the estimated temperature in the standby state by using the equation (8) excluding the heat generation parameter β from the equation (6). The reason for excluding the heat generation parameter β is that in the standby state, no current is supplied from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79, so that the heat generation parameter β, which is a parameter based on the effective value of the current flowing through the FET 82A, also becomes 0. Hereinafter, each cycle of each sampling time δt in the standby state is referred to as a standby cycle, and is referred to as a k-1th standby cycle, a kth standby cycle, a k + 1th standby cycle, and so on.

In the equation (8), the term surrounded by the solid line frame indicates the estimated temperature in the previous k-1 standby cycle. In the equation (8), the term surrounded by the alternate long and short dash line frame corresponds to the value obtained by subtracting the ambient temperature θ _{PWRk-1 from the estimated temperature T FETk-1,} and the temperature corresponding to the heat released by the FET 82A to the surrounding air. Is shown. Further, the coefficient K is a coefficient applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat released by the FET 82A to the surrounding air.

_{The ambient temperature θ PWRk in} Eq. (8) is calculated by Eq. (7). Therefore, the coefficient γ indicates a coefficient applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the FET 82A by the ambient air of the FET 82A. The coefficient λ indicates a coefficient applied to each of the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the FET 82A by the ambient air of the FET 82A and the temperature corresponding to the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus 1.

As described above, CPU 71 the estimated temperature _{T FETk} in the k standby period, the coefficient to each of the estimated temperature _{T FETk-1,} ambient temperature theta _PWRK-1 and the ambient temperature _{T a} in the k-1 standby cycle γ , Λ, and K are applied (see equations (7) and (8)). Hereinafter, the estimated temperature calculated by the CPU 71 in the standby state is referred to as a "first estimated temperature". The coefficients γ, λ, and K used to calculate the first estimated temperature are called the first coefficient γ ₁ , the second coefficient λ ₁ , and the third coefficient K ₁ , respectively, and are called γ ₁ , λ ₁ , and K _1. Are collectively referred to as "first parameter". The predetermined sampling time δt in which the CPU 71 calculates the first estimated temperature in the standby state is referred to as “first period Tr”.

The printing device 1 can operate in each state while alternately switching between the printing state and the standby state. Hereinafter, the standby cycle repeated in the first cycle Tr after switching from the printing state to the standby state is referred to as an i-standby cycle (i = 1, 2, 3 ...). The printing cycle repeated in the second cycle Ts after switching from the standby state to the printing state is referred to as the jth printing cycle (j = 1, 2, 3 ...).

In the present embodiment, the first parameter (first coefficient γ ₁ , second coefficient λ ₁ , third coefficient K ₁ ) and the second parameter (fourth coefficient γ ₂ , fifth coefficient λ ₂ , sixth coefficient K ₂ ) Is different. The reason is that the state of the ambient air of the FET 82A differs between the standby state and the printing state. Specifically, in the standby state, the heat generated from the power supply board 82 including the FET 82A is relatively small, so that the fan 75C does not rotate, whereas in the printing state, the heat generated from the power supply board 82 including the FET 82A is generated. Is relatively large, so the fan 75C rotates. Therefore, the CPU 71 uses different parameters (first parameter or second parameter) depending on the state in order to accurately calculate the estimated temperature in each of the standby state and the printing state in which the driving state of the fan 75C is different. .. Specific examples of the first parameter are a first coefficient γ ₁ : 350, a second coefficient λ ₁ : 4, and a third coefficient K ₁ : 7500. Specific examples of the second parameter are a fourth coefficient γ ₂ : 90, a fifth coefficient λ ₂ : 60, and a sixth coefficient K ₂ : 9000. However, the first and second parameters are not limited to the above numerical values.

<Main processing>
The main processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. When the operation of turning on the power of the printing device 1 is executed, the CPU 71 starts the main process by reading and executing the program stored in the FROM 72A. At the start of the main process, the CPU 71 controls the motor 75B to stop the rotation of the fan 75C. Further, the CPU 71 sets the operating state to the standby state and sets the print mode to the first mode.

The CPU 71 acquires the initial estimated temperature T and the initial ambient temperature θ (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as “initial temperature”) stored in the EEPROM 72C (S11). CPU71 estimates the ambient temperature _{T a} in the following way (S13). The CPU 71 acquires the temperature Tpcb of the thermistor 78 provided on the control board 81. The CPU 71 acquires the temperature Tt of the thermistor 78 provided in the thermal head 79. Here, it is assumed that the temperature Tt and the environmental temperature Ta of the thermistor 78 are stored in the EEPROM 72C when the power of the printing apparatus 1 is turned off last time. The temperature of the thermistor 78 stored in the EEPROM 72C is defined as the temperature Tt'. The CPU 71 estimates the elapsed time from turning off the power to turning on the power based on the temperature attenuation characteristic of the thermistor 78 from the difference between the temperature Tt'and the temperature Tt. The CPU 71 estimates the environmental temperature Ta based on the estimated elapsed time, temperature Tpcb, and temperature Tt. For example, when the elapsed time is short, the environmental temperature Ta stored in the EEPROM 72C may be used as it is. When the elapsed time is sufficiently long, the temperature Tpcb and the temperature Tt may be compared, and the one having the lower temperature may be set as the environmental temperature Ta.

The CPU 71 sets the variable i to 1 (S15). The CPU 71 acquires the first parameter (first coefficient γ ₁ , second coefficient λ ₁ , third coefficient K ₁ ) stored in the EEPROM 72C (S17). The CPU 71 determines whether or not the operation of turning off the power of the printing device 1 has been executed (S19). When it is determined that the operation of turning off the power of the printing device 1 has been executed (S19: YES), the CPU 71 ends the main process. When it is determined that the operation of turning off the power of the printing device 1 has not been executed (S19: NO), the CPU 71 advances the process to S21. The CPU 71 executes the first estimation process (see FIG. 6) in order to calculate the first estimated temperature (S21).

The first estimation process will be described with reference to FIG. _{After the printing device 1 is started, the CPU 71 sets the first estimated temperature T FET} 1 in the first standby cycle (hereinafter, referred to as “first initial standby cycle”) corresponding to the first first cycle Tr (i = 1). It is calculated as follows. The CPU 71 sets the initial temperature (initial estimated temperature T and initial ambient temperature θ) acquired by the process of S11 (see FIG. 4) as the first estimated temperature T _FET0 and the first ambient temperature θ _{FET0 in the 0th standby cycle, respectively.} (S61). CPU71 is (7), on the basis of the equation (8), and the first estimated temperature _{T FET 0} and the first ambient temperature theta _{FET 0} identified, S13 and the ambient temperature _{T a} calculated by the processing (see FIG. 4) On the other hand, the first parameter acquired by the process of S17 (see FIG. 4) is applied. As a result, the CPU 71 _{calculates the first estimated temperature T FET1} and the first ambient temperature θ _FET1 in the first initial standby cycle (S63). The CPU 71 stores the calculated first estimated temperature T _FET1 and the first ambient temperature θ _FET1 in the SDRAM 72B. The CPU 71 ends the first estimation process and returns the process to the main process (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 71 determines whether or not an operation for starting the printing operation has been executed after the completion of the first estimation process (S21) (S23). When it is determined that the operation for starting the printing operation has not been executed (S23: NO), the CPU 71 advances the process to S29. The CPU 71 adds "1" to the variable i to update (S29), and waits for the first cycle Tr (S31). After that, the CPU 71 returns the process to S19.

When it is determined that the operation of turning off the power of the printing device 1 has not been executed (S19: NO), the CPU 71 first calculates the first estimated temperature in the i-standby cycle (i = 2). The estimation process (see FIG. 6) is executed (S21). _{As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 71 is the first estimated temperature T FETi} in the i-standby cycle corresponding to the second and subsequent first cycle Trs (i = 2, 3, ...) After the printing device 1 is started. Is calculated as follows. _{The CPU 71 reads the first estimated temperature T FETi-1} and the first ambient temperature θ _FETi-1 in the previous standby cycle (i-1 standby cycle) from the SDRAM 72B (S61). _{The CPU 71 was calculated by processing the first estimated temperature T FETi-1} and the first ambient temperature θ _FETi-1 read out based on the equations (7) and (8) and S13 (see FIG. 4). to the ambient temperature T _a, applying the first parameter obtained in the process of S17 (see FIG. 4). _{As a result, the CPU 71 calculates the first estimated temperature T FETi} and the first ambient temperature θ _FETi in the i-standby cycle (i = 2, 3, ...) (S63). The CPU 71 stores the calculated first estimated temperature T _FETi and the first ambient temperature θ _FETi in the SDRAM 72B. The CPU 71 ends the first estimation process and returns the process to the main process (see FIG. 4). _{As described above, the first estimated temperature T FETi} is repeatedly estimated for each first period Tr while the standby state is continued.

When it is determined that the operation for starting the printing operation has been executed (S23: YES), the CPU 71 switches the operating state from the standby state to the printing state, and proceeds to the process in S25. The CPU 71 receives print data from an external terminal via a USB cable connected to the USB socket 91F (S25). The CPU 71 acquires the second parameters (fourth coefficient γ ₂ , fifth coefficient λ ₂ , and sixth coefficient K ₂ ) stored in the EEPROM 72C (S27). The CPU 71 advances the process to S41 (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 71 sets the variable j to 1 (S41). The CPU 71 controls the motor 75B and starts the rotation of the fan 75C (S43). The CPU 71 executes a second estimation process (see FIG. 7) in order to calculate the second estimated temperature (S45).

The second estimation process will be described with reference to FIG. 7. _{After switching from the standby state to the printing state, the CPU 71 calculates the second estimated temperature T FET} 1 in the first printing cycle corresponding to the first second cycle Ts (j = 1) as follows. _{The CPU 71 has a first estimated temperature T FET I} and a first periphery in the standby cycle immediately before switching to the print state, that is, in the final I-th standby cycle (referred to as “I-th”) in the standby state before switching to the print state. The temperature θ _FETI is read from the SDRAM 72B. _{The CPU 71 specifies} the read first estimated temperature T FETI and the first ambient temperature θ _{FET I as the second estimated temperature T FET 0} and the second ambient temperature θ _FET 0 in the 0th printing cycle, respectively (S71).

_{The CPU 71 calculates the effective value Irms (Σn)} (see equation (1)) of the current supplied from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79 during the first printing cycle as the heat generation parameter β (S73). Specifically, when the printing operation for n lines is executed during the first printing cycle, the CPU 71 effectively applies the current applied to the thermal head 79 when the printing operation for one line is executed. The value I _{rms (k)} (when n = 1) or I'rms _(k) (when n = 2 or more) is specified based on Eq. (3) or (4). The CPU 71 accumulates the effective value of the current of each specified line based on the equation (5), and sets the effective value Irms _(Σn) of the current supplied from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79 during the first printing cycle. Calculate and use as the heat generation parameter β.

_{The CPU 71 has a second estimated temperature T FET0} and a second ambient temperature θ _FET0 specified by the processing of S71 based on the equations (6) and (7), a heat generation parameter β calculated by the processing of S73, and S13. to the environmental temperature T _a calculated by the processing (see FIG. 4), applying a second parameter obtained in the process of S27 (see FIG. 4). _{As a result, the CPU 71 calculates the second estimated temperature T FET1} and the second ambient temperature θ _FET1 in the first printing cycle (j = 1) (S75). The CPU 71 stores the calculated first estimated temperature T _FET1 and the first ambient temperature θ _FET1 in the SDRAM 72B.

The CPU 71 determines whether the print mode in the print state is the first mode (S77). When it is determined that the mode is the first mode (S77: YES), the CPU 71 _{determines whether the second estimated temperature T FET1} calculated by the process of S75 is equal to or higher than the predetermined first threshold value Th1 (S79). When the CPU 71 determines that the second estimated temperature T _FET 1 is smaller than the first threshold Th1 (S79: NO), the CPU 71 ends the second estimation process and returns the process to the main process (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 5, after the second estimation process (S47) is completed, the CPU 71 has the thermal head 79 from the FET 82A in a manner corresponding to the first mode based on the print data received by the process of S25 (see FIG. 4). A current is supplied to the printer to execute a printing operation (S49). Specifically, the CPU 71 supplies a current from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79, and executes a printing operation for n lines corresponding to the first printing cycle at a predetermined first speed V1.

The CPU 71 determines whether or not all printing according to the print data received by the process of S25 (see FIG. 4) has been completed (S49). When it is determined that all printing has not been completed (S49: NO), the CPU 71 advances the process to S53. The CPU 71 adds "1" to the variable j to update (S53), and waits for the second cycle Ts (S55). After that, the CPU 71 returns the process to S45.

The CPU 71 executes a second estimation process (see FIG. 7) in order to calculate the second estimated temperature in the j printing cycle (j = 2) (S45). As shown in FIG. 7, after switching from the standby state to the printing state, the CPU 71 makes a second estimation in the j printing cycle corresponding to the second and subsequent second cycles Ts (j = 2, 3, ...). The temperature T _FETj is calculated as follows. _{The CPU 71 reads out the second estimated temperature T FET j-1} and the second ambient temperature θ _FET j-1 in the previous printing cycle (j-1 printing cycle) from the SDRAM 72B (S71). The CPU 71 is based on the equations (3), (4), and (5), and the effective value of the current supplied from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79 during the j-print cycle Irms _(Σn) (Equation (1)). (See) is calculated as the heat generation parameter β (S73). _{The CPU 71 has the second estimated temperature T FETj-1} and the second ambient temperature θ _FETj-1 read by the processing of S71 based on the equations (6) and (7), and the heat generated by the processing of S73. and the parameter beta, S13 to the environmental temperature T _a calculated by the processing (see FIG. 4), applying a second parameter obtained in the process of S27 (see FIG. 4). As a result, the CPU 71 _{calculates the second estimated temperature T FETj} and the second ambient temperature θ _FETj in the j printing cycle (S75). The CPU 71 stores the calculated second estimated temperature T _FETj and the second ambient temperature θ _FETj in the SDRAM 72B. As described above, the second estimated temperature T _FETj is repeatedly estimated every second period Ts.

The CPU 71 determines whether the print mode in the print state is the first mode (S77). When it is determined that the mode is the first mode (S77: YES), the CPU 71 _{determines whether the second estimated temperature T FETj} calculated by the process of S75 is equal to or higher than the predetermined first threshold value Th1 (S79). When the second estimated temperature T _FETj is determined to be equal to or higher than the first threshold value Th1 (S79: YES), the CPU 71 changes the print mode in the print state from the first mode to the second mode (S85). The CPU 71 advances the process to S87. On the other hand, when the CPU 71 is determined to be in the second mode in the processing of S77 (S77: NO), the second estimated temperature T _FETj calculated by the processing of S75 is a predetermined second smaller than the first threshold Th1. It is determined whether the threshold value is Th2 (Th1> Th2) or less (S81). When the second estimated temperature T _FETj is determined to be equal to or less than the second threshold value Th2 (S81: YES), the CPU 71 changes the print mode in the print state from the second mode to the first mode (S83). The CPU 71 ends the second estimation process and returns the process to the main process (see FIG. 5). On the other hand, when the second estimated temperature T _FETj is determined to be larger than the second threshold value Th2 (S81: NO), the CPU 71 advances the process to S87.

In the process of S87, the CPU 71 waits for the third period Tu (S87), and then returns the process to S71. That is, since the CPU 71 does not return the process to the main process when the print mode is the second mode, the supply of current from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79 is maintained while being stopped. Therefore, the printing operation based on the print data is stopped. The state in which the printing operation is stopped continues until the printing mode is changed to the first mode.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the printing operation is repeated by the process of S47 and it is determined that all printing according to the print data is completed (S49: YES), the operating state is changed from the printing state to the standby state. Switch. The CPU 71 controls the motor 75B and stops the rotation of the fan 75C started by the process of S43 (S51). The process returns to S15 (see FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 71 sets the variable i to 1 (S15). The CPU 71 acquires the first parameter (first coefficient γ ₁ , second coefficient λ ₁ , third coefficient K ₁ ) stored in the EEPROM 72C (S17). When it is determined that the operation of turning off the power of the printing device 1 has not been executed (S19: NO), the CPU 71 executes the first estimation process (see FIG. 6) in order to calculate the first estimated temperature. (S21). _{As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 71 sets the second estimated temperature T FET} 1 in the first printing cycle corresponding to the first first cycle Tr (i = 1) after switching from the printing state to the standby state as follows. And calculate. _{The CPU 71 has a second estimated temperature T FET J} and a second periphery in the printing cycle immediately before switching to the standby state, that is, in the final Jth printing cycle (referred to as “Jth”) in the printing state before switching to the standby state. The temperature θ _FETJ is read from the SDRAM 72B. The CPU 71 identifies the read second estimated temperature T _{FET J} and the second ambient temperature θ _{FET J as the first estimated temperature T FET 0} and the first ambient temperature θ _FET 0 in the 0th standby cycle, respectively (S61).

The CPU 71 is an environment calculated by the processing of _{the first estimated temperature T FET0} and the first ambient temperature θ _FET0 specified by the processing of S61 and the processing of S13 (see FIG. 4) based on the equations (7) and (8). to a temperature T _a, applying the first parameter obtained in the process of S17 (see FIG. 4). _{As a result, the CPU 71 calculates the first estimated temperature T FET1} and the first ambient temperature θ _FET1 in the first standby period (i = 1) (S63). The CPU 71 stores the calculated first estimated temperature T _FET1 and the first ambient temperature θ _FET1 in the SDRAM 72B.

<Main Actions and Effects of the Present Invention>
The printing apparatus 1 calculates the first estimated temperature of the FET 82A in the standby state based on the first parameters (first coefficient γ ₁ , second coefficient λ ₁ , third coefficient K ₁ ) (S21). The printing apparatus 1 estimates the second estimated temperature of the FET 82A in the printing state based on the heat generation parameter β and the second parameter (fourth coefficient γ ₂ , fifth coefficient λ ₂ , sixth coefficient K ₂ ) (S45). ). As a result, the printing apparatus 1 can accurately estimate the surface temperature of the FET 82A without the need for a temperature sensor such as a thermistor. Further, the printing device 1 controls the thermal head 79 in a printing mode according to the relationship between the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2 and the second estimated temperature (S47). Specifically, when the printing mode is the first mode, the printing apparatus 1 supplies a current from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79 to execute the printing operation. On the other hand, when the second estimated temperature becomes the first threshold Th1 or more (S79: YES) when the print mode is the first mode, the printing device 1 changes the print mode to the second mode. In the second mode, the printing apparatus 1 stops the printing operation in order to suppress the temperature rise of the FET 82A. In this case, the printing apparatus 1 can prevent the temperature of the FET 82A from rising.

The temperature estimation method may change depending on the state of the printing apparatus 1. For example, in the printing device 1, the driving state of the fan 75C provided for cooling the power supply board 82 differs between the printing state and the standby state. The temperature estimation conditions for the FET 82A differ between the printing state and the standby state in which the driving state of the fan 75C is different. On the other hand, the printing apparatus 1 estimates the temperature of the FET 82A based on different parameters (first parameter or second parameter) in each of the standby state and the printing state. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 can improve the accuracy of the estimated temperatures (first estimated temperature and second estimated temperature) in each state even when the driving states of the fan 75C in each state are different.

After switching from the printing state to the standby state, the printing apparatus 1 _{calculates the first estimated temperature T FET} 1 in the first first standby cycle based on _{the second estimated temperature T FET J} finally calculated in the printing state. Similarly, the printing apparatus 1, after switching from the standby state to the printing state, the second estimated temperature T _FET1 of the first of the first printing cycle, based on the first estimated temperature T _FETI calculated last in the standby state calculate. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 can calculate the estimated temperature in the state after switching by adding the estimated temperature in the state immediately before switching. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 can improve the accuracy of temperature estimation.

_{The printing apparatus 1 sets the first estimated temperature T FET1} in the first first standby cycle (first initial standby cycle) after the power is turned on to the initial temperature (initial estimated temperature T and initial ambient temperature θ) stored in the EEPROM 72C. ) Is calculated by applying the first parameter (S63). In this case, the printing apparatus 1 can improve the accuracy _{of the first estimated temperature T FET} 1 in the first initial standby cycle immediately after the start-up.

The first parameter includes a first coefficient γ ₁ , a second coefficient λ ₁ , and a third coefficient K ₁ . The second parameter includes a fourth coefficient γ ₂ , a fifth coefficient λ ₂ , and a sixth coefficient K ₂ . The first coefficient γ ₁ and the fourth coefficient γ ₂ are applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the FET 82A by the ambient air of the FET 82A. The second coefficient λ ₁ and the fifth coefficient λ ₂ are applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received by the ambient air of the FET 82A from the FET 82A and the temperature corresponding to the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus 1, respectively. The third coefficient K ₁ is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat released by the FET 82A to the surrounding air. The sixth coefficient K ₂ is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat released by the FET 82A to the surrounding air and the heat generation parameter β. In this case, the printing device 1 can estimate the surface temperature of the FET 82A in consideration of the transfer of thermal energy between the FET 82A, the ambient air, and the air outside the printing device 1. Further, the printing apparatus 1 can accurately estimate the first estimated temperature in the standby state based on the first parameter. Further, the printing apparatus 1 can accurately estimate the second estimated temperature in the printing state based on the second parameter.

Printing device 1, with respect to the first estimated temperature _{T FETI-1} and the first ambient temperature theta _FETI-1 alone instead environmental temperature _{T a} by applying the first parameter, first estimated temperature _{T FETI} and first ambient The temperature θ _FETi is calculated (S63). Similarly, the printing apparatus 1, for the second estimated temperature _{T FETJ-1} and the second ambient temperature theta _FETJ-1 and heating parameters β not only environmental temperature _{T a} by applying the second parameter, the second estimated The temperature T _FETj and the second ambient temperature θ _FETj are calculated. In this case, the first estimated temperature and the second estimated temperature can be calculated in consideration of not only the transfer of thermal energy inside the housing 9 but also the transfer of thermal energy to the outside of the housing 9. Thus, the printing apparatus 1, a first estimated temperature and the second estimated temperature can be further accurately estimated based on the environmental temperature T _a.

_{When the second estimated temperature T FETj} becomes higher than the first threshold value Th1 (S79: YES) in the state where the printing mode is the first mode, the printing apparatus 1 sets the printing mode as the second mode and stops the printing operation. .. In this case, the printing apparatus 1 can suppress the temperature rise of the FET 82A by stopping the printing operation. _{Further, when the second estimated temperature T FETj} becomes the second threshold value Th2 or less (S81: YES) in the state where the printing mode is the second mode, the printing apparatus 1 executes the printing operation with the printing mode as the first mode. (S47). In this way, the printing device 1 can suppress frequent switching between the first mode and the second mode by switching the printing mode based on the different first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2. ..

The printing device 1 includes a fan 75C for cooling the FET 82A. The CPU 71 rotates the fan 75C in the printing state (S43) and stops the rotation of the fan 75C in the standby state (S51). In this case, the printing apparatus 1 can suppress the temperature rise of the FET 82A by the fan 75C. The printing device 1 can accurately estimate the temperature of the FET 82A in any of the standby state and the printing state in which the driving states of the fans 75C are different, based on the first parameter and the second parameter.

<Modification example>
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. The printing method of the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to the heat-sensitive method, and may be, for example, a thermal transfer method in which printing is performed by heating the ink ribbon. The first cycle Tr, the second cycle Ts, and the third cycle Tu may be the same or different from each other.

The CPU 71 may execute the printing operation by a method different from the above-described embodiment according to the printing mode (first mode or second mode) in the printing state. For example, when the print mode is the second mode, the CPU 71 supplies a current from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79, and performs a printing operation for n lines corresponding to the j printing cycle at a second speed V2 slower than the first speed V1. You may run it with. That is, in this case, the CPU 71 may continue the printing operation even when the printing mode is the second mode.

For example, the CPU 71 _{switches to the first mode when the second estimated temperature T FETj} calculated by the process of S75 is lower than the second threshold Th2, and performs the printing operation for n lines corresponding to the j printing cycle at the first speed. It may be executed in V1. On the other hand, when the second estimated temperature T _FETj calculated by the processing of S75 is lower than the first threshold Th1 and higher than the second threshold Th2, the CPU 71 performs a printing operation for n lines corresponding to the j printing cycle. , The second speed V2, which is slower than the first speed V1, may be executed. In this case, the printing device 1 can suppress the temperature rise of the FET 82A while continuing the printing operation by switching the printing speed according to the second estimated speed.

Further, for example, the CPU 71 sets the _{print mode to the third mode when the second estimated temperature T FETj} calculated by the processing of S75 is equal to or higher than the first threshold Th1, and the second estimated temperature T _FETj is lower than the first threshold Th1. _Moreover, when the second threshold value Th2 or more, the print mode may be set to the second mode, and when the second estimated temperature T FETj is lower than the second threshold value Th2, the print mode may be set to the first mode. When the print mode is the first mode, the CPU 71 may execute the print operation for n lines corresponding to the jth print cycle at the first speed V1. When the print mode is the second mode, the CPU 71 may execute the printing operation for n lines corresponding to the jth printing cycle at the second speed V2, which is slower than the first speed V1. When the print mode is the third mode, the CPU 71 may stop the printing operation without supplying current from the FET 82A to the thermal head 79.

After switching from the print state to the standby state, the CPU 71 sets the first estimated temperature T _FET 1 in the first first standby cycle based on the first estimated temperature finally calculated in the standby state before the immediately preceding print state. May be calculated. Similarly, after switching from the standby state to the printing state, the printing apparatus 1 _{finally calculates the second estimated temperature T FET} 1 of the first first printing cycle in the printing state before the immediately preceding standby state. 2 It may be calculated based on the estimated temperature.

The printing apparatus 1 may accept an input operation of the initial temperature (initial estimated temperature T and initial ambient temperature θ) via the operation unit 91B after the start-up by turning on the power. _{The CPU 71 calculates the first estimated temperature T FET} 1 in the first initial standby cycle by applying the first parameter to the initial temperature (initial estimated temperature T and initial ambient temperature θ) input via the operation unit 91B. You may.

What are the first coefficient γ ₁ , the second coefficient λ ₁ , the third coefficient K ₁ included in the first parameter, and the fourth coefficient γ ₂ , the fifth coefficient λ ₂ , and the sixth coefficient K _{2 included in the second parameter?} , Each does not have to be all different, as long as any coefficient is at least different. For example, the first coefficient γ ₁ and the fourth coefficient γ ₂ may be different, the second coefficient λ ₁ and the fifth coefficient λ ₂ may be different, and the third coefficient K ₁ and the sixth coefficient K ₂ may be the same. ..

The printing device 1 may further have a thermistor capable of detecting the temperature outside the housing 9. CPU71 is the temperature detected by the thermistor to ambient temperature T _a, may calculate the first estimated temperature and the second estimated temperature.

The CPU 71 may switch the rotation / stop of the fan 75C according to the calculated first estimated temperature or the second estimated temperature. For example, when the calculated first estimated temperature or the second estimated temperature is higher than the predetermined threshold value, the CPU 71 rotates the fan 75C, and when the calculated first estimated temperature and the second estimated temperature are lower than the predetermined threshold value. , The rotation of the fan 75C may be stopped.

<Others>
The thermal head 79 is an example of the "printing unit" of the present invention. The FET 82A is an example of the "power supply unit" of the present invention. The CPU 71 that performs the processing of S21 is an example of the "first estimation means" of the present invention. The CPU 71 that performs the processing of S45 is an example of the "second estimation means" of the present invention. The CPU 71 that performs the processing of S47 is an example of the "printing means" of the present invention. The CPU 71 that performs the processing of S43 and S51 is an example of the "fan control means" of the present invention. The process of S21 is an example of the "first estimation step" of the present invention. The process of S45 is an example of the "second estimation step" of the present invention. The process of S47 is an example of the "printing step" of the present invention.

1: Printing device 71: CPU
75C: Fan 79: Thermal head 82A: FET

Claims (9)

It has a printing unit that prints on a print medium, and at least a power supply unit that generates a power source that drives the printing unit, and a printing state in which printing by the printing unit is being executed and printing by the printing unit is being executed. It is a printing device that can operate in each state with a non-standby state.
A first estimation means that estimates the temperature of the power supply unit in the standby state as a first estimated temperature every predetermined first cycle,
A second estimation means that estimates the temperature of the power supply unit in the printing state as a second estimated temperature every predetermined second cycle, and
A printing means for controlling the printing unit by a method according to the relationship between the second estimated temperature estimated by the second estimating means and a predetermined threshold value is provided.
The first estimation means is
The first estimated temperature in the i-standby cycle, which is the first i (i is an integer of 2 or more) th after switching from the printing state to the standby state, is changed to the first estimated temperature in the i-1 standby cycle. Estimate by applying the first parameter
The second estimation means is
The second estimated temperature in the j printing cycle, which is the j (j is an integer of 2 or more) th second cycle after switching from the standby state to the printing state, is referred to as the second estimated temperature in the j-1 printing cycle. , Estimating by applying a second parameter different from the first parameter to each of the heat generation parameters corresponding to the current supplied to the printing unit during the j-th printing cycle.
The first parameter includes at least a first coefficient, a second coefficient, and a third coefficient.
The first coefficient is applied to a temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit.
The second coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to each of the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus.
The third coefficient is applied to a temperature corresponding to the heat released by the power supply unit to the ambient air.
The second parameter includes at least a fourth coefficient, a fifth coefficient, and a sixth coefficient.
The fourth coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit.
The fifth coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to each of the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus.
The sixth coefficient to a printing apparatus in which the power supply unit is characterized Rukoto be applied to each of the temperature and the heating parameters in accordance with the heat released to the ambient air. The first estimation means is
After switching from the printing state to the standby state, the first estimated temperature in the first standby cycle, which is the first first cycle, is set in the final second cycle of the printing state before switching to the standby state. Estimate by applying the first parameter to the second estimated temperature in a certain J (J is an integer of 2 or more) printing cycle.
The second estimation means is
After switching from the standby state to the printing state, the second estimated temperature in the first printing cycle, which is the first second cycle, is set in the final first cycle of the standby state before switching to the printing state. A second parameter is applied to each of the first estimated temperature in a certain I (I is an integer of 2 or more) standby cycle and the heat generation parameter corresponding to the current supplied to the printing unit during the first printing cycle. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is estimated. The first estimation means is
Claim 1 is characterized in that, after the printing apparatus is started, the first estimated temperature in the first initial standby cycle, which is the first first cycle, is estimated by applying the first parameter to a predetermined initial temperature. Or the printing apparatus according to 2. The first estimation means and the second estimation means each further estimate the ambient temperature of the power supply unit, respectively.
The first estimation means is
The first estimated temperature in the i-standby cycle is set to the first estimated temperature in the i-1 standby cycle, the ambient temperature in the i-1 standby cycle, and the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus, respectively. Estimate by applying one parameter,
The second estimation means is
The second estimated temperature in the j-printing cycle is the second estimated temperature in the j-1 printing cycle, the ambient temperature in the j-1 printing cycle, the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus, and the heat generation parameter. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the second parameter is applied to each of them for estimation. The printing means
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein when the second estimated temperature is higher than the first threshold value, the printing unit is controlled to stop the printing operation. The printing means
When the second estimated temperature is lower than the first threshold value and lower than the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, the printing speed by the printing unit is set as the first speed.
When the second estimated temperature is lower than the first threshold value and higher than the second threshold value, the printing speed by the printing unit is set to a second speed smaller than the first speed. The printing apparatus according to claim 5. Further provided with a fan for cooling the power supply unit,
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising a fan control means that rotates the fan in the printing state and does not rotate the fan in the standby state. It has a printing unit that prints on a print medium, and at least a power supply unit that generates a power source that drives the printing unit, and a printing state in which printing by the printing unit is being executed and printing by the printing unit is being executed. Not on the computer of the printing device, which can operate in each state with the standby state,
The first estimation step of estimating the temperature of the power supply unit in the standby state as the first estimated temperature in each predetermined first cycle,
A second estimation step in which the temperature of the power supply unit in the printing state is estimated as a second estimated temperature every predetermined second cycle, and
A printing program for executing a printing step for controlling the printing unit by a method corresponding to the relationship between the second estimated temperature estimated by the second estimation step and a predetermined threshold value.
The first estimation step is
The first estimated temperature in the i-standby cycle, which is the first i (i is an integer of 2 or more) th after switching from the printing state to the standby state, is changed to the first estimated temperature in the i-1 standby cycle. Estimate by applying the first parameter
The second estimation step is
The second estimated temperature in the j printing cycle, which is the j (j is an integer of 2 or more) th second cycle after switching from the standby state to the printing state, is referred to as the second estimated temperature in the j-1 printing cycle. , Estimating by applying a second parameter different from the first parameter to each of the heat generation parameters corresponding to the current supplied to the printing unit during the j-th printing cycle.
The first parameter includes at least a first coefficient, a second coefficient, and a third coefficient.
The first coefficient is applied to a temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit.
The second coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to each of the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus.
The third coefficient is applied to a temperature corresponding to the heat released by the power supply unit to the ambient air.
The second parameter includes at least a fourth coefficient, a fifth coefficient, and a sixth coefficient.
The fourth coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit.
The fifth coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to each of the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus.
The sixth coefficient, print program characterized Rukoto be applied to each of the temperature and the heating parameters corresponding to heat the power supply unit is discharged to the ambient air. It has a printing unit that prints on a print medium, and at least a power supply unit that generates a power source that drives the printing unit, and a printing state in which printing by the printing unit is being executed and printing by the printing unit is being executed. A printing method performed by a printing device that can operate in each of the non-standby states.
The first estimation step of estimating the temperature of the power supply unit in the standby state as the first estimated temperature in each predetermined first cycle,
A second estimation step in which the temperature of the power supply unit in the printing state is estimated as a second estimated temperature every predetermined second cycle, and
A printing step for controlling the printing unit by a method according to the relationship between the second estimated temperature estimated by the second estimation step and a predetermined threshold value is provided.
The first estimation step is
The first estimated temperature in the i-standby cycle, which is the first i (i is an integer of 2 or more) th after switching from the printing state to the standby state, is changed to the first estimated temperature in the i-1 standby cycle. Estimate by applying the first parameter
The second estimation step is
The second estimated temperature in the j printing cycle, which is the j (j is an integer of 2 or more) th second cycle after switching from the standby state to the printing state, is referred to as the second estimated temperature in the j-1 printing cycle. , Estimating by applying a second parameter different from the first parameter to each of the heat generation parameters corresponding to the current supplied to the printing unit during the j-th printing cycle.
The first parameter includes at least a first coefficient, a second coefficient, and a third coefficient.
The first coefficient is applied to a temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit.
The second coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to each of the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus.
The third coefficient is applied to a temperature corresponding to the heat released by the power supply unit to the ambient air.
The second parameter includes at least a fourth coefficient, a fifth coefficient, and a sixth coefficient.
The fourth coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit.
The fifth coefficient is applied to the temperature corresponding to each of the heat received from the power supply unit by the ambient air of the power supply unit and the heat released to the outside of the printing apparatus.
The sixth coefficient, a printing method, characterized in Rukoto be applied to each of the temperature and the heating parameters corresponding to heat the power supply unit is discharged to the ambient air.

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