WO2017061089A1

WO2017061089A1 - Thermal printer and thermal printer control method

Info

Publication number: WO2017061089A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/004400
Authority: WO
Inventors: 善太郎上田
Original assignee: ソニー株式会社
Priority date: 2015-10-07
Filing date: 2016-09-29
Publication date: 2017-04-13
Also published as: JP2017071130A

Abstract

[Problem] To provide: a thermal printer in which a heat-sensitive film made of a synthetic resin is the object to be printed on and foreign substances adhered to a thermal head are removed without performing a maintenance operation; and a thermal printer control method. [Solution] A thermal printer of the present technology is capable of printing on a heat-sensitive recording medium made of a synthetic resin. The thermal printer comprises: a thermal head; a conveyance mechanism; a pressing mechanism; and a control unit. The control unit controls the pressing mechanism and the conveyance mechanism so that printing is performed on the heat-sensitive recording medium in a state where the heat-sensitive recording medium is sandwiched and held between the thermal head and a platen, and after printing, the heat-sensitive recording medium is conveyed while abutting a printing unit and a downstream region, which is a region of a base surface downstream in the conveying direction of the heat-sensitive recording medium.

Description

Thermal printer and thermal printer control method

This technology relates to a thermal printer capable of printing on a thermal recording medium by heating and a control method of the thermal printer.

The thermal printer is a printer that includes a thermal head having a heating element and can print by pressing the heating element against a heat-sensitive recording medium that develops color when heated. As the thermal recording medium, thermal paper or thermal film containing a thermal dye is used.

Here, in the thermal printer, foreign matter such as dust and dirt may adhere to the thermal head as the thermal recording medium is printed. If such a foreign matter adheres to the thermal head, there is a problem that the foreign matter comes into contact with a subsequent thermal recording medium and is damaged.

In order to remove foreign matter, the thermal head may be frequently cleaned using a cleaning sheet or the like. In this case, however, the maintenance cost is improved, and complicated work must be performed until the foreign matter is completely removed. I must.

In order to solve this problem, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique in which foreign matter such as dust or dust attached to the thermal head is scraped with a part of paper. As a result, the thermal head can be cleaned without wasting paper and requiring complicated operations and preparations for the user.

JP 2011-110905 A

However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 is to press the thermal paper against the thermal head to remove dust and dirt attached to the thermal head. On the other hand, in a thermal printer that uses a thermal film as a printing target, foreign matter such as a melt generated by melting the thermal film adheres to the thermal head. It is difficult to clean.

In view of the circumstances as described above, the purpose of the present technology is to control a thermal printer and a thermal printer in which a heat-sensitive film made of a synthetic resin is an object to be printed, and foreign matter adhering to the thermal head is removed without performing maintenance work. It aims to provide a method.

In order to achieve the above object, a thermal printer according to an embodiment of the present technology is a thermal printer capable of printing on a thermal recording medium made of a synthetic resin. The thermal printer includes a thermal head, a transport mechanism, a pressing mechanism, and a control unit.
The thermal head includes a base portion having a base surface, and a printing portion that protrudes from the base surface, includes a heating element, and prints the thermal recording medium by the heat generated by the heating element.
The transport mechanism includes a platen made of an elastic material and transports the thermal recording medium.
The pressing mechanism presses the thermal head against the thermal recording medium.
The control unit prints the thermal recording medium in a state where the thermal recording medium is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen, and after the printing, the thermal recording medium is printed on the thermal printing medium and the thermal sensor on the base surface. The pressing mechanism and the transport mechanism are controlled so as to transport the thermosensitive recording medium while abutting against a downstream area that is a downstream area in the transport direction of the recording medium.

According to this configuration, the thermal recording medium is conveyed downstream after being printed while being in contact with the printing unit and the thermal head. Thereby, foreign matters such as a melt derived from the thermosensitive recording medium made of the synthetic resin attached to the thermal head are removed.

Further, according to the present technology, since the foreign matter adhering to the thermal head is removed by transporting the thermal recording medium on which the printing is performed, no maintenance work for removing the foreign matter is required. Therefore, according to the present technology, it is possible to provide a thermal printer in which foreign matters such as a melt derived from a thermal recording medium made of a synthetic resin attached to a thermal head can be removed without performing a maintenance operation.

The controller controls the pressing force of the thermal head against the thermal recording medium while the printing unit is in contact with a non-printing area that is a peripheral area of the printing area on which the thermal recording medium has been printed. The pressing mechanism may be controlled so as to be smaller than the pressing force of the thermal head against the thermal recording medium while the printing unit is in contact with the printing area.

According to this configuration, the control unit controls the pressing mechanism so that the pressing force of the thermal head against the thermal recording medium while the printing unit is in contact with the non-printing area causes the thermal recording medium of the thermal head during printing to be It becomes smaller than the pressing force against. As a result, it is possible to prevent a collision between the printing unit and the platen that is caused by the end of the thermal recording medium passing through the printing unit. Therefore, component damage due to the collision between the printing unit and the platen is avoided, and the durability of the thermal printer can be improved.

The control unit prevents the thermal head from pressing the thermal recording medium while the printing unit is in contact with a non-printing area which is a peripheral area of the printing area on which the thermal recording medium has been printed. The pressing mechanism may be controlled.

Thereby, it is possible to more effectively prevent the collision between the printing unit and the platen that is caused by the end of the thermal recording medium passing through the printing unit. Therefore, component damage due to the collision between the printing unit and the platen is avoided, and the durability of the thermal printer can be improved.

The controller controls the temperature of the heating element while the printing unit is in contact with a non-printing area which is a peripheral area of the printing area on which the printing is performed on the thermal recording medium, and the printing unit prints the printing element. The temperature of the heating element may be controlled to be lower than the temperature of the heating element while in contact with the region.

According to this configuration, under the control of the control unit, the temperature of the heating element after the printing is finished becomes lower than the temperature of the heating element during printing. Thereby, further melting of the heat-sensitive recording medium can be prevented, and regeneration of foreign matters such as a melt can be suppressed.

The control unit may control the pressing mechanism so as to weaken the pressing force of the thermal head against the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream region.

This prevents the print section and the platen from colliding with each other when the thermal recording medium is discharged. Therefore, component damage due to the collision between the printing unit and the platen is avoided, and the durability of the thermal printer can be improved.

The controller may control the pressing mechanism so that the thermal head does not press the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area.

Thus, the collision between the printing unit and the platen accompanying the discharge of the thermal recording medium is more effectively prevented. Therefore, component damage due to the collision between the printing unit and the platen is avoided, and the durability of the thermal printer can be improved.

It further comprises a position detection sensor for detecting the position of the thermal recording medium,
The control unit controls the pressing mechanism based on the output of the position detection sensor so as to separate the downstream area from the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area. May be.

A head pressure detection sensor for detecting a change in pressing force of the thermal printer with respect to the thermal recording medium;
The controller controls the pressing mechanism to separate the downstream area from the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area based on the output of the head pressure detection sensor. You may control.

A head height detection sensor for detecting a change in the distance between the printing unit and the platen;
The controller controls the pressing mechanism to separate the downstream area from the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area based on the output of the head height detection sensor. May be controlled.

In order to achieve the above object, a thermal printer control method according to the present technology includes:
A thermal head having a base portion having a base surface, and a printing portion that protrudes from the base surface, includes a heating element, and prints on a thermosensitive recording medium made of a synthetic resin by heat generation of the heating element;
A transport mechanism that includes a platen made of an elastic material and transports the thermal recording medium;
A pressing mechanism for pressing the thermal head against the thermal recording medium;
A control method for a thermal printer, comprising: the pressing mechanism; and a control unit that controls the transport mechanism.
In the control method, the thermal recording medium is printed in a state where the thermal recording medium is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen,
After the printing, the thermal recording medium is transported while being brought into contact with the printing section and a downstream area, which is a downstream area in the conveying direction of the thermal recording medium, of the base surface.

As described above, according to the present technology, a thermal printer made of a synthetic resin is used as an object to be printed, and a thermal printer and a control method for the thermal printer that can remove foreign matters attached to the thermal head without performing maintenance work are provided. can do.

It is a mimetic diagram showing the composition of the thermal printer concerning the embodiment of this art. It is an expanded sectional view of the thermal head with which the thermal printer is provided. It is an enlarged plan view of the thermal head. It is a schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a figure which shows the control flow of the control part with which the thermal printer is provided. It is a chart which shows the time-dependent change of the pressing force of the thermal head. It is an enlarged view of the thermal head. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cleaning operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cleaning operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cleaning operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows the cleaning operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is another chart which shows the change with time of the pressing force of the thermal head. It is a schematic diagram which shows other operation | movement of the thermal printer. It is a figure which shows the other control flow of the same control part. It is another chart which shows the change with time of the pressing force of the thermal head.

Hereinafter, a thermal printer according to an embodiment of the present technology will be described.

[Configuration of thermal printer]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a thermal printer 100 according to the present embodiment. In the following drawings, the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are three directions orthogonal to each other.

The thermal printer 100 according to the present embodiment is a printer capable of printing on the thermal recording medium M. The heat-sensitive recording medium M is a heat-sensitive film made of a synthetic resin composed of a base material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a back layer (back coat layer), and a dye layer.

As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal printer 100 includes a thermal head 10, a transport mechanism 20, a pressing mechanism 30, a position detection sensor 40, and a control unit 50.

(Thermal head)
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the thermal head 10, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the thermal head 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal head 10 includes a base portion 11 and a printing portion 12. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base portion 11 has a base surface 11a, and the printing portion 12 protrudes from the base surface 11a.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the thermal head 10 includes a substrate 10a, a glaze layer 10b, a heating element 10c, an electrode 10d, and a protective layer 10e.

The substrate 10a is made of a ceramic material, an insulating material such as glass, or a semiconductor material such as single crystal silicon, and functions as a support member for the glaze layer 10b, the heating element 10c, the electrode 10d, and the protective layer 10e.

As shown in FIG. 2, the glaze layer 10b is laminated on the substrate 10a and is made of a heat conductive material such as glass or polyimide resin. Further, the glaze layer 10b has a function of maintaining the heat generation temperature of the heat generating element 10c at a predetermined temperature by accumulating heat generated by the heat generating element 10c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heating element 10c is laminated on the substrate 10a and the glaze layer 10b, and is made of an electric resistance material such as TaSiO, TaSiNO, TiSiO, TiSiCo, NbSiO, or TiSiNi. The heating element 10c is heated to a temperature required for printing on the thermal recording medium M when electric power is applied through the electrode 10d.

As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode 10d is laminated on the heating element 10c and is made of a metal material such as aluminum or copper. The electrode 10d has a function of applying power necessary for the heating element 10c to generate heat to the heating element 10c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the protective layer 10e is laminated on the heating element 10c and the electrode 10d, and is mainly made of an inorganic material such as SiC, SiN, or SiO. The protective layer 10e has a function of protecting the heating element 10c and the electrode 10d from moisture contained in the atmosphere and wear due to sliding contact of the thermal recording medium M.

As shown in FIG. 2, the thermal head 10 according to the present embodiment includes a heat generating portion L1 formed of a heat generating element 10c and a protective layer 10e. As shown in FIG. 3, the heat generating portions L1 are arranged along the Y direction (print width direction). Here, the thermal printer 100 heats a part or all of the heat generating portion L1, thereby printing the thermal recording medium M in a dot shape along the Y direction. Then, when the thermal recording medium M is conveyed in the X direction, two-dimensional printing is performed on the thermal recording medium M.

(Transport mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 1, the transport mechanism 20 includes a platen 21, a first roller portion 22, and a second roller portion 23.

As shown in FIG. 1, the platen 21 is a roller disposed so as to face the thermal head 10 and configured to be rotatable around the Y axis. The platen 21 has a function of conveying the thermal recording medium M downstream by supporting the back surface of the thermal recording medium M (the surface opposite to the surface on which printing is performed).

The platen 21 is made of an elastic material. Although the said elastic material is not specifically limited, For example, a butadiene rubber etc. are employ | adopted. The platen 21 is not necessarily limited to a roller, and may not be configured to be rotatable around the Y axis.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first roller portion 22 is disposed upstream of the thermal head 10 and the platen 21, and includes a first pinch roller 22a and a first capstan roller 22b. As shown in FIG. 1, the first pinch roller 22a and the first capstan roller 22b are arranged so as to face each other and are configured to be rotatable around the Y axis.

The first roller unit 22 has a function of conveying the thermal recording medium M downstream by sandwiching the thermal recording medium M between the first pinch roller 22a and the first capstan roller 22b.

As shown in FIG. 1, the second roller portion 23 is disposed on the downstream side (discharge side) from the thermal head 10 and the platen 21, and includes a second pinch roller 23a and a second capstan roller 23b. As shown in FIG. 1, the second pinch roller 23a and the second capstan roller 23b are disposed so as to face each other and are configured to be rotatable around the Y axis.

The second roller unit 23 sandwiches the thermal recording medium M between the second pinch roller 23a and the second capstan roller 23b, thereby downstream of the thermal recording medium M conveyed by the first roller unit 22 and the platen 21. It has the function to convey to the side.

The configuration of the transport mechanism 20 is not limited to the one shown here, and may be any configuration that includes at least the platen 21 and can transport the thermal recording medium M from the upstream side to the downstream side.

(Pressing mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 1, the pressing mechanism 30 includes an arm 31, a support member 32, a first spring member 33, a second spring member 34, and a cam 35.

The arm 31 is configured to be rotatable around the Y axis about the axis 31a. An end 31b is provided on the side of the arm 31 opposite to the axis 31a. As shown in the figure, the arm 31 includes a first protruding portion 31c protruding toward the support member 32 and a second protruding portion 31d protruding in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first protruding portion 31c protrudes.

The support member 32 supports the thermal head 10 as shown in FIG. The support member 32 has a third protrusion 32a that protrudes toward the arm 31 side.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first spring member 33 is connected to the case C and the arm 31, and the second spring member 34 is connected to the second protrusion 31 d and the support member 32.

The cam 35 is configured to be rotatable around the Y axis and is rotationally driven by a rotational drive source (not shown). As shown in FIG. 1, the cam 35 abuts on the end 31b of the arm 31 and rotates to displace the arm 31 about the shaft core 31a.

The pressing mechanism 30 is configured as described above. When the cam 35 pushes down the arm 31 toward the platen 21, the second protrusion 31 d compresses the second spring member 34, and the second spring member 34 pushes down the support member 32 toward the platen 21. The thermal head 10 supported by the support member 32 is pressed against the platen 21 via the thermal recording medium M, and the thermal recording medium M is sandwiched between the thermal head 10 and the platen 21.

Further, when the cam 35 rotates, the arm 31 is pulled up to the case C side by the first spring member 33, the first projecting portion 31c is engaged with the third projecting portion 32a, and the support member 32 is pulled up to the case C side. . As a result, the thermal head 10 supported by the support member 32 is separated from the thermal recording medium M. The pressing mechanism 30 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and may be any mechanism that presses the thermal head 10 against the thermal recording medium M.

(Position detection sensor)
The position detection sensor 40 is configured to detect an end portion of the thermal recording medium M and output the detected information to the control unit 50. Although the position detection sensor 40 is not specifically limited, For example, a sensor using infrared rays or the like is employed.

(Control part)
The control unit 50 is configured to be able to control the transport mechanism 20 and the pressing mechanism 30. Specifically, the control unit 50 is connected to a rotation drive source (not shown) of the platen 21, the first roller unit 22, the second roller unit 23, and the cam 35, and can control the rotation speed and rotation angle thereof. Composed.

As described above, the control unit 50 controls the rotation angle of the arm 31 by controlling the rotation angle of the cam 35. Thereby, the elastic force with which the second spring member 34 provided between the second protrusion 31d and the thermal head 10 presses the thermal head 10 is controlled, and the pressing force with which the thermal head 10 presses the thermal recording medium M is controlled. Is controlled.

Further, the control unit 50 controls the rotation speed of the platen 21, the first roller unit 22, and the second roller unit 23, thereby conveying the thermal recording medium M and the heating temperature of the heating element 10 c included in the printing unit 12. Is also configured to be controllable.

[Operation of thermal printer]
Next, the operation of the thermal printer 100 according to this embodiment will be described. 4 to 9 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the thermal printer 100. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a control flow of the control unit 50, and FIG. 11 is a chart showing a change with time of the pressing force of the thermal head 10 on the thermal recording medium M.

First, the thermal recording medium M supplied to the thermal printer 100 is transported to the vicinity of the thermal head 10 by the transport mechanism 20 as shown in FIG. 4 (St101).

Next, the thermal recording medium M is conveyed downstream by the conveyance mechanism 20, and the front end F 1 of the thermal recording medium M passes through the position detection sensor 40. Thereby, the position detection sensor 40 detects the front end F1 of the thermal recording medium M. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the thermal recording medium M is further conveyed downstream until the front end F <b> 1 of the thermal recording medium M comes into contact with the platen 21.

Next, the control unit 50 rotates the cam 35 to lower the thermal head 10 toward the platen 21 based on the output of the position detection sensor 40 that detects the front end F1 of the thermal recording medium M, and as shown in FIG. The thermal recording medium M is held between the thermal head 10 and the platen 21.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, printing is performed while the thermal recording medium M is conveyed to the downstream side. Specifically, the control unit 50 causes the heating element 10 c to generate heat according to the print content applied to the thermal recording medium M, and causes the thermal recording medium M to press the thermal recording medium M while causing the thermal head 10 to press the thermal recording medium M. M is conveyed downstream.

Here, while the thermal recording medium M is being printed, the control unit 50 controls the cam 35 so that the pressing force of the thermal head 10 against the thermal recording medium M is kept constant as shown in FIG. The

Next, the end F <b> 2 (see FIG. 8) of the thermal recording medium M being conveyed downstream by the conveyance mechanism 20 passes through the position detection sensor 40. Thereby, the position detection sensor 40 detects the end F2 of the thermal recording medium M (St102). Then, as shown in FIG. 8, printing on the thermal recording medium M is continued until the printing end position E of the thermal recording medium M reaches the printing unit 12.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, on the thermal recording medium M, a print area L2 that has been printed, and a non-print area that is an area between the print end position E and the end F2 (the peripheral area of the print area L2). L3 is formed.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, the thermal recording medium M is transported downstream and a cleaning operation is performed. Hereinafter, the cleaning operation will be described.

[About cleaning operation]
FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the thermal head 10. In the thermal printer 100, a foreign matter R may be generated by melting the thermal recording medium M with printing on the thermal recording medium M made of synthetic resin. The generated foreign matter R is deposited in a region L4 on the downstream side of the thermal head 10 (a region extending from the downstream surface of the printing unit 12 to the downstream surface of the printing unit 12 in the base surface 11a). If the foreign matter R is accumulated in the region L4, the foreign matter R may come into contact with the subsequent thermal recording medium M, which may adversely affect printing.

In contrast, in the thermal printer 100, a cleaning operation for removing the foreign matter R is performed. 13 to 16 are schematic views showing the cleaning operation of the thermal printer 100 according to this embodiment.

First, the control unit 50 controls the transport mechanism 20 and the pressing mechanism 30 so that the thermal recording medium M that has been printed (the thermal recording medium M in the state shown in FIG. 9) exerts a certain pressing force on the thermal head 10. While being applied, it is conveyed downstream. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the edge F <b> 3 of the thermal recording medium M abuts on the printing unit 12.

Next, the control unit 50 controls the transport mechanism 20 and the pressing mechanism 30 so that the thermal recording medium M is transported further downstream while a constant pressing force is applied to the thermal head 10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the thermal recording medium M is conveyed further downstream while the edge F <b> 3 is in contact with the printing unit 12.

Subsequently, the control unit 50 controls the transport mechanism 20 and the pressing mechanism 30 so that the thermal recording medium M transported while the edge F3 is in contact with the printing unit 12 is downstream as shown in FIG. It abuts on the region L5 (the region on the downstream side in the transport direction of the thermal recording medium M of the base surface 11a). As a result, the end F2 of the thermal recording medium M passes through the printing unit 12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the pressing force of the thermal head 10 against the thermal recording medium M temporarily changes.

Subsequently, when the control unit 50 controls the transport mechanism 20 and the pressing mechanism 30, as shown in FIG. 16, the thermal recording medium M is transported further downstream while contacting the downstream region L5.

By the cleaning operation as described above, the edge F3 of the thermal recording medium M is continuously in contact with the downstream surface of the printing unit 12 and the downstream region L5 (the region indicated by the thick solid line in FIGS. 13 to 16). As a result, the foreign matter R accumulated in the region L4 is scraped off by the edge F3, that is, the thermal head 10 is cleaned.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the thermal printer 100. Subsequently, the thermal recording medium M that has been printed by the transport mechanism 20 is transported further downstream while being in contact with the downstream region L5 and discharged. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed after the position detection sensor 40 detects the end F2 of the thermal recording medium M, the control unit 50 rotates the cam 35, so that the thermal head 10 moves in the Z direction as shown in FIG. (The direction in which the thermal head 10 moves away from the platen 21) is pulled up (St103).

The thermal printer 100 operates as described above, thereby printing on the thermal recording medium M and discharging the thermal recording medium M on which the printing has been performed. In particular, in the thermal printer 100 according to the present embodiment, as described above, a cleaning operation is performed by transporting the thermal recording medium M to the downstream side, and it is possible to suppress printing scratches on the subsequent thermal recording medium M. The

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the thermal recording medium M from being damaged without performing a maintenance work for removing the foreign matter R separately, and to improve the reliability of printing of the thermal printer 100. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a dedicated part for removing the foreign matter R, the design cost can be reduced when the thermal printer 100 is configured.

[Other control examples of control unit]
Next, another control example of the control unit 50 according to the present embodiment will be described.

(About control of pressing force)
FIG. 18 is another chart showing the change over time of the pressing force of the thermal head 10 on the thermal recording medium M.

As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 50 can control the pressing mechanism 30 so that the pressing force of the thermal head 10 against the thermal recording medium M is reduced after printing is completed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the pressing force of the thermal head 10 against the thermal recording medium M while the printing unit 12 is in contact with the non-printing region L3, and the printing unit 12 is in contact with the printing region L2. During this time, the cam 35 can be controlled to be smaller than the pressing force of the thermal head 10 against the thermal recording medium M.

Alternatively, the control unit 50 can control the cam 35 so that the thermal head 10 does not press the thermal recording medium M while the printing unit 12 is in contact with the non-printing area L3.

Thereby, it is possible to prevent the printing unit 12 and the platen 21 from colliding with each other when the end F2 of the thermal recording medium M passes through the printing unit 12. Accordingly, component damage due to the collision between the printing unit 12 and the platen 21 is avoided, and the durability of the thermal printer 100 can be improved.

(About raising the thermal head)
FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating another operation of the thermal printer 100. The control unit 50 can also control to pull up the thermal head 10 before the thermal recording medium M is discharged.

Specifically, the control unit 50 determines that the terminal F2 of the thermal recording medium M passes through the thermal head 10 based on the output of the position detection sensor 40 that detects the terminal F2 of the thermal recording medium M, the conveyance speed of the thermal recording medium M, and the like. Calculate time etc.

The control unit 50 controls the cam 35 based on the calculated information, thereby lifting the thermal head 10 while the thermal recording medium M is in contact with the downstream region L5 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another control flow of the control unit 50. As shown in the figure, the control unit 50 according to the present embodiment can control the thermal head 10 to be lifted when the end F2 of the thermal recording medium M has passed through the printing unit 12.

Specifically, the thermal recording medium M that has been printed is transported further downstream by the transport mechanism 20 (St201), and when the end F2 of the thermal recording medium M passes through the printing unit 12, as shown in FIG. The pressing force of the thermal head 10 against the thermal recording medium M temporarily varies.

The thermal printer 100 further includes a head pressure detection sensor (not shown) or a head height detection sensor (not shown) that detects the fluctuation of the pressing force, and the control unit 50 prints the printing unit at the end F2 from the outputs of these sensors. 12 passages can be detected.

The head pressure detection sensor is, for example, a sensor that is disposed between the second protruding portion 31d and the second spring member 34 and can detect the pressing force of the thermal head 10 against the thermal recording medium M. The head height detection sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor, and is a sensor that can detect a change in the height of the thermal head 10 (the distance between the printing unit 12 and the platen 21).

The control unit 50 controls the cam 35 based on the output of the head pressure detection sensor or the head height detection sensor, and while the thermal recording medium M is in contact with the downstream region L5 as shown in FIG. The thermal head 10 is pulled up (St203).

FIG. 21 is another chart showing the change over time of the pressing force of the thermal head 10 on the thermal recording medium M. As shown in the figure, the control unit 50 according to the present embodiment is based on the output of the head pressure detection sensor or the head height detection sensor immediately after the end F2 of the thermal recording medium M passes through the printing unit 12. It is also possible to control the cam 35 so as to pull up the thermal head 10 immediately.

This prevents the printing unit 12 and the platen 21 from colliding with each other when the thermal recording medium M is discharged. Accordingly, component damage due to the collision between the printing unit 12 and the platen 21 is avoided, and the durability of the thermal printer 100 can be improved.

As described above, the control unit 50 controls the cam 35 so that the thermal head 10 is pulled up while the thermal recording medium M is in contact with the downstream region L5. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the thermal recording medium M is not limited thereto. The cam 35 can be controlled so that the pressing force of the thermal head 10 against the thermal recording medium M is weakened while it is in contact with the downstream area L5, or the thermal head 10 does not press the thermal recording medium M. is there. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a collision between the printing unit 12 and the platen 21 due to the discharge of the thermal recording medium M.

(Control of heating element)
The control unit 50 not only controls the pressing force of the thermal head 10 on the thermal recording medium M after the printing is finished, but also controls the temperature of the heating element 10c after the printing is finished. It can also be controlled to be lower than the temperature.

Specifically, the temperature of the heating element 10c while the printing unit 12 is in contact with the non-printing area L3 is set to be lower than the temperature of the heating element 10c while the printing unit 12 is in contact with the printing area L2. In addition, the temperature of the heating element 10c can be controlled. This is because the temperature required for cleaning is lower than the temperature required for printing, and by reducing the temperature at the time of cleaning, further melting of the thermal recording medium M can be prevented and the regeneration of the foreign matter R can be suppressed. .

(Control based on thickness of thermal recording medium)
The control unit 50 according to the present embodiment can control the thermal printer 100 based on the thickness of the thermal recording medium M.

Specifically, the control unit 50 can acquire the thickness of the thermal recording medium M from a thickness acquisition sensor (not shown) using infrared rays or the like.

Alternatively, the thermal printer 100 includes an RFID (radio frequency identification) reading mechanism, and the control unit 50 reads the thickness of the thermal recording medium M from an RFID tag installed in the cartridge of the thermal recording medium M using the reading mechanism. May be. In addition, the control unit 50 can acquire the thickness of the thermal recording medium M by reading a two-dimensional code, an optical character recognition process, or the like.

The control unit 50 can control the transport mechanism 20 and the cam 35 so that the above-described cleaning operation is performed when the thickness of the acquired thermal recording medium M is equal to or greater than a specified value.

On the other hand, when the thickness of the thermal recording medium M is less than the specified value, the thermal head 10 is lifted before the end F2 of the thermal recording medium M passes the printing unit 12 so that the above-described cleaning operation is not performed. 35 can also be controlled. This is to prevent the printing unit 12 and the platen 21 from colliding during the cleaning operation.

The thickness of the thermal recording medium M used in the thermal printer 100 according to this embodiment is not particularly limited, but is preferably thicker than the height 12a (see FIG. 2) of the printing unit 12. If the thickness of the thermal recording medium M is smaller than the height 12a of the printing unit 12, the printing unit 12 and the platen 21 may collide when the end F2 of the thermal recording medium M passes through the printing unit 12.

Note that the present technology can be configured as follows.

(1)
A thermal printer capable of printing on a thermosensitive recording medium made of synthetic resin,
A thermal head having a base portion having a base surface, a printing portion that protrudes from the base surface, includes a heating element, and prints the thermal recording medium by heat generation of the heating element;
A transport mechanism that includes a platen made of an elastic material and transports the thermal recording medium;
A pressing mechanism for pressing the thermal head against the thermal recording medium;
The thermal recording medium is printed in a state where the thermal recording medium is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen, and after the printing, the thermal recording medium is transported in the direction of conveyance of the thermal recording medium out of the printing portion and the base surface. A thermal printer comprising: the pressing mechanism and a control unit that controls the transport mechanism so as to transport the thermal recording medium while being in contact with a downstream region that is a downstream region.

(2)
The thermal printer according to (1) above,
The controller controls the pressing force of the thermal head against the thermal recording medium while the printing unit is in contact with a non-printing area that is a peripheral area of the printing area on which the thermal recording medium has been printed. A thermal printer that controls the pressing mechanism so that the pressing force of the thermal head against the thermosensitive recording medium while the printing unit is in contact with the printing area.

(3)
The thermal printer according to (1) or (2) above,
The control unit prevents the thermal head from pressing the thermal recording medium while the printing unit is in contact with a non-printing area which is a peripheral area of the printing area on which the thermal recording medium has been printed. A thermal printer that controls the pressing mechanism.

(4)
The thermal printer according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
The controller controls the temperature of the heating element while the printing unit is in contact with a non-printing area which is a peripheral area of the printing area on which the printing is performed on the thermal recording medium, and the printing unit prints the printing element. A thermal printer that controls the temperature of the heating element so as to be lower than the temperature of the heating element while in contact with a region.

(5)
The thermal printer according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The control unit controls the pressing mechanism so as to weaken a pressing force of the thermal head against the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream region.

(6)
The thermal printer according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
The control unit controls the pressing mechanism so that the thermal head does not press the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream region.

(7)
The thermal printer according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
It further comprises a position detection sensor for detecting the position of the thermal recording medium,
The control unit controls the pressing mechanism based on the output of the position detection sensor so as to separate the downstream area from the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area. A thermal printer.

(8)
The thermal printer according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
A head pressure detection sensor for detecting a change in pressing force of the thermal printer with respect to the thermal recording medium;
The controller controls the pressing mechanism to separate the downstream area from the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area based on the output of the head pressure detection sensor. Control thermal printer.

(9)
The thermal printer according to any one of (1) to (6) above,
A head height detection sensor for detecting a change in the distance between the printing unit and the platen;
The controller controls the pressing mechanism to separate the downstream area from the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area based on the output of the head height detection sensor. Control the thermal printer.

(10)
A thermal head having a base portion having a base surface, and a printing portion that protrudes from the base surface, includes a heating element, and prints on a thermosensitive recording medium made of a synthetic resin by heat generation of the heating element;
A transport mechanism that includes a platen made of an elastic material and transports the thermal recording medium;
A pressing mechanism for pressing the thermal head against the thermal recording medium;
A control method of a thermal printer comprising the pressing mechanism and a control unit that controls the transport mechanism,
The thermal recording medium is printed in a state where the thermal recording medium is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen,
The thermal recording medium is transported while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area, which is the downstream area in the transport direction of the thermal recording medium, of the basal plane after the thermal printing medium. Control method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 .. Thermal printer 10 ... Thermal head 20 ... Conveyance mechanism 21 ... Platen 30 ... Pressing mechanism 40 ... Position detection sensor 50 ... Control part F1 ... Thermal recording medium front end F2 ... Thermal recording medium end F3 ... Edge M ... Thermal recording medium R ... Foreign matter

Claims

A thermal printer capable of printing on a thermosensitive recording medium made of synthetic resin,
A thermal head having a base portion having a base surface, a printing portion that protrudes from the base surface, includes a heating element, and prints the thermal recording medium by heat generation of the heating element;
A transport mechanism including a platen made of an elastic material and transporting the thermal recording medium;
A pressing mechanism for pressing the thermal head against the thermal recording medium;
The thermal recording medium is printed in a state where the thermal recording medium is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen, and after the printing, the thermal recording medium is transported in the print portion and in the conveyance direction of the thermal recording medium in the base surface. A thermal printer comprising: the pressing mechanism and a control unit that controls the transport mechanism so that the thermal recording medium is transported while being brought into contact with a downstream region that is a downstream region.
The thermal printer according to claim 1,
The controller controls the pressing force of the thermal head against the thermal recording medium while the printing unit is in contact with the non-printing area which is the peripheral area of the printing area on which the thermal recording medium has been printed. A thermal printer that controls the pressing mechanism so that a pressing force of the thermal head against the thermal recording medium is reduced while the printing unit is in contact with the printing area.
The thermal printer according to claim 1,
The control unit prevents the thermal head from pressing the thermal recording medium while the printing unit is in contact with a non-printing area that is a peripheral area of the printing area on which the thermal recording medium has been printed. A thermal printer for controlling the pressing mechanism.
The thermal printer according to claim 1,
The controller controls the temperature of the heating element while the printing unit is in contact with a non-printing area that is a peripheral area of the printing area on which the printing is performed on the thermal recording medium, and the printing unit prints the printing element. A thermal printer that controls the temperature of the heating element to be lower than the temperature of the heating element while in contact with the region.
The thermal printer according to claim 1,
The control unit controls the pressing mechanism so as to weaken the pressing force of the thermal head against the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream region.
The thermal printer according to claim 1,
The control unit controls the pressing mechanism so that the thermal head does not press the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area.
The thermal printer according to claim 1,
Further comprising a position detection sensor for detecting the position of the thermal recording medium;
The control unit controls the pressing mechanism based on the output of the position detection sensor so that the downstream area is separated from the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area. A thermal printer.
The thermal printer according to claim 1,
A head pressure detection sensor for detecting a change in pressing force of the thermal printer with respect to the thermal recording medium;
The controller controls the pressing mechanism to separate the downstream area from the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area based on the output of the head pressure detection sensor. Control thermal printer.
The thermal printer according to claim 1,
A head height detection sensor for detecting a change in the distance between the printing unit and the platen;
The controller controls the pressing mechanism to separate the downstream area from the thermal recording medium while the thermal recording medium is in contact with the downstream area based on the output of the head height detection sensor. Control the thermal printer.
A thermal head having a base portion having a base surface, and a printing portion that protrudes from the base surface, includes a heating element, and prints on a thermosensitive recording medium made of a synthetic resin by heat generation of the heating element;
A transport mechanism including a platen made of an elastic material and transporting the thermal recording medium;
A pressing mechanism for pressing the thermal head against the thermal recording medium;
A control method for a thermal printer comprising the pressing mechanism and a controller for controlling the transport mechanism,
The thermal recording medium is printed in a state where the thermal recording medium is sandwiched between the thermal head and the platen,
The thermal recording medium is transported while the thermal recording medium is brought into contact with the printing unit and a downstream area, which is a downstream area in the conveyance direction of the thermal recording medium, of the base surface after printing. Control method.