Thermal Head Voltage Control for Sticking Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses using thermal transfer systems face the issue of ink ribbon sticking to the thermal head due to rapid temperature changes, which complicates control and increases manufacturing costs when chopper control is implemented.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a thermal head and a head drive circuit that controls voltage application in separate periods for printing and temperature adjustment, preventing rapid temperature drops and sticking through a simple control method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chopper control is implemented to prevent sticking, then sticking is suppressed, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dividing the voltage application into distinct periods: a first period for printing operations and a second period for temperature adjustment. This periodic control prevents rapid temperature changes that cause sticking, while using simple timing control rather than complex chopper circuits, thus maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter control by introducing a dedicated temperature adjustment period where voltage is applied specifically to maintain thermal head temperature within a safe range. This parameter-based control approach prevents sticking by managing temperature variations without requiring complex circuitry, resolving the contradiction between reliability improvement and device complexity
2Reliability
If chopper control is implemented to prevent sticking, then printing quality is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic voltage application with distinct printing and temperature adjustment periods, the patent maintains printing quality through proper temperature management while using simple control logic that can be implemented with basic timing circuits or software, significantly reducing manufacturing cost compared to complex chopper control hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the temperature control function from the printing control process by introducing a separate temperature adjustment period. This separation allows independent optimization of printing quality and temperature management without requiring expensive integrated chopper control circuits, thereby maintaining printing quality while reducing manufacturing cost
3Productivity
If rapid temperature change occurs in thermal head, then printing efficiency is improved, but sticking occurs and printing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic control with alternating printing periods and temperature adjustment periods. During printing periods, efficient printing operations are performed, while during temperature adjustment periods, the thermal head temperature is controlled to prevent excessive cooling. This periodic approach maintains both printing efficiency and prevents sticking, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing temperature adjustment in advance during dedicated periods before printing operations that may cause rapid temperature changes. This proactive temperature management prevents sticking from occurring in the first place, allowing efficient printing to proceed without quality deterioration
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively suppresses sticking without the need for complex chopper control circuits, maintaining printing quality while reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal head that performs printing on a printing medium... the thermal head has a plurality of heat generation elements whose temperatures are controlled by applying a voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a printing apparatus which includes a thermal head having a plurality of heat generation elements whose temperatures are controlled by applying a voltage and performing printing on a printing medium and a head drive circuit being supplied periodically with a control signal and print data to control application of a voltage to each of the plurality of heat generation elements. One period of the control signal includes first and second voltage application control periods which are separated from each other. The first voltage application control period is a period in which the printing is performed by controlling the application of a voltage, and the second voltage application control period is a period in which the printing is not performed and a temperature of the thermal head is adjusted by controlling the application of a voltage.