Thermal Printer Dual Head Staggered Energization

The patent applies periodic action by implementing staggered energization cycles for the first and second thermal heads. The controller energizes the thermal heads at different time intervals within each printing cycle, so that one thermal head is energized before the other. This periodic staggering reduces the peak current demand while maintaining continuous printing operation, as the energy consumption is distributed across time rather than concentrated at a single peak moment.

The controller implements periodic action by establishing staggered energization timing for the two thermal heads during double-sided printing. Within each printing cycle, the first thermal head is energized at a different time than the second thermal head, creating non-overlapping peak current demands. This allows the power source to be smaller and less expensive, as it only needs to handle the current requirement of a single thermal head at any given moment, rather than the combined requirement of both heads simultaneously.

The patent applies periodic action through staggered energization timing where the controller energizes the first thermal head and the second thermal head at different phases within each printing cycle. This creates a periodic pattern of current consumption that avoids simultaneous peaks. The printing throughput is maintained because both thermal heads remain operational and are energized in sequence, while the current peak value is reduced to match that of a single thermal head operation.