Cutter Unit Retracted From Feed Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face productivity hampering issues due to cutter unit and carriage interference during sheet cutting operations, leading to increased apparatus width and reduced productivity as the cutter unit remains on the sheet feed path after cutting, preventing subsequent sheet feeding until it returns to the home position.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a recording head, carriage, sheet cutting device, and cutter position detecting device, where the cutter unit is movable in the sheet width direction with the cutter retracted from the sheet feed path, and a controller determines initial operation based on cutter position detection results to prevent interference and facilitate efficient sheet cutting and feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cutter unit remains on the sheet feed path after cutting operation, then the cutter can be easily positioned for next cutting, but the subsequent sheet cannot be fed until the cutter returns to home position, hampering productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter unit is moved from the sheet feed path (frontal view) to a retracted position in the thickness direction (vertical dimension), allowing the sheet to pass underneath without interference. This dimensional transition enables continuous sheet feeding while maintaining cutter accessibility for subsequent cutting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter unit is designed with dynamic positioning capability, able to switch between a forward position (for cutting) and a retracted position (for sheet feeding). This dynamic movement resolves the conflict between cutter accessibility and sheet feeding continuity, eliminating the need for the cutter to remain stationary on the feed path.
2Ease of operation
If the carriage and cutter unit are arranged independently in tandem, then the cutter can move along a clear path, but the width of the image forming apparatus increases in the sheet feed direction
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage and cutter unit are merged into a shared space in the thickness direction, with the cutter unit positioned behind the carriage. This consolidation eliminates the need for independent tandem arrangement, reducing the apparatus width while maintaining clear movement paths for both components through coordinated positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter unit is nested behind the carriage in the thickness direction, utilizing the space already occupied by the carriage assembly. This nesting arrangement allows both components to operate within a compact footprint, reducing the overall apparatus width while preserving functional independence.
3Length of stationary object
If the carriage and cutter unit movement areas overlap in the thickness direction, then the apparatus width is reduced, but the carriage and cutter unit would interfere with each other during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary position detection and coordination before initiating movement of either the carriage or cutter unit. By detecting the current positions of both components and planning movement sequences in advance, the system prevents interference while utilizing the overlapping space to reduce apparatus width.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the positions of the carriage and cutter unit, adjusting movement commands based on real-time status. This feedback control enables safe operation within overlapping movement areas by dynamically preventing collisions and interference between components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes a sheet cutting device (5). The cutting device (5) includes a cutter (50) and a cutter unit (51) holding the cutter (50). A movement area (R1) of a carriage (15) overlaps a movement area (R2) of the unit (51) in a thickness direction of a sheet. The detecting device (101, 102) detects a position of the unit (51). The controller (100) performs initial operation upon power on of the apparatus (1) to move the unit (51) to a home position located at one end of the movement area (R2). The unit (51), after cutting the sheet, is movable in a width direction (A) of the sheet with the unit (51) retracted from a sheet feed path (P) in the thickness direction. The controller (100) determines whether or not to perform the initial operation based on detection results of the detecting device (101, 102).