Image Printing Apparatus Cutter Return Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In serial-type image printing apparatuses using roll paper, the conveyance operation to the cutting position and subsequent resumption of printing on the next page are inefficient, leading to reduced throughput due to the need for the cutting device to return to a standby position after each page cut, which hinders immediate resumption of printing on the second page.
Innovation Solution
The image printing apparatus employs a control method that adjusts the cutting operation timing and conveyance direction to allow parallel execution of the printing operation and cutter return, enabling efficient conveyance to the next page start position and reducing downtime by performing the cutting operation during the printing of the next page, thus optimizing the conveyance and cutting processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cutting operation is performed after each page printing is completed and the printing medium is conveyed to the cutting position, then the cutting operation can be completed, but the conveyance operation to the cutting position and the returning operation of the cutting device cannot be performed in parallel, reducing throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The printing medium is conveyed to the cutting position in advance before the cutting operation is actually performed. This preliminary conveyance allows the cutting device to be positioned ready, and subsequent operations can proceed without waiting for conveyance time, thereby reducing overall cycle time and improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parallel execution of multiple operations: while the first page is being cut, the printing medium is simultaneously conveyed to the starting position for the second page, and the second page printing operation proceeds without interruption. This continuous overlapping of operations eliminates idle time and maximizes productivity.
2Productivity
If the printing operation of the second page is suspended to wait for the cutting operation of the first page to complete and the cutter to return to standby position, then the cutting operation can be completed, but the printing operation cannot be resumed immediately, reducing throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The printing medium is conveyed to the cutting position and the cutting operation is initiated in advance while the second page printing is still in progress. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the first page cutting completes, the medium is already positioned for immediate resumption of second page printing without suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The system operates in multiple parallel dimensions: the cutting operation proceeds in one dimension while the printing operation continues simultaneously in another dimension. By separating these operations into parallel tracks rather than sequential steps, the system eliminates waiting time and maintains continuous printing throughput.
3Productivity
If the conveyance operation is performed in the feeding direction after cutting, then the printing operation can resume, but the cutter must wait for the conveyance to complete before returning to standby position, creating inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The printing medium is conveyed to the cutting position in advance before the cutting operation. This preliminary conveyance positions the medium optimally, allowing the cutting device to operate independently without coordinating wait times, thereby simplifying the control logic while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having the conveyance operation and cutter return operation proceed in parallel without one waiting for the other. Both operations are performed simultaneously, eliminating idle time and maximizing device utilization while maintaining operational simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides an image printing apparatus with improved throughput for continuous printing. The present invention is an image printing apparatus (100) including a printing unit, a conveyance unit (31) capable of conveying a printing medium in a conveyance direction or in a returning direction opposite to the conveyance direction, and a cutting unit (8) provided at a cutting position on a downstream side in the conveyance direction of a printing unit of the printing unit and configured to cut the printing medium by moving in a first direction and return to a cutting standby position for a next cutting operation by moving in a second direction opposite to the first direction.