Printing Apparatus Reverse Conveyance for Cut Sheet Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in reducing the time from image recording to discharging the first cut sheet while maintaining print quality for subsequent sheets, as the cutter is typically positioned downstream of the image recording device, leading to potential deviations and increased processing time.

Innovation Solution

A printing apparatus with a conveyor system that conveys the print medium through a first conveyance path, where an image is recorded on a first region, cut into two sheets at a predetermined position, and then the second sheet is conveyed in the opposite direction for further image recording, allowing for efficient discharge and maintaining print quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the cutter is positioned downstream of the image recording device in the conveyance direction, then the image can be recorded on the entire print medium before cutting, but the time required from image recording start to discharge of the first cut sheet increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint qualityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The print medium conveyance and processing is segmented into distinct phases: first conveyance for image recording, cutting phase, and second conveyance for discharging the first sheet while positioning the second sheet for subsequent image recording. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different sheets at different stages, reducing overall processing time while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second sheet is conveyed in the opposite direction before the first sheet is discharged, preparing it in advance for image recording. This preliminary positioning allows the second sheet to be ready for immediate image recording after the first sheet is discharged, reducing idle time and maintaining continuous processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the cutter is positioned downstream of the image recording device, then complete images can be recorded on print media, but deviations may occur affecting print quality of subsequent sheets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage completenessVSAvoidprint quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second sheet is conveyed in the opposite direction to the first sheet's conveyance direction. This inversion allows the second sheet to be positioned and prepared for image recording without being affected by the cutting resistance that causes deviations in the first sheet, ensuring consistent print quality for subsequent sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The second sheet is extracted from the first sheet after cutting and conveyed separately in the opposite direction. This separation isolates the second sheet from the cutting process effects, preventing deviations from affecting its subsequent image recording and ensuring reliable print quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the print medium is cut into two sheets after image recording, then both sheets can be processed, but the discharge order and processing efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidconveyance path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyance system dynamically changes direction to convey the second sheet in the opposite direction after cutting. This dynamic adjustment allows efficient processing of both sheets without requiring complex additional conveyance paths, as the same conveyor can serve multiple functions by reversing direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single conveyor serves multiple functions: conveying the first sheet for image recording, conveying the second sheet in the opposite direction for positioning, and subsequently conveying both sheets for discharge and further processing. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11897258B2Printing apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A printing apparatus includes: a conveyor; a first conveyance path through which a print medium is conveyed in a first conveyance direction; an image recording device; a cutter provided downstream of the image recording device and configured to cut the print medium into a first print medium having a first region and a second print medium having a second region; and a controller configured to cause the printing apparatus to: record an image in the first region; after the recording, cut the print medium into the first and second print medium; after the cutting, discharge the first print medium to an outside; after the discharging, convey the second print medium in a second conveyance direction; and after the conveying, record an image in the second region of the second print medium.