Printing Apparatus Reverse Conveyance for Compact Sheet Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices require additional space for cutting sheets, leading to increased device size due to the need for image formation and cutting operations, which complicates the design and increases the overall size of the printing apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a conveyor system, image recording device, divider, detector, and controller that calculates the dividing or machining position based on the length of the printing medium, allowing for reverse conveyance to position the medium accurately for cutting, perforation, or fold forming, thereby reducing the device's size by optimizing the cutting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sheet cutter is provided downstream of the image recording device to cut sheets after image formation, then the printing apparatus can perform cutting operations, but the device size increases due to the additional space required for the cutter and sheet conveyance path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional cutting approach by having the sheet conveyance system move the sheet in reverse direction (from downstream to upstream) to bring the cutting position to the cutter, rather than moving the cutter to meet the sheet. This reverse conveyance allows the cutter to be positioned more compactly and reduces the overall device volume while maintaining cutting functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the image recording device and the sheet cutter into a more integrated configuration, where the cutter is positioned to receive sheets from the image recording device through reverse conveyance. This merging reduces the need for separate, distant positioning of these components, thereby reducing device size.
2Productivity
If the sheet is conveyed forward continuously through image recording and cutting operations, then the processing flow is simple, but the cutting precision decreases because the sheet cannot be accurately repositioned at the cutting location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the sheet conveyance system perform reverse conveyance to precisely position the sheet at the cutting location before the cutting operation begins. This preliminary repositioning ensures accurate cutting position while maintaining overall processing efficiency through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the sheet conveyance system monitors the sheet position and adjusts the reverse conveyance distance accordingly to ensure the cutting position aligns precisely with the cutter. This feedback mechanism maintains cutting precision while preserving processing flow efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes: a conveyor; an image recording device configured to record an image on a printing medium conveyed in a conveyance direction by the conveyor; a divider provided downstream of the image recording device in the conveyance direction and configured to divide the printing medium; a detector provided upstream of the divider in the conveyance direction and configured to detect a trailing end portion of the printing medium; and a controller causing the printing apparatus to: calculate a dividing position of the printing medium based on a length of the printing medium that is grasped by detecting the trailing end portion by the detector; convey the printing medium in a reverse direction by the conveyor to move the dividing position to a position of the divider; and divide the printing medium at the dividing position by the divider.