Image Printing Apparatus Sheet End Detection During Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image printing apparatuses face reduced throughput due to the inability to simultaneously perform sheet end position detection and preparation operations before starting a print job, leading to inefficiencies in the printing process.
Innovation Solution
The image printing apparatus incorporates a control system that allows for simultaneous detection of the sheet end position and cutting operation by moving the end detection sensor and cutter in a coordinated manner, enabling stable detection of the sheet end position after the cutting process has begun and correcting misalignment, thus improving overall printing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sheet end position is detected by moving the carriage with the sheet detection sensor to the sheet end position before printing, then the sheet end position can be accurately detected, but the throughput of the printing operation decreases because the detection process cannot be performed simultaneously with the preparation operation
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter is moved to a predetermined position in advance during the preparation operation, before the printing starts. This preliminary positioning of the cutter allows the sheet end position detection to be performed simultaneously with the preparation operation, as the cutter is already in the correct position to detect the sheet end when the printing medium is conveyed to the cutting position.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet end position detection is performed continuously during the conveyance of the printing medium to the cutting position, rather than as a separate discrete operation. The detection occurs while the printing medium is being conveyed, allowing the detection process to overlap with the preparation operation and eliminate idle time.
2Reliability
If the carriage is moved to the sheet end position for detection with the conveyance operation stopped, then stable detection can be achieved, but the operational time increases due to the sequential execution of detection and preparation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter is positioned in advance during the preparation operation, and the printing medium is conveyed to the cutting position while the detection is performed. This preliminary positioning allows the detection to occur during the conveyance operation rather than requiring a separate stopped operation, reducing total operational time while maintaining detection stability through the coordinated movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyance operation acts as an intermediary that enables simultaneous detection and preparation. By using the conveyance of the printing medium as the medium through which both the cutter positioning and sheet end detection are accomplished, the system eliminates the need to stop the conveyance operation for detection, thereby reducing operational time while maintaining reliable detection.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An image printing apparatus (100) includes: a print head (3) configured to print an image on a printing medium(201); a conveyance unit (31, 51) configured to convey the printing medium in a conveyance direction; a detection unit (22) movable in an intersection direction intersecting the conveyance direction and configured to detect an end of the printing medium in the intersection direction; a cutting unit (8) located downstream of a printing region of the print head in the conveyance direction and capable of cutting the printing medium by being moved in the intersection direction; and a control unit (400) configured to control movement of the detection unit such that the detection unit detects a position of the end of the printing medium during movement of the cutting unit for a cutting operation of cutting the printing medium.