JP2001009775A - Cutting device and cutting method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To speedily and straight cut a recording medium. SOLUTION: A pricking blade surface 48b of a cutter blade 48 is firstly pricked into a recording medium 32, and continuously this pricking blade surface 48b is made to intrude into the recording medium 32 slightly deeper at the time of cutting the recording medium 32. As the pricking blade surface 48b is pricked in the neighbourhood of an end surface 32a of the recording medium 32, the neighbourhood of the end surface 32a of the recording medium 32 is cut off by a second blade surface, the second blade surface reaches this end surface 32a, and a part from a position where the pricking blade surface 48b is pricked to the end surface 32a of the recording medium 32 is completely cut off. Continuously, the recording medium is completely cut off by travelling the cutter blade 48 in a direction to be separated from the end surface 32a.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cutting apparatus and a cutting method for cutting a recording medium while traveling in a predetermined direction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an output device of a computer or a work station, an ink jet type image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by discharging ink and an electrophotographic type image forming apparatus are known. Some of these image forming apparatuses include a recording medium (roll paper) wound in a roll shape.
There is a type in which an image is formed by transporting in a predetermined transport direction while unwinding (pulling out) from one end. This type of image forming apparatus is generally provided with a cutting device that cuts a recording medium while traveling in a direction (width direction of the recording medium) perpendicular to the transport direction. This cutting device is provided with a cutter blade that cuts the recording medium by contacting the recording medium, and the recording medium is cut into an arbitrary size by the blade surface of the cutter blade.

Normally, during image formation, the recording medium is cut after the image formation is completed without cutting the recording medium with a cutting device. For this reason, during image formation, the cutting device is made to stand by at a position (standby position) that does not hinder the conveyance of the recording medium,
After the image is formed, the recording medium is cut from the widthwise end face of the recording medium and cut linearly.

In a cutting device, a cutter blade is inserted into a center portion of a recording medium in the width direction, and the cutter blade is moved toward an end surface in the width direction without cutting off the center portion to cut the recording medium. There is also a type that cuts from the central part to both end faces and then cuts the central part.

[0005]

Problems of the cutting apparatus of the type which starts cutting from the end face in the width direction of the recording medium will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which the cutter blade starts cutting from the end face of the recording medium.
2 is a side view showing the state of FIG.

When cutting the recording medium 32 with the cutter blade 30, the paper pressing plates 34 are disposed on both sides of the cutter blade 30, and the cutter blade 30 is run with the recording medium 32 pressed. However, when the cutter blade 30 starts to contact the end surface 32a of the recording medium 32, the periphery of the end surface 32a may be curved by resistance from the cutter blade 30. When curved, the penetration of the cutter blade 30 is reduced, and the recording medium 32 may not be cut straight (in a straight line) in some cases.

In the technique for cutting a recording medium by inserting a cutter blade into the center of the recording medium in the width direction, cutting is performed first to both end surfaces in the width direction, and thereafter, the center in the width direction is cut. The time may be long, and the cut surface may not be straight.

In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cutting apparatus and a cutting method that can cut a recording medium straight without being affected by the environment and type of the recording medium.

[0010]

According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein the cutting apparatus cuts the recording medium while traveling in a predetermined direction. (1) A cutter blade formed with a piercing blade surface that pierces the recording medium and (2) first and second blade surfaces that extend from the piercing blade surface in mutually opposite directions and face in opposite directions to each other. It is characterized by having.

Here, (3) the piercing blade surface has a sharp tip, and (4) the first blade surface is formed of an inclined surface that is more gradually inclined than the tip. There may be.

A first cutting method of the present invention for achieving the above object is a cutting method for cutting a recording medium in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on the recording medium.
(5) A cutter blade is pierced in the vicinity of the end face of the recording medium, and a portion from the pierced position to the end face is cut. Subsequently, (6) the cutter blade is run away from the end face to move the recording medium. It is characterized by cutting.

[0013] A second cutting method of the present invention for achieving the above object is a cutting method for cutting a recording medium in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on the recording medium.
(7) A cutter blade is pierced in the vicinity of the end face of the recording medium to cut the pierced position to the end face, and (8) the recording medium is cut by moving the cutter blade away from the end face. It is characterized by the following.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a cutting device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a plotter in which a cutting device according to the present invention is incorporated.

The plotter 1 is fixed to an upper part of a stand 2 with casters 2a. The plotter 1 includes an operation unit 3 for operating the plotter 1. By operating various switches and the like provided on the operation unit 3, paper size, online / offline, commands, and the like are instructed. You. A recording medium such as recording paper inserted into the recording medium insertion slot 4 in the direction of arrow A is conveyed into the plotter 1 based on an instruction from the operation unit 3, where an image is printed and discharged.

Referring to FIG. 2, the recording paper transport path and the printing (image forming) process will be described.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a path from insertion to ejection of the recording sheet by cutting out the plotter of FIG.

The plotter 1 can print on a sheet of recording paper (cut paper) inserted from the recording medium insertion slot 4 and on a recording paper (roll paper) 6 wound in a roll. Here, the transport path of the cut sheet inserted from the recording medium insertion opening 4 will be described, but the roll paper 6 is also transported in the same manner.

On the cover 7 of the roll paper 6, for example, a large-sized cut paper is arranged and inserted into the recording medium insertion opening 4 in the direction of arrow A. The inserted cut paper passes between the cover 7 and the upper guide 8, and is rotatably fixed to the paper transport roller 10a and the upper transport roller support plate 11 rotatably fixed to the lower transport roller support plate 9. The paper is transported above the printing plate 14 while being sandwiched between both the paper transport rollers 10 b and the drive roller 12. The cut paper that has passed above the printing plate 14 is then
The paper is discharged while being held between the discharge roller 20 and the spur 22 located thereon. The spur 22 is rotatably fixed to the spur plate 21.

The plotter 1 has a carriage 16 which reciprocates in the direction of arrow B. This carriage 16
Is provided with a head holder 18.
8 has four print heads 19 containing four types of color inks (for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black). The carriage 16 is provided with a belt 17 mounted on a carriage drive motor (not shown).
The belt 17 reciprocates in the direction of arrow B by forward and reverse rotation of the carriage drive motor.

When the belt 17 reciprocates in the direction of arrow B,
The carriage 16 is also guided by the guide rail 24 and reciprocates in the direction of arrow B. A cutting device 40 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later, is arranged movably in the direction of arrow B slightly above the carriage 16 and downstream of the recording paper conveyance direction (direction of arrow C).

The cut sheet is conveyed intermittently in the direction of arrow C. In forming an image on the cut sheet, the cut sheet is temporarily stopped, and while the carriage 16 is reciprocated in the direction of arrow B, ink is ejected based on image information input to the print head 19, and the cut sheet is ejected. Of these, an image for one band is formed in a portion located in the image forming area.
Thereafter, the cut sheet is conveyed by a predetermined length, and an image for the next band is formed in a portion newly located in the image forming area. This operation is repeated over the entire length of the cut sheet. As a result, a color image is formed on the cut sheet. The cut sheet on which the color image is formed is formed by a discharge roller 20 and a spur 22
And is discharged along the platen 28 while being clamped between them.

A first embodiment of the cutting apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the cutting device. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the cutter blade is standing by at a standby position from the side, and FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state where the cutter blade is stuck near the end face of the recording medium from the side. It is a fragmentary sectional view. FIG. 6A is a side view illustrating an example of the cutter blade, and FIG. 6B is a side view illustrating another example of the cutter blade. In these figures, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As described above, the cutting device 40 is disposed slightly above the carriage 16 (see FIG. 2) and downstream in the recording paper transport direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the cutting device 40 includes a solenoid 42 and the solenoid 42.
And a cutter holder 46 in which various components such as a cutter blade 48 and a cutter blade 48 are connected. The platen 28 has a groove 28a into which the tip of the cutter blade 48 is inserted.

As shown in FIG. 4, one end 44a of the cutter arm 44 is connected to the solenoid 42, and the other end 44b is connected to the cutter slider 50. A portion of the cutter arm 44 that is slightly closer to the solenoid 42 than the central portion in the longitudinal direction is rotatably fixed by a rotation shaft 52. A portion of the cutter arm 44 closer to the cutter slider 50 than the center in the longitudinal direction is housed in the cutter holder 46 through an opening 46 a formed in the cutter holder 46. Further, one end 44a of the cutter arm 44 is connected to a coil spring 54 which urges the one end 44a downward (in the direction of arrow D).

When the solenoid 42 is turned on, the one end 44a of the cutter arm 44 is lifted by overcoming the urging force of the coil spring 54. Conversely, the solenoid 42
Is turned off, one end 44a of the cutter arm 44 is lowered by the urging force of the coil spring 54. As the one end portion 44a moves up and down, the cutter arm 44 rotates about the rotation shaft 52 by a small angle. As a result, the other end 44b of the cutter arm 44 is
When a rises, it goes down, and when one end 44a goes down, it goes up.
Since the other end 44b is connected to the cutter slider 50, the cutter slider 50 also moves up and down as the other end 44b moves up and down.

When the cutter slider 50 is raised,
The cutter blade 48 is located at a standby position where the recording medium cannot be cut. Conversely, when the cutter slider 50 is lowered, the cutter blade 48 is located at a cutting position where the recording medium can be cut. Thus, the cutter slider 50 slides up and down inside the cutter holder 46,
Various members are attached to the cutter slider 50. The members attached to the cutter slider 50 will be described.

A cutter blade 48 is fixed to the bottom surface at the center of the cutter slider 50. This cutter blade 48
Will be described later with reference to FIG. A through hole 50a is formed at each of two ends of the cutter slider 50, and a paper holding rod 5 is formed in each of these through holes.
6 has been inserted. The upper end portion 56a of the paper presser bar 56 is thicker so that the paper presser bar 56 does not fall off the cutter slider 50. Also, the paper presser bar 56
Of the cutter slider 50 protrudes outside through the bottom wall of the cutter slider 50. A paper pressing plate 58 for pressing the recording medium from above is fixed to the lower end portion 56b.
Rollers 60 are rotatably attached to both ends of the paper holding plate 58 in the running direction (the direction of the arrow B).

A coil spring 62 is fitted into the paper presser bar 56 slightly below the center in the longitudinal direction. The lower end of the coil spring 62 is supported by a wide support plate 64 formed on the paper presser bar 56. Therefore, the coil spring 62
Does not fall. An opening 46b is formed in the bottom wall of the cutter holder 46, and an opening 58a is also formed in a portion of the paper holding plate 58 that faces the opening 46b. The size of the opening 46b and the opening 58a are substantially the same.

When the cutter slider 50 is moved down, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, the paper presser plate 58 is also lowered together with the paper presser bar 56, and the recording medium located below the paper presser plate 58 is pressed by the paper presser plate 58. The cutter blade 48 has an opening 46b.
Through the opening 58a. Note that the diameter of the coil spring 62 is determined by the through hole 50a of the cutter slider 50.
Larger than the inner diameter of For this reason, the cutter slider 50
Is lowered, the coil spring 62 is contracted.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the cutter blade 48
Has a pointed tip 48a. The acute angle portion including the tip portion 48a constitutes the piercing blade surface 48b. A first blade surface 48c and a second blade surface 48d extend from the piercing blade surface 48b continuously and obliquely upward in opposite directions. Piercing blade surface 48
b is a blade surface that pierces the recording medium 32, and the first blade surface 48c and the second blade surface 48d are blade surfaces that cut the recording medium 32. FIG. 6B shows a modified example of the cutter blade 48.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the cutter blade 68
Has a pointed tip 68a. The acute angle portion including the tip 68a constitutes the piercing blade surface 68b. A first blade surface 68c and a second blade surface 68d extend continuously obliquely upward in opposite directions from the piercing blade surface 68b. First blade surface 68
“c” is constituted by an inclined surface that is inclined more gradually than the tip portion 68a. Therefore, the angle formed between the first blade surface 68c and the recording medium can be reduced, and the invasion when the first blade surface 68c cuts the recording medium can be improved. The piercing blade surface 68
b is a blade surface that pierces the recording medium 32, and the first blade surface 68c and the second blade surface 68d are blade surfaces that cut the recording medium 32.

Using the cutting device 40 described above, the recording medium 3
A cutting method for cutting 2 will be described.

When the image has been formed on the recording medium 32, a cutting operation signal is sent from the operation unit 3 (see FIG. 1) to the cutting device 40. According to the cutting operation signal, the cutting device 40 moves so that the leading end of the cutter blade 48 is located directly above the end surface 32a of the recording medium 32 by a predetermined distance L1. The predetermined distance L1 is set between the linear scale (not shown) and the carriage 16 (see FIG. 1) arranged in the traveling direction of the cutting device 40.
And a sensor (not shown) fixed to the sensor. The predetermined distance L1 is a distance shorter than the length L2 of the projected portion when the portion from the tip of the cutter blade 48 to the upper end of the second blade surface 48d is projected on the recording medium 32. Further, the predetermined distance L1 is a distance such that the upper end of the second blade surface 48d is located immediately above a position distant from the end surface 32a. For this reason, when the cutter blade 48 descends and pierces the recording medium 32 slightly deeply, the second blade surface 48 d
Cut up to 2a.

After the cutting device 40 moves to the above-described position, the cutter blade 48 is lowered to cut the recording medium 32. In cutting the recording medium 32, first, the piercing blade surface 48b of the cutter blade 48 is pierced into the recording medium 32,
Subsequently, the piercing blade surface 48b is made to enter the recording medium 32 slightly deeper. Thereby, the first blade surface 48c and the second blade surface 4
8d slightly cuts the recording medium 32. Since the piercing blade surface 48b is pierced in the vicinity of the end surface 32a of the recording medium 32, the second blade surface 48d causes the end surface 32a of the recording medium 32 to pierce.
Is cut off, and the second blade surface 48 extends to this end surface 32a.
d arrives. Therefore, the piercing blade surface 4 of the recording medium 32
The portion from the position where 8b pierces to the end face 32a is
Completely disconnected.

With the portion up to the end face 32a thus completely cut, the cutter blade 48 is moved in a direction away from the cut end face 32a to cut the recording medium 32 at the first blade face 48c. As described above, when the recording medium 32 is cut by a series of operations of piercing and running of the cutter blade 48, the cutting surface is bent because the blade surface does not hit the end surface 32a of the recording medium 32 and the end surface 32a does not curve. In addition, since the recording medium 32 is cut by a series of operations, the recording medium 32 can be cut quickly and straightly. In addition, the recording medium 32 can be cut straight without fail irrespective of the type and state of the recording medium. As described above, when the cutter blade 68 shown in FIG. 6B is used, the angle between the first blade surface 68c and the recording medium can be reduced, so that the first blade surface 68c cuts the recording medium. Penetration can be improved.

A second embodiment of the cutting device will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cutting device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the cutter blade is waiting at the standby position, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the cutter blade has pierced the vicinity of the end surface of the recording medium. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state where the cutter blade has penetrated deeply near the end surface of the recording medium. In these figures, the same components as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The cutting device 70 is located slightly above the carriage 16 (see FIG. 2) and downstream in the recording paper transport direction. The cutting device 70 is, for example, as shown in FIG.
The solenoid 72 includes a cutter holder 76 in which components such as a cutter arm 74 having one end connected to the solenoid 72 are incorporated.

As shown in FIG.
4 has one end 74a connected to the solenoid 72,
A cutter blade 78 is fixed to the other end 74b. A central portion of the cutter arm 74 is fixed to the cutter holder 76 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 80. One end of a coil spring 82 is fixed at the center of the cutter arm 74 and near the rotation shaft 80. The other end of the coil spring 82 is fixed to the upper wall of the cutter holder 76. The coil spring 82 urges the cutter arm 74 so that the cutter arm 74 rotates in the direction of arrow F about the rotation shaft 80.

When the solenoid 72 is turned on, one end 74a of the cutter arm 74 is lifted by overcoming the urging force of the coil spring 82, as shown in FIG. Conversely, when the solenoid 72 is turned off, the one end 74a of the cutter arm 74 is lowered by the urging force of the coil spring 82. As the one end 74a moves up and down, the cutter arm 74 rotates about the rotation shaft 80 by a small angle. Thereby, the other end 74 of the cutter arm 74
b is lowered when the one end 74a is raised, and is raised when the one end 74a is lowered. The other end 74b has a cutter blade 7
8 is fixed, the cutter blade 78 also moves up and down with the up and down movement of the other end 74b.

When the cutter blade 78 is raised, the cutter blade 78 is located at a standby position where the recording medium cannot be cut. Conversely, when the cutter blade 78 is lowered, the cutter blade 78 is located at a cutting position where the recording medium can be cut. The cutter blade 78 has a sharp tip portion 78a.
The acute angle portion including the tip 78a constitutes the piercing blade surface 78b. The first blade surface 78c and the second blade surface 7 extend diagonally upward from the piercing blade surface 78b in opposite directions that are substantially orthogonal to each other.
8d is extended. The piercing blade surface 78b is a blade surface that pierces the recording medium 32, and includes a first blade surface 78c and a second blade surface 78c.
d is a blade surface for cutting the recording medium 32.

Below the cutter arm 74, an arcuate flexible member (sled) 84 for pressing the recording medium 32 is disposed. One end of the flexible member 84 is fixed to the cutter arm 74. When the cutter blade 78 starts lowering, the flexible member 84 also starts lowering, and the flexible member 84 presses the recording medium 32 before the cutter blade 78 contacts the recording medium 32.

Using the cutting device 70 described above, the recording medium 3
A cutting method for cutting 2 will be described.

When the image has been formed on the recording medium 32, a cutting operation signal is sent from the operation unit 3 (see FIG. 1) to the cutting device 70. By this cutting operation signal, the cutting device 70 starts to move in the direction of arrow E in FIG. While the cutting device 70 is moving, the cutter blade 7 is positioned near the end face 32 a of the recording medium 32.
When the cutting device 70 reaches a position where the tip of the cutting device 8 pierces, the solenoid 72 is driven and the cutter blade 78 descends. Thereby, the second blade surface 78d cuts to the end surface 32a while the tip of the cutter blade 78 pierces the vicinity of the end surface 32a. In this case, the cutter blade 78 is moved in the direction of arrow E without stopping the cutting device 70.
Is pierced near the end face 32a. Note that the rotation of the cutter arm 74 is controlled by the stopper 8 as shown in FIG.
Stopped by 6.

With the portion up to the end face 32a completely cut by the second cutting face 78d as described above, the cutter blade 78 is moved in a direction away from the cut end face 32a to record on the first cutting face 78c. The remaining portion of the medium 32 is cut. When the recording medium 32 is cut by a series of operations of piercing and running the cutter blade 78, the recording medium 3
Since the blade surface does not hit the end surface 32a of the second and the end surface 32a does not curve, the cut surface does not bend,
Moreover, since the recording medium 32 is cut by a series of operations, the recording medium 32 can be cut quickly and straightly. In addition, the recording medium 32 can be cut straight without fail irrespective of the type and state of the recording medium.

[0049]

As described above, in the cutting apparatus according to the present invention, when cutting the recording medium, first, the piercing blade surface of the cutter blade is pierced in the vicinity of the end surface of the recording medium. Let it penetrate the recording medium slightly deeper. This allows
The first blade surface and the second blade surface slightly cut the recording medium. Since the piercing blade surface pierces near the end surface of the recording medium,
The vicinity of the end surface of the recording medium is cut by the blade surface (or the second blade surface), and the first blade surface (or the second blade surface) reaches this end surface. Therefore, the portion of the recording medium from the position where the piercing blade surface pierces to the end surface is completely cut. In this state, the cutter blade is moved in a direction away from the cut end surface to cut the recording medium at the second blade surface (or the first blade surface). When the recording medium is cut by a series of operations such as piercing and running of the cutter blade, the cutting surface does not bend because the blade surface does not hit the end surface of the recording medium and the end surface does not curve, Moreover, since the recording medium is cut by a series of operations, the recording medium can be cut quickly and straightly without being affected by the environment and type of the recording medium.

Here, the piercing blade surface has a pointed tip, and the first blade surface has a stab blade surface if the first blade surface is formed by an inclined surface that is more gradually inclined than the tip portion. Is sharp, the piercing blade surface is easily pierced into the recording medium. In addition, the gently sloped first surface
Since the blade surface is provided, the angle between the first blade surface and the recording medium can be reduced, and the invasiveness of the first blade surface when cutting the recording medium can be improved.

According to the first cutting method of the present invention,
Since the recording medium is cut by a series of operations of piercing and running of the cutter blade, the edge surface of the recording medium does not hit the end surface and the end surface does not curve. Accordingly, the recording medium is cut by a series of operations without bending the cut surface, and the recording medium can be cut quickly and straightly.

According to the second cutting method of the present invention,
The recording medium is cut from the position where the cutter blade pierced to the end face of the recording medium, and the cutter blade is moved so as to move away from the end face, thereby cutting the recording medium quickly and straightly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a plotter in which a cutting device of the present invention is incorporated.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a path from insertion to ejection of a recording sheet by cutting out the plotter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a cutting device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where a cutter blade of the cutting device of FIG. 3 is waiting at a standby position from a side.

5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where a cutter blade of the cutting device of FIG. 3 is pierced in the vicinity of an end face of a recording medium from a side.

FIG. 6A is a side view illustrating an example of a cutter blade, and FIG. 6B is a side view illustrating another example of the cutter blade.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a cutting device according to a second embodiment.

8 is a schematic diagram showing a state where a cutter blade of the cutting device in FIG. 7 is waiting at a standby position.

9 is a schematic diagram showing a state where a cutter blade of the cutting device of FIG. 7 has pierced the vicinity of an end surface of a recording medium.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a cutter blade is deeply pierced in the vicinity of an end surface of a recording medium.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a conventional cutter blade starts cutting from an end surface of a recording medium.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the state of FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Plotter 40, 70 Cutting device 48, 68, 78 Cutter blade 48a, 68a, 78a Tip portion 48b, 68b, 78b of piercing blade surface 48c, 68c, 78c First blade surface 48d, 68d, 78d Second blade surface

Claims (4)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein the cutting apparatus cuts the recording medium while traveling in a predetermined direction, wherein the piercing blade surface pierces the recording medium, and A cutting device comprising: a cutter blade having first and second blade surfaces extending in opposite directions and facing in opposite directions. 2. The piercing blade surface has a pointed tip, and the first blade surface is formed of an inclined surface that is gently inclined from the tip. Item 6. The cutting device according to Item 1. 3. A cutting method for cutting a recording medium in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein a cutting blade is pierced near an end face of the recording medium, and cuts from the pierced position to the end face. And a cutting method for cutting the recording medium by moving the cutter blade away from the end face. 4. A cutting method for cutting a recording medium in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, wherein a cutter blade is pierced near an end face of the recording medium, and a section from the pierced position to the end face is cut. And cutting the recording medium by moving the cutter blade away from the end face.