Image Formation Device for Precise Image-Boundary Sheet Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face challenges in accurately cutting sheets at the boundary between images due to the delay in detecting the leading end of the sheet and the subsequent cutting operation, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The image forming device incorporates a controller that controls the temperature of the fixing unit and the motor to synchronize the cutting process with the sheet's position, adjusting the temperature to a lower setting after cutting to ensure precise cutting at the intended image boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the discharge roller stops after a predetermined time has elapsed since detecting the leading end of the sheet, then the cutting operation can be performed, but the cutting position may be misaligned with the image boundary due to detection delay
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge roller is stopped before the sheet completely passes through the fixing unit, at a timing calculated based on sheet length and conveyance speed. This preliminary stopping action allows the cutter to immediately cut the sheet at the correct position when it reaches the cutting unit, eliminating the need to wait for time-based delays and achieving precise image boundary alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses detection signals from the leading end of the sheet and real-time conveyance speed information to dynamically calculate and adjust the stopping timing of the discharge roller. This feedback mechanism ensures that the sheet is positioned accurately at the cutting unit, compensating for variations in sheet length and conveyance speed to maintain precise cutting alignment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the fixing unit maintains high temperature for image fixing, then image quality is improved, but energy consumption increases and cutting precision may deteriorate due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The heater control is changed from a static high-temperature maintenance mode to a dynamic control mode that adjusts temperature based on the sheet processing cycle. The heater operates at high temperature during image fixing, then reduces temperature during the cutting operation and idle periods. This dynamic adjustment maintains image quality while significantly reducing energy consumption and minimizing thermal expansion effects during cutting.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater is operated periodically rather than continuously - activating at high power during image fixing cycles and reducing or shutting off during cutting operations and between sheets. This periodic operation pattern ensures adequate image fixing temperature while minimizing overall energy consumption and thermal drift that would affect cutting precision.
3Productivity
If the discharge roller continues rotating to convey the sheet completely through the fixing unit, then the sheet is fully processed, but the cutting operation is delayed and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge roller is stopped in advance at a calculated position before the sheet completely passes through the fixing unit. This preliminary stopping is based on predetermined parameters including sheet length, conveyance speed, and positions of the fixing unit and cutting unit. By stopping early, the system enables the cutter to begin operation immediately when the sheet reaches the cutting unit, eliminating unnecessary conveyance time and improving productivity without compromising processing quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the precision and efficiency of sheet cutting by aligning the cutting operation with the image boundary, reducing misalignment and improving overall print quality.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the heating rotation body
Implementation Method 2
a fixing unit configured to fix the image on the sheet, the fixing unit including a heating rotation body a heater configured to heat the heating rotation body
Implementation Method 3
a pressure rotation body configured to form a nip portion between the heating rotation body and the pressure rotation body
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a fixing unit configured to fix the image on the sheet, the fixing unit including heating rotation body, a heater configured to heat the heating rotation body, and a pressure rotation body configured to form a nip portion between the heating rotation body and the pressure rotation body, a discharge roller disposed downstream of the fixing unit in a conveying direction of the sheet, and configured to discharge the sheet, a main motor configured to transmit a drive force to at least one of the heating rotation body or the pressure rotation body, a cutter disposed downstream of the fixing unit in the conveying direction, and configured to cut the sheet, and a controller.