Image Formation Device Double-Sided Printing Cutting Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation devices cannot cut a sheet after performing an image forming process on both sides, limiting their ability to process print media subjected to double-sided printing.
Innovation Solution
An image formation device is designed with an image forming unit, a processing unit for cutting, and a controller that executes a double-sided printing process followed by a cutting process, allowing for the processing of print media cut into two separate sheets after both sides have been printed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting unit is positioned before the fixing unit to cut sheets, then the cutting function is available, but double-sided printing followed by cutting cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is segmented into multiple independent paths: a first conveyance path for single-sided printing and discharge, and a second conveyance path for double-sided printing that loops back through the image forming unit. This segmentation allows the cutting unit to be positioned after the fixing unit while maintaining separate flow paths for different printing modes, resolving the contradiction between cutting capability and double-sided printing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dimensional change in the conveyance path by creating a loop structure where the second conveyance path returns from the discharging portion back to the image forming unit. This adds a spatial dimension to the conveyance system, allowing sheets to traverse the image forming unit twice (for double-sided printing) before reaching the cutting unit, thereby enabling post-cutting of double-sided printed sheets without increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the cutting unit is provided before the fixing unit, then sheets can be cut, but the processing flow cannot accommodate double-sided printing followed by cutting
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system employs dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the processing flow to adapt between single-sided and double-sided printing modes. The controller dynamically directs sheets through appropriate conveyance paths based on the selected printing mode, enabling flexible processing flows while maintaining high throughput by optimizing the path selection and avoiding unnecessary re-traversals when single-sided printing is sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle both single-sided and double-sided printed sheets through a unified processing architecture. By positioning the cutting unit after the fixing unit and implementing a universal conveyance system that can route sheets through one or two passes through the image forming unit, the system achieves ease of operation for different printing modes while maintaining productivity through efficient resource utilization.
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
The device enables efficient double-sided printing and subsequent cutting of print media, improving convenience and functionality compared to traditional devices that cannot cut sheets after double-sided printing.
Implementation Method 1
an image forming unit including a photosensitive drum, a developing roller configured to feed toner onto the photosensitive drum
Implementation Method 2
a transfer unit configured to transfer, to a print medium, the toner fed onto the photosensitive drum
Implementation Method 3
a fixing unit configured to fix the toner transferred to the print medium onto the print medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation device includes: an image forming unit comprising a photosensitive drum, a developing roller configured to feed toner onto the photosensitive drum, a transfer unit configured to transfer, to a print medium, the toner fed onto the photosensitive drum, and a fixing unit configured to fix the toner transferred to the print medium onto the print medium; a processing unit provided downstream of the fixing unit in a conveyance direction of the print medium, the processing unit being configured to perform processing for cutting the print medium; and a controller configured to execute a double-sided printing of causing the image forming unit to perform printing on both sides of the print medium. The controller is configured to execute a processing process of causing the processing unit to perform the processing for cutting the print medium after executing the double-sided printing process.