Patent Publication Number: US-11042112-B2

Title: Image formation apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority based on 35 USC 119 from prior Japanese Patent Application No. JP2018-122934 filed on Jun. 28, 2018, entitled “IMAGE FORMATION APPARATUS”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The disclosure relates to an image formation apparatus which cuts a medium and forms an image on the cut medium. 
     An electrophotographic image formation apparatus is widely in use as an image formation apparatus which forms an image on a medium. This is because the electrophotographic image formation apparatus is capable of obtaining a sharper image in a shorter time than other types of image formation apparatuses, including an inkjet image formation apparatus. 
     Some proposals have been made for the configuration of the electrophotographic image formation apparatus. Specifically, for the purpose of preventing paper powder from causing image defect, a polarity value of a surface material of a sheet-backside roller is set to be on a negative side of a polarity value of a surface material of a sheet-front-side roller (for example, Patent Literature 1). 
     Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-030333 
     SUMMARY 
     Although various proposals have been made to improve the performance of the image formation apparatus for image formation, the performance of the image formation apparatus may be still insufficient, and has room for improvement. 
     An object of an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure may be to provide an image formation apparatus capable of forming an image on a medium stably. 
     An image formation apparatus according to an aspect of one or more embodiments may include: a cutting unit including a cutting member that cuts a medium, a polarity of the cutting member being opposite to a polarity of the medium in a triboelectric series; an image formation unit that forms an image on the medium cut by the cutting unit; and a pressure contact unit arranged between the cutting unit and the image formation unit, and including a first pressure contact member and a second pressure contact member that are put in pressure contact with each other across the medium cut by the cutting unit, a polarity of the first pressure contact member being opposite to the polarity of the medium in a triboelectric series, a polarity value of the second pressure contact member shifted from a polarity value of the first pressure contact member toward the polarity of the medium in the triboelectric series. 
     The aspect may make it possible to form an image on a medium stably. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a configuration of an image formation apparatus according to one or more embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating an enlarged plan view of a configuration of a development unit, such as being illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an enlarged perspective view of a configuration of a cutting unit, such as being illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the cutting unit, such as being illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating an enlarged cross-sectional view of a configuration of a main part of the cutting unit, such as being illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an enlarged perspective view of a configuration of a collection unit, such as being illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the collection unit, such as being illustrated in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view for explaining how the cutting unit works; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view for explaining how the cutting unit works continuing from  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view for explaining how the cutting unit works continuing from  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view for explaining how the collection unit works; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view for explaining how the collection unit works continuing from  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view for explaining how the collection unit works continuing from  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view for explaining how the collection unit works continuing from  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a configuration of an image formation apparatus according to a modification; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a configuration of an image formation apparatus according to another modification; and 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a configuration of an image formation apparatus according to yet another modification. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Descriptions are provided hereinbelow for embodiments based on the drawings. In the respective drawings referenced herein, the same constituents are designated by the same reference numerals and duplicate explanation concerning the same constituents is omitted. All of the drawings are provided to illustrate the respective examples only. 
     Descriptions are provided for an image formation apparatus according to one or more embodiments in the following order. 
     1. Image Formation Apparatus
         1-1. Overall Configuration   1-2. Configuration of Development Units   1-3. Configuration of Cutting Unit   1-4. Configuration of Collection Unit   1-5. Polarities of Main Constituents   1-6. Working   1-7. Operation and Effects       

     2. Modifications 
     &lt;1. Image Formation Apparatus&gt; 
     The image formation apparatus herein described is an apparatus which forms an image on a medium M (see  FIG. 1 ) using toner T (see  FIG. 2 ) as described later, and is, for example, a so-called electrophotographic full-color printer. 
     This image formation apparatus, for example, unwinds the medium M from its roll, cuts the medium M while conveying the medium M, and thereafter forms an image on the cut medium M. Types of medium M are not specifically limited, and may be, for example, one or more of paper, film and the like. 
     &lt;1-1. Overall Configuration&gt; 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a plan view of a configuration of the image formation apparatus. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the image formation apparatus includes, for example, a processing unit  100  and a supplying unit  200 . The supplying unit  200  is connected to the processing unit  100 , for example, in order that that the supplying unit  200  is capable of supplying the medium M to the processing unit  100 . 
     [Processing Unit] 
     The processing unit  100  performs a process of: cutting the medium M supplied from the supplying unit  200 ; and forming an image on the cut medium M. The processing unit  100  includes, for example, development units  10 , a transfer unit  20 , a fixation unit  30 , a cutting unit  40 , a collection unit  50 , conveyance rollers  61  to  63 , and a control board  70  inside an openable/closable housing  101 . The development units  10 , the transfer unit  20  and the fixation unit  30  form the image on the medium M cut by the cutting unit  40 . In this respect, the development units  10 , the transfer unit  20  and the fixation unit  30  may be referred to as an “image formation unit” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The collection unit  50  may be referred to as a “pressure contact unit” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
     The housing  101  is provided, for example, with a discharge port  101 E through which the medium M with the image formed thereon is discharged. The medium M supplied from the supplying unit  200  to the processing unit  100  is conveyed along a conveyance passage P in a conveyance direction H.  FIG. 1  and the subsequent drawings illustrate the conveyance passage P with a dashed line. 
     (Development Units) 
     The development units  10  each perform an adhesion process (development process) on an electrostatic latent image using the toner T. Specifically, the development units  10 , for example, each form the electrostatic latent image, and each make the toner T adhere to the electrostatic latent image using a Coulomb force. 
     The number of development units  10  is not specifically limited. In this configuration, the processing unit  100  includes, for example, three development units  10  ( 10 Y,  10 M,  10 C). The development units  10 Y,  10 M,  10 C, for example, are detachably attached to the housing  101 , and are arranged from an upstream side to a downstream side in the conveyance direction H in this order. 
     The development units  10 Y,  10 M,  10 C have the same configuration, for example, except that colors of the toners T contained in their respective toner containers  12  are different from each other. A detailed configuration of the development units  10  ( 10 Y,  10 M,  10 C) is described later (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     (Transfer Unit) 
     The transfer unit  20  performs a transfer process of the toners T which are developed by the respective development units  10 . Specifically, the transfer unit  20  transfers the toners T, which is attached to the electrostatic latent images by the development units  10 , onto the medium M cut by the cutting unit  40 . 
     The transfer unit  20  includes, for example, a conveyance belt  21 , a driving roller  22 , a driven roller  23 , transfer rollers  24 , a cleaning blade  25 , a collection box  26  and a sensor  27 . 
     The conveyance belt  21  is a member which moves the medium M, cut by the cutting unit  40 , in the conveyance direction H, and may be, for example, an endless belt. The conveyance belt  21  is stretched, for example, between the driving roller  22  and the driven roller  23 , and moves in response to the rotation of the driving roller  22 . The driving roller  22  rotates using power of a motor or the like, while the driven roller  23  rotates in response to the rotation of the driving roller  22 . 
     Each transfer roller  24  is put in pressure contact with the corresponding development unit  10  (photosensitive drum  112 , see  FIG. 2 ) with the conveyance belt  21  in between, and transfers the toner T, which is attached to the electrostatic latent image, onto the medium M. The number of transfer rollers  24  is not specifically limited, but is as many as the number of development units  10 . In this configuration, since the number of development units  10  is three ( 10 Y,  10 M,  10 C), the number of transfer rollers  24  is three ( 24 Y,  24 M,  24 C) as well. 
     The cleaning blade  25  is put in pressure contact with the conveyance belt  21 , and scrapes away foreign matter, such as toners T remaining on the surface of the conveyance belt  21 . The collection box  26  collects the foreign matter which the cleaning blade  25  scrapes away. 
     The sensor  27  detects the toners T which the transfer rollers  24  transfer onto the medium M. The sensor  27  is arranged, for example, downstream of the development units  10  in a movement direction of the conveyance belt  21 . Specifically, the sensor  27  is arranged a position upstream of a position where the transfer of the toners T starts, but downstream of a position where the transfer of the toners T ends. Furthermore, the sensor  27  includes, for example, a photosensor which detects the presence or absence of the toners T using light reflection. 
     (Fixation Unit) 
     The fixation unit  30  performs a fusing process or a fixing process of the toners T which are transferred to the medium M by the transfer unit  20 . Specifically, the fixation unit  30  fix the toners T on the medium M, for example, by heating the medium M to which the toners T are transferred by the transfer unit  20  while pressurizing the toners T onto the medium M. 
     The fixation unit  30  is arranged downstream of the development units  10  and the transfer unit  20  in the conveyance direction H, and includes, for example, a heating roller  31  and a pressure roller  32 . The heating roller  31  heats the toners T which the transfer rollers  24  transfer onto the medium M. The pressure roller  32  is put in pressure contact with the heating roller  31 , and pressurizes the toners T which the transfer rollers  24  transfer onto the medium M. 
     (Cutting Unit) 
     The cutting unit  40  performs a process (a cutting process) of cutting the medium M supplied from the roll by the supplying unit  200 . Specifically, the cutting unit  40  includes, for example, a rotary cutter, and cuts a predetermined dimension (length) of medium M while conveying the medium M. The cutting unit  40  is arranged upstream of the collection unit  50  in the conveyance direction H. 
     Descriptions are provided later for a detailed configuration of the cutting unit  40  (see  FIGS. 3 to 5 ). 
     (Collection Unit) 
     The collection unit  50  performs a process (collection process) of collecting cut matter D (see  FIGS. 12 to 14 ) which occurs due to the cutting of the medium M by the cutting unit  40 . The cut matter D may be unwanted matter which occurs when the cutting unit  40  cuts the medium M. More specifically, for example, in a case where the medium M is paper, the cut matter D may be strips of paper, powder of paper and the like. The collection unit  50  is arranged downstream of the cutting unit  40  in the conveyance direction H, and upstream of the development units  10  and the transfer unit  20  in the conveyance direction H. In other words, the collection unit  50  is arranged between the cutting unit  40  and a group of the development units  10  and the transfer unit  20  in the conveyance direction H. 
     Descriptions are provided later for a detailed configuration of the collection unit  50  (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). 
     (Conveyance Rollers) 
     The conveyance rollers  61  to  63  are members which convey the medium M along the conveyance passage P in the conveyance direction H. In this configuration, the conveyance rollers  61 ,  62  are arranged, for example, upstream of the cutting unit  40  in the conveyance direction H, while the conveyance roller  63  is arranged, for example, downstream of the fixation unit  30  in the conveyance direction H. The conveyance rollers  61  to  63  each include a pair of rollers which face each other with the conveyance passage P in between. 
     Among the constituents of the image formation apparatus, constituents including a word “roller” in their names, like the conveyance rollers  61  to  63 , may be each a cylindrical member which extends in an X-axis direction, and which rotates around a rotational shaft extending in the X-axis direction. 
     (Control Board) 
     The control board  70  or a control unit includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and controls the entirety of the image formation apparatus. In other words, the control board  70  performs the series of processes, including the process of forming the image on the medium M. 
     [Supplying Unit] 
     The supplying unit  200  supplies the medium M to the processing unit  100 . Specifically, the supplying unit  200 , for example, unwinds the medium M from its roll, and conveys the medium M along the conveyance passage P to input the medium M into the processing unit  100 . 
     The supplying unit  200  includes, for example, a supplying shaft  210  inside a housing  201 . The supplying shaft  210 , for example, extends in the X-axis direction, and rotates around a rotational shaft extending in the X-axis direction. The medium M is wound around the supplying shaft  210  so that the medium M forms the shape of a roll. The supplying shaft  210  revolves to unwind the medium M from the roll, and supplies the medium M from the supplying unit  200  to the processing unit  100 . 
     &lt;1-2. Configuration of Development Units&gt; 
       FIG. 2  is schematic diagram illustrating an enlarged plan view of a configuration of the development unit  10  ( 10 Y,  10 M,  10 C), such as being illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the development unit  10  includes, for example, a development processor  11 , and a toner container  12 . The toner container  12  is, for example, detachably attached to the development processor  11 . For example, a light source  13  is added to the development processor  11 . 
     [Development Processor] 
     The development processor  11  performs a development process using the toner T supplied from the toner container  12 . The development processor  11  includes, for example, the photosensitive drum  112 , a charging roller  113 , a supplying roller  114 , a development roller  115 , a development blade  116  and a cleaning blade  117  inside a housing  111 . The light source  13  is arranged, for example, outside the housing  111 . 
     The housing  111  is provided, for example, with: an opening part  111 K 1  which partially exposes the photosensitive drum  112 ; and an opening part  111 K 2  which guides light emitted from the light source  13  to the photosensitive drum  112 . 
     (Photosensitive Drum, Charging Roller, Supplying Roller, Development Roller) 
     The photosensitive drum  112  may be an organic photoconductor which carries the electrostatic latent image. The photosensitive drum  112  is, for example, a cylindrical member extending in the X-axis direction, and rotates around a rotational shaft extending in the X-axis direction. The charging roller  113  is put in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum  112 , and charges the surface of the photosensitive drum  112 . The supplying roller  114  is put in pressure contact with the development roller  115 , and supplies the toner T to the surface of the development roller  115 . The development roller  115  is put in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum  112 , and carries the toner T which the supplying roller  114  supplies, as well as makes the toner T attach to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum  112 . 
     (Development Blade) 
     The development blade  116  is a plate-shaped member which restricts the thickness of the toner T supplied to the surface of the development roller  115 . The development blade  116  is arranged, for example, at a position way from the development roller  115  by a predetermined distance, and restricts the thickness of the toner T in response to the distance (gap) between the development roller  115  and the development blade  116 . 
     (Cleaning Blade) 
     The cleaning blade  117  is a plate-shaped elastic member which scrapes away foreign matter, such as unwanted toner T remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum  112 . The cleaning blade  117 , for example, extends in a direction substantially in parallel with the extension direction of the photosensitive drum  112 , and is put in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum  112 . 
     [Toner Container] 
     The toner container  12  is a member which contains the toner T, and is a so-called toner cartridge. The toner container  12  in the development unit  10 Y contains, for example, yellow toner. The toner container  12  in the development unit  10 M contains, for example, magenta toner. The toner container  12  in the development unit  10 C contains, for example, cyan toner. 
     [Light Source] 
     The light source  13  is an exposure unit which exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum  112  to form the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum  112 . The light source  13  is, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) head which includes an LED element and a lens array. 
     &lt;1-3. Configuration of Cutting Unit&gt; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating an enlarged perspective view of a configuration of the cutting unit  40 , such as being illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the cutting unit  40 , such as being illustrated in  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 5  a diagram illustrating an enlarged cross-sectional view of a configuration of a main part of the cutting unit  40 , such as being illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Note that  FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate the cross section of the cutting unit  40  taken along a YZ plane, and  FIG. 5  additionally illustrates part of the conveyance passage P. 
     As discussed above, the cutting unit  40  includes, for example, the rotary cutter, and cuts the medium M while conveying the medium M. Specifically, as illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 5 , the cutting unit  40  includes, for example, an upstream guide  42 , a downstream guide  43 , a cutter  44  and the intermediate guide  45  inside a substantially box-shaped housing  41 . The upstream guide  42 , the downstream guide  43  and an intermediate guide  45  are fixed to the housing  41 , while a part (a rotary blade  442 , which is described later) of the cutter  44  is rotatably supported by the housing  41 . In this respect, the upstream guide  42  may be referred to as a “first guide member” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure; the intermediate guide  45  may be referred to as a “second guide member” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure; and the cutter  44  may be referred to as a “cutting member” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
     [Upstream Guide] 
     The upstream guide  42  is a member which supports and concurrently guides the medium M, which is going to be cut by the cutting unit  40 , toward the cutter  44  while the medium M is being conveyed along the conveyance passage P in the conveyance direction H. The upstream guide  42  is arranged upstream of the cutter  44  in the conveyance direction H, and includes a support surface  42 M which supports the medium M. 
     Specifically, the upstream guide  42  includes, for example, an inclined guide part  421  and a flat guide part  422 . The inclined guide part  421  is located upstream of the flat guide part  422  in the conveyance direction H, and is inclined such that as the inclined guide part  421  becomes closer to the flat guide part  422 , the inclined guide part  421  becomes higher than its portion which becomes farther from the flat guide part  422  in the conveyance direction H. The flat guide part  422  is located downstream of the inclined guide part  421  in the conveyance direction H, and is connected to the inclined guide part  421 . Thereby, the support surface  42 M in the inclined guide part  421  is, for example, a surface (inclined surface) inclined to the Y-axis direction, while the support surface  42 M in the flat guide part  422  is, for example, a surface (flat surface) extending in the Y-axis direction. 
     Particularly, the flat guide part  422  is provided, for example, with an inclined part  46 , and the inclined part  46  is inclined such that a downstream side of the inclined part  46  in the conveyance direction H is higher than an upstream side of the inclined part  46  in the conveyance direction H. In other words, the inclined part  46  is inclined such that a portion of the inclined part  46  closer to the intermediate guide  45  becomes higher than a portion of the inclined part  46  farther from the intermediate guide  45 . In this configuration, the projection-shaped inclined part  46  is provided, for example, in a downstream end portion of the flat guide part  422  in the conveyance direction H. The inclined part  46  includes a surface (an inclined surface  46 M) in which the downstream side in the conveyance direction H is higher than the upstream side in the conveyance direction H. 
     The inclined part  46  plays a role as a jumping ramp which, while the medium M is being conveyed toward the cutter  44  while supported by the support surface  42 M, raises the medium M to bring the medium M closer to the intermediate guide  45 . Thus, the use of the inclined part  46  (the inclined surface  46 M) guides the medium M to come closer to the intermediate guide  45 , and makes it easy for the medium M to come into contact with the intermediate guide  45  (a guide plate  452 , which is described later) intentionally and actively. 
     [Downstream Guide] 
     The downstream guide  43  is a member which guides the medium M, cut by the cutter  44 , toward the collection unit  50 . The downstream guide  43  is arranged downstream of the cutter  44  in the conveyance direction H, and guides the medium M, cut by the cutter  44 , toward the collection unit  50  while supporting the medium M. 
     [Cutter] 
     The cutter  44  is a member which cuts the medium M, and is, for example, the rotary cutter, as discussed above. Specifically, the cutter  44  includes, for example, a fixed blade  441  (or a stationary blade) and the rotary blade  442 . The fixed blade  441  and the rotary blade  442  are physically separated from each other, and face each other with the conveyance passage P in between. In this respect, the fixed blade  441  may be referred to as a “first cutting member” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure, and the rotary blade  442  may be referred to as a “second cutting member” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
     The fixed blade  441  is a plate-shaped member which faces the rotary blade  442 , and which includes a cutting edge in its portion in contact with the medium M. The fixed blade  441  is fixed. The fixed blade  441  is held, for example, by a holder  451 , as described later. 
     The rotary blade  442  is a cylindrical member which includes a spiral edge provided on a surface of its cylinder extending in the X-axis direction, and rotates around a rotational shaft extending in the X-axis direction. In the cutter  44 , while the medium M guided by the upstream guide  42  and the intermediate guide  45  is passing between the fixed blade  441  and the rotary blade  442 , the rotary blade  442  rotates while in contact with the fixed blade  441  to cut the medium M.  FIG. 5  illustrates a cross section of the cutter  44  in a position where the rotary blade  442  is not in contact with the fixed blade  441 . 
     [Intermediate Guide] 
     The intermediate guide  45  is a member which, while the upstream guide  42  is guiding the medium M toward the cutter  44 , further guides the medium M toward the cutter  44 . The intermediate guide  45  is arranged between the upstream guide  42  and the cutter  44  in the conveyance direction H. More specifically, the intermediate guide  45  is arranged such that the intermediate guide  45  becomes away from the upstream guide  42  in a direction in which the upstream guide  42  guides the medium M. The direction in which the upstream guide  42  guides the medium M means, for example, a direction (a guide direction L) along the inclined surface  46 M in the inclined part  46  in the case where the upstream guide  42  (the flat guide part  422 ) is provided with the inclined part  46 .  FIG. 5  illustrates the guide direction L with a dashed line. Thus, as described later, while the upstream guide  42  is guiding the medium M up to the cutter  44  via the intermediate guide  45 , the medium M is intentionally and actively brought into contact with the intermediate guide  45  (a guide plate  452 , which is described later)(see  FIG. 9 ). 
     Specifically, the intermediate guide  45  includes, for example, the holder  451  and the guide plate  452 . In this respect, the holder  451  may be referred to as a “holding member” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure, and the guide plate  452  may be referred to as a “covering member” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
     The holder  451  holds, for example, the fixed blade  441 , and the fixed blade  441  is welded, for example, to the holder  451 . Since the holder  451  holds the fixed blade  441 , the fixed blade  441 , the holder  451  and the guide plate  452  forms a so-called fixed blade unit. In this configuration, a taper is provided, for example, to part of the holder  451 , and a space  45 S is provided between the holder  451  and the fixed blade  441 . 
     The guide plate  452  is a plate-shaped member which covers the holder  451  and part of the fixed blade  441  on its side facing the upstream guide  42 , that is to say, its side closer to the upstream guide  42 . The guide plate  452  is joined to the holder  451 , for example, with a piece of two-sided tape. The purpose of covering the holder  451  and part of the fixed blade  441  with the guide plate  452 , that is to say, covering only part of the fixed blade  441  with the guide plate  452  is to prevent the rotary blade  442  from becoming less likely to comes into contact with the fixed blade  441  due to the existence of the guide plate  452 . 
     The guide plate  452  includes a contact surface  45 M with which the medium M guided by the upstream guide  42  comes into contact. The contact surface  45 M is inclined such that a downstream side of the contact surface  45 M in the conveyance direction H is lower than an upstream side of the contact surface  45 M in the conveyance direction H. This is because, after coming into contact with the contact surface  45 M, the medium M guided by the upstream guide  42  is easily guided to the cutter  44 . 
     The guide plate  452  may be a rigid sheet or a pliable (flexible) film. In this configuration, the guide plate  452  is, for example, a pliable film, and is therefore a so-called film guide. 
     &lt;1-4. Configuration of Collection Unit&gt; 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating an enlarged perspective view of a configuration of the collection unit  50 , such as being illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the collection unit  50 , such as being illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7  additionally illustrates a part of the conveyance passage P. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the collection unit  50  includes, for example, a pressure roller  52 , a resist roller  53  and a scraper  54  inside a housing  51 . While the medium M cut by the cutting unit  40  is being conveyed via the collection unit  50 , the pressure roller  52  and the resist roller  53  are brought into pressure contact with each other with the medium M in between. The pressure roller  52  and the resist roller  53  are rotatably supported by the housing  51 , while the scraper  54  is fixed to the housing  51 . A collection chamber  55  is provided inside the housing  51 . In this respect, the pressure roller  52  may be referred to as a “first pressure contact member” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure; the resist roller  53  may be referred to as a “second pressure contact member” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure; and the scraper  54  may be referred to as a “plate-shaped member” or a “remover” according to an aspect of one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
     [Pressure Roller] 
     The pressure roller  52  is a member which collects the cut matter D which is produced when the cutting unit  40  cuts the medium M, and is brought into pressure contact with the resist roller  53 . The pressure roller  52  rotates, for example, around the rotational shaft extending in the X-axis direction, as described above. Specifically, the pressure roller  52  includes, for example, a shaft  521  and a surface layer  522 . The shaft  521  is a cylindrical member extending in the X-axis direction, and contains one or more metal materials, such as stainless steel. The surface layer  522  covers a surface of a shaft  521 . 
     [Resist Roller] 
     The resist roller  53  is a member with which the pressure roller  52  is put in pressure contact, and rotates, for example, around the rotational shaft extending in the X-axis direction, as described above. Specifically, the resist roller  53  includes, for example, a shaft  531  and a surface layer  532 . The shaft  531  is a cylindrical member extending in the X-axis direction, and contains, for example, the same material as the shaft  521  is formed from. The surface layer  532  covers the surface of the shaft  531 . 
     [Scraper] 
     The scraper  54  is a plate-shaped member which scrapes away the cut matter D collected by the pressure roller  52 , that is to say, the cut matter D which attaches to the surface of the pressure roller  52 . The scraper  54  is put in pressure contact, for example, with the pressure roller  52 . The cut matter D scraped away by the scraper  54  is collected into the collection chamber  55  which serves as a storage chamber for the cut matter D. 
     &lt;1-5. Polarities of Main Constituents&gt; 
     In the image formation apparatus, polarities of the main constituents (material) involved in the cutting process and the collection process are optimized in order that the collection unit  50  can easily collect the cut matter D which is produced when the cutting unit  40  cuts the medium M. The following descriptions are provided for what polarities the main constituents have in a case where the medium M is, for example, paper and has a positive polarity. 
     [Polarity of Cutter] 
     In the cutting unit  40 , the polarity of the cutter  44  is optimized. Specifically, the cutter  44  (the fixed blade  441  and the rotary blade  442 ) has a polarity opposite to that of the medium M in a triboelectric series. In other words, for example, in the case where the medium M has the positive polarity, the fixed blade  441  and the rotary blade  442  each have the negative polarity. 
     For the purpose of obtaining the negative polarity, the fixed blade  441  and the rotary blade  442  each contain one or more metal materials, such as stainless steel (SUS). 
     The cutting unit  40  including the cutter  44  is, for example, electrically isolated from its surroundings with high resistance (for example, 500 MΩ) inside the image formation apparatus. The purpose for this is to prevent electric charge from escaping from the cutting unit  40  to the surroundings. A varistor may be connected to the cutting unit  40  for the same purpose. 
     [Polarities of Pressure Roller and Resist Rollers] 
     In the collection unit  50 , too, the polarities of the pressure roller  52  and the resist roller  53  are optimized. Specifically, the pressure roller  52  has a polarity opposite to that of the medium M in the triboelectric series, while the resist roller  53  has a polarity value which is shifted from a polarity value of the pressure roller  52  toward the polarity of the medium M in the triboelectric series. In other words, for example, in the case where the medium M has the positive polarity, the pressure roller  52  has the negative polarity. Meanwhile, for example, in the case where the medium M has the positive polarity, the resist roller  53  has a polarity corresponding to a value which is shifted from a negative value of the pressure roller  52  toward the positive polarity. The polarity value of the resist roller  53 , therefore, may be a positive polarity value or a negative polarity value as long as the polarity value of the resist roller  53  is greater than the negative polarity value of the pressure roller  52 . 
     For the purpose of obtaining the negative polarity, the surface layer  522  which determines the polarity of the surface of the pressure roller  52  contains, for example, one or more high polymer materials (rubber materials), such as urethane. In addition, for the purpose of obtaining the polarity corresponding to the value which is shifted from the negative polarity value of the pressure roller  52  toward the positive polarity, the surface layer  532  which determines the polarity of the surface of the resist roller  53  contains, for example, one or more high polymer materials (rubber materials), such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). 
     The reason why the cutter  44 , the pressure roller  52  and the resist roller  53  have the respective polarities discussed above is that as discussed above, the use of the difference among the polarities of the medium M, the cutter  44  and the pressure roller  52  makes it easy for the cut matter D to be collected by the pressure roller  52 . Detailed descriptions are provided later for the reason why the use of the polarity difference makes it easy for the cut matter D to be collected by the pressure roller  52 . 
     [Polarity of Scraper] 
     In addition, it is preferable that the scraper  54  have a polarity opposite to that of the medium M in the triboelectric series. Specifically, in the case where the medium M has the positive polarity, it is preferable that the scraper  54  have the negative polarity. This is because the use of the difference between the polarities of the medium M and the scraper  54  makes it easy for the cutter matte D to be collected by not only the pressure roller  52  but also the scraper  54 . 
     Particularly, it is preferable that the absolute value of a polarity value of the scraper  54  be greater than the absolute value of a polarity value of the pressure roller  52 . In other words, in a case where the pressure roller  52  has, for example, the negative polarity, it is preferable that the scraper  54  have the negative polarity stronger than the negative polarity of the pressure roller  52 . The reason for this is as follows. This facilitates the movement of the cut matter D collected by the pressure roller  52  onto the scraper  54 , and makes the cut matter D on the scraper  54  less likely to return onto the medium M. Accordingly, the cut matter D is more easily collected by the collection unit  50 . 
     For the purpose of obtaining the negative polarity, the scraper  54  contains, for example, one or more high polymer materials, such as tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer (PFA). 
     [Polarities of Upstream Guide and Guide Plate] 
     Furthermore, it is preferable that the upstream guide  42  have a polarity opposite to that of the medium M in the triboelectric series. In other words, in the case where the medium M has the positive polarity, it is preferable that the upstream guide  42  have the negative polarity. This is because the use of the difference between the polarities of the medium M and the upstream guide  42  raises the polarity value of the medium M having the positive polarity, that is to say, increases the amount of charge on the medium M having the positive polarity. Thereby, the use of the difference between the polarities between the medium M and the pressure roller  52  makes it easier for the cut matter D to be collected by the pressure roller  52 . 
     For the purpose of obtaining the negative polarity, the upstream guide  42  contains, for example, one or more high polymer materials, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer (ABS). 
     Furthermore, it is preferable that the intermediate guide  45 , more specifically, the guide plate  452  with which the medium M comes into contact, have a polarity opposite to that of the medium M in the triboelectric series. In other words, in the case where the medium M has the positive polarity, it is preferable that the guide plate  452  have the negative polarity. This is because for the same reason as the upstream guide  42 , the cut matter D is easily collected by the pressure roller  52 . 
     For the purpose of obtaining the negative polarity, the guide plate  452  contains, for example, one or more high polymer materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). For example, in a case where the guide plate  452  is a film, the guide plate  452  is a film made of PET or the like. 
     &lt;1-6. Working&gt; 
       FIGS. 8 to 10  are each a diagram illustrating an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the configuration of the cutting unit  40 , such as being illustrated in  FIG. 5 , for the purpose of explaining how the cutting unit  40  works.  FIGS. 11 to 14  are each a schematic diagram illustrating an enlarged cross-sectional view of a part of the configuration of the collection unit  50 , such as being illustrated in  FIG. 7 , for the purpose of explaining how the collection unit  50  works. 
       FIGS. 8 to 14  each additionally illustrate electrically charged particles which occur in the cutting process and the collection process. Electrically charged particles with encircled plus symbols are electrically charged particles of the medium M and the like which have the positive polarity. Electrically charged particles with encircled minus symbols are electrically charged particles of the cutter  44  and the like which have the negative polarity. Electrically charged particles with plus symbols surrounded by triangles are electrically charged particles of the cut matter D which has the positive polarity. 
     In this respect, to begin with, descriptions are provided for how the image formation apparatus works to form an image, and then, descriptions are provided for how the image formation apparatus works to collect the cut matter D. In the following descriptions,  FIGS. 1 to 7 , which have already been discussed, are referred to depending on the necessity. 
     [Working to Form Image] 
     In order to form an image on the medium M, the image formation apparatus, for example, performs the cutting process, the development process, the transfer process and the fixing process in this order, and performs the cleaning process when needed, as described below. 
     (Cutting Process) 
     The supplying shaft  210  rotates in the supplying unit  200 . Thereby, the media M are continuously supplied from the supplying unit  200  to the processing unit  100 . In the cutting process, in the cutting unit  40 , the rotary blade  442  rotates while in contact with the fixed blade  441 . Thereby, the cutter  44  cuts the media M while the media M are being conveyed. 
     (Development Process) 
     Once each medium M, cut by the cutting unit  40 , is inputted into the development unit  10 , the development processor  11  works for the development process in which: the photosensitive drum  112  rotates; and the charging roller  113  applies a direct-current voltage to the photosensitive drum  112  depending on its rotation to evenly electrically charge the photosensitive drum  112 . Thereafter, once the light source  13  emits light onto the photosensitive drum  112  based on data on the image, an electric potential is attenuated (light is attenuated) in the light-emitted area to form an electrostatic latent image. The data on the image is transmitted to the image formation apparatus, for example, from an external apparatus such as a personal computer. 
     In the development processor  11 , the supplying roller  114  and the development roller  115  rotate in response to the voltage application, and the toner T is supplied from the supplying roller  114  to the development roller  115 . Furthermore, once the photosensitive drum  112  rotates, the toner T moves from the development roller  115  to the photosensitive drum  112 , and attaches a toner T to the photosensitive drum  112  (the electrostatic latent image). During this event, the development blade  116  removes part of the toner T to equalize the thickness of the toner T. 
     Note that the toner T is agitated in the toner container  12 , and is supplied from the toner container  12  to the development processor  11 . 
     (Transfer Process) 
     In the transfer unit  20 , once the driving roller  22  rotates, the driven roller  23  rotates in response to the rotation of the driving roller  22 , and the conveyance belt  21  moves. In the development process, since the transfer roller  24  is put in pressure contact with the photosensitive drum  112  with the conveyance belt  21  in between, once a voltage is applied to the transfer roller  24 , the transfer roller  24  transfers the toner T, which attaches to the photosensitive drum  112  in the development process, to the medium M. 
     (Fixing Process) 
     In the fixing process, in the fixation unit  30 , the medium M passes between the heating roller  31  and the pressure roller  32 . During this event, the heating roller  31  heats the toner T transferred onto the medium M, and thus fuses the toner T. Meanwhile, the pressure roller  32  presses the fused toner T against the medium M, and brings the toner T into close contact with the medium M. 
     Thereby, the toner T is fixed onto the medium M so as to form the image on the medium M. The medium M with the image formed thereon is discharged through the discharge port  101 E. The types and number of toners T to be used to form the image is determined depending on the combination of the colors needed to form the image. 
     (Cleaning Process) 
     In the development unit  10 , the photosensitive drum  112  rotates while in pressure contact with the cleaning blade  117 , and the cleaning blade  117  scrapes away foreign matter, like unwanted toner T remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum  112 . 
     Furthermore, in the transfer unit  20 , while the conveyance belt  21  is moving, the cleaning blade  25  scrapes away foreign matter, like unwanted toner T remaining on the surface of the conveyance belt  21 , and the foreign matter is collected into the collection box  26 . 
     [Process of Collecting Cut Matter] 
     While forming the image on the medium M, the image formation apparatus performs the process of collecting the cut matter D, as described below. Since the medium M is, for example, paper as discussed above, the following descriptions are provided for how the image formation apparatus works in the case where the medium M has the positive polarity. 
     To begin with, once the medium M is supplied from the supplying unit  200  to the processing unit  100  (the cutting unit  40 ), the conveyance belt  21  conveys the medium M along the conveyance passage P in the conveyance direction H, and the medium M reaches the upstream guide  42 . Thereby, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the medium M is conveyed while supported by the upstream guide  42  due to its weight. Thus, the medium M is guided toward the cutter  44  while in contact with (frictionally sliding over) the support surface  42 M. 
     During this event, the upstream guide  42  is electrically charged with the polarity (negative polarity) opposite to the polarity (positive polarity) of the medium M due to the relationship (in the triboelectric series) between the material of the medium M and the material of the upstream guide  42 , and the medium M is accordingly easy to charge positively. 
     Subsequently, since the intermediate guide  45  (the guide plate  452 ) is arranged in the guide direction L, the medium M comes into contact with the guide plate  452 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , while the intermediate guide  45  is guiding the medium M toward the cutter  44 . 
     During this event, since the upstream guide  42  (the flat guide part  422 ) is provided with the inclined part  46 , the upstream guide  42  guides the medium M using the inclined surface  46 M of the inclined part  46  such that the medium M comes closer to the guide plate  452 . Thereby, the medium M easily comes into contact with the guide plate  452  before reaching the cutter  44 . 
     In addition, since for example, the guide plate  452  is electrically charged with the polarity (the negative polarity) opposite to the polarity (the positive polarity) of the medium M due to the relationship (in the triboelectric series) between the material of the medium M and the material of the guide plate  452 , the medium M is positively charged easily. 
     Furthermore, since the guide plate  452  covers not only the holder  451  but also part of the fixed blade  441 , the medium M is less likely to get into the space  45 S while guided toward the cutter  44  after coming into contact with the guide plate  452 . Thereby, the medium M is less likely to get caught by the space  45 S while guided toward the cutter  44 , and the medium M is easily guided up to the cutter  44  smoothly. In other words, even in the case where the medium M comes into contact with the guide plate  452 , the medium M is easily guided up to the cutter  44  smoothly, and the occurrence of the so-called jamming is inhibited. 
     Thereafter, while the medium M is passing between the fixed blade  441  and the rotary blade  442 , the rotary blade  442  rotates leftward while in contact with the fixed blade  441 , and the cutter  44  cuts the medium M (the cutting process), as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The conveyance belt  21  conveys the medium M, cut by the cutter  44 , toward the collection unit  50 . 
     During this event, the cutter  44  (the fixed blade  441  and the rotary blade  442 ) is electrically charged with the polarity (the negative polarity) opposite to the polarity (the positive polarity) of the medium M due to the relationship (in the triboelectric series) between the material of the medium M and the material of the cutter  44 . Accordingly, the medium M is positively charged easily. 
     In the cutting process, the cut matter D is produced when the cutter  44  cuts the medium M, and is electrically charged with the same polarity (the positive polarity) as the medium M. 
     Subsequently, the medium M cut by the cutting unit  40  is inputted into the collection unit  50 . In the collection unit  50 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the pressure roller  52  is electrically charged with the polarity (the negative polarity) opposite to the polarity of the medium M due to the relationship (in the triboelectric series) between the material of the pressure roller  52  and the material of the resist roller  53 , while the resist roller  53  has the polarity value which is shifted from the polarity value of the pressure roller  52  toward the polarity of the medium M.  FIG. 11  illustrates, for example, the case where the resist roller  53  is positively charged. 
     Furthermore, for example, the scraper  54  is electrically charged with the polarity (the negative polarity) opposite to the polarity (the positive polarity) of the medium M due to the relationship (in the triboelectric series) between the material of the medium M and the material of the scraper  54 . In other words, the scraper  54 , put in pressure contact with the pressure roller  52 , is electrically charged, for example, with the same polarity (the negative polarity) as the pressure roller  52  is. 
     The pressure roller  52  is put in pressure contact with the resist roller  53 . Thus, while the pressure roller  52  is rotating rightward and the resist roller  53  is rotating leftward, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the medium M passes between the pressure roller  52  and the resist roller  53 , and is conveyed toward the development units  10  and the transfer unit  20  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
     During this event, as discussed above, the medium M is positively charged, while the pressure roller  52  and the scraper  54  are negatively charged. 
     Finally, when the medium M is conveyed to reach the pressure roller  52 , as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the use of the difference between the polarity (the positive polarity) of the cut matter D and the polarity (the negative polarity) of the pressure roller  52  makes the cut matter D comes off the medium M and attach to the pressure roller  52 . Thereby, the pressure roller  52  collects the cut matter D. 
     During this event, the use of the difference between the polarity (the negative polarity) of the pressure roller  52  and the polarity (the polarity having the value which is shifted from the negative polarity value of the pressure roller  52  toward the positive polarity) of the resist roller  53  makes the cut matter D move from the medium M more easily to the pressure roller  52  than to the resist roller  53 . 
     The pressure roller  52  collects the cut matter D, and rotates with the scraper  54  put in pressure contact with the pressure roller  52 . Thereby, the scraper  54  scrapes away the cut matter D which attaches to the pressure roller  52 , and the cut matter D is collected into the collection chamber  55 . 
     During this event, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the use of the difference between the polarity (the positive polarity) of the cut matter D and the polarity (the negative polarity) of the scraper  54  moves the cut matter D from the pressure roller  52  to the scraper  54 . In other words, the cut matter D physically scraped away by the scraper  54  is collected into the collection chamber  55 , while the cutter matter D not physically scraped away by the scraper  54  electrically attaches to the scraper  54 . This makes the cut matter D, collected by the pressure roller  52 , less likely to return to the medium M. 
     Particularly, in the case where the absolute value of the polarity value of the scraper  54  is greater than the absolute value of the polarity value of the pressure roller  52 , the use of the difference between the polarity value of the pressure roller  52  and the polarity value of the scraper  54  makes the cut matter D easily move from the pressure roller  52  to the scraper  54 . This makes the cut matter D collected by the pressure roller  52  less likely to return to the medium M. 
     Thus, even in the case where the cut matter D is produced when the cutting unit  40  cuts the medium M, the collection unit  50  collects the cut matter D. The collection process of collecting the cut matter D ends with this. 
     &lt;1-7. Operation and Effects&gt; 
     Regarding the image formation apparatus, in the cutting unit  40  including the cutter  44 , the cutter  44  has the polarity opposite to that of the medium M in the triboelectric series. Meanwhile, in the cutting unit  40  including the pressure roller  52  and the resist roller  53 , the pressure roller  52  has the polarity opposite to that of the medium M in the triboelectric series, while the resist roller  53  had the polarity value which is shifted from the polarity value of the pressure roller  52  toward the polarity of the medium M in the triboelectric series. 
     In this case, for example, if the medium M has the positive polarity, the use of the difference between the polarity of the medium M and the polarity of the cutter  44  makes it easy to charge the medium M positively, and accordingly to charge the cut matter D positively as well, before the medium M cut by the cutting unit  40  is inputted into the collection unit  50 . In other words, the use of the polarity difference makes the amount of charge on the medium M having the positive polarity, and accordingly the amount of charge on the cut matter D having the positive polarity, become larger than no use of the polarity difference which results from the medium M and the cutter  44  having the same polarity. This sufficiently positively charges the medium M, and the thus-charged medium M is inputted into the collection unit  50 . 
     In addition, once the medium M cut by the cutting unit  40  is inputted into the collection unit  50 , the use of the difference between the polarity of the cut matter D and the polarity of the pressure roller  52  electrically moves the cut matter D from the medium M to the pressure roller  52 , and the pressure roller  52  collects the cut matter D. During this event, the above-discussed increase in the amount of charge on the cut matter D having the positive polarity makes it easy for the pressure roller  52  to collect the cut matter D. 
     For the above reasons, the collection unit  50  sufficiently collects the cut matter D, and accordingly decreases the amount of cut matter D which may attach to the medium M which is going to be inputted into the development units  10  and the transfer unit  20 , even in the case where the cut matter D is produced when the cutting unit  40  cuts the medium M. Thus, the decreased amount of cut matter D has less influence on the quality of the image. More specifically, since the amount of cut matter D still attaching to the medium M is smaller, the quality of the image less deteriorates due to smear and the like. Accordingly, the image formation apparatus can stably form the image on the medium M. 
     Particularly, since the scraper  54  has the polarity opposite to that of the pressure roller  52  in the triboelectric series, the use of the difference between the polarity of the cut matter D and the polarity of the scraper  54  makes the cut matter D collected by the pressure roller  52  easily move to the scraper  54 . Thus, the scraper  54  also collects the cut matter D, and the cut matter D collected by the pressure roller  52  is less likely to return to the medium M. Accordingly, the image formation apparatus can obtain a higher effect. 
     In this case, since the absolute value of the polarity value of the scraper  54  is greater than the absolute value of the polarity value of the pressure roller  52 , the use of the difference between the polarity value of the pressure roller  52  and the polarity value of the scraper  54  makes the cut matter D more easily move from the pressure roller  52  to the scraper  54 . This makes the cut matter D collected by the pressure roller  52  less likely to return to the medium M. Accordingly, the image formation apparatus can obtain a much higher effect. 
     Furthermore, since the cutter  44  includes the fixed blade  441  and the rotary blade  442 , the use of the difference between the polarity of the medium M and the polarity of the fixed blade  441  makes it easier to positively charge the medium M, while the use of the difference between the polarity of the medium M and the polarity of the rotary blade  442  makes it easier to positively charge the medium M. Thus, the collection unit  50  collects the cut matter D more easily. Accordingly, the image formation apparatus can obtain a far higher effect. 
     Moreover, since the upstream guide  42  and the intermediate guide  45  each have the polarity opposite to that of the medium M in the triboelectric series, the use of the difference between the polarity of the medium M and the polarity of the upstream guide  42  makes it easier to positively charge the medium M, while the use of the difference between the polarity of the medium M and the polarity of the intermediate guide  45  makes it easier to positively charge the medium M. Thus, the collection unit  50  collects the cut matter D more easily. Accordingly, the image formation apparatus can obtain a far higher effect. 
     In this case, since the upstream guide  42  (the flat guide part  422 ) is provided with the inclined part  46 , the use of the inclined part  46  makes the medium M easily come into contact with the upstream guide  42 , and accordingly makes the medium M positively charged more easily. Thus, the collection unit  50  collects the cut matter D more easily. Accordingly, the image formation apparatus can obtain a far higher effect. 
     Besides, since the intermediate guide  45  includes the holder  451  and the guide plate  452 ; the guide plate  452  covers not only the holder  451  but also part of the fixed blade  441 ; and the holder  451  and the guide plate  452  have the polarity opposite to that of the medium M in the triboelectric series, the medium M is positively charged easily while smoothly conveyed. Accordingly, the image formation apparatus can obtain a far higher effect. 
     &lt;2. Modifications&gt; 
     The configuration of the image formation apparatus can be modified appropriately. Arbitrary two or more of the below-described modifications may be combined together. 
     [Modification 1] 
     Specifically, although the foregoing descriptions have been provided for the image formation apparatus with the medium M having the positive polarity, the medium M may have the negative polarity. This case can also obtain the same effects, if the cutter  44  and the pressure roller  52  each have the polarity (the positive polarity) opposite to the polarity (the negative polarity) of the medium M in the triboelectric series; and the resist roller  53  has a polarity value which is shifted from a polarity value of the pressure roller  52  toward an opposite polarity. In this case, if the polarity value of the resist roller  53  is less than the positive polarity value of the pressure roller  52 , the polarity value of the resist roller  53  may be a negative polarity value or a positive polarity value. 
     [Modification 2] 
     In addition, although the above-discussed image formation apparatus uses the guide plate  452 , the image formation apparatus according to the disclosure, for example, does not have to use the guide plate  452 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15  corresponding to  FIG. 5 . In the case where the image formation apparatus uses no guide plate  452 , for example, the space  45 S does not have to be provided there since the holder  451  is put in close contact with the entirety of the fixed blade  441 . 
     This case can also obtain the same effects, since if the holder  451  has a polarity opposite to that of the medium M, the contact of the medium M into the contact surface  45 M in the holder  451  makes the medium M positively charged easily. Furthermore, the absence of the space  45 S makes the conveyance of the medium M less likely to be hindered even in the case where the holder  451  holds the fixed blade  441 . 
     For the purpose of making the conveyance of the medium M smooth, however, it is preferable that the guide plate  452  be used, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . This is because in the case where the holder  451  holds the fixed blade  441 , there is likelihood that the medium M gets caught by a step formed in the boundary between the holder  451  and the fixed blade  441  even though the space  45 S does not exist. In contrast to this, the use of the guide plate  452  makes it easy to convey the medium M smoothly, regardless of whether the space  45 S exists, and regardless of whether the step exists. 
     [Modification 3] 
     Besides, although in the above-discussed configuration(s), the upstream guide  42  (the flat guide part  422 ) is provided with the inclined part  46 , the upstream guide  42  may be configured, for example, such that the flat guide part  422  is provided with no inclined part  46  and the entirety of the flat guide part  422  is inclined, as illustrated in  FIG. 16  corresponding to  FIG. 5 . In other words, the entirety of the support surface  42 M of the flat guide part  422  may be inclined in a way that makes the downstream side of the flat guide part  422  in the conveyance direction H higher than the upstream side of the flat guide part  422  in the conveyance direction H. Even this case can obtain the same effects, since the medium M is guided in a way that makes the medium M come closer to the intermediate guide  45  (the guide plate  452 ). 
     [Modification 4] 
     Furthermore, the image formation apparatus may further include, for example, a power supply  80 , as illustrated in  FIG. 17  corresponding to  FIGS. 5 and 8 to 10 . In this modification, the power supply  80  may be referred to as a “power supply” according to an aspect of the one or more embodiments of the disclosure. 
     The power supply  80  is connected, for example, to the cutting unit  40  (the cutter  44 ), and applies to the cutter  44  a voltage (a direct-current voltage) which has the polarity opposite to that of the medium M in the triboelectric series. Specifically, the power supply  80  includes, for example, a fixed blade power supply  81  and a rotary blade power supply  82 . The fixed blade power supply  81  is connected, for example, to the fixed blade  441 , and applies the voltage to the fixed blade  441 . The rotary blade power supply  82  is connected, for example, to the rotary blade  442 , and applies the voltage to the rotary blade  442 . 
     In this image formation apparatus, for example, in the case where the medium M has the positive polarity, when the cutting unit  40  cuts the medium M, the fixed blade power supply  81  applies the negative voltage to the fixed blade  441 , and the rotary blade power supply  82  supplies the negative voltage to the rotary blade  442 . This increases amounts of charge, respectively, on the fixed blade  441  and the rotary blade  442  having the negative polarity, and accordingly increases an amount of charge on the medium M having the positive polarity as well. 
     In this case, the use of the difference between the polarity of the medium M and the polarity of the fixed blade  441  makes it easy to positively charge the medium M, while the use of the difference between the polarity of the medium M and the polarity of the rotary blade  442  makes it easy to positively charge the medium M. Furthermore, the application of the negative voltage to the fixed blade  441  by the fixed blade power supply  81  makes it easy to further negatively charge the holder  451 , and the use of the difference between the polarity of the medium M and the polarity of the holder  451  makes it easy to further positively charge the medium M. 
     Thus, the amount of charge on the medium M having the positive polarity increases greatly, which makes it extremely easy for the collection unit  50  to collect the cut matter D. Accordingly, the image formation apparatus can obtain a far higher effect. 
     Although the disclosure has been described using the above described embodiments, the invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments may be modified variously. 
     For example, when the image formation apparatus performs the process of cutting the medium, the image formation apparatus may use folded strip-shaped media instead of a roll of media. In the case where the media are paper, the folded strip-shaped media are so-called fan-folded paper. 
     For example, the image formation apparatus is not limited to a full-color printer, and may be a monochrome printer. Moreover, the image formation apparatus is not limited to a printer, and may be a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a multifunctional printer, or the like. 
     The invention includes other embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. The embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Hence, all configurations including the meaning and range within equivalent arrangements of the claims are intended to be embraced in the invention.