JP2020150324A - Portable multifunction device - Google Patents

Abstract

To allow for correct setting of scanning document and printing paper.SOLUTION: A portable multifunction device includes multiple conveyance paths for transporting sheets, multiple processing units for processing the sheets corresponding to the multiple conveyance paths, respectively, multiple sensors placed in a direction orthogonal to the transportation direction, so as to be able to detect the sheets on the multiple conveyance paths, and control means for changing control of a second processing unit, on the basis of detection results by the multiple sensors for the sheets processed by a first processing unit, and detection results by the multiple sensors for the sheets processed by the second processing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a portable multifunction device that performs a plurality of types of processing on a medium.

Conventionally, as a multifunction device that performs a plurality of types of processing on a medium, for example, there is a multifunction device that has a scanner and a printer function in combination and is connected to a personal computer or the like. In this type of multifunction device, an image is read from a scanned document in a conveyed state by a reading unit equipped with an image sensor or the like on the conveyed path. Further, in many types, a recording unit equipped with a recording head such as an inkjet method or a heat-sensitive method is arranged in a transport path different from the transport path of the scanned document, and the recording section is used for recording paper in a transported state. Images are to be recorded.

Further, in any type of such a multifunction device, in general, a paper width for detecting the width of each paper in a predetermined position of a storage tray or a storage cassette for storing a scanned document or a recording paper during a scanning process or a recording process. A detection mechanism is provided, and reading processing and recording processing according to the paper width are performed based on the detection signal from such a paper width detecting mechanism.

In addition, there is also a type of multifunction device in which the transport path of the scanned document and the recording paper is the same in order to make the entire device compact. In the multifunction device, the number of parts to be deployed inside the device is reduced by using the optical reading means having the function of reading the scanned document together with the paper width detection function, and the parts assembly process is accompanied by this. It can also contribute to the reduction of numbers. (See, for example, Patent Document 1.)

In addition, with the development of mobile devices in recent years, there are increasing opportunities to work with mobile devices even outside the office. Along with this, there is a strong demand for the realization of a portable multifunction device having a printer function and a scanner function.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 11-155043

As a portable multifunction device, a compact configuration without a storage tray or a storage cassette is required.

Further, in the configuration as in Patent Document 1, the reading width cannot be detected until the image is read, and it is not possible to confirm whether or not the user has correctly set both the original and the thermal paper.

Therefore, in view of the above, the portable multifunction device according to the present invention has.
Multiple transport paths for transporting paper and
A plurality of processing units that process paper one by one corresponding to each of the plurality of transport paths, and
A plurality of sensors arranged in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction so as to be able to detect the paper on the plurality of transport paths, and
The second processing unit is based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors for the paper processed by the first processing unit and the detection results of the plurality of sensors for the paper processed by the second processing unit. It is characterized by being provided with a control means for changing the control of.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform appropriate processing on paper by comparing the detection results of paper for each of a plurality of processing units by a plurality of sensor groups and changing the control of the processing unit based on the results. ..

The perspective view which shows schematic structure of the mobile MFP which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of the mobile MFP which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a mobile MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention in a printer mode. It is sectional drawing which shows schematic the internal structure in the scanner mode of the mobile MFP which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the copy control of the mobile MFP which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The figure which showed the positional relationship between the sensor group and the paper which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the list of the size determination of the paper based on the detection result of the sensor group which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which showed the positional relationship between a sensor group and a paper which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the copy control of the mobile MFP which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a mobile MFP according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a printer mode. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a mobile MFP according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a scanner mode. The figure which looked at the lid part which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention from the upper surface. The figure which showed the positional relationship between the sensor group and the paper which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an internal configuration of a mobile MFP according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention in a scanner mode.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the configurations described in the embodiments.

The mobile MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) according to the present embodiment can perform a plurality of processes typified by scanning and printing on paper as described in detail below.

<Structure explanation of mobile MFP>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a configuration of a mobile MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile MFP 100 includes a main body 101 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing, and the main body 101 is made of a metal such as aluminum or synthetic resin.

The main body 101 has an insertion port for scanned documents (hereinafter referred to as “scanner inlet”) 102 and a printing paper ejection port (hereinafter referred to as “printer outlet”) 103 in front of the main body 101 when viewed from the arrow in the drawing. Is provided. Here, the printer outlet 103 is arranged in front of the main body 101 below the scanner inlet 102.

Further, the main body 101 is formed with a recessed portion 104 on the upper surface when viewed from the arrow in the drawing.

The recessed portion 104 is provided with a scanning document ejection port (hereinafter referred to as “scanner outlet”) 105 and a printing paper insertion port (hereinafter referred to as “printer inlet”) 106. Further, the sensor group 202 (sensor 202a, sensor 202b, sensor 202c, sensor 202d) for detecting the ejected scanned document and the inserted printing paper is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the main body 101 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the "longitudinal direction". ) And on the opposite end of the platen roller 300 (see FIG. 3). Further, a scanner outlet lid 107 (lid member) that rotates around a rotation axis (hereinafter, simply referred to as “rotation axis”) along the longitudinal direction to open and close the scanner outlet 105 is arranged.

The scanner inlet 102, the printer outlet 103, the scanner outlet 105, and the printer inlet 106 open along the longitudinal direction. The opening positions of the printer outlet 103, the scanner outlet 105, and the printer inlet 106 are shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4 described later.

The main body 101 is provided with a USB terminal 108 and a DC power supply terminal 109 on the right side surface when viewed from the arrow in the drawing.

The USB terminal 108 is a connection terminal used when connecting to an external device via a USB cable.

The DC power supply terminal 109 is a connection terminal to which a power supply line for supplying power from a DC power supply to the scanner unit 201, the printer unit 203, and the battery 210, which will be described later, is connected.

The main body 101 is provided with a display 212 and an operation unit 221 on the upper surface when viewed from the arrow in the drawing. The display 212 displays information such as the status of the device. The operation unit 221 is composed of a switch, a touch panel, and the like, and receives an operation from the user.

<Explanation of block diagram>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile MFP 100 includes a control unit 200, a scanner unit 201 (processing unit), a printer unit 203 (processing unit), a motor 205, a sensor group 202, a Wi-Fi communication unit 206, a BT (Bluetooth (registered trademark)) communication unit 207, and the like. It includes a display 212, an operation unit 221 and a battery 210.

Further, the mobile MFP 100 is for connecting to a USB terminal 108 for connecting to an external information processing device (not shown) such as a PC, and an external power supply device (not shown) such as an AC adapter or a mobile battery. It includes a DC power supply terminal 109 and a memory terminal 208 for connecting to an external storage device such as an SD card or a USB memory.

In the present embodiment, the connection with the external information processing device is a USB interface, but a LAN or SCSI interface may also be used.

The control unit 200 stores data such as an SOC (System on Chip) 213 that controls control, calculation, and information transfer of the entire device, an I / F 214 that performs information communication with an external information processing device (not shown), and a program. It comprises a memory 215 such as a RAM and a ROM, and a charge controller 217 that controls voltage / current control necessary for charging the battery 210.

The scanner unit 201 reads an image from the scanned document and creates image data.

The printer unit 203 prints image data created by the scanner unit 201 and image data transferred from an external information processing device (not shown) on printing paper made of thermal paper.

The sensor group 202 detects the paper by reflecting the irradiation light from the light emitting element composed of LEDs or the like on the scanned document or the printing paper and receiving the light by the light receiving unit composed of the light receiving elements such as a phototransistor diode. Alternatively, an ultrasonic sensor may be used to transmit ultrasonic waves and receive the ultrasonic waves.

The motor 205 rotates and drives the platen roller 300, which will be described later, to convey the scanned document and the thermal paper.

<Explanation of internal configuration of mobile MFP>
3 and 4 are cross-sectional views schematically showing an internal configuration of the mobile MFP 100 according to the present embodiment. Both FIGS. 3 and 4 show a cross section of the mobile MFP 100 when viewed along the longitudinal direction.

Further, FIG. 3 shows a case where the mobile MFP 100 is in a printer mode, which is a mode for printing an image on printing paper, and FIG. 4 shows a case where the mobile MFP 100 is in a scanner mode, which reads an image from a scanned document. Shown.

The mobile MFP 100 has a battery 210 and a main PCB (printed circuit board) 301. The battery 210 is configured to be removable from the main body 101, and when attached to the main body 101, it is connected to the main PCB 301 to supply electric power to each component of the mobile MFP 100. Further, the battery 210 is charged by the main PCB 301 by the electric power supplied through the DC power supply terminal 109.

Further, the mobile MFP 100 has a scanner unit 201, a printer unit 203, a platen roller 300 (conveying roller), and a scanner outlet lid 107. The platen roller 300 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the scanner unit 201 and the printer unit 203. The scanner unit 201 is arranged above the platen roller 300, and the printer unit 203 is arranged below the platen roller 300.

The scanner unit 201 incorporates a general contact image sensor (CIS) including a general light source, a rod lens array, and a light receiving element (all not shown). An elastic member, for example, a leaf spring 303 is arranged above the scanner unit 201, and the leaf spring 303 urges the scanner unit 201 toward the platen roller 300.

The printer unit 203 has a thermal print head (not shown). The printer unit 203 has a flat plate shape arranged along the longitudinal direction, and a round bar-shaped support portion 304 arranged along the longitudinal direction is engaged with an end portion of the printer unit 203 near the center of the main body. To do. As a result, the printer unit 203 swings around the rotation axis around the support portion 304. Further, an elastic member, for example, a coil spring 305 is arranged below the printer unit 203, and the coil spring 305 urges the printer unit 203 toward the platen roller 300. The urging force of the coil spring 305 is larger than the urging force of the leaf spring 303.

The platen roller 300 is arranged along the longitudinal direction and rotates about a rotation axis by the driving force transmitted from the motor 205 by the gear train.

The recessed portion 104 has a slope 104a that is inclined toward the platen roller 300 and the printer unit 203 in the cross section of FIGS. 3 and 4. On the slope 104a, the sensor group 202 is arranged on the opposite side of the platen roller 300 in the transport direction. Further, in the recessed portion 104, the scanner outlet lid 107 is at a position where the scanner outlet 105 is closed (hereinafter, “closed position”) and a position where the scanner outlet 105 is opened and abuts on the slope 104a (hereinafter, “open position”). ) And move between.

When the scanner outlet lid 107 is located in the closed position, the slope 104a and the printer unit 203 and the platen roller 300 form a printer transport path 111 (see the broken line arrow in FIG. 3).

When the scanner outlet lid 107 is located in the open position, the surface (upper surface) of the scanner outlet lid 107 that abuts on the slope 104a and the space between the scanner unit 201 and the platen roller 300 form a scanner transport path 112 (FIG. FIG. 4 Refer to the broken arrow in the middle).

In the mobile MFP 100, the printing paper is conveyed along the printer transfer path 111 in the printer mode. Specifically, when the printing paper is loaded toward the slope 104a of the recessed portion 104, it passes between the printer unit 203 and the platen roller 300 via the printer inlet 106, and is discharged from the printer outlet 103.

Further, in the scanner mode, the scanned document is conveyed along the scanner transfer path 112. Specifically, the scanned document is inserted from the scanner inlet 102, passes between the scanner unit 201 and the platen roller 300, and is discharged from the scanner outlet 105 to the recessed portion 104 via the surface of the scanner outlet lid 107.

In the present embodiment, the opening and closing of the scanner outlet lid 107 is switched by the user's operation.

Both a part of the printer transfer path 111 and a part of the scanner transfer path 112 are in contact with the outer periphery of the platen roller 300. That is, a part of each of the printer transfer path 111 and the scanner transfer path 112 is arranged so as to be in contact with each other in order along the outer circumference of the platen roller 300.

In particular, the printer transfer path 111 and the scanner transfer path 112 are arranged so as to face each other with the platen roller 300 interposed therebetween. As a result, not only the printing paper on the printer transport path 111 but also the scanned document on the scanner transport path 112 can be transported by one platen roller 300.

As a result, in the mobile MFP 100, the number of platen rollers can be reduced, and thus the mobile MFP 100 can be miniaturized.

Further, in the mobile MFP 100, the printing paper and the scanned document are conveyed in substantially opposite directions to each other in the printer conveying path 111 and the scanner conveying path 112 facing each other with the platen roller 300 interposed therebetween.

That is, simply by rotating the platen roller 300 in one direction, it is possible to transfer the printing paper on the printer transfer path 111 and transfer the scanned document on the scanner transfer path 112.

As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need to provide the reverse rotation mechanism of the platen roller 300, simplify the configuration of the mobile MFP 100, and further reduce the size of the mobile MFP 100. The platen roller 300 may be configured to be rotatable in the reverse direction.

<With paper / Paper size detection>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sensor group and the paper according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 shows a list of determination of paper size and paper loading based on the detection result of the sensor group according to the present embodiment. It is a figure.

The sensor group 202 provided along the longitudinal direction of the main body 101 is the length from the sensor 202b to the sensor 202c so that the length (width) from the sensor 202a to the sensor 202d is the horizontal width (210 mm) of the A4 size. The sensor (width) is arranged so as to have a horizontal width (148 mm) of A5 size.

Further, the sensor 202a and the sensor 202d, and the sensor 202b and the sensor 202c are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central portion of the recessed portion 104 as an axis.

In the present embodiment, there are four size determinations from the combination of the detection results of the sensor group 202. The first is the case where the sensor 202a, the sensor 202b, the sensor 202c, and the sensor 202d are not detected, that is, the paper is not placed in the recess 104, so that it is determined that there is no paper.

The second is the case where the sensor 202a, the sensor 202b, the sensor 202c, and the sensor 202d are all detected, and it is determined that the A4 size paper is placed.

The third is the case where the sensor 202a and the sensor 202d do not detect the sensor 202b and the sensor 202c, and it is determined that the A5 size paper is placed.

The fourth is the case of other detection results, in which the paper is placed in the recessed portion 104, but the size is other than the preset corresponding size, and it is determined as an error.

<Detection of skew>
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sensor group according to the present embodiment and the skewed paper.

Skew is to detect a state in which the sheet is fed while being tilted by a specified amount or more. If the sheet is transported in an oblique position, the front and rear edges of the sheet may be cut off, resulting in unreadable or unprintable parts. In addition, the corners of the sheet may collide with the side wall forming the end of the transport path to damage the sheet. In the present embodiment, skew is detected in order to prevent these.

FIG. 8A is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sensor group 202 and the skewed paper (A4 size) in the printer mode. In the printer mode, the printing paper is loaded toward the slope 104a of the recessed portion 104, passes between the printer unit 203 and the platen roller 300 via the printer inlet 106, and is discharged from the printer outlet 103.

When the printing paper is skewed, for example, FIG. 8A, the paper is removed from the detection area of either the sensor 202a or the sensor 202d due to the skewing. More specifically, FIG. 8A shows a state in which the paper is removed from the detection area of the sensor 202a, which has detected the paper at the start of paper feeding. At the rear edge of the paper, the paper is removed from the detection areas of all the sensors. In this way, when the paper is removed from the detection area of the sensor that previously detected the paper before reaching the rear edge, other sensors detect it. The timing when the paper comes off from the sensor will be widened. In this way, when the difference t1 between the timings at which the sensors 202a and the sensor 202d are not detected is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the sensor is skewed.

FIG. 8B is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sensor group 202 and the skewed paper (A4 size) in the scan mode. In the scan mode, the scanned document is inserted from the scanner inlet 102, passes between the scanner unit 201 and the platen roller 300, and is discharged from the scanner outlet 105 to the recessed portion 104 via the surface of the scanner outlet lid 107.

When the scanned document is skewed, either the sensor 202a or the sensor 202d detects the paper first (sensor 202a in FIG. 8A). When the difference t2 between the detection timings of the sensor 202a and the sensor 202d is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined to be skewed.

<Copy control processing procedure>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of copy control of the mobile MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The mobile MFP 100, which has received an image reading instruction by an external information processing device (not shown) or a user operation from the operation unit 221 in step S501, starts the image reading process in the next step S502.

In step S502, the mobile MFP 100 drives the motor 205 to start conveying the scanned document, and the scanner unit 201 starts scanning the image. When the image reading is started, it is determined in the next step S503 whether skew is detected.

When the mobile MFP 100 detects skew in step S503, in step S504, error processing (stop image reading, ejecting the conveyed paper, etc.) is executed based on the abnormality information. Then, in step S501, the image reading instruction is awaited.

If the mobile MFP 100 does not detect skew in step S503, in step S505, it is determined whether the scanned document has been conveyed and the image scanning is completed.

If the mobile MFP 100 has not completed image reading in step S505, the process returns to step S503 to determine whether skew is detected.

When the mobile MFP 100 has completed image scanning in step S505, the paper size of the scanned document in the recessed portion 104 is detected in step S506.

When the mobile MFP 100 detects the paper size of the scanned document in step S506, it determines whether the scanned document has been removed in step S507, and waits for the set of scanned documents to be removed. In the present embodiment, when all the sensor groups 202 are in the state of no paper, it is determined that the scanned document has been removed.

When the mobile MFP 100 determines in step S507 that the scanned document has been removed, it waits for a print instruction in step S508.

In step S508, when the mobile MFP 100 receives a printing instruction on the thermal paper by an external information processing device (not shown), user operation from the operation unit 221 or automatic detection using some kind of sensor, in step S509. The paper size of the thermal paper in the recessed portion 104 is detected.

When the mobile MFP 100 detects the paper size of the thermal paper in step S509, is the paper size of the scanned document detected in step S506 and the paper size of the thermal paper detected in step S509 the same in step S510? To judge.

If it is determined in step S510 that the paper size of the scanned document and the thermal paper are not the same, the mobile MFP 100 executes an error process (confirmation of release of the document set, etc.) based on the abnormality information in step S511. Then, in step S508, the print instruction is awaited.

When the mobile MFP 100 determines in step S510 that the paper size of the scanned document and the thermal paper are the same, the printing process is started in the next step S512.

In step S512, the mobile MFP 100 drives the motor 205 to start conveying the thermal paper, and the printer unit 203 starts printing using the image data of the scanned document performed in step S502 and subsequent steps. When printing is started, it is determined in the next step S513 whether or not skew is detected.

When the mobile MFP 100 detects skew in step S513, it executes error processing (stopping printing processing, ejecting conveyed paper, etc.) based on the abnormality information in step S514. Then, in step S508, the print instruction is awaited.

If the mobile MFP 100 does not detect skew in step S513, it is determined in step S515 that the thermal paper has been conveyed and printing is completed.

In step S515, if printing is not completed, the mobile MFP 100 returns to step S513 and determines whether or not skew is detected.

In step S515, when the mobile MFP 100 has completed printing, all the processes are completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in a portable multifunction device that does not have a paper storage unit for the scanned document / thermal paper, the user can compare the detection results of the paper size of the scanned document / thermal paper by the sensor group. It is not necessary to confirm that the original and thermal paper are the same size. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of setting the scanned original and the thermal paper.

Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to detect that the paper is skewed by using the sensor group used for detecting the scanned document / thermal paper. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the scanned document / thermal paper from being conveyed in an oblique manner, and to prevent the occurrence of a portion where the scanned document cannot be read or the thermal paper cannot be printed and the damage to the scanned document / thermal paper. it can.

Further, in the present embodiment, if the paper sizes of the scanned document and the thermal paper are different, the printing process is not performed. Therefore, if the paper size of the heat-sensitive paper is different from that of the scanned original, only a part of the image generated when the paper size of the scanned original is larger than the paper size of the heat-sensitive paper can be printed, or , It is possible to prevent printing by leaving a large margin that occurs when the paper size of the scanned original is smaller than the paper size of the heat-sensitive paper.

(Second Embodiment)
In addition to the first embodiment, the mobile MFP 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention starts printing using the sensor group without waiting for a printing instruction, and processes when the paper size of the scanned document and the thermal paper are different. Was done.

The configuration, block diagram, paper size detection, and skew detection of the mobile MFP 100 in the present embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. Only the part whose operation is different from the copy control procedure of the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of copy control of the mobile MFP according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The flow of image reading up to step S507 is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the illustration is omitted. Further, the same step number is used for the same operation as the float described with reference to FIG.

When the mobile MFP 100 determines in step S507 that the scanned document has been removed, it waits for the thermal paper to be set in step S601.

When the mobile MFP 100 detects that the user has set the thermal paper by the sensor group 202 in step S601, the paper size of the scanned document detected in step S506 and the thermal paper detected in step S601 in step S510. Determine if the paper sizes are the same.

If the mobile MFP 100 determines in step S510 that the paper sizes of the scanned document and the thermal paper are not the same, in step S602, the image data of the scanned document is enlarged or reduced to match the paper size of the thermal paper, and the next step is performed. The printing process is started in step S512.

If the mobile MFP 100 determines in step S510 that the paper size of the scanned document and the thermal paper are the same, the printing process is started as it is in the next step S512.

Since the printing process after step S512 is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the paper size of the thermal paper is set differently from that of the scanned document, the image data of the scanned document is adjusted so as to match the paper size of the thermal paper. As a result, it is possible to prevent printing in which only a part of the image generated when the scanned document is larger can be printed, and a large margin is left when the paper size of the scanned document is smaller than the paper size of the thermal paper. ..

In addition, in a portable multifunction device that does not have a paper storage unit for scanned originals and thermal paper, printing is automatically started by detecting the paper size of the thermal paper by the sensor group, so the user needs to give a separate printing instruction. It disappears. Therefore, the user's trouble at the time of copying can be saved.

(Third Embodiment)
The mobile MFP 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention moves the position of the sensor group 202 to the platen roller 300 side from the first or second embodiment, improves the detection sensitivity of skew detection, and reads the original and the thermal paper. This allows the user to check whether the settings have been made correctly.

In the block diagram, paper size detection, and skew detection of the mobile MFP 100 in this embodiment, the control flow of the copying process is the same as that in the first or second embodiment. Only the sensor group 202 and the scanner outlet lid 107 having different configurations from those of the first or second embodiment will be described.

10 and 11 are cross-sectional views schematically showing an internal configuration of the mobile MFP 100 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Further, FIG. 12 is a view of the lid portion of the scanner outlet lid 107 according to the third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above.

The recessed portion 104 is provided with a scanner outlet 105 and a printer inlet 106.

Further, the sensor group 202 (sensor 202a, sensor 202b, sensor 202c, sensor 202d) for detecting the ejected scanned document and the inserted printing paper is referred to as the longitudinal direction of the main body 101 (hereinafter, simply referred to as the "longitudinal direction". ), And is provided on the side of the platen roller 300 in the recessed portion 104.

Further, a scanner outlet lid 107 (lid member) that rotates around a rotation axis (hereinafter, simply referred to as “rotation axis”) along the longitudinal direction to open and close the scanner outlet 105 is arranged.

When the scanner outlet lid 107 is located in the closed position, the printer transport path 111 is formed between the slope 104a and the printer unit 203 and the platen roller 300. (See the dashed arrow in Fig. 10)

When the scanner outlet lid 107 is located in the open position, the scanner transport path 112 is formed between the surface (upper surface) of the scanner outlet lid 107 that abuts on the slope 104a and between the scanner unit 201 and the platen roller 300. (See the broken line arrow in FIG. 11) Here, the scanner outlet lid 107 is provided with a through hole 107d so as not to interfere with the output (light, ultrasonic waves, etc.) from the sensor 202 group. As a result, the scanned document transported on the scanner transport path 112 can be detected.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the sensor group and the paper according to the present embodiment.

In the arrangement of the sensor group in the first embodiment, it is not possible to detect whether or not the printing paper can be set without skewing when the printing paper is set, but in the arrangement in the third embodiment, the printing paper is set. It is possible to detect whether the setting was possible without skewing.

This is because by arranging the sensor group 202 on the side of the platen roller 300, changes in the vicinity of the rollers can be detected in more detail.

Further, even in the skewing in the scanner mode and the printer mode, the main cause of the skewing is the elastic members (leaf spring 303, coil spring 305) that urge the platen roller 300 and the platen roller 300 in the longitudinal direction. It occurs when it becomes imbalanced. Therefore, by arranging the sensor group 202 on the side of the platen roller 300, it is possible to detect the skew with good responsiveness immediately after the occurrence of the skew.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the sensor group 202 for detecting skew, paper presence, and paper size is arranged in the vicinity of the platen roller 300, which is a transport roller, and the scanner outlet lid 107 for opening and closing the scanner outlet is a sensor. By providing the through hole 107d so as not to block the optical path of the group 202, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of skew, with paper, and paper size. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent poor transport of the scanned document / thermal paper.

(Fourth Embodiment)
In the mobile MFP 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the recessed portion 104 is commonly used as a paper insertion slot from the first, second, or third embodiment.

The block diagram, paper size detection, skew detection, and copy processing control flow of the mobile MFP 100 in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the first or second embodiment. Only the transport flow having a configuration different from that of the second embodiment will be described.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the internal configuration of the mobile MFP 100 according to the present embodiment in the scanner mode.

In the scanner mode, the platen roller 300 is rotated in the direction opposite to that in the printer mode by a reverse rotation mechanism (not shown) including the reverse rotation of the motor 205. Since the scanner outlet lid 107 is in the open position and is retracted from the printer unit 203 platen roller 300, the load does not increase due to the reverse rotation of the platen roller 300.

When the scanned document is loaded toward the slope 104a of the recessed portion 104, it passes between the scanner unit 201 and the platen roller 300 via the scanner inlet 102'and is ejected from the scanner outlet 105'.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the scanned document can also be set on the slope 104a of the recessed portion 104. This makes it easier to set the paper, and it is possible to prevent defective transport of the scanned document / thermal paper due to a user setting error. However, by rotating the platen roller 300 in the reverse direction so that the printing paper and the scanned document are conveyed in the same direction, the apparatus may become complicated and large, but the paper setting position is in the scanner mode. It becomes common with the printer mode, and operability is improved.

In summary, the mobile MFP 100 according to the present invention
Multiple transport paths (111, 112) for transporting paper,
A plurality of processing units (201, 203) that process one sheet at a time corresponding to each of the plurality of transport paths.
A plurality of sensors (202a, 202b, 202c, 202d) arranged in the width direction orthogonal to the transport direction so as to be able to detect the paper on the plurality of transport paths, and
Based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors for the paper processed by the first processing unit (201) and the detection results of the plurality of sensors for the paper processed by the second processing unit (203). A control means (200) for changing the control of the second processing unit is provided.

According to this configuration, a sensor group composed of a plurality of sensors compares the detection results of the paper for each of a plurality of processing units, and changes the control of the processing unit based on the results to perform appropriate processing for the paper. Can be applied.

The control means determines the size of the paper based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors, and determines the size of the paper processed by the first processing unit and the size of the paper processed by the second processing unit. It is preferable to change the control of the second processing unit based on the comparison result.

As a result, the difference in paper size for each processing unit can be determined, and processing can be performed according to the difference, so that it is not necessary for the user to confirm that the same size is set on the scanned original and the printing paper. Therefore, it is possible to save the trouble of setting the scanned document and the printing paper.

Further, it is preferable to provide a paper detecting means for detecting the skew of the paper based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors.

As a result, it is possible to prevent the paper from being conveyed while being skewed, and it is possible to prevent the processing of the paper from failing and the paper from being damaged.

Further, when the paper size is different depending on the comparison result between the size of the paper processed by the first processing unit and the size of the paper processed by the second processing unit, the control means said. It is preferable not to perform processing by the second processing unit.

As a result, it is possible to prevent that correct processing cannot be performed when different papers are set for each of a plurality of processing units.

Further, when the paper size is different depending on the comparison result between the size of the paper processed by the first processing unit and the size of the paper processed by the second processing unit, the control means said. It is preferable to perform the processing by the second processing unit according to the paper size processed by the first processing unit.

As a result, the correct processing can be performed by adjusting the paper size in the processing of the second processing unit by enlarging or reducing the paper size of the paper processed by the first processing unit.

Further, it is preferable that the control means executes the process by the second processing unit when the sensor detects the paper after executing the process by the first processing unit.

As a result, it is not necessary for the user to give an instruction to execute the process by the second processing unit after the process is executed in the first processing unit, and the user's labor can be saved.

In addition, it is equipped with a switching member that switches the transport path for transporting paper.
It is preferable that the processing is performed by one of the plurality of processing units, which is switched by the switching member and corresponds to the transport path through which the paper is transported.

As a result, by switching the transport path for transporting the paper by the switching member, the processing by the processing unit corresponding to the transport path is executed, so that it is not necessary to specify the processing unit, which saves the user's trouble. Can be done.

Further, the plurality of sensors are arranged in the vicinity of a transport roller that transports the paper along the transport path.
The switching member can be switched to a position facing the plurality of sensors, and it is preferable that the switching member has a through hole at the facing position so as not to interfere with the detection of the paper by the plurality of sensors.

As a result, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of skewing, presence of paper, and paper size, and it is possible to further prevent poor paper transport.

In addition, the portable multifunction device has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing and
It is provided with a recess for inserting paper having a slope inclined toward the transport roller.
It is preferable that the paper insertion openings corresponding to the plurality of processing units are commonly provided in the recessed portion.

This makes it easier to set the paper in any process, and it is possible to prevent poor paper transport due to a user setting error.

100 Mobile MFP
101 Main unit 102 Scanner inlet 102'Scanner inlet 103 Printer outlet 104 Indentation 104a Slope 105 Scanner outlet 105'Scanner outlet 106 Printer inlet 107 Scanner outlet lid 107a Protrusion 107d Through hole 108 USB terminal 109 DC power supply terminal 111 Printer transport path 112 Scanner Transport path 201 Scanner unit 202 Sensor group 202a Detection sensor 202b Detection sensor 202c Detection sensor 202d Detection sensor 203 Printer unit 205 Motor 221 Operation unit 300 Platen roller 302 Hinge 303 Leaf spring 304 Support unit 305 Coil spring

Claims (9)

Multiple transport paths for transporting paper and
A plurality of processing units that process paper one by one corresponding to each of the plurality of transport paths, and
A plurality of sensors arranged in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction so as to be able to detect the paper on the plurality of transport paths, and
The second processing unit is based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors for the paper processed by the first processing unit and the detection results of the plurality of sensors for the paper processed by the second processing unit. A portable multifunction device equipped with a control means for changing the control of the paper. The control means determines the size of the paper based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors, and determines the size of the paper processed by the first processing unit and the size of the paper processed by the second processing unit. The portable multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the control of the second processing unit is changed based on the comparison result. The portable multifunction device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a paper detecting means for detecting skew of paper based on the detection results of the plurality of sensors. The second control means is used when the paper size is different depending on the result of comparison between the size of the paper processed by the first processing unit and the size of the paper processed by the second processing unit. The portable multifunction device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processing is not performed by the processing unit of the above. When the paper size is different depending on the comparison result between the size of the paper processed by the first processing unit and the size of the paper processed by the second processing unit, the control means is said to be the first. The portable multifunction device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the processing is performed by the second processing unit according to the paper size processed by the processing unit. Any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means executes the processing by the second processing unit when the sensor detects the paper after executing the processing by the first processing unit. The portable multifunction device described in the section. Equipped with a switching member that switches the transport path for transporting paper
Any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processing is performed by one of the plurality of processing units, which is switched by the switching member and corresponds to the transport path through which the paper is transported. The portable multifunction device described in. The plurality of sensors are arranged in the vicinity of a transport roller that transports the paper along the transport path.
7. The switching member is capable of switching to a position facing the plurality of sensors, and has a through hole at the facing position so as not to interfere with the detection of paper by the plurality of sensors. The portable multifunction device described in. The portable multifunction device has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing and
It is provided with a recess portion that forms the transport path by a slope that is inclined toward the plurality of processing units.
The portable multifunction device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a paper insertion slot corresponding to the plurality of processing units is commonly provided in the recessed portion.

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