Business machine with media quantity sensing function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-function printer with a function of sensing the number of media, comprising a machine body, a stopper assembly, a supply tray and a sensor assembly. The stopper assembly is installed in the machine body. The supply tray is accommodated in the machine body and comprises a base and a frame. The frame is elastically pivoted to the base, carries a plurality of media and presses the media toward the stopper assembly so that the media contacts the stopper assembly. The sensor assembly is installed in the machine body and is used to detect the position state of the frame to obtain a sensing signal corresponding to the number of media.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a business machine with a media quantity sensing function, and in particular to a business machine that can sense the amount of media rather than the presence or absence of media. Background Art

[0002] For example, traditional printers such as laser printers and inkjet printers print data on paper. When the paper runs out, the printer will send a paper out message, asking the user to add paper before continuing to print. This sensing method sets a micro switch on the paper tray, and the paper presses the micro switch, which presents a state of paper. When the paper runs out, there is no paper to press the micro switch, so it presents a state of paper out.

[0003] The above-mentioned sensing method can only sense the presence or absence of paper, but cannot sense the amount of paper, such as high paper amount, medium paper amount and low paper amount, so that users have different corresponding methods.

[0004] Although sensors can be used to detect the height of the paper stack and then the number of papers, the wiring of this design is complicated. Because the number of papers will gradually decrease, a complex paper picking mechanism is required to meet the paper picking function for various paper quantities, such as using a paper picking roller (to pick up the paper downward) or an active temporary lifting mechanism (to temporarily lift the paper upward). A motor and control logic are required to temporarily push the paper to the paper picking roller, making the printer design more complicated and increasing the cost. Summary of the invention

[0005] To solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a multi-function printer that realizes the function of sensing the number of media by sensing the position state of the frame of the supply tray, and can provide the function of sensing the number of media for multi-function printers with a continuous media lifting mechanism.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a business machine with a media quantity sensing function, comprising a machine body, a stopper assembly, a supply tray and a sensor assembly. The stopper assembly is installed in the machine body. The supply tray is accommodated in the machine body and comprises a base and a frame. The frame is elastically pivoted to the base, carries a plurality of media and pressurizes the media toward the stopper assembly so that the media contacts the stopper assembly. The sensor assembly is installed in the machine body and is used to detect the position state of the frame to obtain a sensing signal corresponding to the number of media.

[0007] Through the above-mentioned embodiments, the position state of the frame of the MFP supply tray can be sensed to realize the media quantity sensing function of the MFP. By using a contact swing arm that contacts the frame or a non-contact sensor that does not contact the frame, the media quantity sensing function can be provided for a MFP with a media continuous lifting mechanism, which has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.

[0008] In order to make the above contents of the present invention more clearly understood, preferred embodiments are given below with reference to the accompanying drawings for detailed description as follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The specific implementation modes of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a multi-function printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram showing a multi-function printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] Figure 3 A perspective view showing an implementation of an executable media quantity sensing function;

[0013] Figure 4A , 4B , 5A and 5B display Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of various embodiments;

[0014] Figure 6 to Figure 7 A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram showing another implementation of a multi-function printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 8 show Figure 6 An enlarged view of the sensor assembly;

[0016] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 show Figure 6 There are two states when the business machine performs the media quantity sensing function.

[0017] Component number description

[0018] M: Media;

[0019] 10: body;

[0020] 11: first receiving groove;

[0021] 12: second receiving groove;

[0022] 13: First channel;

[0023] 14: Second channel;

[0024] 20: stopper assembly;

[0025] 30: supply box;

[0026] 31: pivoting portion;

[0027] 32: base;

[0028] 34: frame;

[0029] 34A: free end;

[0030] 34C: vertical baffle;

[0031] 40, 40: sensor assembly;

[0032] 41: Circuit board;

[0033] 41A: first circuit board;

[0034] 41B: second circuit board;

[0035] 42, 43: sensor;

[0036] 44: arm swing;

[0037] 44A, 44B: trigger structure;

[0038] 44C: base;

[0039] 44D: Pivot;

[0040] 45: Transmitter;

[0041] 46: Receiver;

[0042] 47: transceiver;

[0043] 50: elastic component;

[0044] 60: Printing module;

[0045] 100: Office printer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification. Although the description of the present invention will be introduced in conjunction with the preferred embodiment, this does not mean that the features of this invention are limited to this implementation. On the contrary, the purpose of introducing the invention in conjunction with the implementation is to cover other options or modifications that may be extended based on the claims of the present invention. In order to provide a deep understanding of the present invention, the following description will include many specific details. The present invention can also be implemented without using these details. In addition, in order to avoid confusion or blurring the focus of the present invention, some specific details will be omitted in the description.

[0047] The MFP with a media quantity sensing function provided by the embodiment of the present invention senses the approximate or exact quantity of media, such as 5, 10, 20, 40 sheets of media, etc., rather than sensing the presence or absence of media.

[0048] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a multi-function printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram of a multi-function printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the MFP 100 with a media quantity sensing function of the present invention comprises a body 10 , a stopper assembly 20 , a supply tray 30 and a sensor assembly 40 .

[0049] The stopper assembly 20 is installed in the machine body 10. The supply tray 30 is accommodated in the machine body 10 and includes a base 32 and a frame 34. The frame 34 is elastically pivoted to the base 32 (for example, pivoted to the pivoting portion 31, also refer to Figure 6 ), the frame 34 carries a plurality of media M and presses the media M toward the stopper assembly 20 so that the media M contacts the stopper assembly 20. The media M may be paper, photos, slides, etc. For example, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, the MFP 100 may further include an elastic component 50 connected to the base 32 and the frame 34 to pressurize the media M on the frame 34 toward the stopper component 20. The elastic component 50 may be a compression / tension spring or a torsion spring.

[0050] The sensor component 40 is installed on the body 10 to detect the position state of the frame 34 (for example, the height position of one part of the frame 34, or the angle between the frame 34 and the base 32 (for example, a rotation angle sensor is used as a sensor component to sense the rotation angle of the pivot axis of the frame 34 or the base 32) to obtain a sensing signal corresponding to the number of media M.

[0051] In this embodiment, the stopper assembly 20 is a roller, and the roller contacts the medium M and feeds one of the media M that is in direct contact with the roller. In addition, the MFP 100 is a printer, so it also includes a printing module 60 to print data on the medium M fed by the roller. However, in other embodiments, it can also be a scanner, a copier, or a fax machine.

[0052] Figure 3 A perspective view showing an implementation that can perform a media quantity sensing function. Figure 4A , 4B , 5A and 5B display Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of various embodiments. Figure 3 and Figure 4A As shown, the sensor assembly 40 includes a first circuit board 41A, a second circuit board 41B, a plurality of transmitters 45 and a plurality of receivers 46. The first circuit board 41A and the second circuit board 41B are fixed on the body 10 facing each other, for example, they are respectively arranged in the first receiving groove 11 and the second receiving groove 12 of the body 10, that is, the sensor assembly 40 is installed in the first receiving groove 11 and the second receiving groove 12. In addition to accommodating the first circuit board 41A and the transmitter 45, the first receiving groove 11 also provides a first channel 13 for the signal to pass through. In addition to accommodating the second circuit board 41B and the receiver 46, the second receiving groove 12 also provides a second channel 14 for the signal to pass through. The arrangement of the receiving groove can protect the circuit board, the transmitter and the receiver, and at the same time can provide a positioning function for easy installation, and there is no need to manually align the transmitter and the receiver during installation. The free end 34A of the frame 34 can be moved between the first circuit board 41A and the second circuit board 41B. The transmitter 45 is fixed on the first circuit board 41A. The receiver 46 is fixed on the second circuit board 41B and is opposite to the transmitter 45. The free end 34A of the frame 34 (or the medium M included) generates a sensing signal by not blocking or blocking the transmission signal of the transmitter 45, so that the receiver 46 receives or fails to receive the corresponding transmission signal (when a certain amount of paper is left (for example, about 30 to 50 sheets), the free end of the frame will rise above the transmitter / receiver, and the transmitter is not blocked at this time, so the receiver can receive the transmission signal). It is worth noting that a single receiver 46 and a single transmitter 45 can also achieve the functions of this embodiment. Figure 4B Similar to Figure 4A , the difference is that the first circuit board 41A and the second circuit board 41B are fixed on the body 10 facing each other, and are not located in the receiving groove.

[0053] like Figure 3 and Figure 5A As shown, the sensor assembly 40 includes a circuit board 41 and a plurality of transceivers 47. The circuit board 41 is fixed to the body 10 in a manner similar to Figure 4AThe transceiver 47 is fixed on the circuit board 41 and detects the position of the free end 34A of the frame 34 to generate a sensing signal. Therefore, the transceiver 47 located on one side of the free end 34A can realize the function of sensing the number of media, and only a single transceiver 47 can be provided on the same circuit board 41. In addition, the single or multiple transceivers located on both sides of the free end 34A can also be staggered in the vertical direction, so that the four levels of the free end 34A can be sensed to obtain four types of media quantity information. Figure 5B As shown, the sensor assembly 40 includes a circuit board 41, a transmitter 45 and a receiver 46. The transmitter 45 and the receiver 46 are fixed on the circuit board 41, and the two can be integrated into a transceiver. A vertical baffle 34C is fixed on the free end 34A. The vertical baffle 34C reflects the transmission signal emitted by the transmitter 45 of the sensor assembly 40 so that the receiver 46 of the sensor assembly 40 receives it, thereby realizing the function of sensing the number of media. The vertical baffle can also be used to fix the position of the media M so that these media M can be aligned. It is worth noting that the sensor assembly 40 can also be as Figure 5A The accommodating groove 11 is installed in a manner.

[0054] Figure 6 to Figure 7 A partial three-dimensional schematic diagram showing another implementation of a multi-function printer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 show Figure 6 A magnified view of the sensor assembly. Figure 8 and Figure 6 to Figure 7As shown, the sensor assembly 40 includes a circuit board 41, a plurality of sensors 42, 43 and a swing arm 44. The circuit board 41 is fixed on the body 10. The sensors 42, 43 are fixed on the circuit board 41. The swing arm 44 is rotatably mounted on the body 10 and contacts the frame 34, for example, contacts the free end 34A, so that the frame 34 directly applies a thrust to the swing arm 44. The swing arm 44 does not directly contact the medium M. The swing arm 44 includes trigger structures 44A, 44B, which correspondingly trigger one or more sensors 42, 43 to generate a sensing signal. It is worth noting that only one sensor and one trigger structure can also achieve the effect of this embodiment. In addition, the swing arm 44 can also include a base 44C and a pivot 44D. The shape of the base 44C is similar to a fan. The pivot 44D is connected to one end of the base 44C and is rotatably mounted on the body 10. In this embodiment, the trigger structures 44A and 44B are presented in the form of arc-shaped retaining walls, which are upright on the base 44C, and the central axis of each arc-shaped retaining wall is located on the pivot 44D. The swing arm 44 can be integrally formed by plastic injection molding. The sensors 42 and 43 are transceivers, which have the function of transmitting and receiving signals. In this embodiment, the arc lengths of the trigger structures 44A and 44B are different, which are used to provide sensing of different media quantity intervals. Each sensor has a state of being blocked and not blocked by the trigger structure, and can be combined to correspond to four states of four different media quantities.

[0055] In one embodiment, when the trigger structures 44B and 44A do not block the sensors 43 and 42 respectively, a first state is presented, which corresponds to a state in which the number of media is large (e.g., 50 sheets). When the trigger structure 44B blocks the sensor 43 and the trigger structure 44A does not block the sensor 42, a second state is presented, which corresponds to a state in which the number of media is medium (e.g., 20 sheets). When the trigger structure 44B blocks the sensor 43 and the trigger structure 44A also blocks the sensor 42, a third state is presented, which corresponds to a state in which the number of media is small (e.g., 5 sheets). Through the above description, the media quantity sensing function can be implemented, allowing the user to respond in advance based on the result. For example, if the user needs to print 20 sheets of media, but there are only 5 sheets of media left, then for the sake of media consistency, the user can replace a new batch of media to avoid inconsistent problems such as color difference in the printed results.

[0056] It is worth noting that the circuit board 41 is not a necessary component, so the sensors 42 and 43 can also be fixed on the body 10.

[0057] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 show Figure 6 There are two states when the business machine performs the media quantity sensing function. Fig. 9 and Fig.10As shown, since the bottom of the supply box 30 has a continuous lifting mechanism (not a temporary lifting mechanism driven by a motor), the media M and the stopper assembly 20 are always in contact, so the number of media cannot be detected by detecting the height position of the uppermost media M. In this embodiment, the swing arm 44 is in direct contact with the frame 34 instead of the media M. The function of detecting the number of media can be achieved by detecting the height of the predetermined position of the frame 34 (equivalent to the angle between the frame 34 and the base 32). Fig. 9 The number of media Fig.10 Even if the number of media is large, the frame 34 can push the topmost media M to the stop assembly 20 to facilitate feeding the media M into, for example, a printing channel.

[0058] Through the above-mentioned embodiments, the position state of the frame of the MFP supply tray can be sensed to realize the media quantity sensing function of the MFP. By using a contact swing arm that contacts the frame or a non-contact sensor that does not contact the frame, the media quantity sensing function can be provided for a MFP with a media continuous lifting mechanism, which has the advantages of simple structure and low cost.

[0059] In summary, the above embodiments provided by the present invention are only illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone familiar with the technology may modify or change the above embodiments without violating the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field without departing from the spirit and technical ideas disclosed by the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A business machine with a media quantity sensing function, characterized in that: Include: Body; A stopper assembly is installed in the machine body; A supply box is contained in the machine body, the supply box comprises a base and a frame, the frame is elastically pivoted to the base, the frame carries a plurality of media and presses the media toward the stopper assembly so that the media contacts the stopper assembly; and A sensor assembly, installed in the body, for detecting the position state of the frame to obtain a sensing signal corresponding to the amount of the media; The sensor assembly includes one or more sensors; and A swing arm is rotatably mounted on the machine body and in contact with the frame, wherein the swing arm comprises one or more trigger structures, which correspondingly trigger the one or more sensors to generate the sensing signal; wherein The swing arm also includes: substrate; and A pivot connected to one end of the base, the pivot being rotatably mounted on the body, wherein: The one or more trigger structures are one or more arc-shaped retaining walls, which are upright on the base, and the central axis of the arc-shaped retaining wall or each of the arc-shaped retaining walls is located on the pivot.

2. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor assembly further comprises: A circuit board is fixed on the body; The one or more sensors are fixed on the circuit board.

3. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein: wherein one or more sensors in the sensor assembly are fixed to the body; and The swing arm is rotatably mounted on the machine body and in contact with the frame body. The swing arm includes one or more trigger structures, which correspondingly trigger the one or more sensors to generate the sensing signal.

4. The multi-function printer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The swing arm further comprises: substrate; and A pivot connected to one end of the base, the pivot being rotatably mounted on the body, wherein: The one or more trigger structures are one or more arc-shaped retaining walls, which are upright on the base, and the central axis of the arc-shaped retaining wall or each of the arc-shaped retaining walls is located on the pivot.

5. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor assembly comprises: A first circuit board and a second circuit board are fixed on the body facing each other, and a free end of the frame body can be moved between the first circuit board and the second circuit board; one or more transmitters fixed on the first circuit board; and One or more receivers are fixed on the second circuit board and opposite to the one or more transmitters. The free end of the frame generates the sensing signal by not blocking or blocking one or more transmission signals of the one or more transmitters, so that the one or more receivers receive or fail to receive the corresponding one or more transmission signals.

6. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor assembly comprises: A circuit board is fixed on the body; and One or more transceivers are fixed on the circuit board and detect the position of the free end of the frame to generate the sensing signal.

7. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein: The stopper component is a roller, and the roller contacts the media to feed one of the media that is in direct contact with the roller.

8. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor assembly is installed in one or more receiving grooves of the body.

9. The multi-function printer according to claim 1, wherein: A vertical baffle is installed at the free end of the frame, and the vertical baffle reflects the transmission signal of the sensor component to the sensor component for reception.

Images