Multifunctional office equipment and its operating method

Abstract

This invention provides a multi-functional office machine and a method for operating it, which combines automatic printing and automatic shredding functions. [Solution] The device body has a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage. The second passage is connected to the first passage and forms a circuit with a part of the first passage. The third passage is connected to the second passage. A switch is provided at the intersection of the second passage and the third passage. A first drive roller assembly is arranged in the first passage and the second passage, respectively. The printing module is located in the first passage. The shredding module is located below the first and second passages. The third passage extends from the second passage to the shredding module. The control module is electrically connected to the switch, the first drive roller assembly, the printing module, and the shredding module. The operating method of the multi-functional office machine is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-functional office machine and an operation method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] A printer or an office machine having a printing function has already become an essential functional facility in current word processing or offices. However, if unprinted documents or expired documents are not processed, it is easy to cause leakage of corporate secrets or privacy. Therefore, in existing office facilities, it is necessary to shred paper files discarded using a dedicated shredder. For this reason, printing equipment and shredders are playing an increasingly important role in offices.

[0003] However, not all offices have sufficient space to install the required number of printing equipment and shredders. At the same time, in the operation of existing shredders, it is still necessary to manually feed paper one by one. For this reason, how to provide an office facility that combines a printing function and a shredding function is an issue that those skilled in the art should consider.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a multi-functional office machine and an operation method thereof that combine an automatic printing function and an automatic shredding function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional office machine includes a main unit, a switch, a plurality of first drive roller sets, a printing module, a shredding module, and a control module. The main unit has a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage. The second passage is connected to the first passage and forms a circuit with a part of the first passage. The third passage is connected to the second passage. The switch is provided at the intersection of the second passage and the third passage. The first drive roller sets are arranged in the first passage and the second passage, respectively. The printing module is provided within the main unit and is located in the first passage of the circuit. The shredding module is provided within the main unit and is located below the first and second passages. The third passage extends from the second passage to the shredding module, and the shredding rollers of the shredding module are provided at the end of the third passage furthest from the second passage. The control module is electrically connected to the switch, the first drive roller sets, the printing module, and the shredding module. The control module uses a switch to connect the upstream side of the second passage with the third passage and close the downstream side of the second passage, or to use a switch to connect the upstream side of the second passage with the downstream side and close the third passage.

[0006] Based on an embodiment of the present invention, the operating method of the multi-functional office machine is used in the multi-functional office machine described above. At least one sheet of paper awaiting shredding is placed at the entrance of the first passage. The operating method includes the user activating the shredding function and inputting a work mode, and when the user inputs the first shredding mode, the control module transports the sheet of paper awaiting shredding to the first passage with the first drive roller set, passes through the printing module and then transports it to the exit of the first passage, the control module drives a switch to connect the upstream of the second passage and the third passage and close the downstream of the second passage, the control module drives the first drive roller set to reverse so that the sheet of paper awaiting shredding is transported from the exit of the first passage through the upstream of the second passage to the third passage, and the control module drives the shredding rollers of the shredding module to shred the sheet of paper awaiting shredding.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional office machine includes a main unit, a first switch, a second switch, a plurality of first drive roller sets, a printing module, a first shredding module, a second shredding module, and a control module. The main unit has a first passage, a second passage, a third passage, and a fourth passage. The second passage is connected to the first passage and forms a circuit with a part of the first passage. The third passage is connected to the first passage. The fourth passage is connected to the second passage. The first switch is provided at the intersection of the third passage and the first passage. The second switch is provided at the intersection of the second passage and the fourth passage. The first drive roller sets are arranged in the first passage and the second passage, respectively. The printing module is provided within the main unit and is located in the first passage of the circuit. The first shredding module is provided within the main unit and is located below the first and second passages. The third passage extends from the first passage to the first shredding module, and the first shredding roller of the first shredding module is located at the end of the third passage furthest from the first passage. The second shredding module is located inside the main body of the machine and below the first and second passages. The fourth passage extends from the second passage to the second shredding module, and the second shredding roller of the second shredding module is located at the end of the fourth passage furthest from the second passage. The control module is electrically connected to the first switch, the second switch, the first drive roller assembly, the printing module, the first shredding module, and the second shredding module. The control module either connects sections one and two of the first passage and closes the third passage using the first switch, or connects section one and the third passage and closes section two using the first switch. The control module either connects the upstream side of the second passage to the fourth passage using the second switch and closes the downstream side of the second passage, or connects the upstream and downstream sides of the second passage using the second switch and closes the fourth passage.

[0008] Based on an embodiment of the present invention, the operation method of the multi-functional office machine is used in the multi-functional office machine described above. At least one sheet of paper awaiting shredding is placed at the entrance of the first passage. The operation method involves the user activating the shredding function and inputting a work mode; when the user inputs the first shredding mode, the control module drives the first switch to connect section 1 and the third passage and close section 2; the control module drives the first drive roller set to transport the sheet of paper awaiting shredding to section 1, transports it to the first shredding module via the third passage, and the control module drives the first shredding roller to shred the sheet of paper awaiting shredding; and when the user inputs the second shredding mode, the control module drives the first switch to connect section 1 and section 2. The process includes closing the third passage, the control module driving the second switch to connect the upstream of the second passage with the fourth passage and closing the downstream of the second passage, the control module transporting the paper awaiting shredding to the first passage with the first drive roller set, transporting it to the exit of the first passage after it has passed through the printing module, the control module driving the first drive roller set to reverse so that the paper awaiting shredding is transported from the exit of the first passage through the upstream of the second passage to the fourth passage, and the control module driving the second shredding roller of the second shredding module to shred the paper awaiting shredding. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] Based on the above, the multi-functional office machine has passages within the main body of the machine, which are used to combine a printing module, a shredding module, and a switch. Of these, the second passage is connected to the first passage and forms a circuit with a part of the first passage, so that the printing module is located in the first passage of the circuit. In addition, the third passage is connected to the second passage, and a switch is installed at the point where the second and third passages intersect, so that the shredding roller of the shredding module is located at the end of the third passage furthest from the second passage. Based on this, the control module of the multi-functional office machine can provide printing or shredding functions by adjusting the switch, and the installation of the above-mentioned components is essentially superimposed, so that the area occupied by the entire equipment is effectively reduced, which is useful for planning surplus space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a simplified side view of a multi-functional office machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the electrical connection relationships of the components related to the multi-functional office equipment. [Figure 3] This is a simplified side view of a multi-functional office machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows the electrical connections of the components related to the multi-functional office equipment. [Figure 5] This is a simplified side view of a multi-functional office machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows the electrical connections of the components related to the multi-functional office machine. [Figure 7] This is a simplified side view of a multi-functional office machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 shows the electrical connections of the components related to the multi-functional office machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the accompanying drawings and the specification to represent the same or similar parts.

[0012] Figure 1 is a simplified side view of a multifunctional office machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 shows the electrical connection relationships of the components related to the multifunctional office machine in Figure 1. Referring to Figures 1 and 2 simultaneously, the multifunctional office machine 100 includes a main unit 110, a switch 151, a plurality of first drive roller sets 161, 162, 163, and 164, a printing module 120, a shredding module 130, and a control module CM. The main unit 110 has a first passage CH1, a second passage CH2, and a third passage CH3. The second passage CH2 is connected to the first passage CH1 and forms a circuit with a part of the first passage CH1. The third passage CH3 is connected to the second passage CH2. The switch 151 is provided at the point where the second passage CH2 and the third passage CH3 intersect.

[0013] The printing module 120 is located within the main body 110 and is situated in the first passage CH1 of the circuit. The shredding module 130 is located within the main body 110 and is situated below the first passage CH1 and the second passage CH2. The third passage CH3 extends from the second passage CH2 to the shredding module 130, and the shredding roller 131 of the shredding module 130 is located at the end of the third passage CH3 furthest from the second passage CH2. The control module CM is electrically connected to the switch 151, the first drive roller sets 161-164, the printing module 120, and the shredding module 130. Here, the printing module 120 is given as a laser printing unit as an example, but is not limited to this. The printing module 120 includes a transfer roller set 121 and a fuser roller set 122. Of these, the transfer roller set 121 is used to transfer image toner to the paper, and then the fuser roller set 122 pressurizes and heats these patterned toners to fix them. The aforementioned printing process is already known from prior art and will not be repeated here. Furthermore, the shredding roller 131 of the shredding module 130 is composed of, for example, a rotary blade, a paper comb, and a drive motor. Paper transported to the shredding module 130 is fed between the interlocking blades, where it is divided into many small pieces and piled up in the storage space of the shredding module 130, thereby serving a confidentiality purpose.

[0014] Furthermore, the first drive roller sets 161 to 164 are arranged in the first passage CH1 and the second passage CH2, respectively. Of these, the first passage CH1 includes section 1 P11 and section 2 P12, with section 1 P11 connected to the inlet 111 and section 2 P12 connected to the outlet 112. The first drive roller set 161 is, for example, a registration roller used to confirm whether paper (not shown) has already reliably entered section 2 P12 of the first passage CH1. After the control module CM grasps and confirms this, it decides whether or not to drive the printing module 120 to print on the entered paper. The first drive roller set 162 is, for example, a paper acquisition / separation roller used to take paper at the inlet 111, separate it from the remaining paper, and send the extracted paper to the first passage CH1. The first drive roller set 163 is, for example, a paper delivery roller used to send the paper that has passed through the first passage CH1 out of the main unit 110 via the outlet 112. Furthermore, the first drive roller set 164 is a drive roller for double-sided printing, for example, combined with the first drive roller set 163. For example, after the initial printing is completed as the paper passes through the printing module 120, the paper is gripped and transported by the first drive roller set 163. Then, the control module CM drives the first drive roller set 163 to reverse, and in combination with the drive of the first drive roller set 164 located in the second passage CH2, the paper is smoothly transported to the upstream P13 and downstream P14 of the second passage CH2 and enters section P12 of the first passage CH1 again. At this point, the paper has already been flipped over, and the other side is printed by the printing module 120. After the second printing is completed, the paper already has double-sided printing content and can be sent out from the main body 110 via the exit 112 by the first drive roller set 163.

[0015] The two printing processes described above are the first path PT1 (from section 1 P11 to section 2 P12) and the third path PT3 (starting from section 1 P11 and passing through section 2 P12, upstream P13, downstream P14, and section 2 P12 in order), with the former being a single-sided printing path and the latter a double-sided printing path.

[0016] Furthermore, the multi-functional office machine 100 further includes a paper tray 140 located within the main unit 110 and situated between the printing module 120 and the shredding module 130. The third passage CH3 passes through the paper tray 140, and the paper tray 140 has a fourth passage CH4 that merges with section P12 of the first passage CH1. The point where the fourth passage CH4 and the first passage CH1 intersect is located in front of the printing module 120. Therefore, in the printing process of the multi-functional office machine 100, the paper can be changed to be supplied by the paper tray 140. In other words, there is the second passage PT2 (single-sided printing) and the fourth passage PT4 (double-sided printing) shown in Figure 1.

[0017] It should be noted that, since the multi-functional office machine 100 of this embodiment also has a shredding function, the control module CM of the multi-functional office machine 100 can take appropriate measures according to the user's selection, based on the corresponding arrangement of the third passage CH3 and switch 151 described above. Generally, when performing a printing process, and especially in the process of double-sided printing, the paper passes through the second passage CH2. To prevent the paper from mistakenly entering the third passage CH3, the control module CM drives switch 151 to connect the upstream P13 and downstream P14 of the second passage CH2, but closes the third passage CH3 (by switching switch 151 as shown by the dashed line in Figure 1), thereby allowing the paper to be smoothly transported to the third passage PT3 or the fourth passage PT4 described above.

[0018] On the other hand, when the user wants to perform shredding, the control module CM drives switch 151 to connect the upstream P13 of the second passage CH2 with the third passage CH3, but closes the downstream P14 of the second passage CH2. This causes the control module CM to drive the first drive roller assembly 163 to reverse before the paper enters the first passage CH1 from the inlet 111 and is fed out of the main body 110 by the first drive roller assembly 163. At this time, the control module CM has already switched switch 151 to the solid line position shown in Figure 1, so the paper can smoothly enter the third passage CH3 from the upstream P13, be shredded by the shredding roller 131 of the shredding module 130, and then be discharged into the storage space of the shredding module 130 through the shredding opening 114. In other words, the shredding path is the fifth path PT5 shown in Figure 1.

[0019] In addition, in order to provide a further security effect for the shredded paper, the multifunctional office machine 100 of the present embodiment can further provide a security shredding function. Details are described below. First, like the shredding path (the fifth path PT5) described above, the control module CM drives the first driving roller sets 162 and 161 to convey the paper to the first passage CH1 and pass it through the printing module 120. Subsequently, the control module drives the printing module 120 to print an encrypted pattern on the paper. Here, the type of the pattern is not limited and may be numbers, letters, special characters, or symbols, which is equivalent to reprinting on the paper. By covering the original information of the paper with subsequent patterns, the information can be made unidentifiable. Here, after the security printing is completed, the paper is conveyed to the shredding module 130 along the remaining path of the fifth path PT5 described above to perform shredding. In other words, the security shredding and the shredding path described above coincide, and it is only necessary to perform security printing when the paper passes through the printing module 120. Also, for double-sided printed paper, obviously, after printing the above-mentioned encrypted pattern on one side of the paper, it is necessary to drive the paper to be conveyed to a part of the third path PT3. That is, after the paper passes through the upstream P13 and the downstream P14 again and is turned over, it passes through the printing module 120 again, so that security printing is performed on the other side of the paper. Then, it is conveyed to the third path CH3 via the upstream P13 again and shredded.

[0020] Summarizing the two shredding operations described above, by providing a corresponding working mode in the multifunctional office machine 100, the user can be allowed to select. For example, the shredding operation described above and the security shredding operation described below are regarded as the first shredding mode and the second shredding mode respectively. After the user activates the shredding function of the multifunctional office machine 100, the two selection items are displayed on an operation panel (not shown) on the device body 110 for the user to select.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a simplified side view of a multi-functional office machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an electrical connection relationship of members related to the multi-functional office machine of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 simultaneously, the difference from the foregoing embodiment is that in the multi-functional office machine 200 of the present embodiment, another paper tray 241 is additionally arranged below the paper tray 140 in a stacked manner. Therefore, correspondingly, it is necessary to newly provide a fourth passage CH4 and a second driving roller set 241, and further stack the shredding module 130 on the lowermost layer of the overall structure, that is, the paper tray 140 and the paper tray 241 pass through the third passage CH3 in sequence. Based on this, in order to smoothly convey the paper along the shredding path (the fifth path PT5), the present embodiment further includes a third driving roller set 166 provided in the paper tray 241 and located in the third passage CH3. In this way, in the printing process, the multi-functional office machine 200 can use the added paper tray 241 for paper feeding. Here, the functions of the members with the same reference numerals as in the foregoing embodiment are as described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a simplified side view of a multi-functional office machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an electrical connection relationship of members related to the multi-functional office machine of FIG. 5. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 simultaneously (and comparing with FIG. 1), the multi-functional office machine 300 generally provides the members shown in FIG. 1, and the difference is that the multi-functional office machine 300 of the present embodiment further includes a first shredding module 331 and a second shredding module 332. Among them, the second shredding module 332 is the same as the foregoing shredding module 130, the second shredding roller 332a is the same as the foregoing shredding roller 131, the fourth passage CH6 is the same as the foregoing third passage CH3, and the second switch 352 is the same as the foregoing switch 151. Based on this, the paper to be shredded passes through the first passage CH1 and the upstream P13 of the second passage CH2 in sequence and enters the fourth passage CH6, and after being shredded by the second shredding roller 332a of the second shredding module 332, it is stored in the accommodation space of the second shredding module 332.

[0023] Furthermore, this embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment in that it further includes a third passage CH5 and a first switch 351. The third passage CH5 is connected to section P11 of the first passage CH1, extends from section P11, passes through the paper tray 140, and extends to the first shredding module 331. Here, the control module CM drives the first switch 351 to connect section P11 and section P12 of the first passage CH1 and close the third passage CH5, or connects section P11 and the third passage CH5 with the first switch 351 and closes section P12. The former allows the paper to be smoothly transported from section P11 to section P12, enabling smooth printing or shredding by the second shredding module 332. The latter allows the multi-function office machine 300 to directly perform the shredding operation with the first shredding module 331.

[0024] In short, the two shredding operations described above can be combined and reflected on the operation panel of the multi-functional office machine 300 so that the user can select the relevant options. At the same time, adding the security shredding operation described above, the shredding operation operated by the user in this embodiment can have three selectable shredding modes. Of these, the first shredding mode involves feeding the paper into the first shredding module 331, the second shredding mode involves feeding the paper into the second shredding module 332, and the third shredding mode involves performing security printing on the paper in the printing module 120 before feeding the paper into the second shredding module 332. In another embodiment, since the paper transport path is the same, only two shredding modes, namely the first shredding mode and the second shredding mode, may be provided. Of these, the first shredding mode is the same as in the embodiment described above, and the second shredding mode corresponds to the third shredding mode in the embodiment described above.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the first shredding module 331 of this embodiment further includes a first sensor 331b which is electrically connected to the control module CM and used to sense the shredding capacity of the first shredding module 331. The second shredding module 332 further includes a second sensor 332b which is electrically connected to the control module CM and used to sense the shredding capacity of the second shredding module 332. In this way, after the user activates the shredding function, the control module CM can make a determination based on the above. If the shredding capacity of the first shredding module 331 has reached a predetermined value, but the shredding capacity of the second shredding module 332 has not reached a predetermined value, the control module CM does not display the first shredding mode, but instead displays the second shredding mode and the third shredding mode for the user to select, and provides a warning signal. Conversely, if the shredding capacity of the first shredding module 331 has not reached a predetermined value, but the shredding capacity of the second shredding module 332 has reached a predetermined value, the control module CM will display the first shredding mode to the user without displaying the second and third shredding modes, and will provide another warning signal. In another embodiment, the control module CM may provide two different shredding modes simply by determining based on the shredding capacity of the first shredding module 331 and the shredding capacity of the second shredding module 332.

[0026] Figure 7 is a simplified side view of a multifunctional office machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 shows the electrical connection relationships of the components related to the multifunctional office machine of Figure 7. Referring to Figures 7 and 8 together (and in comparison with Figure 5 or Figure 3), in comparison with Figure 5, the multifunctional office machine 400 of this embodiment further includes another paper tray 441, which is superimposed below the paper tray 140 and located between the paper tray 140 and the first shredding module 331 and the second shredding module 332. That is, the first shredding module 331 and the second shredding module 332 of this embodiment also need to be located at the bottom layer of the overall structure. As described above, the difference between Figure 3 and Figure 1, the newly added paper tray 441 needs to have a correspondingly newly added second drive roller assembly 165 used for paper feeding. At the same time, the fourth passage CH6 passes through the paper tray 441, and therefore, a fourth drive roller assembly 462 needs to be added so that paper can be transported from the fourth passage CH6 to the second shredding module 332.

[0027] Comparing Figure 7 and Figure 5, in this embodiment, the multi-functional office machine 400 has a paper tray 441 and a fifth passage CH7 that partially overlap each other, and also partially overlaps with the third passage CH5. Therefore, this embodiment requires the addition of multiple third switches 451, each electrically connected to a control module CM. Each third switch 451 is provided at the point where each fifth passage CH7 and third passage CH5 intersects. Here, the third passage CH5 is divided into upstream CH51, midstream CH52, and downstream CH53. Upstream CH51 is connected to section P11 of the first passage CH1. Midstream CH52 is connected to the fifth passage CH7. Downstream CH53 is connected to the first shredding module 331. Based on this, the control module CM either connects the upstream CH51, midstream CH52, and downstream CH53 of the third passage CH5 using the third switch 451, but closes the fifth passage CH7 (as shown in Figure 7, 451 in the upper and lower diagrams moves to the position of the solid line), or connects the fifth passage CH7 and the midstream CH52 using the third switch 451, but closes the upstream CH51 and downstream CH53 (as shown in Figure 7, 451 in the upper and lower diagrams moves to the position of the dashed line). The former, in combination with the first switch 351, connects section P11 and the upstream CH51, allowing the multi-functional office machine 400 to smoothly perform the shredding operation of transporting paper to the first shredding module 331. Conversely, the latter, when combined with the first switch 351, connects section 1 P11 and section 2 P12, allowing the multifunction office machine 400 to smoothly perform printing operations by retrieving paper from paper tray 140 or paper tray 441.

[0028] Furthermore, similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6 above, the first shredding module 331 and the second shredding module 332 are each equipped with a first sensor 331b and a second sensor 332b used to sense the shredding capacity, and based on this, the user is instructed to clean either the first shredding module 331 or the second shredding module 332.

[0029] To summarize the above, in the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional office machine is provided with passages within the main body of the machine, which are combined with a printing module, a shredding module, and a switch. Of these, the second passage is connected to the first passage and forms a circuit with a part of the first passage, so that the printing module is located in the first passage of the circuit. Furthermore, the third passage is connected to the second passage, and a switch is provided at the point where the second and third passages intersect, so that the shredding roller of the shredding module is located at the end of the third passage furthest from the second passage. In the above-described arrangement of the shredding module, the control module can also drive the printing module so that security printing is performed on the paper before sending the paper to the shredding module. This provides a protective effect on the contents of the paper and prevents leakage to the outside.

[0030] In another embodiment, the multi-functional office machine is equipped with shredding modules both near the entrance and far from the entrance, and by combining this with the arrangement of passages and switches, the user can select the required shredding mode. Specifically, the former can increase shredding efficiency because the shredding module is close to the entrance. In the latter, as mentioned above, the paper passes through the printing module first, so the paper can be shredded after security printing has been performed. At the same time, in another embodiment, the multi-functional office machine is equipped with sensors in each of the different shredding modules to sense the shredding capacity within the shredding module, and the results of this sensing are reflected in the user's selection options, while simultaneously providing corresponding warning information to notify the user.

[0031] Based on this, the control module of the multi-functional office machine can provide printing or shredding functions by adjusting switches, thereby increasing work efficiency and reducing operating costs. Furthermore, the installation of the aforementioned components essentially creates a superimposed state, thereby effectively reducing the area occupied by the entire equipment. In addition, the different embodiments described above allow the shredding module to be movably positioned in the main body of the machine, providing users with flexible operation and combinations.

[0032] Finally, it should be noted that the embodiments described above are used solely to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and do not limit the invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments described above, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions described in the embodiments described above can be further modified, or some or all of their technical features can be replaced with equivalent ones. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0033] The multifunctional office machine and its operating method of the present invention can be applied to office equipment and its operating method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 100, 200, 300, 400: Multifunctional office machine 110: Main unit of the device 120: Print Module 121: Transfer Roller Assembly 122: Fixing roller assembly 130: Shredding Module 131: Shredding roller 140, 241: Paper tray 151, 351: First switch 161, 162, 163, 164: First drive roller assembly 165: Second drive roller assembly 166, 461: Third drive roller assembly 331: First Shredding Module 331a: First shredding roller 331b: First sensor 332: Second Shredding Module 332a: Second shredding roller 332b: Second sensor 352: Second switch 451: Third switch 462: Fourth drive roller assembly CH1: 1st aisle CH2: 2nd aisle CH3, CH5: 3rd aisle CH52:Midstream CH4, CH41, CH6: 4th aisle CH7: 5th aisle CM: Control Module P11: Section 1 P12: Section 2 P13, CH51: Upstream P14, CH53: Downstream PT1: First pathway PT2: Secondary pathway PT3: Third pathway PT4: Fourth pathway PT5: Fifth pathway

Claims

1. The device has a first passage, a second passage, and a third passage, the second passage being connected to the first passage and forming a circuit with a part of the first passage, and the third passage being connected to the second passage, the device body, A switch is provided at the point where the second passage and the third passage intersect, A plurality of first drive roller sets are arranged in the first passage and the second passage, respectively, A printing module is provided within the main body of the device and located in the first passage of the circuit, A shredding module provided within the main body of the apparatus and located below the first and second passages, wherein the third passage extends from the second passage to the shredding module, and the shredding rollers of the shredding module are provided at the end of the third passage furthest from the second passage, A control module is electrically connected to the switch, the plurality of first drive roller sets, the printing module, and the shredding module. Includes, The control module connects the upstream of the second passage and the third passage using the switch and closes the downstream of the second passage, or connects the upstream and downstream of the second passage using the switch and closes the third passage. Characterized by, Multifunctional office machine.

2. At least one paper tray provided within the main body of the device and located between the printing module and the shredding module, wherein the third passage passes through the paper tray, the paper tray has a fourth passage that merges with the first passage, and the point where the fourth passage and the first passage intersect is located in front of the printing module, At least one second drive roller assembly, electrically connected to the control module and located in the fourth passage, wherein the control module is adapted to transport paper from the paper tray through the fourth passage to the first passage by the second drive roller assembly, and Includes Characterized by, The multi-functional office machine according to claim 1.

3. The at least one paper tray includes a plurality of paper trays arranged in stacks between the printing module and the shredding module, The aforementioned multi-functional office machine is At least one third drive roller set is electrically connected to the control module and is provided in at least one of the plurality of paper trays and located in the third passage. Includes Characterized by, The multi-functional office machine according to claim 2.

4. A method for operating a multifunctional office machine as described in claim 1, wherein at least one sheet of paper awaiting shredding is placed at the entrance of the first passage, The user activates the shredding function and enters the operating mode, When the user enters the first shredding mode, The control module transports the paper awaiting shredding to the first passage using the plurality of first drive roller sets, and after passing through the printing module, transports it to the exit of the first passage. The control module drives the switch to connect the upstream of the second passage and the third passage and close the downstream of the second passage. The control module drives the plurality of first drive roller sets to reverse, thereby transporting the paper awaiting shredding from the exit of the first passage, through the upstream of the second passage, to the third passage. The control module drives the shredding roller of the shredding module to shred the paper awaiting shredding. thing and including Characterized by, How to operate a multi-functional office machine.

5. When the user enters the second shredding mode, The control module transports the paper awaiting shredding to the printing module using the plurality of first drive roller sets. The control module drives the printing module to print an encrypted pattern on the paper awaiting shredding, and then transports the paper awaiting shredding to the exit of the first passage. The control module drives the switch to connect the upstream of the second passage and the third passage and close the downstream of the second passage. The control module drives the plurality of first drive roller sets to reverse, thereby transporting the paper awaiting shredding from the exit of the first passage, through the upstream of the second passage, to the third passage. The control module drives the shredding roller of the shredding module to shred the paper awaiting shredding. thing including Characterized by, A method for operating a multi-functional office machine as described in claim 4.

6. The device has a first passage, a second passage, a third passage, and a fourth passage, the second passage being connected to the first passage and forming a circuit with a part of the first passage, the third passage being connected to the first passage, and the fourth passage being connected to the second passage, and the device body, A first switch is provided at the point where the third passage and the first passage intersect, A second switch is provided at the point where the second passage and the fourth passage intersect, A plurality of first drive roller sets are arranged in the first passage and the second passage, respectively, A printing module is provided within the main body of the device and located in the first passage of the circuit, A first shredding module is provided within the main body of the device and located below the first passage and the second passage, wherein the third passage extends from the first passage to the first shredding module, and the first shredding roller of the first shredding module is provided at the end of the third passage furthest from the first passage, A second shredding module is provided within the main body of the apparatus and located below the first passage and the second passage, wherein the fourth passage extends from the second passage to the second shredding module, and the second shredding roller of the second shredding module is provided at the end of the fourth passage furthest from the second passage, A control module is electrically connected to the first switch, the second switch, the plurality of first drive roller sets, the printing module, the first shredding module, and the second shredding module. Includes, The control module connects section 1 and section 2 of the first passage using the first switch and closes the third passage, or connects section 1 and the third passage using the first switch and closes section 2. The control module connects the upstream of the second passage and the fourth passage using the second switch and closes the downstream of the second passage, or connects the upstream and downstream of the second passage using the second switch and closes the fourth passage. Characterized by, Multifunctional office machine.

7. The first shredding module further includes a first sensor, which is electrically connected to the control module and used to sense the shredding capacity of the first shredding module. The second shredding module further includes a second sensor, which is electrically connected to the control module and used to sense the shredding capacity of the second shredding module. Characterized by, The multi-functional office machine according to claim 6.

8. At least one paper tray provided within the main body of the device and located between the printing module and the first shredding module and the second shredding module, wherein the third passage and the fourth passage each pass through the paper tray, the paper tray has a fifth passage that merges with the first passage, the point where the fifth passage and the first passage intersect is located in front of the printing module and behind the point where the first passage and the third passage intersect, At least one second drive roller assembly, which is electrically connected to the control module and located in the fifth passage, wherein the control module is adapted to transport paper from the paper tray through the fifth passage to the first passage by the second drive roller assembly, and Includes Characterized by, The multi-functional office machine according to claim 6.

9. The at least one paper tray includes a plurality of paper trays arranged in stacks between the printing module and the shredding module, The aforementioned multi-functional office machine is The control module is electrically connected to at least one third drive roller set, which is provided in at least one of the paper trays and located in the third passage, The control module is electrically connected to at least one fourth drive roller set, which is provided in at least one of the paper trays and located in the fourth passage. Includes Characterized by, The multi-functional office machine according to claim 8.

10. The multiple fifth passages of the multiple paper trays partially overlap each other, but do not overlap with the third passage. Characterized by, The multi-functional office machine according to claim 9.

11. The multiple fifth passages of the multiple paper trays partially overlap each other and partially overlap with the third passage. The aforementioned multi-functional office machine is Multiple third switches are electrically connected to the control module and are provided at each point where the fifth passage and the third passage intersect. It further includes, The third passage is divided into an upstream, a midstream, and a downstream section, the upstream section is connected to the first passage, the midstream section is connected to a plurality of the fifth passages, and the downstream section is connected to the first shredding module. The control module connects the upstream, middle, and downstream of the third passage with the plurality of third switches, but closes the plurality of fifth passages, or connects the plurality of fifth passages with the middle passage with the plurality of third switches, but closes the upstream and downstream. Characterized by, The multi-functional office machine according to claim 9.

12. A method for operating a multifunctional office machine as described in claim 6, wherein at least one sheet of paper awaiting shredding is placed at the entrance of the first passage, The user activates the shredding function and enters the operating mode, When the user enters the first shredding mode, The control module drives the first switch to connect compartment 1 and the third passage and close compartment 2. The control module drives the plurality of first drive roller sets to transport the paper awaiting shredding to section 1, and then transports it to the first shredding module via the third passage. The control module drives the first shredding roller to shred the paper awaiting shredding. That thing, When the user enters the second shredding mode, The control module drives the first switch to connect section 1 and section 2 and close the third passage. The control module drives the second switch to connect the upstream of the second passage and the fourth passage and close the downstream of the second passage. The control module transports the paper awaiting shredding to the first passage using the plurality of first drive roller sets, and after passing through the printing module, transports it to the exit of the first passage. The control module drives the plurality of first drive roller sets to reverse, thereby transporting the paper awaiting shredding from the exit of the first passage, through the upstream of the second passage, to the fourth passage. The control module drives the second shredding roller of the second shredding module to shred the paper waiting to be shredded. That thing, including Characterized by, How to operate a multi-functional office machine.

13. When the user selects the third shredding mode, The control module drives the first switch to connect section 1 and section 2 and close the third passage. The control module drives the second switch to connect the upstream of the second passage and the fourth passage and close the downstream of the second passage. The control module transports the paper awaiting shredding to the printing module using the plurality of first drive roller sets, drives the printing module to print an encrypted pattern on the paper awaiting shredding, and then transports the paper awaiting shredding to the exit of the first passage. The control module drives the plurality of first drive roller sets to reverse, thereby transporting the paper awaiting shredding from the exit of the first passage, through the upstream of the second passage, to the fourth passage. The control module drives the second shredding roller of the second shredding module to shred the paper waiting to be shredded. thing Includes Characterized by, The method for operating a multi-functional office machine according to claim 12.

14. The first shredding module further includes a first sensor, which is electrically connected to the control module and used to sense the shredding capacity of the first shredding module. The second shredding module further includes a second sensor, which is electrically connected to the control module and used to sense the shredding capacity of the second shredding module. The aforementioned operation method is, After the user activates the shredding function, The control module determines the shredding capacity of the first shredding module and the shredding capacity of the second shredding module using the first sensor and the second sensor. When the shredding capacity of the first shredding module reaches a predetermined value, but the shredding capacity of the second shredding module has not reached the predetermined value, the control module displays the second shredding mode and the third shredding mode for the user to select, without displaying the first shredding mode, and provides a warning signal. When the shredding capacity of the first shredding module has not reached the predetermined value, but the shredding capacity of the second shredding module has reached the predetermined value, the control module displays the first shredding mode to the user without displaying the second shredding mode or the third shredding mode, and provides another warning signal. thing Includes Characterized by, A method for operating a multi-functional office machine according to claim 13.

15. When the user inputs the second shredding mode and the paper awaiting shredding passes the printing module, the control module drives the printing module to print the encrypted pattern onto the paper awaiting shredding. Includes Characterized by, The method for operating a multi-functional office machine according to claim 12.

16. The first shredding module further includes a first sensor, which is electrically connected to the control module and used to sense the shredding capacity of the first shredding module. The second shredding module further includes a second sensor, which is electrically connected to the control module and used to sense the shredding capacity of the second shredding module. The aforementioned operation method is, After the user activates the shredding function, The control module determines the shredding capacity of the first shredding module and the shredding capacity of the second shredding module using the first sensor and the second sensor. When the shredding capacity of the first shredding module reaches a predetermined value, but the shredding capacity of the second shredding module does not reach the predetermined value, the control module displays the second shredding mode for the user to select, without displaying the first shredding mode, and provides a warning signal. When the shredding capacity of the first shredding module has not reached a predetermined value, but the shredding capacity of the second shredding module has reached that predetermined value, the control module displays the first shredding mode to the user without displaying the second shredding mode, and provides another warning signal. thing Includes Characterized by, The method for operating a multi-functional office machine according to claim 12.

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