JP2005289626A - Automatic document feeder and multifunction machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To convey a reading means such as a document or a scanner stably without affecting a reading operation by simple control.
SOLUTION: A conveying means (ADF) that sequentially conveys a large number of documents, an ADF motor 104 that rotationally drives the conveying means, and the temperature of the ADF motor 104 are managed according to the operating time of the ADF motor 104. And an engine CPU 105 that controls the driving of the ADF motor 104 so that the conveyance of the original document is stopped for a certain period of time between the documents that are sequentially conveyed when the temperature of the ADF motor 104 reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature. .
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder and a multifunction peripheral.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder), there is known a technique for executing control for suppressing the rotation of a motor when there is a possibility that the performance of the motor is deteriorated due to a temperature rise. When such control is executed, the motor load is reduced, so that the motor can operate stably.

Specifically, it is used in an apparatus for processing a sheet body, and generates a driving force necessary for processing the sheet body, temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the motor, and detected by the temperature detection means. Determining means for determining whether the detected temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold, and a control means for suppressing rotation of the motor when it is determined that the temperature detected by the determining means is equal to or higher than the threshold, A technique is known that reduces the burden on the motor, enables the motor to operate stably, and prevents, for example, the occurrence of jamming of the sheet body. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP-A-9-138531

  However, in the above-described conventional technique, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is determined to be equal to or higher than the threshold value, the control for suppressing the rotation of the motor is executed, so that the detected temperature increases or decreases around the threshold value. In this case, control for suppressing the rotation of the motor is frequently performed. However, when the rotation of the motor is frequently suppressed as described above, it is necessary to perform control such as switching the reading speed even in the operation when the sheet body is read by the scanner. Therefore, there is a problem that the rotation of the motor and the reading of the scanner must be controlled, and the control becomes complicated.

  On the other hand, when the motor is rotated without considering the temperature condition at the place where the apparatus is installed, the motor may step out, and a document may not be conveyed properly. As a result, there is a problem that the reading operation of the document is hindered. In particular, such a situation occurs when the outside air temperature at the place where the automatic document feeder is installed is very low and the temperature of the drive transmission mechanism from the motor becomes extremely low according to the outside air temperature. obtain. Such a situation is not limited to the automatic document feeder, and the same situation may occur for a scanner that reads a conveyed document.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and can automatically convey a document or a reading unit such as a scanner without affecting the reading operation with a simple control. And to provide a multifunction device.

  The present invention manages a temperature of the driving unit according to an operating time of the driving unit, a driving unit that rotationally drives the conveying unit, a driving unit that rotationally drives the conveying unit, and a temperature of the driving unit. Control means for controlling the drive of the driving means so as to stop the conveyance of the original between the sequentially conveyed originals for a certain period of time when the temperature reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature.

  Further, the present invention provides a conveying unit that sequentially conveys a large number of documents, a driving unit that rotationally drives the conveying unit, and a detecting unit that detects an outside air temperature according to a detection value of a temperature sensor provided in the apparatus main body. And a control means for controlling the drive of the drive means so that the torque output by the drive means is larger than that during normal operation when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. It is.

  According to the automatic document feeder and the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention, it is possible to stably convey a reading unit such as a document or a scanner without affecting the reading operation with a simple control.

  An automatic document feeder according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a conveying unit that sequentially conveys a large number of documents, a driving unit that rotationally drives the conveying unit, and the driving unit according to the operating time of the driving unit. Control means for controlling the driving of the driving means so that the conveyance of the original between the sequentially conveyed originals is stopped for a certain period of time when the temperature of the driving means reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature. The structure which comprises these is taken.

  According to this configuration, the temperature of the driving unit is managed according to the operating time of the driving unit, and when the temperature of the driving unit reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature, the conveyance of the document between the sequentially conveyed documents is performed. The driving of the driving means is controlled so as to stop for a predetermined time. For this reason, the conveying unit intermittently conveys the document in a state where the temperature of the driving unit does not exceed the upper limit temperature. Although the document is conveyed intermittently, the rotation of the driving means is kept constant when the document passes through the reading surface. As a result, it is possible to convey the document stably without affecting the reading operation with simple control.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the first aspect, the control unit manages a first upper limit temperature and a second upper limit temperature lower than the first upper limit temperature as the upper limit temperature. When the temperature of the driving means reaches the second upper limit temperature, the conveyance of the document is stopped for a first stop time, while when the temperature of the driving means reaches the first upper limit temperature, the first upper limit temperature is reached. A configuration is adopted in which the driving of the driving unit is controlled so that the conveyance of the document is stopped for a second stop time that is longer than the stop time.

  According to this configuration, the temperature of the driving unit is managed according to the operating time of the driving unit, and when the temperature of the driving unit reaches a predetermined upper limit temperature, the conveyance of the document between the sequentially conveyed documents is performed. The driving of the driving means is controlled so as to stop for a predetermined time. For this reason, the conveying unit intermittently conveys the document in a state where the temperature of the driving unit does not exceed the upper limit temperature. Although the document is conveyed intermittently, the rotation of the driving means is kept constant when the document passes through the reading surface. As a result, it is possible to convey the document stably without affecting the reading operation with simple control.

  In particular, two upper limit temperatures are set, and two document conveyance stop times are prepared. For this reason, the stop time of a drive means can be flexibly controlled according to the temperature of a drive means. Therefore, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed while reducing the document conveyance stop time in accordance with the temperature of the driving unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the first or second aspect, the control unit is configured to stop the conveyance of the document between the documents that are sequentially conveyed for a certain period of time. After controlling the driving, the driving unit is controlled so that the document is continuously conveyed when the temperature of the driving unit reaches a predetermined lower limit temperature.

  According to this configuration, the driving of the driving unit is controlled so that the document is continuously conveyed when the temperature of the driving unit reaches a predetermined lower limit temperature. Therefore, since the document can be continuously conveyed after the temperature of the driving unit reaches the lower limit temperature, the document can be stably conveyed even when the temperature of the driving unit reaches the upper limit temperature. At the same time, the document can be conveyed quickly.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic document feeder including a conveying unit that sequentially conveys a large number of documents, a driving unit that rotationally drives the conveying unit, and a detection value of a temperature sensor provided in the apparatus body. In response, the detection means for detecting the outside air temperature and the driving means so that the torque output by the driving means when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold is greater than that during normal operation. And a control means for controlling driving.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the driving of the driving unit is controlled so that the torque output by the driving unit is larger than that during normal operation. For this reason, when the outside air temperature is a low temperature or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as a step-out that may occur when the driving means is driven using the torque used for the normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the fourth aspect, when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the control means operates normally. The driving means is driven using a current value that outputs a torque larger than the current value used in the process.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the driving of the driving unit is controlled so that the torque output by the driving unit is larger than that during normal operation. For this reason, when the outside air temperature is a low temperature or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as step-out that may occur when the driving means is driven using the current value used for the normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the fifth aspect, the control means manages a first threshold and a second threshold lower than the first threshold as the threshold, and the detection means When the outside air temperature detected by the sensor is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and not equal to or lower than the second threshold value, the driving is performed using a current value that outputs a torque one step larger than the current value used when the driving means normally operates. When the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than the second threshold value, a current value that outputs a torque that is two steps larger than the current value used when the drive means normally operates is used. Thus, the driving means is driven.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the driving of the driving unit is controlled so that the torque output by the driving unit is larger than that during normal operation. For this reason, when the outside air temperature is a low temperature or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as step-out that may occur when the driving means is driven using the current value used for the normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  In particular, since two threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature are set, a current value for driving the driving means can be set according to the outside air temperature. For this reason, it is possible to flexibly cope with a situation such as step-out that may occur when the driving means is driven when the outside air temperature is low. Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the fourth aspect, when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the control means operates normally. The driving means is driven using an excitation pattern that outputs a torque larger than the excitation pattern used in the process.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the driving unit is driven using an excitation pattern that outputs a torque larger than the excitation pattern used when the driving unit normally operates. The For this reason, when the outside air temperature is low or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as a step-out that may occur when the driving unit is driven using the excitation pattern used for the normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the seventh aspect, the control means manages a first threshold and a second threshold lower than the first threshold as the threshold, and the detection means If the outside air temperature detected by is not lower than the first threshold and not lower than the second threshold, the driving is performed using an excitation pattern that outputs a torque one step larger than the excitation pattern used when the driving means normally operates. When the outside temperature detected by the detecting means is equal to or lower than the second threshold value, an excitation pattern that outputs a torque that is two steps larger than the excitation pattern used when the driving means normally operates is used. Thus, the driving means is driven.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the driving unit is driven using an excitation pattern that outputs a torque larger than the excitation pattern used when the driving unit normally operates. The For this reason, when the outside air temperature is low or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as a step-out that may occur when the driving unit is driven using the excitation pattern used for the normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  In particular, since two threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature are set, it is possible to set an excitation pattern for driving the driving means according to the outside air temperature. For this reason, it is possible to flexibly cope with a situation such as step-out that may occur when the driving means is driven when the outside air temperature is low. Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the fourth aspect, when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the control means operates normally. The driving means is driven in accordance with a rotation characteristic suitable for outputting a torque larger than the rotation characteristic used in the process.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the drive unit is driven according to the rotation characteristic suitable for outputting a torque larger than the rotation characteristic used when the drive unit normally operates. Is done. For this reason, when the outside air temperature is a low temperature or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as a step-out that may occur when the driving unit is driven according to the rotation characteristics used in the normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the ninth aspect, the control means manages a first threshold and a second threshold lower than the first threshold as the threshold, and the detection means If the outside air temperature detected by is not lower than the first threshold value and not lower than the second threshold value, the driving means according to the rotational characteristic suitable for outputting torque one step larger than the rotational characteristic used in normal operation. While driving the drive means, when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is less than or equal to the second threshold value, it is suitable for outputting torque that is two steps larger than the rotational characteristics used when the drive means normally operates. A configuration is adopted in which the driving means is driven according to the rotational characteristics.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the drive unit is driven according to the rotation characteristic suitable for outputting a torque larger than the rotation characteristic used when the drive unit normally operates. Is done. For this reason, when the outside air temperature is a low temperature or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as a step-out that may occur when the driving unit is driven according to the rotation characteristics used in the normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  In particular, since two threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature are set, it is possible to set a rotation characteristic for driving the driving means according to the outside air temperature. For this reason, it is possible to flexibly cope with a situation such as step-out that may occur when the driving means is driven when the outside air temperature is low. Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the fourth aspect, when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the control means operates normally. The driving means is driven using a waveform that outputs a torque larger than the waveform used in the process.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the driving unit is driven using a waveform that outputs a torque larger than the waveform used when the driving unit normally operates. For this reason, when the outside air temperature is a low temperature or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as a step-out that may occur when the driving unit is driven using a waveform used for normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the automatic document feeder according to the eleventh aspect, the control means manages a first threshold and a second threshold lower than the first threshold as the threshold, and the detection means When the outside air temperature detected is not more than the first threshold value and not less than the second threshold value, the driving means is controlled using a waveform that outputs a torque one step larger than the waveform used when the driving means normally operates. On the other hand, when the outside temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than the second threshold, the drive means is used using a waveform that outputs a torque that is two steps larger than the waveform used when the drive means normally operates. The structure which drives is taken.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the driving unit is driven using a waveform that outputs a torque larger than the waveform used when the driving unit normally operates. For this reason, when the outside air temperature is a low temperature or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as a step-out that may occur when the driving unit is driven using a waveform used for normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  In particular, since two threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature are set, it is possible to set a rotation characteristic for driving the driving means according to the outside air temperature. For this reason, it is possible to flexibly cope with a situation such as step-out that may occur when the driving means is driven when the outside air temperature is low. Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means.

  A multifunction peripheral according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention includes an automatic document feeder according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, a reading device that reads image data of a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder, The structure which comprises is taken.

  According to this configuration, since the automatic document feeder according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects is applied to the multifunction peripheral, the effects realized by the automatic document feeder according to these aspects can also be achieved in the multifunction peripheral. Can be obtained.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-function machine comprising: a reading unit that reads image data of a conveyed document; a driving unit that drives the reading unit along a reading surface of the document; and a temperature provided in the apparatus main body. Detection means for detecting the outside air temperature according to the detection value of the sensor, and when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the torque output by the driving means is larger than that during normal operation. And a control means for controlling the drive of the drive means.

  According to this configuration, when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the driving of the driving unit is controlled so that the torque output by the driving unit is larger than that during normal operation. For this reason, when the outside air temperature is a low temperature or the like, it is possible to avoid a situation such as a step-out that may occur when the driving means is driven using the torque used for the normal operation. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the driving means. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a circuit (hereinafter referred to as “motor drive circuit”) for driving a motor (scanner motor and ADF motor) mounted on the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the motor drive circuit is configured by connecting an SPC (Scanner Printer Control) substrate 101 and an ADF substrate 102. The SPC board 101 is a board that performs reading control and recording control in the multifunction peripheral 100. The SPC board 101 is connected to a scanner motor 103 and controls driving of the scanner motor 103. The scanner motor 103 is connected to a scanner (not shown) and moves the scanner along the document placement glass (reading surface). The scanner reads image data of a document placed on the document placement glass. The ADF substrate 102 is connected to the ADF motor 104 and controls driving of the ADF motor 104. The ADF motor 104 is connected to an ADF (automatic document feeder) (not shown) and conveys a document placed on the ADF.

  The SPC board 101 includes an engine CPU 105, an engine ASIC 106, a DA conversion IC 107, and a driver 108. A temperature sensor 109 is connected to the SPC board 101.

  The engine CPU 105 performs overall control related to a motor (hereinafter simply referred to as a “motor” means a scanner motor and an ADF motor). The engine CPU 105 is connected to the engine ASIC 106 via a bus (BUS), and gives an instruction for driving the motor to the engine ASIC 106. Specifically, the engine CPU 105 sets the motor rotation direction, excitation method, and motor pulse in the register of the motor control block of the engine ASIC 106, and sets ON / OFF of the clock output to the driver 108 and the driver 110. To do.

  The engine ASIC 106 is an ASIC for controlling the operation of the motor. The engine ASIC 106 outputs serial data to the driver 108 while referring to the setting contents of the register. A signal for controlling the driving of the scanner motor 103 is output as serial data. The engine ASIC 106 also outputs serial data to a driver 110 described later.

  The DA conversion IC 107 obtains a reference voltage by performing DA conversion processing on data set in a register included in the motor control block of the engine ASIC 106. Then, the reference voltage is supplied to the driver 108. The DA conversion IC 107 also supplies a reference voltage to the driver 110 described later.

  The driver 108 converts the reference voltage supplied from the DA conversion IC 107 into an output current according to a predetermined calculation formula. Then, the converted current is output to the scanner motor 103 according to the serial data from the engine ASIC 106.

  The temperature sensor 109 is a temperature sensor used for realizing a stable operation in a fixing process or the like in the image forming process of the multifunction peripheral 100. The temperature sensor 109 detects the temperature around the fixing device, for example. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 109 is notified to the engine CPU 105.

  The ADF substrate 102 is a substrate that performs document conveyance control in an ADF (automatic document conveyance device) included in the multifunction peripheral 100. The ADF board 102 includes a driver 110. The driver 110 converts the reference voltage supplied from the DA conversion IC 107 into an output current, like the driver 108 included in the SPC board 101, and converts the converted current into an ADF motor 104 according to serial data from the engine ASIC 106. Output for.

  With such a configuration, the engine CPU 105 manages the motor temperature according to the operating time of the ADF motor 104, and controls to convey the document intermittently when it is determined that the motor temperature has reached a certain temperature. To do. Details of such control will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating characteristics of the motor temperature in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the vertical axis represents motor temperature (° C.) and the horizontal axis represents time (t).

  In FIG. 2, the signal for driving the motor (hereinafter referred to as “motor signal”) is switched from off to on at time t1. The motor signal is kept on from time t1 to time t2, and the motor signal is switched from on to off at time t2. After time t2, the motor signal is not switched from off to on. As a result, the motor is in a stopped state until time t1. Further, the operation starts at time t1, and the state is rotating from time t1 to time t2. Further, the operation is stopped at time t2, and is stopped after time t2.

  The motor temperature does not increase until the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t1. When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t1, it rises according to the rotation of the motor. The motor temperature continues to rise until the motor signal is switched from on to off at time t2. Then, when the motor signal is switched from on to off at time t2, the motor temperature decreases. FIG. 2 shows a state where the motor temperature has reached the lower limit at time t3.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the motor temperature and the operating state of the motor in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the first embodiment. In the figure, the vertical axis represents motor temperature (° C.) and the horizontal axis represents time (t).

  FIG. 3 shows a case where three sets of documents are placed on the ADF. In the example shown in the figure, it is assumed that the first set of documents is composed of 10 sheets, the second set of documents is composed of 2 sheets, and the third set of documents is composed of 8 sheets. In FIG. 3, the motor temperature upper limit value (hereinafter referred to as “upper limit value”) and the motor temperature lower limit value (hereinafter referred to as “lower limit value”) that are used when the engine CPU 105 switches an operation mode to be described later are indicated by a dashed line. Show.

  As shown in FIG. 3, when the first set of documents is placed on the document table at time t1, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on. The motor signal is kept on continuously until the motor temperature reaches the upper limit value. Therefore, in the ADF, the originals placed on the original table are continuously conveyed. During continuous conveyance, the motor temperature continues to rise and reaches the upper limit at time t2. The example shown in FIG. 3 shows a case where the motor temperature reaches the upper limit after the eighth original is conveyed.

  When the motor temperature reaches the upper limit value, the engine CPU 105 temporarily stops the rotation of the ADF motor 104 until the next original is fed after discharging the currently conveyed original (hereinafter referred to as “intermittent operation mode”). ). In the following, a mode that is not an intermittent operation mode, that is, a mode that continuously conveys a document without stopping the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is referred to as a normal operation mode. In FIG. 3, the normal operation mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode at time t2. When the operation mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode, the intermittent operation mode is maintained until the motor temperature falls below the lower limit as will be described later.

  When shifting to the intermittent operation mode, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. As a result, the conveyance of the document is also stopped. While the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped, the motor temperature decreases. When a certain time (intermittent timer value described later) elapses after the motor signal is switched off, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t3. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t3, one document (9th sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. When one document is conveyed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t4. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. During this time, the motor temperature decreases. When the predetermined time (intermittent timer value) elapses, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t5. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t5, one document (10th sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. After conveying one document, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t6. By transporting the tenth original, all the first set of originals are conveyed. The ADF motor 104 stops rotating until the second set of documents is placed on the document table. For this reason, the motor temperature continues to fall.

  It is assumed that the second set of originals is placed on the original table before the motor temperature falls below the lower limit as shown in FIG. Since the intermittent operation mode is maintained until the motor temperature falls below the lower limit value, the engine CPU 105 conveys the document while stopping the rotation of the ADF motor 104 every time a document is conveyed.

  When the second set of documents is placed on the document table at time t7, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on. When the motor signal is switched, one document (first sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. When one document is conveyed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t8. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. During this time, the motor temperature decreases. When the predetermined time has passed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t9. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t9, one document (second sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. After conveying one document, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t10. By transporting the second document, all the second set of documents are transported. As in the case where the first set is completed, the ADF motor 104 stops rotating until the third set of documents is placed on the document table. For this reason, the motor temperature continues to fall.

  Assume that the third set of documents is placed on the document table after the motor temperature falls below the lower limit, as shown in FIG. When the motor temperature falls below the lower limit value, the intermittent operation mode is canceled and the normal operation mode is entered, so the engine CPU 105 continuously conveys the document without stopping the rotation of the ADF motor 104.

  When the third set of documents is placed on the document table at time t11, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on. When the motor signal is switched, one document (first sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. The motor signal is kept on continuously until the motor temperature reaches the upper limit value. Therefore, in the ADF, the originals placed on the original table are continuously conveyed. During continuous conveyance, the motor temperature continues to rise and reaches the upper limit at time t12. The example shown in FIG. 3 shows a case where the motor temperature reaches the upper limit after the seventh original is conveyed.

  When the motor temperature reaches the upper limit value, the engine CPU 105 shifts to the intermittent operation mode again. When shifting to the intermittent operation mode, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. As a result, the conveyance of the document is also stopped. While the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped, the motor temperature decreases. When the predetermined time has passed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t13. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t13, one document (eighth document) placed on the document table is conveyed. After conveying one document, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t14. By transporting the eighth original, all the third set of originals are transported. The ADF motor 104 stops rotating until the next document is placed on the document table. For this reason, the motor temperature continues to fall.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process (hereinafter referred to as “operation mode selection process”) for selecting an operation mode (normal operation mode or intermittent operation mode) in MFP 100 according to the first embodiment.

  When the operation mode selection process is started, engine CPU 105 first starts counting a timer (hereinafter referred to as “periodic timer”) for confirming an interrupt (ST401). Thereafter, it is monitored whether or not an interruption by the periodic timer has occurred (ST402). The monitoring operation continues until an interruption by the periodic timer occurs. If an interruption by the periodic timer occurs during the monitoring operation, engine CPU 105 determines whether or not ADF motor 104 is operating (ST403).

  If the ADF motor 104 is operating, the temperature increase constant is added to the currently known motor temperature (ST404). When it is determined that the ADF motor 104 is operating in the initial operation, a temperature increase constant is added to a preset reference motor temperature. On the other hand, if the ADF motor 104 is not operating, the temperature decrease constant is subtracted from the currently known motor temperature (ST405). In the determination of ST403 in the initial operation, since the ADF motor 104 is always operating, the temperature decrease constant is not subtracted in ST405. The temperature increase constant and temperature decrease constant calculated here are set in advance in the register of the engine ASIC 106.

  After adding or subtracting the temperature increase constant or temperature decrease constant, engine CPU 105 determines whether the motor temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit value (ST406). If the motor temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit value, the intermittent operation mode is turned on and the operation mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode (ST407). After shifting to the intermittent operation mode, the process returns to ST402, and the interruption by the periodic timer is monitored again.

  On the other hand, if the motor temperature is lower than the upper limit value, it is determined whether the motor temperature is lower than the lower limit value (ST408). When the motor temperature is lower than the lower limit value and the operation mode is the intermittent operation mode, the intermittent operation mode is set to the OFF state and the operation mode is shifted to the normal operation mode (ST409). After the transition to the normal operation mode, or when the motor temperature is not lower than the lower limit value in ST408, the process returns to ST402 without changing the current operation mode and the interruption by the periodic timer is monitored.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining control after shifting to the intermittent operation mode in the multi-function device 100 according to the first embodiment.

  After shifting to the intermittent operation mode, the engine CPU 105 monitors whether the conveyance of one original document that is currently being conveyed or will be conveyed is completed (ST501). This monitoring operation is continuously performed until the conveyance of the original is completed.

  When the conveyance of the document is completed, it is checked whether the current operation mode is the intermittent operation mode. Specifically, it is determined whether the intermittent operation mode is ON (ST502). If the intermittent operation mode is not ON, that is, if the operation mode is the normal operation mode, the conveyance of the next document is started (ST503). In this case, the conveyance of the next document is started without stopping the ADF motor 104. After the conveyance of the next original is started, the process returns to ST501 and the completion of the conveyance of the original is monitored again.

  On the other hand, when the intermittent operation mode is in the ON state, engine CPU 105 sets an intermittent timer value (ST504). The intermittent timer value is set in a register included in the motor control block of the engine ASIC 106. After setting the intermittent timer value, counting of the intermittent timer is started (ST505). Then, it is monitored whether or not an interrupt by an intermittent timer has occurred (ST506). The monitoring operation is continued until an interrupt by the intermittent timer occurs.

  When an interruption by the intermittent timer occurs, the conveyance of the next document is started (ST507). In this case, the ADF motor 104 is stopped for the intermittent timer value, and then the next document is started to be conveyed. After the conveyance of the next original is started, the process returns to ST501 and the completion of the conveyance of the original is monitored again.

  As described above, according to the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, the operating state of the ADF motor 104 is monitored, and when it is determined that the motor temperature has reached the upper limit value, the mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode. In this intermittent operation mode, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped every time a document is conveyed, and control is performed so that the motor temperature does not exceed the upper limit value. Therefore, the ADF motor 104 intermittently conveys the document in a state where the motor temperature does not exceed the upper limit value. Although the document is conveyed intermittently, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is kept constant when the document passes through the reading surface. As a result, it is possible to convey the document stably without affecting the reading operation with simple control.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the motor temperature and the operating state of the motor in the multifunction machine 100 to which the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 3 shows an example in which one upper limit value and one lower limit value are set, whereas FIG. 6 shows an example in which two upper limit values and one lower limit value are set. .

  FIG. 6 shows a case where four sets of originals are set on the ADF. In the example shown in the figure, the first set of documents is composed of 12 sheets, the second and fourth sets of documents are composed of one sheet, and the third set of documents is composed of 6 sheets. To do. In FIG. 6, motor temperature upper limit A (hereinafter referred to as “upper limit value A”), motor temperature upper limit value B (hereinafter referred to as “upper limit value B”) and lower limit used when engine CPU 105 switches the operation mode. The value is indicated by a dashed line.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the first set of documents is placed on the document table at time t1, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on. Until the motor temperature reaches the upper limit B, the motor signal is continuously kept on. Therefore, in the ADF, the originals placed on the original table are continuously conveyed. During continuous conveyance, the motor temperature continues to rise and reaches the upper limit B at time t2. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the motor temperature reaches the upper limit B after the seventh original is conveyed.

  When the motor temperature reaches the upper limit value B, the engine CPU 105 shifts to the intermittent operation mode. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the intermittent operation mode includes an intermittent operation mode A and an intermittent operation mode B in which intervals at which the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped are different. When the motor temperature reaches the upper limit B, the operation shifts to the intermittent operation mode B, and when the motor temperature reaches the upper limit A, the operation moves to the intermittent operation mode A. Since the motor temperature reaches the upper limit value B first, the motor temperature first shifts to the intermittent operation mode B. Then, when the motor temperature further increases and reaches the upper limit value A, the motor temperature shifts to the intermittent operation mode A. When the operation mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode, the intermittent operation mode is continuously maintained until the motor temperature falls below the lower limit value as will be described later. In FIG. 6, the normal operation mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode B at time t2.

  When shifting to the intermittent operation mode B, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. As a result, the conveyance of the document is also stopped. While the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped, the motor temperature decreases. When a certain time (intermittent timer value B described later) elapses after the motor signal is switched off, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t3. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t3, one document (eighth document) placed on the document table is conveyed. In the intermittent operation mode B, when one document is conveyed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t4. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. During this time, the motor temperature decreases. When the predetermined time has passed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t5. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t5, one sheet of the 9th document placed on the document table is conveyed. When one document is conveyed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t6. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. During this time, the motor temperature decreases. When the predetermined time has elapsed again, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t7. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t7, one document (10th sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. In the intermittent operation mode B, even when the document is transported while the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped, the motor temperature is slightly increased because the stop time is short. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode B from the time point t2 and the document is conveyed while the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped, but the case where the motor temperature reaches the upper limit value A at the time point t8 is shown. ing.

  When the motor temperature reaches the upper limit value A, the engine CPU 105 shifts to the intermittent operation mode A. In FIG. 6, the intermittent operation mode B is shifted to the intermittent operation mode A at time t8. In the intermittent operation mode A, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped for a longer time than in the intermittent operation mode B.

  When shifting to the intermittent operation mode A, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. As a result, the conveyance of the document is also stopped. While the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped, the motor temperature decreases. When a certain time (intermittent timer value A described later) elapses after the motor signal is switched off, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t9. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t9, one document (11th sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. When one document is conveyed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t10. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. During this time, the motor temperature decreases. Then, when the predetermined time has passed again, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t11. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t11, one document (the 12th document) placed on the document table is conveyed. When one document is conveyed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t12. By transporting the twelfth original, all the first set of originals are conveyed. The ADF motor 104 stops rotating until the second set of documents is placed on the document table. For this reason, the motor temperature continues to fall.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the second set of documents is placed on the document table before the motor temperature falls below the lower limit value. Since the intermittent operation mode (intermittent operation mode A) is maintained until the motor temperature falls below the lower limit value, the engine CPU 105 conveys the document while stopping the rotation of the ADF motor 104 every time one document is conveyed.

  When the second set of documents is placed on the document table at time t13, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on. When the motor signal is switched, one document (first sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. When one document is conveyed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t14. By transporting the first document, all the second set of documents are transported. The ADF motor 104 stops rotating until the third set of documents is placed on the document table. For this reason, the motor temperature continues to fall.

  Assume that the third set of documents is placed on the document table after the motor temperature falls below the lower limit, as shown in FIG. When the motor temperature falls below the lower limit value, the intermittent operation mode is canceled and the normal operation mode is entered, so the engine CPU 105 continuously conveys the document without stopping the rotation of the ADF motor 104.

  When the third set of documents is placed on the document table at time t15, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on. When the motor signal is switched, one document (first sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. Until the motor temperature reaches the upper limit B, the motor signal is continuously kept on. Therefore, in the ADF, the originals placed on the original table are continuously conveyed. During the continuous conveyance, the motor temperature continues to rise and reaches the upper limit value at time t16. The example shown in FIG. 6 shows a case where the motor temperature reaches the upper limit B after the fifth original is conveyed.

  When the motor temperature reaches the upper limit B, the engine CPU 105 shifts to the intermittent operation mode B again. When shifting to the intermittent operation mode B, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off. Thereby, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is temporarily stopped. As a result, the conveyance of the document is also stopped. While the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped, the motor temperature decreases. After a certain time (intermittent timer value B) has elapsed after the motor signal is switched off, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on at time t17. As a result, the ADF motor 104 rotates again.

  When the motor signal is switched from off to on at time t17, the document placed on the document table is conveyed one sheet (sixth sheet). After conveying one document, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t18. By transporting the sixth document, all of the third set of documents are transported. The ADF motor 104 stops rotating until the fourth set of documents is placed on the document table. For this reason, the motor temperature continues to fall.

  It is assumed that the fourth set of documents is placed on the document table before the motor temperature falls below the lower limit as shown in FIG. Since the intermittent operation mode (intermittent operation mode B) is maintained until the motor temperature falls below the lower limit value, the engine CPU 105 conveys the document while stopping the rotation of the ADF motor 104 every time one document is conveyed. Here, the intermittent operation mode B is maintained because the operation mode has not shifted to the intermittent operation mode A.

  When the fourth set of documents is placed on the document table at time t19, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from off to on. When the motor signal is switched, one document (first sheet) placed on the document table is conveyed. When one original is conveyed, the engine CPU 105 switches the motor signal from on to off again at time t20. By transporting the first document, all of the fourth set of documents are transported. The ADF motor 104 stops rotating until the next original is placed on the original table. For this reason, the motor temperature continues to fall.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation mode selection processing in the multifunction machine 100 to which the first embodiment is applied. In the figure, the same reference numerals are assigned to the processes common to those in FIG. 4, and the detailed description thereof is omitted.

  After starting the operation mode selection process, the process of calculating the temperature increase constant or the temperature decrease constant (ST401 to ST405) is started in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. It is. The flow shown in FIG. 7 differs in the processing after adding or subtracting the temperature increase constant or the temperature decrease constant.

  After adding or subtracting the temperature increase constant or the temperature decrease constant, engine CPU 105 determines whether the motor temperature is equal to or higher than upper limit value B (ST701). If the motor temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit value B, it is determined whether the motor temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit value A (ST702). If the motor temperature is lower than the upper limit value A, the intermittent operation mode B is turned on and the operation mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode (ST703). On the other hand, when the motor temperature is equal to or higher than the upper limit value A, the intermittent operation mode A is turned on, and the operation mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode A (ST704). After shifting to the intermittent operation mode B or the intermittent operation mode A, the process returns to ST402, and the interruption by the periodic timer is monitored again.

  On the other hand, if the motor temperature is lower than the upper limit value B, it is determined whether the motor temperature is lower than the lower limit value (ST705). When the motor temperature is lower than the lower limit value and the operation mode is the intermittent operation mode (intermittent operation mode A or intermittent operation mode B), the intermittent operation mode is set to the OFF state and the operation mode is shifted to the normal operation mode (ST706). . After shifting to the normal operation mode or when the motor temperature is not lower than the lower limit value in ST705, the process returns to ST402 without changing the operation mode, and the interruption by the periodic timer is monitored again.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the control after shifting to the intermittent operation mode in the multi-function device 100 to which the first embodiment is applied. In the same figure, the processes common to those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  After the transition to the intermittent operation mode, the document conveyance is monitored, and when the intermittent operation mode is in the OFF state, the process of starting the conveyance of the next document (ST501 to ST503) is the same as the description in FIG. is there. The flow shown in FIG. 8 is different in the processing after determining that the intermittent operation mode is in the ON state.

  If the intermittent operation mode is ON, engine CPU 105 determines whether the intermittent operation mode is intermittent operation mode A (ST801). If it is not the intermittent operation mode A, that is, if it is the intermittent operation mode B, the intermittent timer value B is set (ST802). On the other hand, in the intermittent operation mode A, the intermittent timer value A is set (ST803). The intermittent timer value B is set shorter than the intermittent timer value A.

  After the intermittent timer value is set, counting of the intermittent timer is started, and processing (ST505 to ST507) for starting the next document when an interrupt is generated by the intermittent timer is the same as that described in FIG. is there.

  As described above, according to the MFP 100 to which the first embodiment is applied, the operation status of the ADF motor 104 is monitored, and when it is determined that the motor temperature has reached the upper limit value, the operation mode is shifted to the intermittent operation mode. In this intermittent operation mode, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is stopped every time a document is conveyed, and control is performed so that the motor temperature does not exceed the upper limit value. Therefore, the ADF motor 104 intermittently conveys the document in a state where the motor temperature does not exceed the upper limit value. Although the document is conveyed intermittently, the rotation of the ADF motor 104 is kept constant when the document passes through the reading surface. As a result, it is possible to convey the document stably without affecting the reading operation with simple control.

  In particular, in the MFP 100 to which the first embodiment is applied, two upper limit values are set, and two intermittent operation modes with different stop times of the ADF motor 104 are prepared. For this reason, the stop time of the ADF motor 104 can be flexibly controlled according to the motor temperature. Therefore, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed while shortening the conveyance stop time of the document according to the motor temperature.

  Note that, in the MFP 100 to which the first embodiment is applied, a case where two upper limit values are set is described. However, the number of upper limit values is not limited to this, and may be set to three or more. In this case, since the stop time of the ADF motor 104 can be controlled more flexibly according to the motor temperature, the document can be stably conveyed while further reducing the document conveyance stop time.

  Further, in the MFP 100 to which the first embodiment is applied, a case where only one lower limit value is set is described. However, the number of lower limit values is not limited to this, and may be set to two or more. Also in this case, since the stop time of the ADF motor 104 can be controlled more flexibly according to the motor temperature, the document can be stably conveyed while further reducing the document conveyance stop time.

(Embodiment 2)
When MFP 100 according to the second embodiment detects the outside air temperature from the temperature detected by temperature sensor 109 and determines that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, torque higher than the torque required for normal operation is obtained. The ADF motor 104 is controlled to be driven using the current value set so as to be output.

  FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are flowcharts for explaining the operation in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment. In particular, FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a process for detecting the outside air temperature (hereinafter referred to as “outside air temperature detection process”). FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process of setting a current value for driving the motor in accordance with the detected outside air temperature (hereinafter referred to as “current value setting process”).

  When the outside air temperature detection process is started, the engine CPU 105 first starts counting a regular timer for confirming an interrupt (ST901). Thereafter, it is monitored whether or not an interruption by the periodic timer has occurred (ST902). The monitoring operation continues until an interruption by the periodic timer occurs.

  If an interruption by the periodic timer occurs, engine CPU 105 samples the outside air temperature (ST903). At that time, the engine CPU 105 acquires the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 109 as sampling data of the outside air temperature. Then, if a predetermined number of sampling data of the outside air temperature is acquired, an average value of the sampling data is obtained (ST904).

  If the average value of sampling data is calculated | required, the average value will be preserve | saved as outside temperature data (ST905). This outside air temperature data is stored in an internal work (RAM area) of the engine CPU 105. After storing the outside air temperature data, the engine CPU 105 returns the process to ST902 and monitors again whether the interruption by the periodic timer occurs.

  When a document is placed on the ADF by the user of the MFP 100 while the outside air temperature data is stored, and copying is instructed, the engine CPU 105 executes a current value setting process shown in FIG.

  In the current value setting process, first, the engine CPU 105 determines whether or not the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value (ST1001). The outside temperature is determined based on outside temperature data set in the internal work (RAM area) of the CPU. The threshold is set to 0 ° C., for example. That is, the engine CPU 105 determines whether the outside air temperature is 0 ° C. or less.

  When the outside air temperature is not less than or equal to the threshold value, the engine CPU 105 outputs a current value (hereinafter referred to as “normal torque”) for outputting torque necessary for normal operation as a current for driving the ADF motor 104 (hereinafter referred to as “normal torque”). , “Normal torque current value”) is set (ST1002). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets 0.7 A as the normal torque current value.

  On the other hand, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the engine CPU 105 outputs a current value for outputting a torque higher than the normal torque (hereinafter referred to as “high torque”) as a current for driving the ADF motor 104. (Hereinafter referred to as “high torque current value”) is set (ST1003). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets 1.0 A as the high torque current value.

  After setting the normal torque current value or the high torque current value, the engine CPU 105 ends the current value setting process. After completing the current value setting process, the engine CPU 105 drives the ADF motor 104 according to the current value set in the current value setting process.

  As described above, according to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the second embodiment, when the outside air temperature is detected from the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 109 and the outside air temperature is determined to be equal to or less than the predetermined threshold, the ADF is used using the high torque current value. The motor 104 is driven. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven using the normal torque current value when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  Note that, in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, the case where the current value is changed by comparing the outside air temperature with a single threshold value is shown. However, two or more threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature may be set.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a current value setting process in the multifunction machine 100 to which the second embodiment is applied.

  FIG. 11 shows a case where two threshold values A and B are set as threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature. As for the relationship between the threshold A and the threshold B, the threshold A is set to a temperature higher than the threshold B.

  In the current value setting process of the multifunction machine 100 to which the second embodiment is applied, the engine CPU 105 first determines whether or not the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold A (ST1101). The threshold A is set to 0 ° C., for example. That is, the engine CPU 105 determines whether the outside air temperature is 0 ° C. or less.

  If the outside air temperature is not less than or equal to threshold A, engine CPU 105 sets a normal torque current value as a current for driving ADF motor 104 (ST1102). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets 0.7 A as the normal torque current value.

  On the other hand, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than threshold A, engine CPU 105 determines whether or not the outside air temperature is now equal to or lower than threshold B (ST1103). The threshold value B is set to −20 ° C., for example. That is, the engine CPU 105 determines whether the outside air temperature is −20 ° C. or lower.

  When the outside air temperature is not less than or equal to the threshold value B, the engine CPU 105 outputs a current value for outputting a torque one step higher than the normal torque as the current for driving the ADF motor 104 (hereinafter referred to as “current value A”). Is set (ST1104). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets 1.0 A as the current value A.

  On the other hand, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold B, the engine CPU 105 outputs a current value (hereinafter referred to as “current value”) for outputting a torque that is two steps higher than the normal torque as a current for driving the ADF motor 104. B ”) is set (ST1105). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets 1.3 A as the high torque current value.

  After setting the normal torque current value, the current value A, or the current value B, the engine CPU 105 ends the current value setting process. After completing the current value setting process, the engine CPU 105 drives the ADF motor 104 according to the current value set in the current value setting process.

  As described above, according to the multifunction machine 100 to which the second embodiment is applied, when the outside air temperature is detected from the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 109 and the outside air temperature is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the high torque current value is used. The ADF motor 104 is driven. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven using the normal torque current value when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  In particular, in the MFP 100 to which the second embodiment is applied, since two threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature are set, a current value for driving the ADF motor 104 is set according to the outside air temperature. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with a situation such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like.

  Note that, in the multifunction peripheral according to the second embodiment or a multifunction peripheral to which the multifunction peripheral is applied, the case where the current value used when the ADF motor 104 is driven is particularly described. However, when the outside air temperature is low or the like, problems such as step-out when driving using the normal torque current value are not limited to the ADF motor 104, but also to other motors used for other purposes. Naturally it can occur. For this reason, you may apply the control in the multi-function device 100 which concerns on Embodiment 2 to the motor used for another use.

  For example, when the current value used when the scanner motor 103 is driven is changed, the step-out that may occur when the scanner motor 103 is driven using the normal torque current value when the outside air temperature is low. Can be avoided. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the scanner motor 103 or the like. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

(Embodiment 3)
When MFP 100 according to the second embodiment determines that the outside air temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the motor is driven with a current value set so that a torque higher than the torque required for normal operation is output. On the other hand, the MFP 100 according to the third embodiment is configured to output a torque higher than the torque required for normal operation when the outside air temperature is determined to be equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold. The difference is that the ADF motor 104 is controlled to be driven with the excited pattern.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the third embodiment. In particular, FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a process for setting an excitation pattern for driving the motor according to the detected outside air temperature (hereinafter referred to as “excitation pattern setting process”). In the MFP 100 according to the third embodiment, the outside air temperature detection process is the same as the process (FIG. 9) described in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Similar to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the second embodiment, a document is placed on the ADF by the user of the multifunction peripheral 100 while the outside temperature data detected by the outside temperature detection process is stored, and copying or the like is instructed. Then, the engine CPU 105 executes the excitation pattern setting process shown in FIG.

  In the excitation pattern setting process, first, the engine CPU 105 determines whether or not the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value (ST1201). The outside temperature is determined based on outside temperature data set in the internal work (RAM area) of the CPU. The threshold is set to 0 ° C., for example. That is, the engine CPU 105 determines whether the outside air temperature is 0 ° C. or less.

  When the outside air temperature is not lower than the threshold value, the engine CPU 105 outputs an excitation pattern (hereinafter referred to as “normal torque excitation pattern”) for outputting a normal torque necessary for a normal operation as a current for driving the ADF motor 104. ) Is set (ST1202). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets the 1-2 phase excitation pattern as the normal torque excitation pattern.

  On the other hand, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold, the engine CPU 105 sets an excitation pattern (hereinafter referred to as “high torque excitation pattern”) for outputting high torque as a current for driving the ADF motor 104. (ST1203). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets a two-phase excitation pattern as a high torque excitation pattern.

  After setting the normal torque excitation pattern or the high torque excitation pattern, the engine CPU 105 ends the excitation pattern setting process. After completing the excitation pattern setting process, the engine CPU 105 drives the ADF motor 104 in accordance with the excitation pattern set in the excitation pattern setting process.

  As described above, according to the MFP 100 according to the third embodiment, when the outside air temperature is detected from the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 109 and the outside air temperature is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the ADF is used using the high torque excitation pattern. The motor 104 is driven. Thereby, it is possible to avoid a situation such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven using the normal excitation pattern when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  Note that in the multi-function device 100 according to the third embodiment, as described in the multi-function device 100 according to the second embodiment, two or more threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature may be set. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining excitation pattern setting processing in the multifunction machine 100 to which the third embodiment is applied. In the flow shown in FIG. 13, the processes common to those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. The relationship between threshold A and threshold B in FIG. 13 is the same as threshold A and threshold B in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the process for determining whether the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold A and the process for determining whether the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold B (ST1101, ST1103) are the same as described in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, when the outside air temperature is not equal to or lower than threshold A, engine CPU 105 sets a normal torque excitation pattern as an excitation pattern for driving ADF motor 104 (ST1301). When the outside air temperature is not equal to or lower than the threshold value B, the engine CPU 105 outputs an excitation pattern (hereinafter referred to as “excitation pattern A”) for outputting a torque one step higher than the normal torque as an excitation pattern for driving the ADF motor 104. ) Is set (ST1302). Further, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value B, the engine CPU 105 outputs an excitation pattern (hereinafter referred to as “excitation pattern B”) for outputting a torque two steps higher than the normal torque as an excitation pattern for driving the ADF motor 104. Is set) (ST1303).

  After setting the normal torque excitation pattern, the excitation pattern A, or the excitation pattern B, the engine CPU 105 ends the excitation pattern setting process. After completing the excitation pattern setting process, the engine CPU 105 drives the ADF motor 104 in accordance with the excitation pattern set in the excitation pattern setting process.

  Thus, according to MFP 100 to which the third embodiment is applied, when the outside air temperature is detected from the temperature detected by temperature sensor 109 and it is determined that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the high torque excitation pattern is used. The ADF motor 104 is driven. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven using the normal torque excitation pattern when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  In particular, in the MFP 100 to which the third embodiment is applied, since two threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature are set, an excitation pattern for driving the ADF motor 104 is set according to the outside air temperature. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with a situation such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like.

  Note that, in the multifunction device 100 according to the third embodiment or the multifunction device 100 to which the multifunction device 100 is applied, the case where the excitation pattern used when the ADF motor 104 is driven is particularly described. However, the control in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the third embodiment may be applied to a motor used for other purposes, as in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 4)
When MFP 100 according to the second embodiment determines that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the motor is driven with a current value set so that a torque higher than the torque required for normal operation is output. On the other hand, if the MFP 100 according to the fourth embodiment determines that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the fourth embodiment is configured to start when a torque higher than that required for normal operation is required. The difference is that the ADF motor 104 is controlled to be driven with a rotational characteristic (slow up) suitable for raising.

  In the multifunction machine 100 according to the fourth embodiment, a plurality of types of so-called slow-ups are prepared in which the ADF motor 104 is rotated at a low speed in order to ensure a large torque at startup, and the ADF motor 104 is gradually rotated at a high speed. When the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the ADF motor 104 is driven by selecting a rotation characteristic (slow-up) suitable for starting up when a larger torque is required. In the MFP 100 according to the fourth embodiment, this rotation characteristic is particularly referred to as a slow-up curve.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the fourth embodiment. In particular, FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a process of setting a slow-up curve for driving the motor according to the detected outside air temperature (hereinafter referred to as “slow-up curve setting process”). In the MFP 100 according to the fourth embodiment, the outside air temperature detection process is the same as the process (FIG. 9) described in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Similar to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the second embodiment, a document is placed on the ADF by the user of the multifunction peripheral 100 while the outside temperature data detected by the outside temperature detection process is stored, and copying or the like is instructed. Then, the engine CPU 105 executes a slow-up curve setting process shown in FIG.

  In the slow-up curve setting process, first, the engine CPU 105 determines whether or not the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value (ST1401). The outside temperature is determined based on outside temperature data set in the internal work (RAM area) of the CPU. The threshold is set to 0 ° C., for example. That is, the engine CPU 105 determines whether the outside air temperature is 0 ° C. or less.

  When the outside air temperature is not less than or equal to the threshold value, the engine CPU 105 uses a slow-up curve suitable for outputting normal torque required for normal operation as a slow-up curve for driving the ADF motor 104 (hereinafter, “normally” "Torque slow-up curve") is set (ST1402). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets the slow-up curve 1 shown in FIG. 15 as the normal torque slow-up curve.

  On the other hand, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the engine CPU 105 uses a slow-up curve suitable for outputting high torque as a slow-up curve for driving the ADF motor 104 (hereinafter referred to as “high torque slow-up”). Curve ") is set (ST1403). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets a slow-up curve 2 shown in FIG. 15 as a high torque slow-up curve.

  Here, the relationship between the slow-up curve and torque used when driving the motor will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the slow-up curve 2 set as the high torque slow-up curve is set longer than the slow-up curve 1 during which the motor rotates at a low speed. For this reason, when the motor is driven using the slow-up curve 2, a larger torque is ensured than when the motor is driven using the slow-up curve 1.

  As described above, after setting the normal torque slow-up curve or the high torque slow-up curve, the engine CPU 105 ends the slow-up curve setting process. After completing the slow-up curve setting process, the engine CPU 105 drives the ADF motor 104 according to the slow-up curve set in the slow-up curve setting process.

  As described above, according to the MFP 100 according to the fourth embodiment, when the outside air temperature is detected from the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 109 and it is determined that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold, the high torque slow-up curve is used. The ADF motor 104 is driven. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven using a normal slow-up curve when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  Note that in the multi-function device 100 according to the fourth embodiment, as described in the multi-function device 100 according to the second embodiment, two or more threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature may be set. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the slow-up curve setting process in the multifunction machine 100 to which the fourth embodiment is applied. In the flow shown in FIG. 16, the processes common to those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The relationship between threshold A and threshold B in FIG. 16 is the same as threshold A and threshold B in FIG.

  In FIG. 16, the process for determining whether the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold A and the process for determining whether the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold B (ST1101, ST1103) are the same as described in FIG.

  In FIG. 16, when the outside air temperature is not equal to or lower than threshold A, engine CPU 105 sets a normal torque slow-up curve as a slow-up curve for driving ADF motor 104 (ST1601). When the outside air temperature is not less than or equal to the threshold value B, the engine CPU 105 uses a slow-up curve (hereinafter referred to as “slow-up curve”) that is suitable for outputting a torque one step higher than the normal torque as a slow-up curve for driving the ADF motor 104. Is set (ST1602). Further, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold B, the engine CPU 105 uses a slow-up curve (hereinafter referred to as “throw-up curve”) that is suitable for outputting a torque that is two steps higher than the normal torque as a slow-up curve for driving the ADF motor 104. "Slow-up curve B") is set (ST1603).

  After setting the normal torque slow-up curve, slow-up curve A, or slow-up curve B, the engine CPU 105 ends the slow-up curve setting process. After completing the slow-up curve setting process, the engine CPU 105 drives the ADF motor 104 according to the slow-up curve set in the slow-up curve setting process.

  As described above, according to MFP 100 to which the fourth embodiment is applied, when the outside air temperature is detected from the temperature detected by temperature sensor 109 and the outside air temperature is determined to be equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, a high torque slow-up curve is used. Then, the ADF motor 104 is driven. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven using a normal torque slow-up curve when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  In particular, in the MFP 100 to which the fourth embodiment is applied, since two threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature are set, the slow-up curve for driving the ADF motor 104 is controlled according to the outside air temperature. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with a situation such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like.

  Note that, in the multifunction device 100 according to the fourth embodiment or the multifunction device 100 to which the multifunction device 100 is applied, the case where the slow-up curve used when the ADF motor 104 is driven is particularly described. However, the control in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the fourth embodiment may be applied to a motor used for other purposes, as in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the second embodiment.

(Embodiment 5)
When MFP 100 according to the second embodiment determines that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, ADF motor 104 is set to a current value set so that a torque higher than the torque required for normal operation is output. In contrast to the control so as to drive, the multifunction peripheral 100 according to Embodiment 5 outputs a torque higher than the torque required for normal operation when it is determined that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold. The difference is that the ADF motor 104 is controlled to be driven with the operating current waveform set to.

  In the multi-function device 100 according to the fifth embodiment, a plurality of types of operating current waveforms for driving a motor are prepared in order to ensure a large torque at the time of startup. When the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the motor is driven by selecting an operating current waveform that can secure a larger torque.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the fifth embodiment. In particular, FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a process of setting an operating current waveform for driving the motor according to the detected outside air temperature (hereinafter referred to as “waveform setting process”). In the MFP 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the outside air temperature detection process is the same as the process (FIG. 9) described in the MFP 100 according to the second embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  Similar to the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the second embodiment, a document is placed on the ADF by the user of the multifunction peripheral 100 while the outside temperature data detected by the outside temperature detection process is stored, and copying or the like is instructed. Then, the engine CPU 105 executes the waveform setting process shown in FIG.

  In the waveform setting process, first, the engine CPU 105 determines whether or not the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value (ST1701). The outside air temperature is determined based on outside temperature data set in the register. The threshold is set to 0 ° C., for example. That is, the engine CPU 105 determines whether the outside air temperature is 0 ° C. or less.

  When the outside air temperature is not less than or equal to the threshold value, the engine CPU 105 outputs a waveform for outputting normal torque necessary for normal operation (hereinafter referred to as “steady waveform”) as an operation current waveform for driving the ADF motor 104. Is set (ST1702). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets the operating current waveform shown in FIG. 18 as a steady waveform.

  On the other hand, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the engine CPU 105 sets a waveform for outputting high torque (hereinafter referred to as “torque up waveform”) as an operating current waveform for driving the ADF motor 104. (ST1703). For example, the engine CPU 105 sets the operating current waveform shown in FIG. 19 as the torque-up waveform.

  Here, the relationship between the operating current waveform and torque used when driving the motor will be described with reference to FIGS. The operating current waveform (torque up waveform) shown in FIG. 19 has a motor torque vector at the time of startup larger than the operating current waveform (steady waveform) shown in FIG. For this reason, when a motor is driven using a torque-up waveform, a larger torque is secured than when a motor is driven using a steady waveform.

  As described above, after setting the steady waveform or the torque-up waveform, the engine CPU 105 ends the waveform setting process. After completing the waveform setting process, the engine CPU 105 drives the ADF motor 104 according to the waveform set in the waveform setting process.

  As described above, according to MFP 100 according to the fifth embodiment, when the outside air temperature is detected from the temperature detected by temperature sensor 109 and it is determined that the outside air temperature is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the ADF motor is used using the torque-up waveform. 104 is driven. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven using a steady waveform when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  Note that in the multi-function device 100 according to the fifth embodiment, as described in the multi-function device 100 according to the second embodiment, two or more threshold values to be compared with the outside air temperature may be set. FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the waveform setting process in the multifunction machine 100 to which the fifth embodiment is applied. In the flow shown in FIG. 20, the processes common to those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The relationship between threshold A and threshold B in FIG. 16 is the same as threshold A and threshold B in FIG.

  In FIG. 20, the process of determining whether the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold A and the process of determining whether the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold B (ST1101, ST1103) are the same as described in FIG.

  In FIG. 20, when the outside air temperature is not equal to or lower than threshold A, engine CPU 105 sets a steady waveform as an operating current waveform for driving ADF motor 104 (ST2001). When the outside air temperature is not less than or equal to the threshold value B, the engine CPU 105 outputs a waveform for outputting a torque one step higher than the normal torque (hereinafter, “torque up waveform A”) as an operating current waveform for driving the ADF motor 104. Is set (ST2002). Further, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold value B, the engine CPU 105 outputs a waveform (hereinafter referred to as a “torque up waveform”) for outputting a torque two steps higher than the normal torque as an operating current waveform for driving the ADF motor 104. B ”) is set (ST2003).

  After setting the steady waveform, the torque-up waveform A, or the torque-up waveform B, the engine CPU 105 ends the waveform setting process. After completing the waveform setting process, the engine CPU 105 drives the ADF motor 104 according to the waveform set in the waveform setting process.

  Thus, according to MFP 100 to which the fifth embodiment is applied, when the outside air temperature is detected from the temperature detected by temperature sensor 109 and it is determined that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value, the torque increase waveform is used for ADF. The motor 104 is driven. As a result, it is possible to avoid situations such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven using a steady waveform when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like. As a result, there is an effect that the document can be stably conveyed by simple control without affecting the reading operation.

  In particular, in the MFP 100 to which the fifth embodiment is applied, since two thresholds to be compared with the outside air temperature are set, the waveform for driving the ADF motor 104 can be controlled according to the outside air temperature. it can. Therefore, it is possible to flexibly cope with a situation such as step-out that may occur when the ADF motor 104 is driven when the outside air temperature is low. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably avoid a situation in which the reading operation of the document is hindered due to the step-out of the ADF motor 104 or the like.

  Note that, in the multifunction device 100 according to the fifth embodiment or the multifunction device 100 to which the multifunction device 100 is applied, the case where the operating current waveform used when the ADF motor 104 is driven is particularly described. However, the control in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the fifth embodiment may be applied to a motor used for other purposes, as in the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the second embodiment.

  According to the automatic document feeder and the multifunction peripheral according to the present invention, it is possible to easily and stably convey the document without affecting the reading operation, and to easily and stably control the driving motor. This is useful in that it can provide an automatic document feeder and a multifunction machine with excellent performance.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a circuit for driving a motor mounted on a multifunction machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The figure which shows the characteristic of the motor temperature in the multifunctional machine which concerns on Embodiment 1. The figure which shows the motor temperature in the multifunctional machine which concerns on Embodiment 1, and the operating condition of a motor FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining processing for selecting an operation mode in the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining control after shifting to the intermittent operation mode in the multifunction peripheral according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows the motor temperature in the compound machine which applied Embodiment 1, and the operating condition of a motor Flow chart for explaining operation mode selection processing in a multifunction machine to which the first embodiment is applied FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining control after shifting to the intermittent operation mode in the multifunction machine to which the first embodiment is applied. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart for explaining the operation of the multifunction machine according to the second embodiment. Flow chart for explaining current value setting processing in a multifunction machine to which the second embodiment is applied FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the multifunction machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Flow chart for explaining excitation pattern setting processing in a multifunction machine to which the third embodiment is applied FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the multifunction machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The figure for demonstrating the slow up curve used when driving a motor in the multi-function machine concerning Embodiment 4. Flow chart for explaining a slow-up curve setting process in a multifunction machine to which the fourth embodiment is applied FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in the multifunction machine according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The figure for demonstrating the waveform used when driving a motor in the compound machine concerning Embodiment 5. The figure for demonstrating the waveform used when driving a motor in the compound machine concerning Embodiment 5. Flow chart for explaining waveform setting processing in a multifunction machine to which the fifth embodiment is applied

Explanation of symbols

100 MFP 101 SPC board 102 ADF board 103 Scanner motor 104 ADF motor 105 Engine CPU
106 Engine ASIC
107 DA conversion IC
108, 110 Driver 109 Temperature sensor

Claims (14)

  A conveying unit that sequentially conveys a large number of documents, a driving unit that rotationally drives the conveying unit, and the temperature of the driving unit are managed according to the operating time of the driving unit, and the temperature of the driving unit is predetermined. An automatic document feeder comprising: a control unit that controls driving of the driving unit so as to stop the conveyance of the document between the documents that are sequentially conveyed when the upper limit temperature is reached.   The control means manages a first upper limit temperature and a second upper limit temperature lower than the first upper limit temperature as the upper limit temperature, and a first stop time when the temperature of the driving means reaches the second upper limit temperature. While the conveyance of the document is stopped only when the temperature of the driving means reaches the first upper limit temperature, the conveyance of the document is stopped for a second stop time longer than the first stop time. 2. The automatic document feeder according to claim 1, wherein the driving of the driving means is controlled as described above.   The control means controls the driving of the driving means so as to stop the conveyance of the original between the sequentially conveyed originals for a certain period of time, and if the temperature of the driving means reaches a predetermined lower limit temperature, the control means 3. The automatic document feeder according to claim 1, wherein the driving of the driving unit is controlled so that the document is continuously conveyed.   Conveying means for sequentially conveying a large number of documents, driving means for rotationally driving the conveying means, detecting means for detecting the outside air temperature according to a detection value of a temperature sensor provided in the apparatus main body, and the detecting means Control means for controlling the driving of the driving means so that the torque output by the driving means is larger than that during normal operation when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value. Automatic document feeder.   When the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the control means uses the current value that outputs a torque larger than the current value used when the drive means normally operates. 5. An automatic document feeder according to claim 4, wherein said means is driven.   The control means manages a first threshold value and a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value as the threshold value, and when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is not more than the first threshold value and not not less than the second threshold value. While the drive means is driven using a current value that outputs a torque that is one step larger than the current value used when the drive means normally operates, the outside temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a second threshold value. 6. The automatic document feeder according to claim 5, wherein the driving unit is driven using a current value that outputs a torque that is two steps larger than a current value used when the driving unit normally operates. .   When the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the control means uses the excitation pattern that outputs a torque larger than the excitation pattern used when the drive means normally operates. 5. An automatic document feeder according to claim 4, wherein said means is driven.   The control means manages a first threshold value and a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value as the threshold value, and when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is not more than the first threshold value and not not less than the second threshold value. The drive means is driven using an excitation pattern that outputs a torque that is one step larger than the excitation pattern used when the drive means operates normally, and the outside temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a second threshold value. 8. The automatic document feeder according to claim 7, wherein the driving unit is driven using an excitation pattern that outputs a torque that is two steps larger than an excitation pattern used when the driving unit normally operates. .   When the outside air temperature detected by the detection unit is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the control unit performs the rotation according to a rotation characteristic suitable for outputting torque larger than the rotation characteristic used when the driving unit normally operates. 5. The automatic document feeder according to claim 4, wherein the driving means is driven.   The control means manages a first threshold value and a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value as the threshold value, and when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is not more than the first threshold value and not not less than the second threshold value. The drive means is driven according to a rotation characteristic suitable for outputting a torque one step larger than the rotation characteristic used when the drive means normally operates, while the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is below a second threshold value. 10. The automatic document according to claim 9, wherein in some cases, the driving means is driven in accordance with a rotation characteristic suitable for outputting a torque that is two steps larger than the rotation characteristic used when the driving means normally operates. Conveying device.   When the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold, the control means controls the drive means using a waveform that outputs a torque larger than the waveform used when the drive means normally operates. The automatic document feeder according to claim 4, wherein the automatic document feeder is driven.   The control means manages a first threshold value and a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value as the threshold value, and when the outside air temperature detected by the detection means is not more than the first threshold value and not not less than the second threshold value. When the driving means is driven using a waveform that outputs a torque that is one step larger than the waveform used when the driving means normally operates, while the outside air temperature detected by the detecting means is equal to or lower than a second threshold value. 12. The automatic document feeder according to claim 11, wherein the driving unit is driven using a waveform that outputs a torque that is two steps larger than a waveform used when the driving unit normally operates.   13. A multi-functional machine comprising: the automatic document feeder according to claim 1; and a reading device that reads image data of a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder.   Reading means for reading the image data of the conveyed document, driving means for driving the reading means along the reading surface of the document, and detection for detecting the outside air temperature according to the detection value of the temperature sensor provided in the apparatus body And control means for controlling the driving of the driving means so that the torque output by the driving means becomes larger than that during normal operation when the outside air temperature detected by the detecting means is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value; A multi-function machine comprising:

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