CN101398295B - Sheet thickness measuring device and image forming apparatus - Google Patents
Sheet thickness measuring device and image forming apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- CN101398295B CN101398295B CN2008101688812A CN200810168881A CN101398295B CN 101398295 B CN101398295 B CN 101398295B CN 2008101688812 A CN2008101688812 A CN 2008101688812A CN 200810168881 A CN200810168881 A CN 200810168881A CN 101398295 B CN101398295 B CN 101398295B
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Abstract
A sheet thickness measuring device includes: an illumination unit that outputs a light that is illuminated into a stack of sheets from a first area defined on one of faces including a top face, a bottom face, and side faces of the stack of sheets; a detection unit that detects a light amount distribution of light entered into the stack of sheets and propagated to a second area through the stack of sheets, the second area defined on one of the side faces of the stack of sheets; and a calculation unit that calculates a thickness of a sheet in the stack of sheets based on the light amount distribution detected by the detection unit.
Description
Related application
The present invention relates to comprise the 2007-252024 Japanese patent application and the theme in the 2008-093934 Japanese patent application of submitting on March 31st, 2008 that are that on September 27th, 2007 submitted to, its full content is incorporated into this by reference.
Technical field
The present invention relates to sheet thickness measuring device, image forming apparatus is measured the method for paper sheet thickness, and detects the method for paper type.
Background technology
In the printer such as laser printer, it is print image on all kinds paper such as cardboard, copy paper and OHP film, for making the various constrained optimizations of printing and melting process, needs to understand the information of paper thickness and type.Traditionally, specify by these information of print paper type by the artificial input of user.But concerning the user, such manual work input has reduced the convenience of using.Therefore expectation has a kind of technology of begin to present and transmit paper for printing before, confirming to pin-point accuracy the type of paper automatically.
To be described in paper below and stacked under the state on the pallet of printer with the conventional apparatus of optical measurement paper sheet thickness, it will be called as the optics sheet thickness measuring device.Optics paper sheet thickness device before paper is transmitted, measure with two or the plurality of sheets of paper state of opening mutual accumulation measure paper thickness down.Disclosed the instance of this kind device among the JP-A-2005-104723.
As main structure; The traditional optical sheet thickness measuring device is stored and to be in two or plurality of sheets of paper and to open the paper that stacks and be arranged in the state on the pallet; And with light source from oblique upper or the oblique side that stacks of below irradiation paper, stack the scrambling of side with outstanding paper.Catch from directly by the reflected light in light source irradiation zone by light receiving unit, from receptions about wave mode calculating peak-peak distance by the light of caused brightness of the paper that stacks and darkness, thereby the acquisition paper sheet thickness.Because the edge reflected light light intensity of paper is big, and the gap location reflected light light intensity between the paper is little, so present lower peak value in the gap location light quantity.
But, stack the light time that the direct sunshine irradiated region of side is reflected when only catching by paper, be difficult to from peak value, obtain the contrast that various paper precise thicknesses are found in such being enough to.And, the possibility of the thickness of two of existence detections or plurality of sheets of paper rather than sheet-fed, the feasible precise thickness that is difficult to detect paper.Also have, because of the thickness of each sheet-fed in the scope of 60 μ m to 300 μ m, if paper sheet thickness is detected reliably, can the thickness that two or plurality of sheets of paper are opened be detected the thickness into ground paper by error so.
Summary of the invention
The sheet thickness measuring device that provides according to a first aspect of the invention comprises: illumination unit, and it is exported the first area irradiation paper feed that defines (define) on from each face that comprises end face, bottom surface and side that paper stacks and opens the light that stacks; Detecting unit, its detection enter into that paper stacks and stack the light quantity distribution of the light that propagates into second area through paper, and said second area one of is defined in each side that paper stacks; And computing unit; It is based on calculating the thickness that paper stacks middle paper by the light quantity distribution of detection, and said illumination unit and said detecting unit are configured to prevent that other light through said paper stacks beyond the light that propagates into said side from getting into said detecting unit.
The image forming apparatus that provides according to a second aspect of the invention comprises: according to the sheet thickness measuring device of first aspect; Image forming part, it forms image being stacked on the paper of presenting by paper; And control module, the paper sheet thickness control image forming part that it calculates based on the computing unit by device.
The sheet thickness measuring device that provides according to a third aspect of the invention we comprises: illumination unit, the light that its output is shone on the paper with end face, bottom surface and side stacks in each face one of them; Detecting unit, the light quantity distribution of the light of one of them side that its detection arrival paper stacks, said side is different from illumination unit with light-struck; And computing unit; It is based on calculating the thickness that paper stacks middle paper by the light quantity distribution of detection, and said illumination unit and said detecting unit are configured to prevent that other light through said paper stacks beyond the light that propagates into said side from getting into said detecting unit.
The sheet thickness measuring device that provides according to a forth aspect of the invention comprises: illumination unit, and its output stacks in each side the light of the first area irradiation on one of them at the paper with end face, bottom surface and side; Detecting unit, it detects and arrives the light quantity distribution of illumination unit at the light that also penetrates with light-struck side second area different with said first area; The light shutter, it prevents that the light of illumination unit from not getting into paper and stacking and just arrive detecting unit, also covers the light of said first area reflection; And computing unit, it is based on calculating the thickness that paper stacks middle paper by the light quantity distribution of detection.
Description of drawings
In the accompanying drawing:
Fig. 1 shows the structural map according to the sheet thickness measuring device of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 2 explains when allowing the light transmission paper to stack the explanatory synoptic diagram figure of the transport phenomena in inner time;
Fig. 3 is the instance of the image of the propagates light on the second area of confirming on the side that stacks of captive arrival paper;
Fig. 4 is the process flow diagram that from the view data of propagates light, obtains the processing procedure of paper sheet thickness;
To be explanation stack the light quantity distribution figure on the direction through in the horizontal direction the image of Fig. 3 being carried out the propagates light on the side that paper stacks that integration obtains at paper to Fig. 5;
Fig. 6 is the key diagram of the functional block confirming to adopt in the device according to the paper type of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 7 is another structural map according to the sheet thickness measuring device of the first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 8 is the structural map of sheet thickness measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 9 is another structural map of sheet thickness measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is the structural map of the sheet thickness measuring device of a third embodiment in accordance with the invention;
Figure 11 is another structural map of the sheet thickness measuring device of a third embodiment in accordance with the invention;
Figure 12 is the structural map of the sheet thickness measuring device of a fourth embodiment in accordance with the invention;
Figure 13 is another structural map of the sheet thickness measuring device of a fourth embodiment in accordance with the invention;
Figure 14 is the structural map of sheet thickness measuring device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
Figure 15 is another structural map of sheet thickness measuring device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
Figure 16 is the another structural map of sheet thickness measuring device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;
Figure 17 is the structural map of sheet thickness measuring device according to a sixth embodiment of the invention;
Figure 18 is the structural map of sheet thickness measuring device according to a seventh embodiment of the invention;
Figure 19 is the structural map according to the sheet thickness measuring device of the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 20 is arranged on the structural map that obtains piece according to the paper sheet thickness in the sheet thickness measuring device of the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 21 carries out the process flow diagram of handling by the sheet thickness measuring device according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 22 is the structural map according to the sheet thickness measuring device of the nineth embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 23 is the structural map according to the sheet thickness measuring device of the tenth embodiment of the present invention;
To be explanation stack light quantity distribution figure direction on what paper stacked propagates light on the side at paper through what the image to the propagates light of on the side that paper stacks, catching according to conventional art carried out that integration obtains to Figure 24;
Figure 25 is the instance of the form in the paper information database, stored.
Embodiment
With reference to accompanying drawing, each embodiment of the present invention will be described.In the following description, be analogous to each other or the member that is equal to is described with identical label with part and shown, and omit the explanation of its repetition (cumulative).
First embodiment
Referring to figs. 1 through Fig. 6 and Figure 25 the first embodiment of the present invention is described.
Fig. 1 shows from being used for confirming that paper being used for of forming that the image forming apparatus of image extracts the paper type of the type of paper confirms the instance of device.
Here sheet thickness measuring device 26 will be described.As shown in Figure 1, two or plurality of sheets of paper are opened 13 and are stacked on another and stack 14 to form paper.Paper stacks 14 and has end face, following and stack a plurality of sides 16 that direction is extended along paper.Paper stacks 14 and places on the pallet 12, and pallet 12 comprises that can make paper stack 14 stacks the mechanism (not shown) that direction moves up and down at paper.Light source 10 be set at paper stack 14 above, and comprise the light quantity adjustment unit 101 that is used to control the irradiation light quantity.Light source 10 stacks 14 end face output irradiates light 11 towards paper.Here, end face refers to that stack stacks the end face of 14 uppermost paper 13 at paper, and following finger stack stacks the bottom surface of 14 nethermost paper 13 at paper.
Said side 16 means paper except upper and lower and stacks a plurality of sides of 14.Paper stacks direction and is meant the wherein direction of the mutual stack of paper, and paper stacks 14 a plurality ofly be parallel to face that paper stacks direction and be called as paper and stack each side of 14.Horizontal direction is perpendicular to the direction that paper stacks direction.In a plurality of sides 16, the side that light receiving unit 19 faces toward is called side 16a.
Be positioned at paper stack on 14 the end face and the zone of illumination light 11 direct irradiations on it be referred to as first area 30.Propagates light 17 forms lens 18 by the image that stacks 14 side 16a configuration facing to paper respectively and light receiving element 19 measured.Propagates light 17 is to get into paper from light source 10 to stack 14 innerly and stack the light of 14 internal communications at paper, and arrives and is in the second area 31 on the 16a of side.Light receiving element 19 is area sensors, has the element such as ccd image sensor and cmos image sensor that two-dimensional approach is arranged.Image forms lens 18 and can stack on direction and the horizontal direction mobile at paper through actuating unit (not shown) with light receiving element 19.
If the propagates light of light receiving element 19 energy measurements 16a ejaculation from the side; The second area 31 of side 16a can be configured on any of a plurality of sides 16 so; But second area 31 is to be overlapped in and is the first area 30 that is different from by light source 10 irradiations.According to present embodiment, first area 30 is in paper and stacks on 14 the end face, and it is different from the side at second area 31 places, that is to say that this structure satisfies above-mentioned definition.
Dispose above-mentioned sheet thickness measuring device 26, measure the gross thickness measurement mechanism 27 that paper stacks 14 gross thickness, measure the Weight-measuring device 28 that paper stacks 14 general assembly (TW), on the zone of paper 13, obtain the area information deriving means 29 of information; And; According to these devices respectively output stack several segment informations of 14 paper 13 about paper, paper mold is confirmed every Gram Mass (grammage) of unit 25 computation papers 13, it is the weight of every square metre paper 13; And, confirm the type of paper 13 according to every Gram Mass of calculating.Paper mold confirms that unit 25 maintains the form of pointing out corresponding relation between every Gram Mass and the paper mold.Then, output is important condition during print image on paper 13, as is used on paper 13, forming the temperature of the flux of image.Above explanation be the situation that paper mold is confirmed unit 26 that is combined with in the sheet thickness measuring device of the present invention, be the type that is used for confirming paper 13.
Fig. 2 display light source 10 irradiation and get into paper and stack 14 irradiates light 11 and how to propagate through paper and stack 14 inside.As shown in Figure 2, got into irradiates light 11 that paper stacks 14 end faces by the surface diffuse reflectance of paper 13a or see through the inside of paper 13a, its part is propagated through paper 13a and is arrived the surface that is positioned at the paper 13b below the paper 13a.Because in paper with air in attenuation rate different, light is left the gap 23 between paper 13a and the paper 13b by reflection repeatedly, arrives to be present in the second area 31 that paper stacks 14 side 16a.The light that arrives second area 31 is outwards launched from this second area 31, as propagates light 17.
Therefore, stack 14 side 16a, see becoming clear in the gap 23 between each paper 13 from paper.Also have, because irradiates light almost was absorbed before arriving side 16a, so that the end of paper looks like is dark.Therefore, when light receiving element 19 was caught the image of second area 31, the gap 23 between the paper 13 was shinny with very big light quantity; And in light quantity distribution information, present tangible peak value by light receiving element 19 outputs.
Though a part of irradiates light 11 is reflected by the surface of paper 13, because of first area and second area are in respectively on the different surface, also because of being provided with light shading member 15, so luminous energy arrival light receiving element 19 is seldom arranged.
The second area 31 of measuring propagates light 17 by the first area 30 of irradiates light 11 irradiations of light source 10 output and light receiving element 19 therein is mutual not zoness of different of crossover, and the meaning that this is true is described now.By the only propagates light 17 that light receiving element 19 is measured, it 30 gets into paper and stacks 14 from the first area, and propagate in the gap 23 between paper, and arrives and be present in the second area 31 that paper stacks 14 side 16.Light receiving element 19 is not measured the light that first area 30 is left in direct reflection.For first area 30 and second area 31 are not overlapped each other,, first area 30 and second area 31 are present in paper respectively stack on 14 the different surfaces according to embodiments of the invention; And, get into light receiving element 19 in order to prevent other light beyond the propagates light 17, disposed light shading member 15.But then, if disposed light receiving element 19 and light source 10 feasible other light entering light receiving elements 19 that can prevent beyond the propagates light 17, also can be not with light shading member 15.
Here, above-mentioned explanation mean second area 31 major part not with first area 30 crossovers.So; Even the first area 30 that the irradiates light 11 of working as the marginal portion of second area 31 and being exported by light source 10 is shone is crossover a little; Also because of the major part of second area 31 not with first area 30 crossovers, can also say that first area 30 and first area 31 differ from one another.
Fig. 3 shows the instance by the view data of sheet thickness measuring device 26 acquisitions of present embodiment, specifically, and the resulting view data of catching when the light that arrives second area 31 is caught by light receiving element 19.In the instance that Fig. 3 shows, that show and the bigger part of light quantity that catch is the part of catching through the light emission at 23 places, gap of paper 13 with white.
In this embodiment, 23 propagates light 17 of propagating and not getting into paper 13 have been utilized in the gap of paper 13.Light at paper 13 internal communications is attenuated, the not large-scale emission of 16a from the side.But light does not have big decay in 23 propagation in the gap of paper 13, does not receive the too big influence that paper stacks 14 16a place, side scrambling yet.Therefore; Through detecting propagates light 17; Can accurately measure peak from the white portion the view data of catching, even if stack the situation of scrambling that 14 side 16a arranges out-of-flatness and has the cycle of several paper 13 at paper corresponding to each edge of paper 13.Therefore, can accurately confirm the thickness of every paper 13 through the configuration of present embodiment.
To be paper sheet thickness information acquisition unit 20 carry out the process flow diagram of processing procedure for the thickness that from the view data of the propagates light 17 that arrives second area 31, calculates paper 13 to Fig. 4.
Light quantity distribution get into and after paper stacks 14 internal communications, arrive the propagates light 17 of second area from light source 10 is caught the view data that light receiving element 19 obtains, (ST1) as shown in Figure 3 by 19 of light receiving elements.
In the view data of the propagates light of catching 17, there is the light quantity distribution that takes place, wherein brightness and darkness stack direction along paper and repeat appearance.The interval of repeating is corresponding to the thickness of paper 13.View data is divided into lines, has the width of a pixel respectively and extends along the direction of paper stack.Light quantity distribution is carried out integration in the horizontal direction in each pixel of lines on whole image data, extracts one dimension light quantity distribution information (ST2) thereby stack direction at second area 31 along paper.According to the wave mode of the light quantity distribution information that so obtains, set RP, find out first peak (ST3) according to RP.Then, find out second clearly peak (ST4) according to RP.Then, calculate the distance (ST5) between these two peaks, and confirm the thickness (ST6) of paper according to the range information of distance between two peaks of expression.Thereby obtain representing the paper sheet thickness information of the thickness of paper 13, and, finish paper sheet thickness information acquisition process (ST8) its output (ST7).
In above-mentioned processing, on the usage level direction light quantity distribution carried out the step (ST2) of integration.But; Replacement is carried out integration to light quantity distribution; Also can have the line of a pixel wide and stack direction and extend, and can in the line that extracts, stack direction and from light quantity distribution, calculate paper sheet thickness, thereby obtain the information of relevant paper sheet thickness along paper from image data extraction along paper.When obtaining 2-D data, know in the experience on the executive level direction that the step (ST2) that light quantity distribution is carried out integration can find out corresponding to the brightness more clearly of paper sheet thickness and the cycle of darkness.
When in the horizontal direction light quantity distribution being carried out integration (ST2); Also can extract a zone; The highlights that wherein stacks direction propagates light 17 along paper obviously manifests with dark portion, and its recurrence interval is corresponding to the thickness of paper 13, and only in this zone, can carry out integral processing.
Also have, can according to fast Fourier transform (FFT) handle in step (ST2), calculate stack the wave mode of the light quantity distribution of direction along paper, to extract first peak of power spectrum, from the peak calculating paper thickness of extracting.Peak through the detection power spectrum can accurately obtain paper 13 average thickness value, and not calculate every a piece of paper 13 from each peak.
Also have, also can not carry out actual calculation and calculate thickness.That is the light quantity distribution information and the paper thickness that stack propagates light 17 on the direction about paper that, in step (ST2), obtain can store in the database through each paper with all thickness in advance.When measuring paper sheet thickness, the light quantity distribution information that will in step ST0～ST2, obtain is made comparisons with the light quantity distribution information that is stored in the database, thereby from the light quantity distribution information that the phase place aspect of light quantity distribution information wave mode is analogous to each other, selects.Can call and export thickness then corresponding to the paper of the light quantity distribution information of so selecting.
When the light quantity of propagates light 17 hour, can only obtain the signal of low S/N, therefore be difficult to obtain the thickness that enough light quantities are measured paper 13.On the other hand, when the light quantity of propagates light in paper 13 was too big, the light of might light receiving element 19 catching was different with the light of propagating through the gap 23 of paper 13, thereby lets noise sneak into, and makes to be difficult to accurately measure paper thickness.
In the time can not from the light quantity distribution information that above-mentioned steps is calculated, obtaining peak value; Thereby definite light quantity distribution is when being not the best; Available light quantity adjustment unit 101 adjustment are from the light quantity of the irradiates light 11 of light source 10; Perhaps move image and form lens 18 and light receiving element 19, adjust the measuring position, obtain suitable light quantity distribution thereby make with actuating unit.
Specifically; When definite light quantity is too big; Can on the direction of leaving light source 10 on the 16a of side, move actuating unit (not shown); When definite light quantity too hour, can on the direction of convergence light source 10, move actuating unit, thus the similar effect that can access can obtain and adjust the light quantity of light source 10 time.In the present embodiment, actuating unit is installed in image and forms on lens 18 and the light receiving element 19.But, when the position of image formation lens 18 and light receiving element 19 relation can be changed with respect to light source 10, can obtain the effect of present embodiment.Therefore, when actuating unit is contained in 10 last times of light source, also can obtain similar effects.
On the other hand, may command light source 10 is exported light with multistage (step) light quantity, and light quantities at different levels are repeatedly caught propagates light 17.Can be according to the view data of catching with only light quantity distribution, the thickness of computation paper 13.
In the present embodiment, light receiving element 19 is measured the light quantity of second area 31 on its two dimension part, and carries out processing according to the result who measures.But, owing to can stack direction along paper at least and obtain light quantity,, can omit the step (ST2) of in the horizontal direction light quantity distribution of whole image data being carried out so export when paper stacks the light quantity distribution of direction one dimension line when light receiving element 19.
Fig. 5 shows that the paper that uses the present invention to obtain stacks light quantity distribution on the direction, and it also comprises the paper sheet thickness information that from the light quantity distribution of the second area 31 that obtains with light receiving element 19, obtains through treatment step (ST1) to (ST2); Light receiving element 19 is area transducers that element is arranged by two-dimensional approach.Here, transverse axis representes that the paper of side 16a stacks direction length, and the longitudinal axis is represented the light quantity after the normalization of propagates light 17.For example, be the peak value that manifests with 120 μ m neighbouring parts Fig. 5 if first peak value leaves the RP of extracting from step (ST4), it is the peak value that manifests with 200 μ m neighbouring parts Fig. 5 that second peak value leaves the RP of extracting from step (ST3).In step (ST5), the distance of calculating between these two peak values is about 80 μ m, confirms that thus the thickness of paper is about 80 μ m.
According to above-mentioned step, when watching paper to stack the propagates light 17 14 the second area 31 from light receiving element 19, can obtain peak value, thereby can obtain the thickness of each paper of paper 13 corresponding to paper.
Then; Referring to Fig. 6; Confirm that with specifying device confirms the type of paper based on the paper sheet thickness information that paper mold thickness device 26 obtains, and be output as a series of processing that on paper 13, form the needed print parameters of image according to paper mold in the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
Fig. 6 demonstration comprises the functional block that will confirm the image forming apparatus of the processing procedure of execution in the unit 25 at paper type.Can detect the view data that piece 200 has been arrived the propagates light 17 of second area 31 by light according to said method.Light detects piece 200 and forms lens 18 as light receiving element 19 and image.Paper sheet thickness obtains piece 201 to have to detect from light and obtains the function of light quantity distribution information that stacks the propagates light 17 of direction along paper the view data that piece 201 obtains; Also have the peak value interbody spacer of detection, thereby obtain the function of the thickness of paper from the distance between the peak value by the light quantity distribution of light quantity distribution information representation.
Whether paper sheet thickness computing block 201 is also confirmed from the intensity of the irradiates light 11 of light source 10 best according to the light quantity of propagates light 17.When the view data of the light quantity distribution that can not obtain having the thickness that to obtain paper 13, through the intensity of drive controlling piece 202 or light-operated clamp dog 203 adjustment irradiates lights 11.Drive controlling piece 202 is installed in light and detects on the piece 200, has control can stack driven actuating unit on the direction in the horizontal direction with paper function.Also have, light-operated clamp dog 203 has the function of adjustment from irradiates light 11 light quantities of light source 10 outputs.
According to above-mentioned function, catch propagates light 17 with best light quantity distribution, obtain the thickness of piece 201 computation papers by paper sheet thickness.Read various parameters from paper information database 209, and it is outputed to image form piece 210 corresponding to the thickness that obtains the paper 13 that piece 201 obtains by paper sheet thickness.
Gross thickness measurement section 204 measurement paper stack 14 gross thickness.General assembly (TW) measurement section 205 measurement paper stack 14 general assembly (TW).Area information acquiring unit 206 is obtained the area information of the printing surface area of expression paper 13.
The paper of output stacks the area information that 14 gross thickness information, paper stack the printing surface of 14 general assembly (TW) information and paper 13 from each unit, is imported into every Gram Mass and obtains piece 207, with every Gram Mass of computation paper 13.Term " every Gram Mass " means the weight of every square of rice paper 13.In other words, when every weight of paper 13 during, can obtain every Gram Mass divided by the area of the print surface of this paper.Specifically, when paper stacks 14 gross thickness divided by the thickness of a piece of paper 13, try to achieve the number that paper stacks 14 paper, stack the number that 14 general assembly (TW) and paper stack 14 paper from paper then, calculate the weight of a piece of paper, can calculate every Gram Mass.
Parameter selects piece 208 to consult paper information database 209 based on the thickness of every square of Mick number and paper 13; The essential condition of confirm to carry out printing, essential condition is such as be in necessary temperature with the melting device (fuser) of ink fusion (fuse) to the paper of formation image on the paper 13 or the like.Essential condition is outputed to image and is formed piece 210.
In paper information database 209; Transmit the contact pressure of paper 13 to the transfer roller (not shown) of image forming part (not shown); Form the parameter of the optimum value of image desired parameters, all store explicitly with each thickness and every Gram Mass of each thickness and paper 13 like the transfer bias of printing.
Figure 25 shows the synoptic diagram of the instance that is stored in the question blank in the paper information database 209.Shown in figure 25, said question blank stores and type paper 13, the target temperature of fusing agent, paper transfer rate relevant information image transmission unit and fusing agent between related with each thickness of paper 13 and every square of Mick number.
Image forms piece 210 and controls the unit of on paper 13, implementing image information (printing) based on input information, like melting device (not shown).
Paper sheet thickness obtains piece 201 and obtains the contact pressure of conveying roller according to the thickness of paper 13, and exports contact pressure to image and form piece 210.Image forms piece 210 and operates according to the contact pressure that paper sheet thickness obtains piece 201 inputs, stably carries out the transmission of paper 13.Paper sheet thickness obtains piece 201 and exports the optimum value of transfer bias to image and form piece 210.Image forms piece 210 and operates according to the optimum value that paper sheet thickness obtains piece 201 inputs, prevents to send the bad seal (bad transfer) of toner image in the photoconductor drum back to and reprint (retransfer) at the toner of transfer printing.
To explain through area information acquiring unit 206 below and obtain the method that paper stacks the area information of the printing surface of paper 13 in 14.One of these class methods are the dimension informations (that is, A4 size, L size) of relevant paper 13 sizes of input, obtain the area information corresponding to the input dimension information.Another kind method is the additional guiding elements on pallet 12 that is arranged on movably, and its guiding paper stacks 14 side 16.Area information acquiring unit 206 can based on be arranged on the pallet 12, be moved to adjacent sheet and stack the area information that computation paper 13 is come in the stop place of the guide member at 14 16 places, side.Area information can be calculated according to the dimension information of manual input, or calculates through the area of automatic measurement paper 13.
According to above-mentioned functional block, can each parameter that be suitable for printing be set before carrying out print job according to thickness and every Gram Mass of paper 13.
When the irradiates light 11 of light source 10 or other light outside the propagates light 17 such as the entering of the reflected light in the first area 30 light receiving element 19, flash of light etc. will take place, thus the infringement view data.When the irradiates light of light source 10 11 gets into light receiving elements and catches the residing second area 31 of image, will illuminate side 16 brightly, make the contrast of signal descend.Therefore, between light source 10 and light receiving element 19, insert lighttight smooth shading member 15.
Image forms lens 18 can make refractive index distribution lens or cylindrical lens.Through will be combined with refractive index distribution lens, can reduce the image-forming range between light receiving element 19 and the side 16a, thereby measurement mechanism can be done compactlyer by the light receiving element 19 that sensor such as linear sensor or area transducer constitute.When linear sensor and cylindrical lens make up together, cylindrical lens is assembled paper and is stacked 14 horizontal direction light component, on linear sensor, forms image, therefore can obtain propagates light 17 in the horizontal direction more largo.That is to say that this composite construction can provide to be similar to and adopt area transducer as the such effect of the embodiment of light receiving element 19.
But above-mentioned example is not restrictive, as long as can stack the image that 14 side 16a catches propagates light 17 from paper, can adopt other any means yet.
Though the position of configuration light shading member 15 is that this is not restrictive apart from the inboard of the end limit 1mm of paper 13 in first embodiment, light shading member 15 for example also can be set on the end limit of paper 13.In a word, if light shading member 15 can be accomplished its desired light shielding function, can be arranged on any position.
In addition, cover to change apart from the actuating unit of the distance at paper 13 edges light shading member 15 position that can comprise adjustment light shading member 15 itself.According to this structure, can adjust the light quantity of the propagates light of sending from second area 31 17.
Being used for measuring the light receiving element 19 that paper stacks the light quantity distribution of propagates light 17 in 14 the second area 31, being not limited to the area transducer that element is therein arranged with two-dimensional approach, also can be the linear sensor arranged with the one dimension mode of element therein.
Available light electric diode or optic sensor array or other elements are made light receiving element 19, as long as it at least the paper of energy measurement side 16a stack the light quantity distribution on the direction.
Irradiates light 11 can be any in ruddiness, ultraviolet light, blue light, green glow and the near infrared light.When using wavelength to be the blue light of 380～500nm less than the ultraviolet light of 380nm or wavelength, light is big in the inner attenuation rate of paper 13, thereby has reduced the light quantity through the paper internal communication, and this makes might see the signal with higher contrast.When using wavelength is the green glow of 500～600nm; Or wavelength is the ruddiness of 600～700nm; Or wavelength is when being the near infrared light of 700～1100nm; Because light is little in the attenuation rate of paper 13 inside, light penetrates paper dearly and stacks 14, thereby can obtain the signal of the light quantity distribution of expression propagates light 17 to long piece.
Though it is as shown in Figure 1; Measuring the gross thickness measurement mechanism 27 that paper stacks 14 gross thickness is provided with dividually; But also can stack 14 gross thickness function, be added to light source 10 or be designed to pressing paper to stack in the light shading member 15 of structure of 14 end faces measuring paper.
Open under 13 states that stack mutually at two or plurality of sheets of paper,, need detect the gap 23 between each paper seriatim in order accurately to measure the thickness of paper 13 seriatim.
Figure 24 shows that the paper that obtains in the following manner with well-known device traditionally stacks light quantity distributed intelligence on the direction; Said mode does; Light source with oblique configuration up is radiated at irradiates light on the side that paper stacks; The light that the side that measurement is stacked by paper is reflected stacks the bright and shade on the side owing to the uneven reason partly in paper side is formed at paper, is integrated in the horizontal direction.
Shown in figure 24; When irradiates light is shone on the side that paper stacks by oblique up; And when in this irradiated zone, catching image, the peak value that the cycle with 2～4 paper that possibly in the paper cutting process, cause occurs, more outstanding than the frequency content of the irradiates light that calculates in every paper.Reason thus, the peak value that occurs with every sheet-fed cycle very a little less than, thereby can only obtain having the signal of unfavorable S/N.
Fig. 7 shows another structure according to the sheet thickness measuring device of the first embodiment of the present invention.Among Fig. 7, paper stacks 14 and places on the pallet 12, and paper stacks following 11 irradiations of irradiates light by light source 10 outputs of 14, and light source 10 is disposed down.Image formation lens 18 and light receiving element 19 stack 14 side 16a configuration respectively facing to paper.Light source 10 shines into paper with irradiates light 11 and stacks 14 inside, and irradiates light 11 stacks 14 internal communications through paper, is measured the light quantity distribution of propagates light in the second area 31 that paper stack 14 side 16a by light receiving element 19.Here, paper stack 14 below be the face as print surface, facing to putting configuration in the end of pallet 12.In this case, because light source 10 is configurable under pallet with light shading member 15, so structure can be done compactly.
Propagates light 17 in addition, even stack on two or more side 16 of 14, and light receiving element 19 is not configured to can obtain advantage of the present invention facing on these sides yet, as long as can be recorded when light source 10 being configured to paper.
On the other hand; Though not shown, can being configured to paper, light source 10 stacks on two parts of 14, promptly; Be configured to above it with below; Two light sources 10 can be simultaneously or alternately operation, their irradiates light is applied to paper stacks 14 inside, measures the paper sheet thickness that paper stack 14 upper and lower part with being disposed at light receiving element 19 that paper stacks 14 side 16a.
In addition, when being different from facing to configuration light receiving element 19 facing to two light sources 10 of configuration and the face that comprises the first area and comprising the side 16a of second area, advantage of the present invention can be provided.
By the way; Not only at MFP (Multiple Function Peripheral; Multi-function peripheral device) in device and the laser printer; And in such as spray foam (R) printer (bubble jet printer) or ink-jet printer, can use sheet thickness measuring device 26 of the present invention and paper mold to confirm that device is as the means of obtaining the information of paper 13.
Second embodiment
Next, will be with reference to the Fig. 8 and the 9 explanation second embodiment of the present invention.Fig. 8 and 9 is respectively the structural map according to the sheet thickness measuring device of second embodiment.
Among Fig. 8, light source 10 stacks 14 side 16a towards light receiving element 19 configuration paper on it and applies irradiates light 11.The zone that irradiates light 11 is applied in side 16a on it is first area 30.The irradiates light 11 that applies towards the first area that is positioned at side 16a 30 penetrates paper and stacks 14 inside, and propagates through constituting gap 23 diffusions that paper stacks each paper of 14, arrives the second area 31 that is arranged in side 16a.Form lens 18 from the propagates light 17 of second area 31 outputs through image, gather on the light receiving element 19, thereby can obtain view data towards second area 31 configurations.
Here; Light shading member 15 is configured to the end and has the soft material such as rubber; The soft material part of light shading member 15 can stack 14 the upward uneven part distortion of existence of side 16a by paper; Come shield light, thus can reduce from paper stack 14 and light shading member 15 between the noise that light produced that spills of gap.
Next, with the advantage that the second embodiment of the present invention is described.Among second embodiment, irradiates light 11 shines paper and stacks on 14 the side 16a, and stacks 14 internal diffusions through paper and propagate, and the light that therefore arrives side 16a is propagates light 17; Be the image of catching same side 16a then, propagates light 17 is caught by light receiving element 19.Owing to this reason, light source 10, light shading member 15 and light receiving element 19 be configurable to stack in paper on 14 the same side 16a, thereby the structure of saving the space can be provided.
Fig. 9 shows another kind structure according to a second embodiment of the present invention.Among Fig. 9, the both be on the 16a of side light shading member 15 and as the light receiving element 19 of light quantity distribution detection means, be arranged on paper and stack 14 paper and stack on the direction.This structure is characterised in that, can reduce the light that leaks from light shading member 15, and this leakage is to stack the paper that produces on 14 the side 16a at paper by paper 13 to stack 14 uneven part and cause.
The 3rd embodiment
With reference to the Figure 10 and the 11 explanation third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 shows the structure of the sheet thickness measuring device of the third embodiment of the present invention.
According to the 3rd embodiment shown in Figure 10, two light sources 10 stack 14 end face and leave the mutually different mode of distance that paper stacks 14 end face end limit separately with them and dispose facing to paper.Each light source 10 comprises control gear (not shown); It can control the light quantity of irradiates light 11; So that the 16a propagates light 17 that goes up second area 31 outputs can provide best light quantity from the side, thereby can change irradiation light quantity separately, perhaps can the while or alternately launch irradiates light separately.
Be irradiated to irradiates light 11 that paper stacks 14 end face and penetrate paper and stack 14 inside, propagated through constituting paper by diffusion and stack the gap 23 between each paper 13 of 14, arrive paper and stack 14 side 16a.Stack the propagates light 17 of 14 side 16a then from paper; Image through facing to side 16a configuration forms lens 18; Gathered on the light receiving element 19; Light receiving element 19 is made by area transducer, is arranging the element like ccd image sensor or cmos image sensor with two-dimensional approach on the area transducer.Image forms lens 18 and can stack on the direction mobile with paper in the horizontal direction through actuating unit (not shown) with light receiving element 19.
Among the present invention, implement to measure the position of therefore preferably adjusting light source 10 and light receiving element 19 according to the thickness and the density of paper 13 because be employed in the light of propagating between the gap 23 of paper 13.Depend on the difference between the irradiation position of light source 10, the light quantity of propagates light 17 has produced difference.For example, suppose to be disposed at the light source 10 quilt driving emission irradiates lights that stack 1.5mm place, 14 end limit from paper, the light quantity of this propagates light 17 is very big; But when being disposed at the light source 10 quilt driving emission irradiates lights that stack 3mm place, 14 end limit from paper; This auroral poles the earth decay; Its damping capacity is equivalent to the amount that stacks the long distance on 14 end limits from paper; Thereby the light quantity of propagates light 17 descends the feasible peak value that might use propagates light 17 to detect from the gap 23 of each paper.Can stack the distance on 14 end limits according to the execution adjustment of reality from paper.Can one by one implement from the light emission of light source 10, and when light quantity is low in this emission one by one, make two or more light source 10 side by side launch their light separately, compensate light quantity.
In addition, when the thickness of paper 13 is big, gets into the irradiates light 11 that paper stacks 14 end faces and through paper 13 internal communications the time, just be attenuated, so the 16a light quantity that goes up the propagates light 17 of second area 31 outputs reduces from the side.Thereby, have a kind of possibility that can not obtain the light quantity that is suitable for measuring paper 13 thickness.
On the other hand, when the thickness of paper 13 hour, get into the irradiates light 11 that paper stacks 14 end faces and through paper 13 internal communications the time, be difficult for being absorbed, so increase through paper 13 inner light quantities.In this case, light receiving element 19 is also caught other light except catching the light of propagating through the gap between each paper 13, has therefore produced noise, the feasible thickness that can not measure paper 13.
Light also changes with the material and the density of paper 13 through paper 13 inner easy degree.
Therefore; In the light quantity of propagates light 17 hour; Can adjust the position that light receiving element 19 is measured in the horizontal direction through actuating unit (not shown); Obtain the light quantity of enough propagates light 17, be disposed at the propagates light 17 that stacks second area 31 outputs of 14 edges near paper thereby measure from light source 10.When the light quantity of propagates light 17 is too big, should adjusts the position and measure from light source 10 and be disposed at the propagates light 17 that stacks second area 31 outputs of 14 edges away from paper.
According to top explanation, use actuating unit (not shown) flatly to adjust paper and stack the capturing images position among 14 the side 16a, can form and a kind ofly can on best light quantity position, catch image mechanism according to the thickness of paper 13.Use this mechanism, in the second area of side 16a, can extract a zone, the light quantity of the propagates light 17 that will be measured by light receiving element 19 in this zone becomes suitable, thereby can obtain having the signal of the light quantity distribution of high-contrast.In addition, stack 14 attenuation rate through from light quantity distribution information, measuring paper, but the also density of computation paper 13.In addition, the installation site of light source 10 is not limited to paper and stacks 14 end face 14, and also configurable light source 10 stacks in paper on 14 the side 16 or bottom surface.
After the light quantity of confirming to record is the best, when the program of discussing in through first embodiment when the view data of being caught by light receiving element 19 is handled, can obtain the information of relevant paper 13 thickness.
In two light sources 10, be present in away from the light source 10 on the end limit of paper 13 and can make by the LED of red-emitting, be present near the light source 10 on the end limit of paper 13 and can make by the LED of emission blue light.Because blue light is big in the inner decay of paper 13, thus blue light in paper 13 inner decay easily, the propagates light 17 through paper 13 internal communications diminishes, thus the signal that possibly obtain to have enough light quantity distribution is measured the thickness of paper 13; But, because blue light can only stack 14 little degree of depth part through paper, so the possibility that exists a kind of second area 31 that can catch image to narrow down.
On the other hand, paper 13 inner ruddiness are decayed less, so can penetrate the deep; Yet; Even if in paper 13 inside; Ruddiness also is difficult for decaying, and therefore the propagates light 17 from second area 31 outputs comprises the light of not only propagating through gap 23 easily, and passes through the light of paper 13 internal communications; Therefore a kind of possibility occurs, promptly can not obtain to be enough to measure the signal of the light quantity of paper 13 thickness.In the characteristic of utilizing two emission center wavelength of not sharing the same light; When controlling two light sources 10 respectively and adjust their separately light quantities; Might control from the propagates light 17 of second area 31 output according to paper to be measured, so can obtain to have the signal of the light quantity distribution of high-contrast.In addition; The mode of combination is not limited to such combination; Promptly being present in the light source 10 that stacks 14 end limits away from paper is made up of red LED and is present near paper and stack the sort of combination that the light source 10 on 14 end limits is made up of blue led; And the combination of any way capable of using, as long as can obtain to have high-contrast light quantity distribution of signal.
Can two LED be arranged at and leave paper to stack the identical distance in 14 end limits last, the light of two LED emissions is respectively blue light and ruddiness.At irradiates light 11 is under the situation of blue light or ruddiness, because the inner transmissivity of paper 13 is different, is different from the light quantity of the propagates light 17 of second area 31 outputs.Through utilizing the transmission difference that causes because of the wavelength difference, can control respectively from the light quantity of the irradiates light 11 of each LED output, so that suitably measure propagates light 17.
In addition, the number of LED is not limited to two, can be three or more.Light source 10 is not limited to be made up of LED, and available other light sources such as laser instrument constitute.
Figure 11 shows another structure of the sheet thickness measuring device of third embodiment of the invention.
Among Figure 11, say the light source 10 that has like the linear radiating surface of elongated fluorescent tube, become the mode at θ angle to dispose so that it stacks 14 end limits with respect to paper.When the light source with linear emitting surface 10 is in paper and stacks near 14 the side; The paper that wherein comprises second area 31 there stacks 14 side 16a and the paper that wherein comprises first area 31 and stacks 14 end face and join mutually, and the propagates light 17 that stacks 14 side 16 from paper has big light quantity; On the other hand, along with light source 10 stacks this side of 14 away from paper, the light quantity of propagates light 17 reduces.
When confirming that view data that light receiving element 19 obtains is not when obtaining the optimum data of paper 13 thickness information, the position that can move light receiving element 19 and image formation lens 18 in the horizontal direction is to enable to adjust the light quantity of propagates light to be measured 17.
As described above,, stack the capturing images position among 14 the side 16a, a kind of mechanism that can the best light quantity of acquisition just can be provided as long as utilize linear light source 10 and adjust paper in the horizontal direction with simple structure according to embodiment shown in Figure 11.
In addition, stack on 14 the end face though light source 10 is disposed at paper, also possible configuration stacks in paper on 14 the side or bottom surface.
The 4th embodiment
To the fourth embodiment of the present invention be described with reference to Figure 12 and 13.
Figure 12 shows the structure according to the sheet thickness measuring device of fourth embodiment of the invention.
Among the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the light source 10 of sheet thickness measuring device comprises the photoconduction 152 that Halogen lamp LED and optical glass fibre are processed.According to the end face that stacks 14 to paper, paper stacks 14 and is placed on the pallet 12, is stacked mutually by most paper to form from the irradiates light 11 of the radiating surface of photoconduction output.The irradiation position that light source 10 is set is to leave paper in the paper 13 to stack 14 top edge 1mm place.Light shading member 15 is metal tubes, be used for covering the light that guiding sends from Halogen lamp LED round fiber around.Because light shading member 15 gently pressing paper to stack 14, be radiated at the part that paper stacks the irradiates light 11 on 14 the end face and reflected, but covered, so be prevented from arriving light receiving element 19 by light shading member 15 by the surface of paper 13.Another part of irradiates light 11 penetrates paper and stacks 14 inside, and diffusion is propagated through constituting paper and stacked the gap 23 between each paper of 14, arrives paper and stacks 14 side 16a.
Light receiving element 19 is linear sensors.Light receiving element 19 is provided with the imaging len 18 by refractive index distribution lens structure, measure stack second area 31 outputs on 14 the side 16a from paper size substantially with the measure-alike propagates light 17 of the light receiving element of sensor.Thereby available simple optical system is caught the propagates light 17 that stacks 14 side 16a output from paper with sharpness.Actuating unit 21 is through the mechanism of motor and belt, will stack 14 the light receiving element 19 that stacks the linear sensor of arrangement on the direction at paper and stack 14 horizontal direction at paper and move.
Utilize actuating unit 21 can light receiving element 19 be stacked at paper on 14 the horizontal direction and move, thus can with less pixel wide regional in the acquisition view data.In addition, light receiving element 19 stacks the propagates light 17 of second area 31 on 14 the side 16a from paper at wide area inner measuring with the sharpness of linear sensor.
Light receiving element 19 output image datas are to computing unit 20.Computing unit 20 extracts the interval between the peak value that paper stack light quantity on the direction, and the result that accumulation so obtains confirms peak intervals, thereby obtains the information of relevant paper sheet thickness according to peak intervals.
Next, the advantage of the above-mentioned fourth embodiment of the present invention of explanation is following below.Light source 10 adopts the adjustable Halogen lamp LED of its irradiation light quantity, utilizes optical fiber by photoconduction 152 irradiates light 11 of Halogen lamp LED to be extended to irradiated position simultaneously.The irradiation position of photoconduction 152 covers with metal cylindrical box, stacks on 14 when the illuminated portion of photoconduction 152 is forced into paper, makes irradiates light 11 penetrate paper and stacks 14 inner optional positions and do not have leakage.
In the present embodiment, suppose with Halogen lamp LED as light source 10.But also available other irradiation sources are as light source 10.For example, the lamp of available other types such as metal halide lamp are as light source 10.Irradiates light 11 is not limited to white light, for example, can make up Halogen lamp LED and BPF. and come radiation blue light, green glow, ruddiness or near infrared light.
Though it is circular that the shape of the radiating surface of photoconduction 152 is done, even if for example linear radiating surface also can be semicircular radiating surface.In a word, radiating surface can have Any shape, just can as long as make light shading member 15 cover entering optical fiber light on every side.
Among the 4th embodiment shown in Figure 12, light source 10 irradiation paper stack 14 end face.But, light source 10 also can the irradiation paper stack 14 below, or the irradiation paper stacks one or more sides 16 of 14.
Though change the position of sensor in the horizontal direction by actuating unit 21, this is not restrictive, on the other hand, can move paper stack 14 obtain to be equivalent to the foregoing description the result.
Figure 13 shows the structure according to the sheet thickness measuring device of fourth embodiment of the invention.Be marked with identical symbol with each corresponding parts of Fig. 1 among Figure 13, and omit the explanation of repetition.
According to structure shown in Figure 13, have and focus on paper and stack the photodiode that image that 14 side 16a goes up any forms lens 18, the available actuating unit of being made up of motor and belt or the like 21 stacks on the direction mobile at paper.Therefore, according to this structure, the available structure of more simplifying detects propagates light 17.
Though present embodiment is constructed to actuating unit 21 and moves light receiving element 19 in the horizontal direction or on the vertical direction, can move the distance that light receiving element 19 changes to side 16a.According to this structure, light receiving element 19 can correctly focus on imaging len 18 on the 16a of side.
The 5th embodiment
Next, following with reference to Figure 14～16 explanation fifth embodiment of the present invention.Among Figure 14 and 15, each parts corresponding with Fig. 1 are marked with identical symbol, and omit the explanation of repetition.
Figure 14 shows the structure according to the sheet thickness measuring device of fifth embodiment of the invention.Among Figure 14, pallet 12 comprises one as air blowing and the separating mechanism 221 of paper separation means, one of air-blowing is stacked to paper in a plurality of sides of 14, between each paper, blows, and separates the paper 13 that closely contacts mutually.
Next, explain that the advantage of fifth embodiment of the invention is following.The paper of piling up 13 is close to mutually for a certain reason.For example, because of the burr that cutting produces during paper 13 are close to each other, or because of paper 13 long preservation under the state of contact tightly mutually, the mutual adhesion of next-door neighbour's paper.When paper 13 was close to mutually, gap 23 was eliminated between necessary each paper of thickness information of acquisition paper 13, the feasible propagates light 17 that can not obtain to be enough to measure paper 13 thickness aequums.Be applied to paper by the gas of blowing and separating mechanism 221 is blown and stack 14 side 16, gas is blown into the gap 23 between the paper 13.Owing to be blown into air, closely the paper 13 of contact is by disconnected from each other, thereby in each paper 13, produces gap 23.When producing gap 23, build heap 14 inner light through paper and arrive side 16a easily, help the detection of paper 13 thickness.
Figure 15 shows another structure according to fifth embodiment of the invention.Structure shown in Figure 15 comprises, as the paper separating mechanism, sonic oscillation mechanism 22 stacks 14 end face facing to paper and pressing oscillator, ultrasound wave is added to paper stacks on 14, thereby between each paper 13, produce gap 23.Paper 13 is vibrating in sonic oscillation mechanism 22, thereby separates each bonding paper 13 mutually.When forming gap 23 between the paper, the light that stacks 14 internal communications at paper becomes and arrives side 16a easily, makes the detection of paper sheet thickness become easy.
Figure 16 shows another structure according to fifth embodiment of the invention.In the structure shown in Figure 16, plate (pallet) 223 is as the paper separating mechanism, and it is pressed to paper and stacks 14 end face and form the gap 23 between the paper 13.Plate 223 is made to the blunt end direction shape of attenuation gradually.Pallet 12 stacks in adjacent sheet on the face of 14 bottom surface has groove 224.Groove 224 is formed on the position that plate pressing.Stack on 14 through towards groove 224 plate 223 being pressed in paper, paper stacks 14 edge and just tilts upward, and between paper 13, forms gap 23.When forming gap 23 between the paper 13, propagate the just easy side 16a of arrival of light that stacks 14 inside at paper, easy thereby the detection of paper sheet thickness becomes.
Though not shown in Figure 15, available mechanism of sending paper 13 moves paper 13 or paper stacks 14, separates each paper 13, thereby between each, produce gap 23.
The 6th embodiment
With reference to Figure 17 the sixth embodiment of the present invention is described.
Figure 17 shows the structure according to the sheet thickness measuring device of sixth embodiment of the invention.
Embodiment shown in Figure 17 is configured to a unit with light source 10, light shading member 15 and light receiving element 19.The irradiates light 11 that light source 10 sends is applied in to opened 13 by plurality of sheets of paper and stacks the paper that forms and place on the pallet 12 mutually and stack 14 end face.Light shading member 15 integrally combines with light source 10 and light receiving element 19, has to cover light source 10 and light receiving element 19 shape on every side, and the swept area of restriction light source 10, get into light receiving element 19 to prevent irradiates light.Irradiation stacks irradiates light on 14 the end face and penetrates paper and stack 14 inside at paper; Diffusion is propagated through constituting paper and is stacked the gap 23 between each paper 13 of 14; And the arrival paper stacks 14 side 16a; From being positioned at the propagates light 17 that paper stacks the second area 31 of 14 side 16a, the image through the 16a configuration towards this side forms lens 18, gathers on the light receiving element 19.
For obtaining the thickness information of paper 13, computing unit 20 is transformed to light quantity distribution information through carrying out the view data of handling the propagates light 17 that light receiving element 19 is obtained, and the information of output paper thickness.
Next, explain that advantage according to a sixth embodiment of the invention is following.Among the 6th embodiment, light source 10, light shading member 15 and light receiving element 19 are built as a unit.Light source 10 is disposed on the position of leaving paper 13 end limit 1mm.Light receiving element 19 adopts the area transducer with refractive index distribution lens; And frame of making by resin that is used for keeping them and covers as light.When the unit of being made up of these parts is pressed onto 13 last times of paper, in the noise that control is caused by exterior light, the energy measurement diffusion is propagated inner and arrive the propagates light 17 of the side 16a of paper 13 through paper 13.In addition, stacked for 14 last times when this unit is pressed onto paper, the unit can be moved by single mobile means (not shown), thereby can advantage of the present invention be provided with simple structure.
The 7th embodiment
With reference to Figure 18 the seventh embodiment of the present invention is described.
According to the instance of the sheet thickness measuring device of the 7th embodiment shown in the top of Figure 18.The pallet 121 of this device and light shading member 151 are shown in the bottom of Figure 18.
Pallet 121 according to the 7th embodiment is provided with groove 122 on the bottom surface, paper stacks 14 bottom surface and is placed on this bottom surface.Light shading member 151 stacks 14 end face in adjacent sheet edge is provided with otch 152.
Stack from the irradiates light 11 irradiation paper of light source 10 emission on 14 the end face.The major part of the irradiates light 11 of light source 10 emissions is covered by 151 of light shading members, and still, a part of irradiates light 11 gets into light receiving element 19 through otch 152.Stack 14 internal communications and arrive a part of light that paper stacks 14 bottom surfaces at paper and get into light receiving elements 19 through groove 122.Thereby light receiving element 19 is configured the light that receives with for referencial use, and reference light indication paper stacks 14 top side location and basal surface position.Computing unit 20 is measured the thickness of paper 13 and the number of paper 13 according to the propagates light 17 of this reference light and 23 outputs from the gap of paper 13.
When the number of paper 13 hour, the peak value number of the propagates light 17 of 23 outputs diminishes from gap between the paper 13.Therefore, through on the bottom surface of light shading member 151 and pallet 121, forming suitable gap,, can obtain indicating paper to stack 14 the end face and the reference light of basal surface position like groove and otch.According to this reference light, can increase the peak value number, and be the number of the toilet tissue 13 also thickness of energy measurement paper 13 when very little.
For example, be 1 o'clock at the number of paper 13, through from the reference light of otch 152 with groove 122 outputs, light receiving element 19 can obtain having the light quantity cloth information of two peak values.Therefore, computing unit can get the thickness of paper delivery 13 according to these two peak values.
In order to distinguish the propagates light 17 that stacks second area 31 outputs on 14 the side 16a from the reference light of groove 122 and otch 152 outputs and paper, groove 122 can form different shapes with otch 152.Be stored in the pattern of the light quantity distribution of the reference light in the paper information database 209 through utilization, can easily distinguish reference light and propagates light 17.
The gap that is arranged on the light shading member 15 on the bottom surface with pallet 12 is not limited to form with groove, can form through making its surface roughening, thereby obtain same advantage.
The 8th embodiment
Explain according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention with reference to Figure 19～21.The 8th embodiment is constructed to measure the light quantity distribution of propagates light 17, and the influence of the error that the state that stacks that does not receive paper to stack paper 13 in 14 produces.
Figure 19 shows the structure according to the sheet thickness measuring device of the 8th embodiment.Light receiving element 19 is area transducers of a plurality of elements like ccd image sensor and cmos sensor with two-dimensional arrangements.Image is formed lens 18 to be configured to become the direction at θ angle to catch the image of side 16a from the normal with side 16a with light receiving element 19.Computing unit 20 is based on wherein, and the contrast of the data of image stacks the light quantity distribution information that obtains on the direction, the thickness of computation paper 13 for maximum paper.
Figure 20 shows that paper sheet thickness obtains the structure of piece 201.Obtaining piece 201 according to the paper sheet thickness of the 8th embodiment is provided with focal zone and confirms unit 2010 and THICKNESS CALCULATION unit 2011.
Focal zone confirms that unit 2010 detects the two-dimensional image data that piece 200 is caught according to light, confirms a focal zone, and this is the best zone of focusing that stacks supposition imaging len 18 on the direction at paper.THICKNESS CALCULATION unit 2011 is according to the view data of this focal zone, the thickness of computation paper 13.
Figure 21 shows that the sheet thickness measuring device according to the 8th embodiment is the thickness of computation paper 13 and the processing flow chart of every Gram Mass.
The irradiates light 11 of light source 10 emissions is transfused to paper and stacks 14 inside and stack 14 internal communications at paper, and 31 outputs of the second area on the 16a from the side are as propagates light 17.The light quantity distribution of propagates light 17 is caught by imaging len 18 and light receiving element 19, and imaging len 18 disposes with the side 16 that light receiving element 19 and paper stack non-parallelly, so as to catching view data (ST11).Focal zone confirms that unit 2010 is divided into a plurality of parts (ST12) with this view data, is under the situation of 0.2mm in the depth of field of camera (imaging len 18 with light receiving element 19), and each part is corresponding to the 0.2mm width.Each pixel in the image is calculated the absolute value (ST13) that paper stacks difference between the direction pixel adjacent.To the part calculated difference absolute value of each division with (ST14), and select and have peaked part as focal zone (ST15).THICKNESS CALCULATION unit 2011 obtain pixels across value in the focal zone with (ST16); From with value deduct local background's level (ST17) based on vertical wave mode hypothesis; The coordinate (ST18) that has the each point of peak value similarity based on the wave mode storage that cuts with ambient level; From coordinate, obtain peak intervals, from the resolution of camera and peak intervals, estimate thickness, and every Gram Mass (ST19) of the density of rule-based paper (0.75-0.85g/cm3) computation paper 13.The parameter that THICKNESS CALCULATION unit 2011 selects piece 208 outputs to calculate to parameter is like thickness and every Gram Mass (ST20) of paper 13, end process (ST21).
In the above-mentioned processing, the image of catching is laterally being divided into a plurality of parts (ST12), to tackle the misaligned situations that paper stacks paper 13 in 14.Yet the image of catching can be divided into a plurality of parts horizontal and vertical.
Advantage according to the structure acquisition of the 8th embodiment will be described below.Paper stacks 14 and always is not placed in that to leave the constant distance of light receiving element 19 last, possibly produce error according to the state that stacks.In addition, it is always not parallel with vertical direction (vertically) that paper stacks 14 side 16, and paper stacks, and paper 13 maybe misalignments in 14.But; Structure is according to the sheet thickness measuring device of the 8th embodiment; Make imaging len 18 and light receiving element 19 be configured to catch the image that paper stacks 14 side 16a, and focal zone tend to appear in the captive image with the vergence direction of the normal that favours side 16a.Therefore, the camera arrangement by imaging len 18 and light receiving element 19 configurations has the darker depth of field.
In the top explanation, come the focal zone in the detected image through obtaining high fdrequency component.But available distance measuring equipment such as micrometer detect paper and stack 14 position, based on paper stack 14 and and paper stack the distance between 14 light receiving elements 19 that dispose non-parallelly, select focal zone.
The 9th embodiment
With reference to Figure 22 the nineth embodiment of the present invention is described.
Figure 22 shows the structure according to the sheet thickness measuring device of the 9th embodiment.Paper 13 stacks and is being parallel to the stacking on the direction of gravity direction.Light source 10 stacks 14 bottom surface emission irradiates light 11 towards paper.Pallet 123 is provided with opening 124 on its bottom surface.Because opening 124, it is 14 sagging because of himself weight that paper stacks, and between paper 13, forms gap 23.
Advantage with the structure acquisition of the 9th embodiment is described.Pallet 123 is provided with opening 124 on its bottom surface, it is 14 sagging at opening 124 places to place paper on the pallet 123 to stack.
Owing to own wt occurs in the sagging amount of opening part, in fact receive the restriction of light source 10.Therefore, the propagates light 17 by the 23 pairs of detections in the sagging gap that forms, 23 outputs from the gap forms suitablely.Pallet 123 can be provided with to have enough degree of depth and saggingly replaces opening 124 with the groove that forms gap 23 to produce.
The tenth embodiment
With reference to Figure 23 the tenth embodiment of the present invention is described.
Figure 23 shows the position according to light source in the sheet thickness measuring device of the tenth embodiment.
Sheet thickness measuring device according to the tenth embodiment has two LED 102 and 103.LED102 stacks 14 end face emission irradiates light towards paper.LED103 stacks 14 side, 16 emission irradiates lights towards paper, and it is that face and catch the side 16a of image that said side 16 is different from light receiving element 19.Light receiving element 19 is caught propagates light 17, and it is LED102 and 103 emissions and between gap 23, propagates the part with the irradiates light of 16a output from the side.In Figure 23, saved and covered the light shading member that is directly inputted to the light of light receiving element 19 from light source.
In sheet thickness measuring device according to the tenth embodiment, LED102 and 103 on end face and side simultaneously or alternately shine paper and stack 14.Therefore, light receiving element 19 can paper stack 14 stack the direction and the image of wide region IT propagates light 17 transversely.
The irradiation light wavelength of LED102 and 103 emissions can be configured to be equal to mutually or be different.Utilize two LED102 and 103 of emission different wave length, light receiving element 19 can obtain propagates light 17 in wideer scope.
As stated, various changes and modification are possible.These changes and modification all depart from theme of the present invention within the scope of the invention and not.
It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to above-mentioned certain embodiments, the present invention can implement and without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention with modified parts.The present invention can implement with the various forms of the appropriate combination of the various parts that disclose in the foregoing description.For example, can from all parts shown in the embodiment, delete some parts.And, but appropriate combination is used the parts among the different embodiment.
Claims (24)
1. a sheet thickness measuring device is characterized in that, comprising:
Illumination unit, its output is shone the light that into said paper stacks from a first area of defining each face that comprises end face, bottom surface and side that paper stacks;
Detecting unit, its detection enter into that said paper stacks and stack the light quantity distribution of the light that propagates into second area through said paper, and said second area is defined in each side that said paper stacks; With
Computing unit, it stacks middle paper thickness based on calculating said paper by the said light quantity distribution of said detection,
Said illumination unit and said detecting unit are configured to prevent that other light through said paper stacks beyond the light that propagates into second area from getting into said detecting unit.
2. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said illumination unit is configured to face the different face that said paper stacks with said detecting unit.
3. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, the end face that the said paper of said illumination unit court stacks and at least one irradiates light in the bottom surface.
4. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, further comprises the light shielding cell, and it covers the light that directly gets into said detecting unit from said illumination unit.
5. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, further comprises adjustment unit, and it adjusts the light quantity of the light of said illumination unit irradiation.
6. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that,
Said adjustment unit is controlled said illumination unit exporting the light of multistage light quantity, and
Said detecting unit detects said light quantity distribution to light quantities at different levels.
7. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, said adjustment unit is according to the said light quantity distribution by said detection, and adjustment is by the light quantity of the light of said illumination unit irradiation.
8. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, said detecting unit is configured to be not parallel to the side that said paper stacks.
9. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, further comprises actuating unit, and it changes the relative position between said illumination unit and the said detecting unit according to the said light quantity distribution by said detection.
10. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1; It is characterized in that said computing unit extracts the peak with high brightness based on the said light quantity distribution that obtains on the direction that is stacked along paper; And, calculate paper thickness based on the said peak that extracts.
11. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, said smooth shielding cell is provided with first output unit, and it is through the light of a part from said illumination unit output.
12. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, further comprises the pallet with bottom surface, the bottom surface that said paper stacks is placed on it,
Its bottom surface of said pallet is provided with second output unit, and it arrives the light of the bottom surface that said paper stacks through a part.
13. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said illumination unit is provided with and is configured to such an extent that stack a plurality of light sources of different faces in the face of said paper.
14. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said illumination unit is provided with a plurality of light sources of the mutually different light of emission center wavelength respectively.
15. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said illumination unit is provided with a plurality of light sources, and said light source is configured on the position of different distance at the distance end face that stacks of said paper and one edge in the bottom surface.
16. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said illumination unit is provided with linear light source, arranges said linear light source to such an extent that be not parallel to end face that said paper stacks and one edge in the bottom surface.
17. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,
Further comprise actuating unit, it changes the relative position between said illumination unit and the said detecting unit,
Said detecting unit detects said light quantity distribution to each different relative positions between said illumination unit and the said detecting unit.
18. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, further comprises the paper separative element, is used for separating the paper of said paper in stacking, to form the gap between paper.
19. sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that,
On the side that said paper stacks, define said first area and second area, and
Said sheet thickness measuring device further comprises the light shielding cell, and it prevents that light of said illumination unit irradiation from not getting into said paper and stacking and just arrive said detecting unit.
20. an image forming apparatus is characterized in that, comprising:
Sheet thickness measuring device as claimed in claim 1;
Image forming part, it forms image being stacked on the paper of presenting by paper; And
Control module, it controls said image forming part based on the paper sheet thickness that the computing unit by said device calculates.
21. image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 20 is characterized in that,
Said control module is provided with every Gram Mass computing unit, and it calculates every Gram Mass of paper based on paper thickness, and
Said control module is controlled said image forming part based on the every Gram Mass that is calculated by said every Gram Mass computing unit.
22. image forming apparatus as claimed in claim 21 is characterized in that, further comprises definite unit, it confirms paper type based on the every Gram Mass that is calculated by said every Gram Mass computing unit.
23. a sheet thickness measuring device is characterized in that, comprising:
Illumination unit, the light that its output is shone on one in each face that the paper with end face, bottom surface and side stacks;
Detecting unit, the light quantity distribution of one light in each side that the said paper of its detection arrival stacks, said side is different from the face of said illumination unit irradiates light; With
Computing unit, it stacks middle paper thickness based on calculating said paper by the said light quantity distribution of said detection,
Said illumination unit and said detecting unit are configured to prevent that other light through said paper stacks beyond the light that propagates into said side from getting into said detecting unit.
24. a sheet thickness measuring device is characterized in that, comprising:
Illumination unit, its output be radiated at have end face, the light of first area that the paper of bottom surface and side one of stacks in each side;
Detecting unit, the light quantity distribution of the light that its second area different with said first area that detects the side that arrives said illumination unit irradiates light also penetrates;
The light shutter, it prevents that light of illumination unit irradiation from not getting into paper and stacking and just arrive said detecting unit, also covers the light of said first area reflection; And
Computing unit, it stacks middle paper thickness based on calculating said paper by the said light quantity distribution of said detection.
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2007252024 | 2007-09-27 | ||
| JP2007252024 | 2007-09-27 | ||
| JP2007-252024 | 2007-09-27 | ||
| JP2008093934 | 2008-03-31 | ||
| JP2008-093934 | 2008-03-31 | ||
| JP2008093934A JP4945500B2 (en) | 2007-09-27 | 2008-03-31 | Paper sheet thickness measuring apparatus and image forming apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN101398295A CN101398295A (en) | 2009-04-01 |
| CN101398295B true CN101398295B (en) | 2012-07-04 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN2008101688812A Expired - Fee Related CN101398295B (en) | 2007-09-27 | 2008-09-27 | Sheet thickness measuring device and image forming apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP4945500B2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN101398295B (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20090103148A1 (en) * | 2007-10-23 | 2009-04-23 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Image forming apparatus |
| JP5106440B2 (en) * | 2009-02-18 | 2012-12-26 | 株式会社東芝 | Paper sheet type discriminating apparatus, paper sheet type discriminating method, and image forming apparatus |
| CN101825436B (en) * | 2010-05-14 | 2011-10-26 | 上海伦恩通用技术有限公司 | Paper three-dimension deformation-quantity detection system |
| JP5507353B2 (en) * | 2010-06-22 | 2014-05-28 | 株式会社Ｐｆｕ | Medium supply device |
| US8582123B2 (en) | 2010-09-03 | 2013-11-12 | Accolade Electronics Company Limited | Apparatus for determining thickness of a banknote |
| JP5827488B2 (en) * | 2011-04-08 | 2015-12-02 | 株式会社東芝 | Recording medium determination apparatus, image forming apparatus, and recording medium determination method |
| JP5720646B2 (en) * | 2012-09-03 | 2015-05-20 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Paper feeding device and image forming apparatus |
| JP5786881B2 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2015-09-30 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Sheet supply apparatus and image forming apparatus |
| JP6093980B2 (en) * | 2013-04-05 | 2017-03-15 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Paper feeder |
| JP2015088032A (en) * | 2013-10-31 | 2015-05-07 | コニカミノルタ株式会社 | Input device, input value correction method, and program |
| TWI700473B (en) * | 2014-06-04 | 2020-08-01 | 美商康寧公司 | Method and system for measuring thickness of glass article |
| KR20170069131A (en) * | 2015-12-10 | 2017-06-20 | 박재홍 | Paper seperating device using vision camera |
| CN105752714B (en) * | 2016-05-04 | 2017-11-17 | 广东溢达纺织有限公司 | Feed mechanism and the stack separate transfer containing the feed mechanism |
| JP2019144217A (en) * | 2018-02-20 | 2019-08-29 | 国立大学法人千葉大学 | Film thickness measurement device, vapor deposition apparatus using the same and film characteristic evaluation device |
| CN110361936B (en) * | 2018-03-26 | 2021-03-12 | 上海微电子装备（集团）股份有限公司 | Mask thickness detection device, storage mechanism, transmission mechanism and photoetching system |
| JP2021005032A (en) * | 2019-06-27 | 2021-01-14 | 株式会社リコー | Conveying device and image forming apparatus |
| CN111174717B (en) * | 2020-01-10 | 2020-11-10 | 长飞光纤光缆股份有限公司 | Optical fiber geometric parameter testing system and method |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP4076042B2 (en) * | 1999-01-11 | 2008-04-16 | 大日本印刷株式会社 | Card feeder |
| JP2000309433A (en) * | 1999-04-26 | 2000-11-07 | Canon Inc | Sheet feeder, and device and method for detecting the number of sheets |
| JP4412009B2 (en) * | 2003-09-09 | 2010-02-10 | 富士ゼロックス株式会社 | Sheet feeding device |
| JP2007238324A (en) * | 2006-03-08 | 2007-09-20 | Kazuya Matsuda | Method of detecting abnormal condition of folded paper |
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2008
- 2008-03-31 JP JP2008093934A patent/JP4945500B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-09-27 CN CN2008101688812A patent/CN101398295B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN101398295A (en) | 2009-04-01 |
| JP4945500B2 (en) | 2012-06-06 |
| JP2009096638A (en) | 2009-05-07 |
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