JP3305011B2 - Paper size detector - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a paper size detecting device, and more particularly to a paper size detecting device for detecting the size of paper stored in a paper cassette.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the spread of OA equipment in recent years, an image processing apparatus such as a copying machine having an advanced image processing function has been generally used. In this type of image processing apparatus, a center moving function for automatically moving an image to be processed of a document to the center of the sheet, an automatic scaling function for automatically scaling the image to be processed according to the size of the sheet, The image processing is performed by detecting the size of the image and activating an automatic paper selection function or the like for automatically selecting a paper suitable for the detected size. In this case, it is necessary to determine the size of the image to be processed and the size of the sheet before the image processing.

Conventionally, the prior determination of the paper size is performed by providing a unique switch corresponding to the size of the paper stored in the cassette in which the paper is stored, and by mounting the cassette in a device. This was done by an electrical signal output from the switch. Also, the paper size
The advance judgment is that the paper width is
A variable resistor is provided in the direction
The paper size is determined by the electrical signal output through the resistor.
Detected and discriminated .

[0004]

Generally, paper sizes used in an image processing apparatus include postcard sizes, A5, A4,
In addition to A3, B5, B4, etc., each size has a distinction between vertical writing and horizontal writing, and there is a special size used in a specific country, and there are various types of paper sizes used. . In addition, the user may use special size paper on his own. Prior paper size
As mentioned above, as another means,
The size of the paper stored in the cassette
A unique switch corresponding to the
Output from its own switch.
Paper size was determined based on the electrical signal
In order to detect various types of paper sizes, it is necessary to prepare a large number of cassettes each having a unique switch for each paper size. The operation becomes complicated, and a problem arises in the production cost. Further, for
The paper size is determined in advance by the cassette in which the paper is stored.
Variable resistance in the paper width direction or paper length direction.
And the electric signal output through the variable resistor
Because the paper size was detected and determined,
Can not determine the special size used in
Problem arises. Special size used in certain countries
Is the standard paper size commonly used in image processing equipment.
Some have almost no change in shape.

The present invention has been made in view of the current situation of this type of paper size detecting apparatus as described above, and has as its object to use multiple types of cassettes without using multiple types of cassettes according to the paper size. It is an object of the present invention to provide a paper size detection device having a simple structure capable of detecting the paper size.

[0006]

[0007]

To SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION To achieve the above purpose, the sheet size detecting apparatus comprising: a paper width setting means for setting a width direction of the edge position of the paper, the term paper width setting Paper width detecting means for outputting an analog electric signal indicating the paper width corresponding to the edge position in the width direction set by the means; and the analog electric signal output from the paper width detecting means being a digital electric signal. A / D conversion means for converting the signal into a first electrical signal, sheet length setting means for setting the edge position in the length direction of the sheet, and edge position in the length direction set by the sheet length setting means Paper length detecting means for outputting a second electric signal which is an electric signal indicating a specific area from a plurality of divided paper length areas; and outputting the second electric signal to the first electric signal and the second electric signal. detecting a candidate of the paper size of the paper based And having a paper size detecting means that. Paper size detecting device according to claim 2, wherein, in the sheet size detection device according to claim 1, determine the paper size from the candidates of the detected plurality of paper sizes
Characterized by further comprising a sheet size determination means for constant. Sheet size detection apparatus according to the third aspect, claim 2
In the paper size detecting device according the sheet size determined
The setting means selects the highest priority among the paper size candidates.
Paper size is determined . Claim 4
The paper size detection device according to claim 3, wherein
In the detection device, the setting means for setting the priority order
It is further characterized by having .

[0008]

[0009]

In the present invention , the paper width setting means sets the edge position in the width direction of the paper, and the paper width detection means sets the paper width corresponding to the edge position in the width direction of the paper set by the paper width setting means. And an A / D converter converts the analog electric signal output from the paper width detector into a first electric signal that is a digital electric signal. On the other hand, the paper length setting means sets the edge position in the length direction of the paper,
A second electrical signal corresponding to the edge position in the length direction of the sheet set by the sheet length setting unit and indicating a specific area from a plurality of divided sheet length regions; Is output. The paper size detecting means detects the candidate of the paper size based on the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal. In this case, the paper length divided into multiple
In the area corresponding to the area, multiple standard paper (paper size)
If the candidate is included, the priority assigned to these standard forms
Thus, the final paper size is determined.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. First, a first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a cassette main body for storing sheets, one end of which is grounded and the other end of which is grounded. A main scanning detecting unit 8 is provided which comprises a volume 202 to which a bias voltage of 5.5 V is applied, and outputs a first electric signal corresponding to an edge position in the width direction of the sheet. The main scanning detecting section 8 converts an analog signal from the volume 202 into a digital signal of 8 bits.
CPU 2 that controls the entire system via a / D converter 206
07. The CPU 207 includes a ROM 208 in which a control program is stored, a RAM 209 in which various data are written and read at the time of a control operation, and an operation display for displaying input instruction data and setting status data during device adjustment or control. The unit 211 is connected. The RAM 209 is provided with a backup power supply so that data is not lost when the power is turned off. Also, CPU2
07, a switch SW1 via an I / O circuit 210,
The sub-scanning length detecting unit 6 including the SW 2 is connected, and the sub-scanning length detecting unit 6 is connected to the cassette body 1.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the structure of a main part of the first embodiment. A sheet 2 is placed on a cassette body 1 and is in contact with an edge of the sheet 2 in the width direction. Side setting plate 3a for setting the edge position of the paper 2 in the width direction,
3b is provided. The side setting plates 3a and 3b include:
A main scanning detection section 8 is connected via a main scanning detection guide 7. Further, a rear end setting plate 4 which is disposed in contact with the edge of the sheet 2 in the longitudinal direction and sets the position in the longitudinal direction of the sheet 2 is provided. Guide 5
The sub-scanning detector 6 is connected via a5b.

In the sub-scan detection section 6, the position of the rear end setting plate 4 is set to the position 4a (sub-scan length of 335 mm or more), 4b
Corresponding to the position (sub-scanning length 232 mm to 335 mm) and the position 4c (sub-scanning length 232 mm or less),
The length of the sheet 2 is divided into three sections, and the sub-scanning detection guide 5
a5b is set to have different detection states in each area.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the structure of a main part of the main scanning detecting section 8. The other end of the main scanning detecting guide 7 having one end connected to the above-mentioned side setting plates 3a, 3b is connected. An engagement tooth G1 is formed, and this engagement tooth G1 is
Are engaged, and the reduction gear 303 is engaged with the reduction gear 304. An engagement tooth G2 formed on the guide 302 is engaged with the reduction gear 303, and a slider of the volume 202 is connected to an end of the guide 302. The volume 202 slides in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 and outputs a generated voltage corresponding to the position of the slider. The volume 202 is excellent in linearity of the generated voltage with respect to the sliding distance. Further, the reduction gears 303, 304 are set so that the operation range of the main scanning detection guide 7 by the operation of the side setting plates 3a, 3b is about 90% of the operable range on the volume 202.
Has been adjusted. In this way, when the side setting plates 3a and 3b set the edge position in the width direction of the sheet 2,
A first electrical signal corresponding to the edge position is output from the volume 202.

Next, a sheet size detecting operation in the first embodiment having such a configuration will be described first with respect to a sheet width selecting operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the pre-data writing operation of the sheet width detecting operation according to the first embodiment.
A sheet 2 of the minimum settable size (A5: width 148.5 mm) is placed on the cassette body 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and the side setting plates 3a and 3b are brought into contact with the edge of the sheet 2 in the width direction. Then, the edge position in the width direction of the sheet 2 is set. The main scanning detection guide 7 is moved by the position setting by the side setting plates 3a and 3b, and a detection signal of the minimum size is input from the main scanning detection unit 8 to the CPU 207 via the A / D converter 206. Is done. Therefore, in step S401, the CPU 207 converts the detection signal having the minimum size into RA
Store it in M209. Next, a sheet 2 of the maximum size that can be set (A4: 297 mm in width) is placed on the cassette body 1, and the side setting plates 3 a and 3 b are brought into contact with the edge of the sheet 2 in the width direction, and Set the part position. The main scanning detection guide 7 is moved by the position setting by the side setting plates 3a and 3b, and a detection signal of the maximum size is input from the main scanning detection unit 8 to the CPU 207 via the A / D converter 206. Is done. Therefore, in step S402, the CPU 207 converts the detection signal having the maximum size into RA
Store it in M209.

By the way, as shown in FIG.
Straight line L passing through two points P1 and P2 obtained in 401 and S402
Is given by equation (1).

[0018]

L = a × A / D value + b Then, in step S403, a and b in the equation (1)
Is calculated based on the points P1 and P2 in FIG.
Calculate from the equation and store in RAM 209.

[0019]

## EQU2 ## a = (A4-A5) / (ad1-ad0)

[0020]

B = (A4 × ad0−A5 × ad1) / (ad1−ad0) “a” and “b” calculated in this way and stored in the RAM 209 and the width direction of the sheet 2 set in the cassette body 1 By substituting the detection output value (A / D value) of the main scanning detection unit 8 when the edge position is set by the side setting plates 3a and 3b into the equation (1), the width of the paper 2, that is, The main scanning size is calculated and detected.

Next, the operation of detecting the sub-scanning size of a sheet will be described.

As described above, the sub-scan detection section 6 divides the length of the sheet 2 into three sections, and
5b is set to be in a different detection state in each zone, whereby the switches SW1 and SW2 are in different switch states and output the second electric signal. This state is shown in the table of FIG. 6, and since the position of the rear end setting plate 4 is at the position of 4a, 4b, and 4c, the ON and OFF states of the switches SW1 and SW2 change, and The sheets to be grouped correspondingly are designated as shown in FIG. That is, the switches SW1, S
When W2 is (0, 0), it indicates that there is no cassette, and when the switches SW1, SW2 are (1, 0), the sub-scanning length of the paper 2 is in the cassette state of 335 mm or more, and the switches SW1, SW2 are (0, 0). In 1), the sub-scanning length of the sheet 2 is in a cassette state of 232 mm to 335 mm. When the switches SW1 and SW2 are (1, 1), the sub-scanning length of the sheet 2 is in a cassette state of 232 mm or less.

The paper size of the paper 2 is detected as a candidate based on the main scanning size and the sub-scanning size of the paper 2 detected as described above. Exist, multiple standard papers (paper size
) May be detected. For example, FOOL
SCAP (216 x 317 mm), OFFICIO (2
16 × 317 mm), E-OFI (220 × 329 m)
m) may be detected simultaneously. In this case, the first
In the embodiment, when a plurality of standard paper candidates are detected, a paper having a higher priority is recognized and determined as a paper size in accordance with the priority set in advance for these standard paper candidates .

The operation of detecting the paper size in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S701, the state of the switch SW1 is determined, and
, The state of the switch SW2 is determined in step S704, and if the switch SW1 is 0, step S7
At 02, the state of the switch SW2 is determined. Step S
If it is determined in step 702 that the state of the switch SW2 is 0, the flow advances to step S703 to determine that there is no cassette, and the cassette-less status code is stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209. .

In step S702, if it is determined that the state of the switch SW2 is 1, in step S705, the sheet size candidates are narrowed down by the main scanning length from the sub-scanning length (232 mm to 335 mm). (Paper size detecting means: steps S709 and S713 below)
The process proceeds to step S706 to determine how many candidates are present in the main scanning length. If there is only one candidate in this determination, the candidate is determined in step S708.
(Paper size determining means: the following steps S712 and S7
16) , the determined candidate cassette code is stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209. If it is determined in step S706 that there are a plurality of candidates, in step S707, candidates are determined based on the priority in the group (paper size determination means: the same applies to steps S711 and S715 below), and the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209. Is stored.

If it is determined in step S701 that the state of the switch SW1 is 1, the state of the switch SW2 is determined in step S704. If it is determined in step S704 that the state of the switch SW2 is 0, in step S709, the sub-scanning length (335 mm
In order to narrow down paper size candidates based on the main scanning length, the process advances to step S710 to determine how many candidates are present based on the main scanning length. If it is determined that there is only one candidate, the candidate is determined in step S712, and the cassette code of the determined candidate is stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209. Step S710
If it is determined in step S711 that there are a plurality of candidates, step S711
, A candidate is determined from the priority order in the group, and the cassette code of the determined candidate is stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209.

If it is determined in step S704 that the state of the switch SW2 is 1, then in step S713, in order to narrow down the paper size candidates by the main scanning length from the sub-scanning length (232 mm or less). , Step S
Proceeding to 714, it is determined how many candidates are present in the main scanning length. If the result of this determination is that there is only one candidate, step S7
At 16, the candidate is determined, and the cassette code of the determined candidate is stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209. If it is determined in step S714 that there are a plurality of candidates, in step S715, the candidates are determined from the priority order in the group, and the cassette codes of the determined candidates are stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the paper size is detected based on the edge position of the paper set by the side setting plates 3a and 3b and the rear end setting plate 4, and a plurality of standard papers ( When it is required to finally select a fixed size paper from the candidates of the paper size) , the selection of the paper is accurately performed based on a preset priority.

Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the CPU 207 is connected to setting means for setting the priority of determination for a plurality of fixed-size sheet candidates, and the setting state can be displayed on the operation display unit 211. The other parts of the configuration of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment already described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the priority setting process according to the second embodiment. When there are a plurality of regular paper candidates, the display shown in the operation display unit 211 is shown in step S81. Then, the user operates the keyboard of the setting unit to display the displayed standard form FOOL.
When the priority of detection is set for SCAP, OFFICIO, and E-OFI, and FOOLSCAP is selected, as shown in step S81, FOOLSCAP is selected.
When the cursor is moved to the position and the execution key is operated, the priority is set in step S84, and the determined candidate cassette code is stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209. To set OFFLCIO, move the cursor to the OFFLCIO position as shown in step S82, and to set E-OFI, move the cursor to the E-OFI position as shown in step S83. By operating the execution key, the process proceeds to step S84. In this case, it is also possible to cause the user to select the target fixed form paper by switching the dip switch.

[0031] In this manner, the second embodiment, the side mounting plate 3a, on the basis of the edge position of the paper to be set and 3b and the rear mounting plate 4, the candidate of the paper size is detected, a plurality of standard size paper When it is required to finally select a standard size paper from the ( paper size) candidates, the user can set the optimum priority according to the use state of the image processing apparatus. Then, the paper size that matches the usage state of the image processing apparatus of the user is determined . Other operations and effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment already described.

Finally, a third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, priorities are set in advance in consideration of the destination of the device. As shown in Figure 6, in countries such as Argentina, Australia and Ecuador,
It uses its own standard paper, and it is clear that it is necessary to set its own priority depending on the destination. The other parts of the configuration of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment already described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the sheet size detecting operation according to the third embodiment. In step S901, the state of the switch SW1 is determined, and the state of the switch SW1 is determined.
Is 1, the state of the switch SW2 is determined in step S904, and if the switch SW1 is 0, the state of the switch SW2 is determined in step S902. If it is determined in step S902 that the state of the switch SW2 is 0, the process proceeds to step S903, where it is determined that there is no cassette, and the status code of no cassette is stored in the cassette status storage area of the RAM 209. You.

If it is determined in step S902 that the state of the switch SW2 is 1, in step S905, the sheet size candidates are narrowed down by the main scanning length from the sub-scanning length (232 mm to 335 mm). Then, the process proceeds to step S906 to determine how many candidates are present in the main scanning length. If there is only one candidate in this determination, the candidate is determined in step S908, and the
The cassette code of the determined candidate is stored in the cassette state storage area. If it is determined in step S906 that there are a plurality of candidates, in step S907, the candidates are determined from the destination priority in the group, and the RAM is determined.
The cassette code of the determined candidate is stored in the cassette state storage area 209.

If it is determined in step S901 that the state of the switch SW1 is 1, the state of the switch SW2 is determined in step S904. If it is determined in step S904 that the state of the switch SW2 is 0, in step S909, the sub-scanning length (335 mm
In order to narrow down paper size candidates based on the main scanning length, the process proceeds to step S910 to determine how many candidates are present based on the main scanning length. If it is determined that there is one candidate, the candidate is determined in step S912, and the cassette code of the determined candidate is stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209. Step S910
If it is determined in step S911 that there are a plurality of candidates, step S911
, A candidate is determined from the destination priority in the group, and the cassette code of the determined candidate is stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209.

In step S904, if it is determined that the state of the switch SW2 is 1, in step S913, in order to narrow down the paper size candidates by the main scanning length from the sub-scanning length (232 mm or less). , Step S
Proceeding to 914, it is determined how many candidates are present in the main scanning length. If the result of this determination is that there is only one candidate, step S9
At 16, the candidate is determined, and the cassette code of the determined candidate is stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209. If it is determined in step S914 that there are a plurality of candidates, in step S915, the candidates are determined from the destination priorities in the group, and the cassette codes of the determined candidates are stored in the cassette state storage area of the RAM 209.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, paper size candidates are detected based on the edge position of the paper set by the side setting plates 3a, 3b and the rear end setting plate 4, and a plurality of paper size candidates are detected. When it is required to finally select a standard size paper from among the standard size (paper size) candidates, the destination corresponding to the destination is selected from these candidates based on a preset destination priority. The determined standard paper is determined .

[0038]

As described above, according to the present invention, the first electric signal which is a digital electric signal obtained by converting the analog electric signal indicating the paper width by A / D conversion,
Corresponds to the length direction of the edge position of the sheet, and detects the candidates of the paper size and based from several divided paper length region into a second electrical signal is an electrical signal indicative of the particular area, the for
Based on a preset priority from among paper size candidates
And A5, A4, A3, B5, B4, legal,
A standard paper size such as a letter can be detected, and a special size used in a specific country can be detected, so that various types of paper sizes can be determined.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a main scanning length detection unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a pre-data writing operation of a sheet width detecting operation in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram illustrating a relationship between a sheet width and a detection signal of a main scanning length detection unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second electrical signal of the sub-scanning length detecting unit and a group of standard paper according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 cassette main body 2 paper 3a, 3b side setting plate 4 trailing end setting plate 5a, 5b sub-scanning length detecting unit 7 main scanning detecting guide 8 main scanning length detecting unit 202 volume 206 A / D converter 207 CPU 208 ROM 209 RAM 210 I / O circuit 211 Scan display unit 302 Guide 303, 304 Reduction gear

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ identification code FI G01B 11/02 G01B 11/02 Z G03G 15/00 516 G03G 15/00 516 (58) Fields surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , (DB name) B65H 1/00-3/68 B65H 7/00-7/20

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sheet width setting means for setting an edge position in a width direction of a sheet, and an analog electric signal indicating a sheet width corresponding to the edge position in the width direction set by the sheet width setting means is output. Paper width detecting means, A / D converting means for converting the analog electric signal output from the paper width detecting means into a first electric signal which is a digital electric signal, and an edge in the longitudinal direction of the paper A sheet length setting means for setting a position, and an electric signal corresponding to the edge position in the length direction set by the sheet length setting means and indicating a specific area from a plurality of divided sheet length areas. and having a sheet length detecting means for outputting a electrical signal, a sheet size detecting means for detecting the candidates of the paper size of the paper based on the first electrical signal and said second electrical signal Paper size detection device. Wherein said detected plurality of candidate paper size detecting device according to claim 1, further comprising a sheet size determining means for determining a paper size from the paper size. 3. The sheet size determining means according to claim 1 , wherein
The paper size with the highest priority from the size candidates
Paper size detecting device according to claim 2, wherein the that. 4. A setting means for setting the priority order,
Sheet size detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that it has a.