JPH0484385A - Device and method for counting paper - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To surely counts the number of paper sheets constituting a paper bundle through simple operations by moving a prove section in the thickness direction of the paper bundle while the probe is brought into contact with the side face of the paper bundle with a pressure and counting mechanical signals transmitted from the probe section after the signals are converted into electric signals at a detecting section, and then, displaying the number of the paper sheets. CONSTITUTION:This paper sheet counting device is provided with a probe section 2, detecting section 3, circuit section 4, displaying section 5, and casing section and the probe section 2 detects recessing and projecting sections or level differences on the side face of a paper bundle 8 when the paper sheets constituting the paper bundle 8 are shifted from each other by slipping little by little. The detecting section 3 converts mechanical signals transmitted from the probe section 2 into electric signals and the circuit section 4 counts the electric signals transmitted from the detecting sections 3 and displays the number of paper sheets on the displaying section 5. Therefore, a handy type portable paper sheet counting device which can be operated easily at the time of measurement can be obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to a paper counting device and a paper counting method for counting the number of sheets of paper such as a catalog when a plurality of sheets exist in a bundle.

<Prior Art> Methods for counting the number of sheets of paper include manual counting, calculating from the weight, calculating from the thickness of the paper stack, and optical counting.

In this case, when the number of sheets of paper is large, it is advantageous to use a paper counting device.

However, in the method of calculating the number of sheets of paper based on the weight or the method of calculating based on the thickness of a stack of paper, it is necessary to program the weight and thickness of each sheet of paper into the paper counting device in advance according to the type of paper. troublesome.

Furthermore, conventional paper counting devices, including those used in methods for optically counting paper sheets, are large-scale and complex, and many of them are of fixed type.

Under these circumstances, there is a need for a portable paper counting device that can count the number of sheets of paper with simple operations.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> An object of the present invention is to provide a hand-held paper counting device and a paper counting method using such a device.

<Means for Solving the Problems> Such objects are achieved by the following inventions (1) to (4).

(1) It has a probe section, a detection section, a circuit section, a display section, and a casing section, and the probe section is moved in the thickness direction of the paper stack while being pressed against the side surface of the paper stack, and the mechanical signal transmitted from the probe section is transmitted. A paper counting device characterized in that a detection section converts the paper into an electrical signal, a circuit section counts the electrical signal, and the number of sheets of paper is displayed on a display section.

(2) The paper counting device according to (1) above, wherein the probe section and the detection section are integrated.

(3) The paper counting device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the conversion method of the detection section is a piezoelectric type or an electromagnetic type.

(4) After shifting the paper in the paper stack, apply the above (1) to the side of the paper stack.
A paper counting method, characterized in that the number of sheets of paper is measured by moving the paper counting device in the thickness direction of the paper stack while pressing the probe portion of the paper counting device according to any one of ) to 3).

<Function> The paper counting device of the present invention is a handy type that is convenient to carry.

When measuring, all you have to do is press the probe against the side of the paper stack and move it in the thickness direction of the paper stack.
Easy to operate.

At this time, in the present invention, the necessary number of sheets can be counted from the bundle of sheets and then taken out.

<Example> Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments.

The present invention is a handheld paper counting device that includes a probe section, a detection section, a circuit section, a display section, and a casing section.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred example of the paper counting device of the present invention, and will be described below according to the illustrated example.

As shown in FIG. 2, the probe section 2 detects irregularities or steps corresponding to one sheet of paper on the side surface of the stack of sheets 8 when the sheets of paper are shifted.

Further, the detection section 3 converts a mechanical signal transmitted from the probe section 2 into an electrical signal.

In this case, the detection unit 3 may include an electromagnetic type such as a moving iron type or a moving coil type, a piezoelectric type using the piezoelectric effect of a piezoelectric element, a transparent material having a photoelastic effect placed between two polarizing elements,
Any of the photoelastic type, which uses a photoelectric element to detect a change in the amount of transmitted light caused by an external force, the pressure-sensitive effect type, which uses the pressure-sensitive effect of a semiconductor, and the electrostatic type, may be used.

The probe section 2 and the detection section 3 may be integrally fixed, or may be configured separately and connected to each other, but the probe section 2 and the detection section 3 are shown in FIG. An example is shown in which the two are integrated.

For more detailed explanation, the probe section 2 and the detection section 3 using a piezoelectric element are shown in FIG.

The material of the probe part 2 is not particularly limited as long as it has a predetermined hardness, and for example, stainless steel, phosphor bronze, etc. may be used.

Further, although the probe portion 2 in the illustrated example has a strip shape, it may have any other shape such as a needle shape.

Further, the dimensions of the probe section 2 may be determined as appropriate, but the thickness of the tip of the probe section 2 is made thinner than the thickness of the paper to be measured.

For example, the dimensions of the probe portion 2 may be approximately 10 to 40 mm in length, approximately 1 to 10 mm in width, and approximately 0.1 to 1 mm in thickness, and the thickness of the tip portion may be approximately 10 to 200 mm.

In order to prevent damage to the paper, the tip of the probe section 2 is usually rounded in the thickness direction.

The illustrated detection section 3 is of a piezoelectric type, and is configured by stacking a piezoelectric element 31 on the probe section 2. Although a pair of electrodes is normally provided, in the illustrated example, only the electrode 33 is provided on the piezoelectric element 31 because the probe portion 2 also serves as an electrode.

There are no particular limitations on the piezoelectric element used (for example, a crystal element, a LiTaOz element, a LiNb0. element,
If a single crystal element such as a Bag NaNb60+i element, Li Gap element, T e Ox element, B i +□Ge0zo element, or a piezoelectric ceramic element such as a barium titanate type, a lead zirconate titanate type, or a niobate type is used, good.

Further, the material of the electrode 33 is not particularly limited as long as it is commonly used as an electrode, and Ag is generally used.

The detection section 3 having such a configuration includes at least the probe section 2.
is attached to the casing so that its tip is exposed to the outside of the casing.

In this case, the integrated probe section 2 and detection section 3 may be attached directly to the casing 6, but it is preferable to attach it to the casing 6 via a spring 75 as shown in FIG.

By interposing the spring 75, the spring 75 urges the probe section 2 during use, and a constant force can be applied to the probe section 2.

Further, since the spring 75 functions as a damper, the impact resistance of the probe section 2 is improved.

In the illustrated example, when interposing the spring, the base material 77
The detection unit 3 and the probe 2 are fixed to the base member 77 and the spring 75 are fixed to the base member 77 and the spring 75.

Note that the probe section 2 of the detection section 3 may be exposed from any position of the casing 6.

Next, a preferred example of the right side of the probe section 2 and the electromagnetic type (movable iron type) detection section 3 is shown in FIG.

The illustrated detection unit 3 includes a pair of magnetic yokes 95 and 95.
A magnet 91 is interposed between them, and a winding 9 is attached to one yoke 95.
7 is wound.

In this case, a predetermined gap is formed between the yokes 95 on the side facing the magnet 91.

The length of the gap may normally be about 1 to 5 mm.

Although the probe portion 2 is needle-shaped in the illustrated example, it may be strip-shaped or any other shape.

In addition, in the case of a needle shape, the diameter may be about 0.5 to 2 mm and the length may be about 10 to 20 mm, for example.

Further, in the case of a strip shape, the width may be approximately 1 to 3 mm, the thickness may be approximately 0.2 to 0.6 mm, and the length may be approximately 10 to 20 mm.

A movable piece 93 is formed in the probe section 2 at a position facing the gap between the yokes 95 .

The movable piece 93 may have any shape such as a strip shape or a rod shape, and may be made of a magnetic material such as iron.

One end of the probe section 2 is usually fixed at a support section 98, and the probe section 2 is configured to be able to vibrate about the support section 98 as a fulcrum according to the level difference in the stack of paper to be measured.

With such a configuration, when the movable piece vibrates within the gap between the yokes 95 and 95 according to the mechanical displacement of the probe section 2, the magnetic flux between the yokes 95 and 95 changes, and as a result, the magnetic flux generated in the winding 97 changes. Electricity is generated.

The configuration of the detection section 3 described above is merely an example, and various other configurations may be used.

The circuit section 4 is for counting electrical signals transmitted from the detection section 3 and displaying the number of sheets of paper on the display section 5.

Although the circuit section 4 has a counter circuit according to the usual configuration, it is preferable to provide a circuit for shaping the waveform of the electrical signal input manually, particularly the output voltage of the detection section 3.

Preferably, the sensitivity and the like are adjusted or set so that when the voltage value after waveform shaping is equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage value, one count is counted.

In this case, in the device using the piezoelectric detection section shown in FIG. 1, by interposing the spring 75 as described above, a constant voltage value can be obtained for each unevenness or step on a sheet of paper, so it is possible to count. Errors are reduced.

Note that if the voltage value is low, an amplifier circuit may be provided, for example.

Further, a filter or the like may be provided to eliminate unnecessary signals.

A battery is normally used as the power source 79.

In this case, the driving voltage is usually about 1.5 to 4.5V.

Further, the display section 5 is not particularly limited as long as it can display the number of sheets of paper counted, and for example, a liquid crystal or the like may be used.

The display section 5 is provided with a normal reset button 50.

The circuit section 4, power supply 79, and display section 5 are normally housed in a casing 6.

The material of the casing 6 is not particularly limited as long as it is a material conventionally used for casings, and for example, metal, resin, etc. may be used.

Further, although the outer shape of the casing 6 is a rectangular parallelepiped in the illustrated example, it is not limited to this.

When the casing 6 is made into a rectangular parallelepiped shape, for example, 6 to
It can be downsized to about 10×4 to 6×2 to 4 crn.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a pair of rib-shaped convex portions 71 and 71 are provided on the facing surfaces of the casing 6 and the paper bundle 8.
is preferably formed.

The convex portion 71 functions as a rail on the side surface of the paper bundle 8.

When using the paper counting device 1 of the present invention, the probe section 2 is pushed into the casing 6 to the same height as the convex section 71, as shown in FIG.

That is, when the spring 75 is interposed, the convex portion 7
1 functions as a regulating portion for the amount of pushing of the probe portion 2, and can apply a constant pressure to the probe portion 2.

Although the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 71 in the illustrated example is semicircular, the shape is not particularly limited.

In addition, in order to protect the probe section 2 when not in use, a fifth
As shown in the figures and FIG. 6, protective members 73, 73 may be provided, and a mechanism may be provided for retracting them during measurement.

The number of sheets of paper such as a catalog or copy paper can be counted using the paper counting device of the present invention as follows.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, the sheets of the paper stack 8 are slightly shifted, the paper counting device 1 is placed on the side of the paper stack 8, and the probe section 2 is pressed against the paper stack 8.

Next, the paper counting device 1 is moved in the thickness direction of the paper bundle 8 while pressing the probe part 2.

In this case, in order to prevent the probe section 2 and the paper from getting caught and to reduce measurement errors, it is preferable to move the paper in a shifted direction, that is, in the direction of arrow a in the figure.

Incidentally, during measurement, in the apparatus shown in FIG. 3, the probe section 2 vibrates according to the height difference in the paper, causing distortion in the piezoelectric element 31 on the probe section 2, which is converted into an electrical signal.

Furthermore, in the device shown in FIG. 7, the movable piece 93 formed in the probe section 2 vibrates according to the level difference in the paper, changing the magnetic flux. The change in magnetic flux generates an electromotive force, and the mechanical signal is converted into an electrical signal.

Next, the number of steps on the side surface of the paper bundle 8 counted by the circuit section 4 as described above is displayed on the display section 5.

In addition, when counting the number of sheets of paper by moving the probe part 2 while pressing against the side of the paper stack 8, as the number of sheets of paper before counting decreases, the stiffness or stiffness of the paper stack will increase. decreases.

Therefore, in the paper counting method of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 8, measurement may be performed by applying a partially cut out plate 99 to the main surface of the paper to be measured last. .

Alternatively, the paper bundle 8 may be held between a pair of plates 99 and 99.

If the measurement is performed in this manner, even if the paper is hard or has low stiffness, the measurement can be performed accurately and easily.

<Effects of the Invention> Since the paper counting device of the present invention is a handy type, it is convenient to carry and can measure the number of sheets of paper at any place and when necessary.

By using the present invention, the number of sheets in a bundle of paper can be accurately measured by simply performing a simple operation.

In addition, by stopping the movement of the paper counting device when the count on the display reaches the required number, it is possible to take out the required number of sheets from the paper stack.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the paper counting device of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial side view showing a probe section and a paper bundle of the paper counting device of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a probe section and a detection section of the paper counting device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an example of the paper counting device of the present invention. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are front views each showing an example of the paper counting device of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing another example of the probe section and detection section of the paper counting device of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view for explaining the paper counting method of the present invention. Explanation of symbols 1... Paper counting device 2... Probe section 3... Detection section 31... Piezoelectric element 33... Electrode 4... Circuit section 5... Display section 50... Reset Button 6...Casing 71...Protrusion 73...Protection member 75...Spring 77...Base material 79...Power source 8...Paper stack 91...Magnet 93...Movable Piece 95...Yoke 97...Winding 98...Support part 9...Plate applicant Fumoto Giken Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) It has a probe section, a detection section, a circuit section, a display section, and a casing section, and the probe section is moved in the thickness direction of the paper stack while being pressed against the side surface of the paper stack, and the mechanical signal transmitted from the probe section is transmitted. A paper counting device characterized in that a detection section converts the paper into an electrical signal, a circuit section counts the electrical signal, and the number of sheets of paper is displayed on a display section. (2) The paper counting device according to claim 1, wherein the probe section and the detection section are integrated. (3) The paper counting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the conversion method of the detection section is a piezoelectric type or an electromagnetic type. (4) After shifting the paper in the paper stack, claim 1 on the side of the paper stack.
4. A paper counting method, characterized in that the number of sheets of paper is measured by moving the paper counting device in the thickness direction of the paper stack while pressing the probe portion of the paper counting device according to any one of items 3 to 3.