KR100322584B1 - Apparatus for measuring contamination of developer of printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An apparatus for measuring contamination of a developer of a printer is provided to measure a degree of contamination of yellow, magenta and cyan developers and to replace the developers with new developers at appropriate time. CONSTITUTION: An apparatus for measuring contamination of a color developer of a printer includes a light source unit(101a,101b,101c), a light detector(102a,102b,102c), a reference signal providing unit, and a comparison and judgement unit(105). The light detector receives lights that are emitted from the light source unit and passed through the color developer. The reference signal providing unit provides a reference signal for the color developer. The comparison and judgement unit compares the signal detected by the light detector with the reference signal to judge a degree of contamination of the color developer.

Description

Developer pollution measurement device of the printing press

The present invention relates to a developer contamination measurement apparatus of a printing press for measuring the degree of contamination of the developer.

In general, in a wet electrophotographic printer, an image recording surface of a photosensitive medium such as a photosensitive belt or a photosensitive drum is charged, and a potential level is changed by light selectively scanned on the image recording surface to form an electrostatic latent image. Charged toner in the developer is attached to the latent electrostatic image position to form a toner image. Here, the developer includes a liquid carrier and toner. Further, the developer is a predetermined color such as Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black) color developer depending on the pigment contained in the toner.

When the photosensitive medium is a photosensitive belt which is supported by at least three rollers and moves in an endless track, a plurality of developing apparatuses are provided in which different color developing solutions are placed in close proximity to the photosensitive belt. Form a color toner image. Thereafter, the toner image is transferred onto printing paper and printing is performed.

However, the developer, that is, the color toner image attached to the latent electrostatic image position, may remain on the photosensitive belt without being substantially 100% transferred to printing paper. Such a residual color toner image may be introduced into the developer for developing another color in the course of passing through the developer arranged in turn while being transported according to the rotation of the photosensitive belt.

In addition, a portion of a predetermined color developer attached to the latent electrostatic image position of the photosensitive belt while passing through one developer may be introduced into the developer while passing through another developer.

In this way, the other color developer flowing into the developer containing the one color developer is mixed with the original developer to contaminate the developer. And with the use of printing presses, the original developer may be heavily contaminated to the extent that sharp color printing cannot be performed. Therefore, it is necessary to replace the developer at an appropriate time.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described point, and an object thereof is to provide a developer contamination measurement apparatus of a printing press for measuring the contamination degree of the developer so as to determine the replacement time of the contaminated developer.

1 is a schematic view showing a wet electrophotographic printing machine employing a developer contamination measurement apparatus according to the present invention;

2 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus of a printing press according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus of a printing press according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus of a printing press according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a perspective view schematically showing the color light discriminating means of FIG.

6 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus of a printing press according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a plan view schematically showing the color filter of FIG.

8 is a plan view schematically illustrating the photodetector of FIG. 6;

9 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus of a printing press according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

30 ... first, second and third developing 40 ... mixed containers

101a, 101b, 101c, 111a, 111b, 111c, 121,131,141 ... light source

102a, 102b, 102c, 122,132,142 ... photodetectors

103 ... LUT 105,125 ... Comparison

Display unit 113a, 113b, 113c, 133, 143 Color filter

123 color sorting means 124 color wheel

126 ... Drive motor 134 ... Reflector

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a developer contamination measurement apparatus of a printing machine for measuring the contamination degree of a predetermined color developing solution for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive medium, the light source unit; A photodetector provided corresponding to the light source unit to receive light emitted from the light source unit and passing through the color developer; Reference signal providing means for providing a reference signal for the color developer; And a comparison determination unit for comparing the detection signal of the photodetector with the reference signal to determine the degree of contamination of the color developer.

According to a feature of the present invention, the light source units are arranged at predetermined intervals and consist of a plurality of light emitting diodes irradiating the color light of different wavelength regions to the color developer, and the photodetector is disposed to correspond to the light emitting diodes. And a plurality of photodetectors for emitting light emitted from each light emitting diode and passing through the color developer.

According to another feature of the invention, the light source unit, a plurality of light sources arranged at predetermined intervals for irradiating light to the color developer; And a plurality of color filters disposed to correspond to the light sources, respectively, to pass color light of different wavelength regions, wherein the photodetectors are disposed to correspond to the light sources and are emitted from each of the light sources. It consists of a plurality of photodetectors for receiving the light passing through.

According to another feature of the invention, the light source unit and a light source for irradiating light to the color developer; A color wheel rotatably disposed on an optical path and selectively transmitting a plurality of color lights of different wavelength regions among the light emitted from the light source; Rotating means for rotating the color wheel, including, to sequentially irradiate different color light to the color developer.

According to another feature of the invention, the light source unit, and a light source for irradiating light to the color developer; A color filter disposed to correspond to the light source and having a plurality of color filter areas for passing color light of different wavelength regions among light incident from the light source, wherein the photodetector is provided to correspond to the color filter area, It consists of a plurality of light receiving areas emitted from the light source and receiving the light through the color filter area and the color developer respectively and independently photoelectric conversion.

Here, the light source includes a lamp for generating light; And a concave reflector for reflecting the light emitted from the lamp and guiding its progress.

The color filter may further include a shielding portion that shields the transmission of light between the color filter regions so as to prevent color light of different wavelength regions passing through different color filter regions from being mixed with each other.

According to another feature of the invention, the light source unit, and a light source for irradiating light to the color developer; And a color filter emitted from the light source and selectively transmitting the light passing through the color developer.

Here, the color filter is preferably provided to pass the color light of the wavelength region corresponding to the color of the color developer.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the reference signal providing means, an auxiliary light source disposed on one side of the light source unit for irradiating light to the color developer; And an auxiliary photodetector which is emitted from the auxiliary light source and receives the light passing through the color developing solution to generate a reference signal.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a schematic view of a wet electrophotographic printing press employing a developer contamination measurement apparatus according to the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the printing machine is a photosensitive belt 14 that rotates the caterpillar while being supported by a driving roller 11, a steering roller 12, a transfer backup roller 13, and the like, and an image of the photosensitive belt 14. A laser scan unit 20 for forming an electrostatic latent image on the recording surface, a developer 30 for developing the electrostatic latent image to form a toner image, and a liquid carrier in the developer attached to the latent electrostatic image position to completely remove the toner image. And a drying unit 70 for drying the film, and a transfer unit 80 for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive belt onto the printing paper 27.

The photosensitive belt 14 is charged to a predetermined potential by a corona device (not shown) before the electrostatic latent image for each color is formed, and the laser scan unit 20 is an image recording surface of the photosensitive belt 14 charged to a predetermined potential. The laser beam is scanned on the electrostatic latent image.

The developing device 30 is electrostatic formed on the image recording surface of the photosensitive belt 14 with a predetermined color supplied from the mixing container 40, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C) and black (K) developer. Develop a latent image. Each color developing solution is pumped from the mixing container 40 to the developing roller 31 installed close to the image recording surface of the photosensitive belt 14 by the pump 32, and the photosensitive roller is rotated as the developing roller 31 rotates. It is attached to the latent electrostatic image position of the belt 14. And the developing solution falling into the developing device 30 in the developing process is recovered to the mixed container 40. Each of the mixed containers 40 is filled with a developer for each color in which a toner charged at a predetermined potential and a liquid carrier are mixed at an appropriate concentration. Here, reference numeral 50 denotes an ink cartridge containing a high concentration of developer, and reference numeral 55 denotes a liquid carrier tank. By adjusting the supply amounts of the high concentration developer and the carrier supplied from the ink cartridge 50 and the carrier tank 55, the mixed container 40 is filled with a developer at an appropriate level. Here, although the mixing container 40 and the developing device 30 are described and illustrated as being provided separately, it is also possible to be provided integrally.

The developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 of the printing machine according to the present invention is installed on the path of the color developer supplied from the mixing container 40 to the developing device 30. That is, the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 may be installed in the mixed container 40 or on the developer supply path from the mixed container 40 to the developer 30. 1 shows an example in which the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 according to the present invention is installed in the mixed container 40.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 9, the developer contamination measuring apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes a light source unit, a photodetector provided corresponding to the light source unit, and a reference signal for providing a reference signal for a predetermined color developer. And a comparing and determining unit for comparing the detection signal of the photodetector with the reference signal. The photodetector receives light emitted from the light source unit and passed through the color developer. The comparison determining unit compares the reference signal provided from the reference signal providing means with the detection signal of the photodetector to determine the degree of contamination of the color developer.

2 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 of the printing press according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a plurality of light emitting diodes, which are arranged at predetermined intervals as a light source unit and irradiates a plurality of color light in different wavelength regions, for example, yellow (Y), magenta (M) and cyan (C) color light, And Y, M, and C light emitting diodes 101a, 101b, and 101c. In addition, a photodetector is provided with a plurality of photodetectors 102a, 102b and 102c disposed corresponding to the light emitting diodes 101a, 101b and 101c, respectively. The photodetectors 102a, 102b and 102c are Y, M, and C which are emitted from each of the light emitting diodes 101a, 101b and 101c and receive yellow, magenta and cyan color light via the color developer. Photodetectors 102a, 102b and 102c.

The reference signal providing means may include a look-up table (LUT) 103 having data of light transmittances according to concentrations of yellow, magenta, and cyan color developer. In addition, as described later, an auxiliary light source (143 in FIG. 9) and an auxiliary light detector (148 in FIG. 9) disposed on one side of the light source unit may be provided. In this case, the light transmittance of the target color developer is immediately measured and provided as a reference signal.

The comparison unit 105 compares the detection signal of the photodetectors 102a, 102b and 102c with the reference signal provided by the reference signal providing means, for example, the lookup table 103, to determine the degree of contamination of the target color developer. To judge.

On the other hand, the present invention preferably further comprises a display device 107 for indicating the degree of contamination of the color developer from the comparison determination unit 105 to indicate when to replace the developer.

The developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 of the printing press according to the first embodiment of the present invention having the configuration as described above is installed in each mixed container 40 in which yellow, magenta, and cyan color developer as shown in FIG. The degree of contamination of each color developer is measured.

On the other hand, in the printing press as shown in FIG. 1, it is not necessary to employ the contamination measurement device of the black developer, since the color of the developer serving as the source of contamination is absorbed by the black developer and cannot cover the contamination.

Therefore, three developer contamination measurement apparatuses 100 as described above are installed in the printing press as shown in FIG. 1. On the other hand, when the look-up table 103 is provided as a reference signal providing means in view of the entire printing machine system, data of light transmittance characteristics according to concentrations of yellow, magenta, and cyan color developer are integrated into one look-up table 103. Can be stored. In addition, the comparison determination unit 105 and / or the display device 107 can also be unified.

Hereinafter, the developer contamination measurement method of the printing press according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

First, the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 installed in the mixed container 40 containing the yellow developer measures the contamination degree of the yellow developer as follows.

The yellow, magenta, and cyan color light emitted from the Y, M, and C light emitting diodes 101a, 101b, and 101c, respectively, and having passed through the yellow developer are respectively used by the Y, M, and C photodetectors 102a, 102b, and 102c. It is received. The combination of the detection signals of the Y, M, and C photodetectors 102a, 102b and 102c is compared with the reference signal provided by the lookup table 103 at the comparison determination section 105. The degree of contamination of the yellow developer determined by the comparison determination unit 105 is displayed on the display device 107.

When the yellow developer (Y) contains magenta impurities (m) or cyan impurities (c), the Y, M, and C photodetectors 102a, 102b, and 102c are shown in Table 1 below. Receives some absorbed or partially reflected light to generate a signal that is different from the case where no impurities are included.

Y Y + m Y + c Y + m + c Y photodetector T t t t M photodetector A a A a C photodetector A A a a T; full reflection, t; partial reflection, A; full absorption, a; partial absorption, m; magenta impurity, c; cyan impurity

Referring to Table 1, when the yellow developer is not contaminated and pure, the yellow color light emitted from the Y light emitting diode 101a is completely reflected without being absorbed while passing through the yellow developer, and is received by the Y photodetector 102a. Y photodetector 102a generates a T (fully reflected) signal. At this time, the magenta and cyan color light emitted from the M and C light emitting diodes 101b and 101c are completely absorbed while being transmitted through the yellow developer and are not detected by the M and C photodetectors 102b and 102c. Photodetectors 102b and 102c generate an A (complete absorption) signal.

When the yellow developer is contaminated with the magenta impurity (m), the yellow color light emitted from the Y light emitting diode 101a is partially absorbed and reflected while passing through the yellow developer, reaching the Y photodetector 102a, and the Y photodetector 102a generates a t (some reflection) signal. At this time, the magenta color light emitted from the M light emitting diode 101b is partially absorbed while passing through the yellow developer, and the M photodetector 102b generates a (partial absorption) signal. On the other hand, the cyan color light emitted from the C light emitting diode 101c is completely absorbed while being transmitted through the yellow developer, and the C photodetector 102c does not detect the cyan color light and generates an A (complete absorption) signal.

When the yellow developer is contaminated with cyan impurities (c), the yellow color light emitted from the Y light emitting diode 101a is partially absorbed and reflected while passing through the yellow developer, reaching the Y photodetector 102a, and this Y photodetector 102a generates a t (some reflection) signal. At this time, the magenta color light emitted from the M light emitting diode 101b is completely absorbed while passing through the yellow developer, and the M photodetector 102b does not detect this M color light and generates an A (complete absorption) signal. On the other hand, because the cyan color light emitted from the C light emitting diode 101c is partially absorbed while being transmitted through the yellow developer, the C photodetector 102c generates a (partial absorption) signal.

When the yellow developer is contaminated with magenta impurity (m) and cyan impurity (c), yellow color light emitted from the Y light emitting diode 101a is partially absorbed and reflected while passing through the yellow developer and reaches the Y photodetector 102a. This Y photodetector 102a generates a t (partial reflection) signal. At this time, the magenta light emitted from the M light emitting diode 101b is partially absorbed while passing through the yellow developer, and the M photodetector 102b detects the magenta light to generate a (partial absorption) signal. On the other hand, the cyan color light emitted from the C light emitting diode 101c is partially absorbed while being transmitted through the yellow developer, and the C photodetector 102c detects the cyan light to generate a (partial absorption) signal.

Here, the T signal is when the light is completely reflected by the developer to pass through the developer, the A signal is when the light is completely absorbed by the developer and cannot pass through the developer, the t signal is partially reflected by the light to the developer and transmitted through the developer. In this case, the a signal is a signal generated after the light is detected by the photodetector, respectively, when light is partially absorbed and reflected by the developer to pass through the developer. The t and a signals vary depending on the degree of contamination of the developer. Comparing the combination of the T, A, t, and a signals with the reference signal of the lookup table 103, it can be seen how much the developer is contaminated by which impurities.

The detection signal of the Y, M, C photodetectors 102a, 102b, 102c according to the degree of contamination by the magenta and / or cyan impurities of the yellow developer as described above is compared with the reference signal by the comparison determination unit 105. By comparison, the degree of contamination of the yellow developer is judged, and according to the determination signal of the comparison determining unit 105, the display device 107 displays the degree of contamination of the yellow developer, thereby informing the replacement time of the yellow developer. When the yellow developer is heavily polluted, the yellow developer filled in the mixed container 40 is discharged to the waste tank (60 in FIG. 1).

On the other hand, the principle of measurement of the degree of contamination of the magenta developer of the developer contamination measurement device 100 installed in the mixed container 40 containing the magenta developer and the cyan of the developer contamination measurement device 100 installed in the mixed container 40 containing the cyan developer The principle of measuring the degree of contamination of the developer is substantially the same as the principle of measuring the degree of contamination of the yellow developer.

When the magenta developer contains yellow impurity (y) or cyan impurity (c), the Y, M, and C photodetectors 102a, 102b and 102c have no impurities as shown in Table 2 below. Generate signals that are discriminated against.

M M + y M + c M + y + c Y photodetector A a A a M photodetector T t t t C photodetector A A a a T; full reflection, t; partial reflection, A; full absorption, a; partial absorption, y; yellow impurities, c; cyan impurities

As shown in Table 2, when the magenta developer is not contaminated or contaminated with yellow impurities (y) and / or cyan impurities (c), the magenta light emitted from the M light emitting diode 101b is completely passed through the magenta developer. Reflected or partially absorbed and reflected to be received by the M photodetector 102b, which generates a T (completely reflective) signal or a t (some reflection) signal.

The yellow color light emitted from the Y light emitting diode 101a is completely absorbed or partially absorbed through the magenta developer while the magenta developer is not contaminated, or is contaminated by cyan impurities or yellow impurities. Generates an A (complete absorption) signal or a (some absorption) signal.

The cyan color light emitted from the C light emitting diode 101c is completely absorbed or partially absorbed by the magenta developer while the magenta developer is not contaminated, or is contaminated by yellow impurities or cyan impurities. Generates an A (complete absorption) signal or a (some absorption) signal.

As in the case of the yellow developer, the detection signal of the Y, M, C photodetectors 102a, 102b, 102c according to the degree of contamination by the yellow and / or cyan impurities of the magenta developer is measured by the comparison determination unit 105. The degree of contamination of the magenta developer is determined in comparison with the reference signal, and the display device 107 displays the degree of contamination of the magenta developer according to the determination signal of the comparison determining unit 105 to inform the time of replacing the magenta developer. When the contamination of the magenta developer is severe, the magenta developer filled in the mixed container 40 is discharged to the waste tank (60 in FIG. 1).

On the other hand, when the cyan developer contains magenta impurity (m) or yellow impurity (y), the Y, M, C photodetectors 102a, 102b, 102c are free of impurities, as shown in Table 3 below. It generates a signal that is different from the case.

C C + m C + y C + m + y Y photodetector A A a a M photodetector A a A a C photodetector T t t t T; full reflection, t; partial reflection, A; full absorption, a; partial absorption, m; magenta impurity, y; yellow impurity

As shown in Table 3, if the cyan developer is not contaminated or contaminated with yellow impurity (y) and / or magenta impurity (m), the cyan color light emitted from the C light emitting diode 101c is completely passed through the cyan developer. Reflected or partially absorbed and reflected and received by the C photodetector 102c, the C photodetector 102c generates a T (completely reflected) signal or a t (some reflection) signal.

The yellow color light emitted from the Y light emitting diode 101a is completely absorbed or partially absorbed through the cyan developer while the cyan developer is not contaminated, or is contaminated by the magenta impurities or the yellow impurities, so that the Y photodetector 102a Generates an A (complete absorption) signal or a (some absorption) signal.

The magenta color light emitted from the M light emitting diode 101b is completely absorbed or partially absorbed through the cyan developer while the cyan developer is not contaminated, or is contaminated by yellow impurities or by magenta impurities, and thus the M photodetector 102b is Generates an A (complete absorption) signal or a (some absorption) signal.

On the other hand, the detection signal of the Y, M, C photodetectors 102a, 102b, 102c according to the degree of contamination by yellow and / or magenta impurities of the cyan developer is compared with the reference signal by the comparison determination unit 105. The degree of contamination of the cyan developer is determined, and according to the determination signal of the comparison determining unit 105, the display device 107 displays the degree of contamination of the cyan developer and informs the time of replacement of the cyan developer. When the cyan developer is heavily polluted, the cyan developer filled in the mixed container 40 is likewise discharged to the waste tank (60 in FIG. 1).

3 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 of a printing press according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the same reference numerals as those of FIG. 2 denote members having the same or similar functions. In the present embodiment, a plurality of light sources 111a, 111b, 111c, which are arranged at predetermined intervals in a light source unit and irradiate light to the color developer in the mixed container 40, and the light sources 111a, 111b, 111c, respectively. This feature is characterized by having a plurality of color filters 113a, 113b, and 113c arranged correspondingly to each other to selectively transmit the wavelength of incident light.

The light sources 111a, 111a, and 111c may include lamps and generate and emit white light. The color filters 113a, 113b, and 113c are disposed to correspond to the three light sources 111a, 111b, and 111c, respectively, and transmit color light of different wavelength regions, that is, yellow, magenta, and cyan color light. It is prepared to. The first color filter 113a transmits only yellow color light of the light emitted from the first light source 111a. The second color filter 113b transmits only magenta light of the light emitted from the second light source 111b. The third color filter 113c transmits only the cyan color light of the light emitted from the third light source 111c. Here, the light sources 111a, 111b, 111c and the color filters 113a, 113b, 113c corresponding thereto may be integrally provided.

The Y, M, and C photodetectors 102a, 102b, and 102c are disposed corresponding to the light sources 111a, 111b, 111c, and color filters 113a, 113b, and 113c, respectively. The Y, M, and C photodetectors 102a, 102b and 102c respectively emit yellow, magenta and cyan color light emitted from the light source unit as described above and via the color developer.

In the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention as described above, each of the color filters 113a, 113b, 113c emitted from each of the light sources 111a, 111b, 111c and corresponding color filter 113a, 113b, 113c is used. The three color lights that pass through, namely, yellow, magenta, and cyan color light are incident on the color developer filled in the mixed container 40 in which the developer contamination measuring apparatus 100 is installed in different paths. That is, three color lights are radiated from the light source unit to the color developer in different paths.

Hereinafter, the principle of measuring the contamination degree of the developer by color with the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. 2. Therefore, the description is omitted.

4 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 of a printing press according to a third embodiment of the present invention. According to the present embodiment, a single light source 121 irradiating white light to a color developer filled in the mixing container 40 with a light source unit and a plurality of color light beams of different wavelength ranges among the light incident from the light source 121 are selectively selected. It is characterized in that it is provided with a color light selecting means 123 to transmit, and a single photo detector 122 provided to correspond to the light source 121 as a photo detector.

The color light sorting means 123 is rotatably disposed on an optical path to allow a color wheel 124 to selectively transmit three color lights, and a driving motor 126 to rotate the color wheel 124. Equipped.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the color wheel 124 may include yellow, magenta, and cyan filter units to selectively transmit three color lights, for example, yellow, magenta, and cyan color light, from the light emitted from the light source 121. 124a, 124b, and 124c are equally arranged. Therefore, the color wheel 124 sequentially passes three color lights according to its rotation. In this case, the light emitted from the light source 121 is focused by a predetermined focusing means (not shown) so that the light emitted from the light source 121 passes through only one color filter unit of the color wheel 124. Is incident on the wheel 124.

The light emitted from the light source 121 in the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 of the printing machine as described above is three in sequence by three color filter parts 124a, 124b and 124c of the color wheel 124 being rotated. Color light, i.e., yellow, magenta, and cyan color light are selected and sequentially incident on the color developer. Then, the photodetector 122 passes through the color wheel 124 that is rotated and sequentially receives the color light passing through the color developer.

Accordingly, the comparison determination unit 125 of the present exemplary embodiment is provided to determine the degree of contamination of the color developer by comparing the reference signal and the combination of the detection signals sequentially incident from the photodetector 122.

When the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 according to the present invention as described above is installed in the mixed container 40 filled with the yellow developer, the degree of contamination of the yellow developer is measured as follows.

Light emitted from the light source 121 and passing through the yellow filter part 124a of the color wheel 124, that is, yellow color light, is incident on the yellow developer. If the yellow developer is not contaminated and pure, the yellow color light is completely reflected and thus the photodetector 122 generates a fully reflected signal. The color wheel 124 is rotated and the magenta and cyan color light emitted from the light source 121 and passed through the magenta and cyan filter units 124b and 124c are sequentially absorbed by the yellow developer and completely absorbed. 122 sequentially generates a fully absorbed signal.

When the yellow developer is contaminated with magenta and / or cyan impurities, when yellow color light is incident on the yellow developer due to the rotation of the color wheel 124, the yellow color light is partially absorbed and reflected depending on the degree of impurities while passing through the yellow developer. Thus, the photodetector 122 generates some reflected signals. When the color wheel 124 is further rotated and magenta or cyan color light is incident on the yellow developer, the color light is partially reflected and absorbed while being transmitted, depending on the amount of impurities, and the photodetector 122 generates some absorption signals.

As described above, the detection signal of the photodetector 122 according to the degree of contamination by the magenta or cyan impurities of the yellow developer is sequentially input to the comparison determination unit 125. In this case, a detection signal from the photodetector 122 is input to the comparison determination unit 125 in synchronization with the rotation of the color wheel 124. The comparison determination unit 125 compares the reference signal from the reference signal providing means with the detection signal to determine the degree of contamination of the yellow developer, and the display device 107 according to the determination signal of the comparison determination unit 125. ) Indicates the degree of contamination of the yellow developer, and indicates when to replace the yellow developer.

On the other hand, the operation principle of the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment is installed in the mixed container 40 that accommodates the magenta developer and the cyan developer is to measure the degree of contamination of the magenta developer and the cyan developer, the yellow developer It is virtually identical to the case of measuring contamination.

6 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 of a printing press according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a light source 131 for irradiating light to a color developer with a light source unit, and a plurality of color filter regions 133a and 133b disposed corresponding to the light source 131 and allowing color light of different wavelength regions to pass therethrough A color filter 133 provided with 133c is provided. In addition, the photodetector 132 is provided to correspond to the color filter regions 133a, 133b, and 133c.

The light source 131 may include a lamp that generates and emits white light. In this case, it is preferable that a concave reflector 134 is installed at one side of the lamp 131 to reflect the light emitted from the lamp 131 to guide the traveling path. In this case, the reflector 134 is preferably an ellipsoidal mirror having the position of the lamp 131 as one focal point and another point at which the light is focused. In this case, the light reflected by the reflector 134 becomes focused light. Alternatively, the reflector 134 may be a parabolic mirror in which the position of the lamp 131 is one focal point, and the light emitted from the lamp 131 and reflected by the reflector 134 become parallel light.

As shown in FIG. 7, the color filter 133 selectively transmits three color lights, that is, yellow, magenta, and cyan color light, having different wavelength ranges among the light incident from the lamp 131 and the reflector 134. It consists of three color filter regions, i.e., yellow, magenta and cyan filter regions 133a, 133b and 133c. The yellow, magenta, and cyan filter regions 133a, 133b, and 133c may be equally disposed.

Meanwhile, a shielding part 136 may be further provided between the filter areas 133a, 133b, and 133c to prevent light from passing through different filter areas from being mixed.

The photodetector 132 passes through each of the filter regions 133a, 133b, and 133c of the color filter 133 and receives light passing through the color developer. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the photodetector 132 receives light incident from each of the filter regions 133a, 133b, and 133c and independently converts the color filter 133 to photoelectric conversion. It is preferable to include a plurality of light receiving regions, that is, Y, M, and C light receiving regions 132a, 132b, and 132c provided correspondingly. On the other hand, the photodetector 132 may be provided with three photodetectors disposed corresponding to the respective filter regions.

In the developer contamination measuring apparatus 100 as described above, the light emitted from the lamp 131 is focused by the concave reflector 134 and the three color filter regions 133a, 133b, and 133c of the color filter 133. As it passes through, it is separated into three color lights, that is, yellow magenta and cyan light, and is incident on the color developer by different paths.

The first, second, and third light receiving regions 132a, 132b, and 132c receive light through the color developer, and the first to third light receiving regions 132a, 132b, and 132c. ) Is input to the comparison determination unit 105. The comparison determination units 105 and 317 compare the detection signal with a reference signal for the color developer to determine the degree of contamination of the color developer. In response to the determination signal of the comparison determination unit 105, the display device 107 displays the degree of contamination of the yellow developer, thereby informing the replacement time of the color developer.

Hereinafter, the developer contamination measuring device 100 is installed in each mixed container 40 to measure the degree of contamination of the yellow, magenta, and cyan developer, which is substantially the same as the first embodiment of the present invention described with reference to FIG. Since the same, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, when the look-up table is provided as the reference signal providing means as in the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention described with reference to Figs. An apparatus (not shown) for measuring the concentration of the color developer is preferably provided separately, and the reference signal is selected from the lookup table based on the concentration of each color developer.

9 is a view schematically showing a developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the light source 141 for irradiating light to the color developer with the light source unit and the light emitted from the light source 141 and passing through the color developer are selectively passed through the first and second filter layers 143a ( And a color filter 143 composed of 143b). In addition, a single photodetector 142 disposed to correspond to the light source 141 and the color filter 143 to receive light emitted from the light source 141 with a photodetector and passed through the color developer and the color filter 143. ).

The light source 141 may include a lamp that generates and emits white light.

When the developer measurement apparatus 100 is installed in the mixed container 40 filled with the yellow developer, and the contamination level of the yellow developer is measured, the color filter 143 may include the first and second filter layers 143a and 143b. Is combined to transmit color light in the yellow wavelength region. That is, the first filter layer 143a is a red filter layer that transmits light in the red wavelength region, and the second filter layer 143b is a green filter layer that transmits light in the green wavelength region. When the transmission wavelength bandwidths of the red filter layer and the green filter layer are sufficiently wide, the light passing through the red filter layer and the green filter layer in common becomes light in the yellow wavelength region. Therefore, the color filter 143 as described above becomes a yellow filter. Alternatively, the color filter 143 may be provided with a yellow filter provided as one filter layer to pass only light in the yellow wavelength region.

When the developer measuring device 100 is installed in the mixed container 40 filled with the magenta developer, the color filter 143 includes the first and second filter layers 143a and 143b to measure the degree of contamination of the magenta developer. Is combined to transmit color light in the magenta wavelength region. That is, the first filter layer 143a is a red filter layer that transmits light in the red wavelength region, and the second filter layer 143b is a blue filter layer that transmits light in the blue wavelength region. When the transmission wavelength bandwidths of the red filter layer and the blue filter layer are sufficiently wide, the light passing through the red filter layer and the blue filter layer in common becomes color light in the magenta wavelength region. Therefore, the color filter 143 as described above becomes a magenta filter. Alternatively, the color filter 143 may include a magenta filter provided as one filter layer to pass only light in the magenta wavelength region.

When the developer measurement apparatus 100 is installed in the mixed container 40 filled with the cyan developer and measures the degree of contamination of the cyan developer, the color filter 143 includes the first and second filter layers 143a and 143b. A combination of the two is provided to transmit light in the cyan wavelength region. That is, the first filter layer 143a is a green filter layer that transmits light in the green wavelength region, and the second filter layer 143b is a blue filter layer that transmits light in the blue wavelength region. When the transmission wavelength bandwidths of the green filter layer and the blue filter layer are sufficiently wide, the light passing through the green filter layer and the blue filter layer in common becomes color light in the cyan wavelength region. Therefore, the color filter 143 as described above becomes a cyan filter. Alternatively, the color filter 143 may include a cyan filter provided as one filter layer to pass only light in the cyan wavelength region.

On the other hand, the present embodiment is a reference signal providing means for generating a reference signal by receiving the auxiliary light source 144 spaced apart from the light source unit and the light emitted from the auxiliary light source 144 through the color developer Auxiliary photodetector 148 is provided. In this case, the auxiliary photodetector 148 receives light reflected by the color developer and impurities included therein. Therefore, the detection signal of the auxiliary photodetector 148 may indicate the concentration of the color developer.

The developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 according to the present invention as described above measures the degree of contamination of the color developer as follows.

First, when the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 as described above is installed in the mixed container 40 filled with the yellow developer, the degree of contamination of the yellow developer is measured as follows.

Light emitted from the light source 141 is incident into the yellow developer. If the yellow developer is not contaminated and pure, the yellow color light incident on the yellow developer is completely reflected and the remaining color light is absorbed. Therefore, the light passing through the yellow developer is yellow color light. The yellow color light that has passed through the yellow developer is detected by the photodetector 115 through the color filter 143, that is, the yellow filter, and the photodetector 115 generates a fully reflected signal of the yellow color light.

Similarly, the light emitted from the auxiliary light source 141 and detected by the auxiliary light detector 148 via the yellow developer is yellow color light.

In this case, the ratio of the detection signals of the photodetector 143 and the auxiliary photodetector 148 becomes a predetermined value because of the transmittance of the color filter 143. That is, when the yellow developer is not contaminated, the ratio of detection signals of the photodetectors 148 becomes a reference value. Hereinafter, the density | concentration of each color developing solution is assumed to be the same, and it demonstrates.

When the yellow developer is contaminated with magenta and / or cyan impurities, yellow color light of the light emitted from the light source 141 is partially absorbed and reflected while passing through the yellow developer. Magenta and / or cyan color light is partially reflected and absorbed while passing through the yellow developer depending on the degree of magenta and / or cyan impurities, and the remaining color light is absorbed. Therefore, the light passing through the yellow developer is mostly yellow color light, and includes magenta and / or cyan color light depending on the degree of magenta and / or cyan impurities. In this way, the light passing through the yellow developer is incident on the color filter 143. Of the incident light, magenta and / or cyan color light is blocked by the color filter 143, and only yellow color light passes through the color filter 143 and is detected by the first photodetector. The first photodetector generates some reflected signals.

In this case, the detection signal of the auxiliary photodetector 148, that is, the reference signal, is the same as that of the pure yellow developer.

Therefore, the ratio of the detection signals of the photodetector 142 and the auxiliary photodetector 148 becomes smaller than the reference value depending on the degree of magenta and / or cyan impurities.

The detection signal of the photodetector 142 and the reference signal of the auxiliary photodetector 148 according to the degree of contamination by the magenta and / or cyan impurities of the yellow developer as described above are input to the comparison determination unit 105. In addition, the comparison determination unit 105 compares the reference signal with the detection signal to determine the degree of contamination of the yellow developer, and according to the determination signal of the comparison determination unit 105, the display device 107 pollutes the yellow developer. The degree is displayed to indicate when to replace the yellow developer.

Similarly, the degree of contamination of the magenta developer is measured in the same manner as the method of measuring the degree of contamination of the yellow developer. Most of the light emitted from the light source 141 and passing through the magenta developer is magenta light, and includes yellow and / or cyan light depending on the degree of yellow and / or cyan impurities. In this way, the light passing through the magenta developer is incident on the color filter 143. Among the incident light, yellow and / or cyan color light is blocked by the color filter 143, and only magenta light passes through the color filter 143 and is detected by the photodetector 142.

In this case, the detection signal of the auxiliary photodetector 148, that is, the reference signal may be the same as when the magenta developer 121 is not contaminated.

Therefore, the ratio of the detection signals of the photodetector 142 and the auxiliary photodetector 148 is smaller than the reference value depending on the degree of yellow and / or cyan impurities.

The detection signal of the photodetector 142 and the reference signal of the auxiliary photodetector 148 according to the degree of contamination by the yellow and / or cyan impurities of the magenta developer as described above are input to the comparison determination unit 105. The comparison determination unit 105 compares the comparison signal with the detection signal to determine the degree of contamination of the magenta developer, and according to the determination signal of the comparison determination unit 105, the display device 107 determines the degree of contamination of the magenta developer. Mark to indicate when to replace the magenta developer.

In addition, the degree of contamination of the cyan developer is measured in the same manner as the method of measuring the degree of contamination of the yellow developer. Most of the light emitted from the light source 141 and passing through the cyan developer is cyan color light, and may include yellow and / or magenta light, depending on the degree of yellow and / or magenta impurities. In this way, light passing through the cyan developer is incident on the color filter 143, that is, the cyan filter. Among the incident light, yellow and / or magenta color light is blocked by the color filter 143, and only cyan color light passes through the color filter 143 and is detected by the photodetector 142.

In this case, the detection signal of the auxiliary photodetector 148, that is, the reference signal, is the same as the case where the cyan developer is pure.

Therefore, the ratio of the detection signals of the photodetector 142 and the auxiliary photodetector 148 is smaller than the reference value depending on the degree of yellow and magenta impurities.

The detection signal of the photodetector 142 and the reference signal of the auxiliary photodetector 148 are input to the comparison determination unit 105 according to the degree of contamination by the yellow and / or magenta impurities of the cyan developer as described above. In addition, the comparison determination unit 105 compares the reference signal with the detection signal to determine the degree of contamination of the cyan developer, and the display device 107 pollutes the cyan developer according to the determination signal of the comparison determination unit 105. The degree is displayed to indicate when to replace the cyan developer.

In the embodiments of the present invention, the color filter is provided as a yellow, magenta, and cyan filter to correspond to the yellow, magenta, and cyan developing solutions, but is not limited thereto. That is, the red, green, and blue developer may be accommodated in the mixed container 40, and the color filter may be provided as a red, green, and blue filter through which red, green, and blue light pass. At this time, the interaction between the red, green, and blue light passing through the color filter and each color developer can be inferred through the description of the present embodiment. Therefore, the degree of contamination of the color developer can be known by comparing the comparison signal with the reference signal and the detection signal of the photodetector.

In addition, the developer contamination measurement apparatus according to the present invention has been described using a printer for printing by adopting a three-color color developer and a black developer of yellow, magenta, and cyan, for example, to be employed in a printer for printing with a developer of a plurality of colors. Various modifications may be made within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

On the other hand, the contamination by the black impurity is absorbed irrespective of its color light and included in the detection signal due to the interaction between each color developer and the impurity and the incident color light. Omit.

On the other hand, the printing machine according to the present invention first forms a toner image of the color by a yellow, magenta and cyan color developer, and finally forms a toner image of black by a black developer, so that the yellow, magenta and cyan color developer is formed. The possibility of contamination by the black developer is relatively small and the developer contamination measurement apparatus 100 according to the present invention is very useful.

The developer contamination measuring apparatus according to the present invention as described above can measure the degree of contamination of each color developer, that is, yellow, magenta, and cyan developer, so that the developer can be replaced at an appropriate time. Printing is possible.

Claims (11)

In the developer contamination measurement apparatus of the printing press for measuring the degree of contamination of the predetermined color developing solution for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive medium, A light source unit; A photodetector provided corresponding to the light source unit to receive light emitted from the light source unit and passing through the color developer; Reference signal providing means for providing a reference signal for the color developer; And a comparison determination unit comparing the detection signal of the photodetector with the reference signal to determine the degree of contamination of the color developer. The light source unit of claim 1, wherein the light source units are disposed at predetermined intervals, and each light source unit includes a plurality of light emitting diodes that irradiate the color developer with color light having different wavelengths. And the photodetector comprises a plurality of photodetectors arranged to correspond to the light emitting diodes to emit light from each of the light emitting diodes and to receive light through the color developing solution. The method of claim 1, wherein the light source unit, A plurality of light sources arranged at predetermined intervals to irradiate the color developer with light; And a plurality of color filters disposed to correspond to the light sources, respectively, to pass color light of different wavelength ranges. And the photodetector is configured to correspond to the light sources, and comprises a plurality of photodetectors which are emitted from the respective light sources and receive the light through the color filter and the color developer. The method of claim 1, wherein the light source unit A light source for irradiating light to the color developer; A color wheel rotatably disposed on an optical path and selectively transmitting a plurality of color lights of different wavelength regions among the light emitted from the light source; And rotating means for rotating the color wheel, wherein the color developer solution sequentially irradiates different color light to the color developer. The method of claim 1, wherein the light source unit, A light source for irradiating light to the color developer; A color filter disposed to correspond to the light source and having a plurality of color filter regions for passing color light of different wavelength regions among light incident from the light source; The photodetector is provided to correspond to the color filter area, and comprises a plurality of light receiving areas emitted from the light source to receive light respectively through the color filter area and the color developer and independently photoelectric conversion. Developer contamination measuring device. The method of claim 5, wherein the light source, A lamp for generating light; And a concave reflector reflecting the light emitted from the lamp and guiding a progress path thereof. The method of claim 5, wherein the color filter further comprises a shield for shielding the transmission of light between the color filter areas to prevent the mixed color light of the different wavelength region passing through the different color filter area to each other. Developer contamination measurement device of a printing press. The method of claim 1, wherein the light source unit, A light source for irradiating light to the color developer; And a color filter emitted from the light source and selectively transmitting the light passing through the color developer. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the color filter is configured to pass color light in a wavelength region corresponding to a color of the color developer. The method of claim 1, wherein the reference signal providing means comprises: The developer contamination measurement apparatus of the printing machine, characterized in that the light transmittance according to the concentration of the color developer is a look-up table. The method of claim 1, wherein the reference signal providing means comprises: An auxiliary light source disposed at one side of the light source unit for irradiating light to the color developer; And an auxiliary photodetector which is emitted from the auxiliary light source and receives light passing through the color developing solution to generate a reference signal.