JP2014001069A - Recording material determination device and image forming device - Google Patents
Recording material determination device and image forming device Download PDFInfo
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Abstract
Description
本発明は、記録材の表面を撮像することにより、その表面性を判別する記録材判別装置及びそれを備えた画像形成装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a recording material discriminating apparatus that discriminates the surface property by imaging the surface of a recording material and an image forming apparatus including the recording material discriminating apparatus.
複写機、レーザープリンタ等の画像形成装置は、静電潜像を担持する静電潜像担持体と、前記静電潜像担持体に現像剤を付与することにより前記静電潜像を現像剤像として可視化する現像装置を有する。更に、所定方向に搬送される記録材に前記現像剤像を所定の転写条件で転写する転写装置と、前記転写装置によって現像剤像が転写された記録材を所定の定着条件にて加熱及び加圧することにより現像剤像を記録材に定着させる定着装置を備えている。 An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser printer includes: an electrostatic latent image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image; and a developer that is applied to the electrostatic latent image carrier to develop the electrostatic latent image into a developer. It has a developing device that visualizes as an image. Furthermore, a transfer device that transfers the developer image to a recording material conveyed in a predetermined direction under a predetermined transfer condition, and a recording material on which the developer image has been transferred by the transfer device are heated and applied under a predetermined fixing condition. A fixing device for fixing the developer image to the recording material by pressing is provided.
従来、かかる画像形成装置においては、画像形成装置の制御パネル等によって記録材のサイズや種類等の種類がユーザによって設定される。その設定に応じて転写条件(例えば、転写バイアスや転写時の記録材の搬送速度等)や定着条件(例えば、定着温度や定着時の記録材の搬送速度等)が設定されるよう制御されている。 Conventionally, in such an image forming apparatus, the type such as the size and type of a recording material is set by a user by a control panel of the image forming apparatus. Depending on the setting, transfer conditions (for example, transfer bias, recording material conveyance speed during transfer, etc.) and fixing conditions (for example, fixing temperature, recording material conveyance speed during fixing, etc.) are controlled. Yes.
また近年では、省資源、省エネルギーの観点や記録材への記録条件の最適化から画像形成装置の内部に記録材を判別するセンサを用いて記録材の種類を判別する。そして、その判別結果に応じて記録材への記録条件(例えば、転写条件あるいは定着条件等)を最適に制御することが提案されている。 In recent years, the type of recording material is determined using a sensor that determines the recording material in the image forming apparatus from the viewpoints of resource and energy savings and optimization of recording conditions for the recording material. Then, it has been proposed to optimally control recording conditions (for example, transfer conditions or fixing conditions) on the recording material in accordance with the determination result.
例えば、特許文献1では、黒色の反射板と白色の反射板を有し、それぞれの反射板に対して反射型光センサを配置する。そして、それぞれの反射板との間に記録材が挿入されたとき該記録材の反射率の大小に応じてハイレベルまたはローレベルの出力を発生する。これにより、搬送された記録材が反射板が設置された搬送路上に有るか否かの検知を行なう。 For example, in patent document 1, it has a black reflective plate and a white reflective plate, and a reflection type optical sensor is arrange | positioned with respect to each reflective plate. When a recording material is inserted between each reflector, a high level or low level output is generated according to the reflectance of the recording material. Thereby, it is detected whether or not the conveyed recording material is on the conveyance path where the reflecting plate is installed.
また、特許文献2では、記録材の表面をCMOS(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor;相補型金属酸化物半導体)センサによって撮像することで記録材表面の平滑性を判別する。その撮像方法を工夫することにより記録材表面平滑性の判別性能を更に向上させる。 In Patent Document 2, the surface of the recording material is imaged by a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor to determine the smoothness of the surface of the recording material. By devising the imaging method, the recording material surface smoothness discrimination performance is further improved.
また、特許文献3では、記録材を搬送しない状態で発光素子から照射された光が反射面によって反射され、その反射光が受光素子に入光する。これによって発光素子を所定の出力レベルに設定する。この条件下で記録材の先端が受光素子の受光範囲内に突入する。その際に、記録材の先端が通過する間の反射面からの反射光と、記録材面からの反射光との光量変化によって、記録材の種類を判別する。 In Patent Document 3, the light emitted from the light emitting element without conveying the recording material is reflected by the reflecting surface, and the reflected light enters the light receiving element. This sets the light emitting element to a predetermined output level. Under this condition, the leading edge of the recording material enters the light receiving range of the light receiving element. At that time, the type of the recording material is determined based on the change in the amount of light between the reflected light from the reflecting surface and the reflected light from the recording material surface while the leading edge of the recording material passes.
しかしながら、本発明者らの検討によれば、搬送路中の記録材の有無及び記録材の先端位置、記録材の表面の平滑性を判別する方法として、例えば、特許文献1に記載されているような方法がある。特許文献1の方法によって、白色、或いは有彩色の記録材、特に紙類に対しては非常に有効な判別が可能である。 However, according to studies by the present inventors, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for determining the presence / absence of a recording material in the conveyance path, the leading end position of the recording material, and the surface smoothness of the recording material. There are methods. According to the method of Patent Document 1, it is possible to make a very effective discrimination for a white or chromatic recording material, particularly paper.
しかしながら、OHP(OverHead Projector)に使用される透明なシートからなるOHT(OverHead Transparency)シートのような非紙類の記録材の判別を行なう場合がある。この場合は、二種類の反射板だけでなく正反射成分及び乱反射成分を加味した複数のセンサによる検知が必要となるため検知部が大型化する。 However, there is a case where a non-paper recording material such as an OHT (OverHead Transparency) sheet made of a transparent sheet used for OHP (OverHead Projector) is discriminated. In this case, since the detection by a plurality of sensors in consideration of the regular reflection component and the irregular reflection component is required in addition to the two types of reflectors, the detection unit is enlarged.
また、特許文献1では、記録材の種類の中で、粗い質感でざっくりとしたラフな手触りのラフ紙、普通紙、上質紙や中質紙の表面に白色顔料と接着剤等を混ぜた塗料を塗って表面をコーティングして平滑性をもたせたコート紙、OHTといった多種類の記録材がある。これらの多種類の記録材の表面性を検知するには不十分な精度となる。 Further, in Patent Document 1, among the types of recording materials, a rough paper, rough paper, rough paper, plain paper, high-quality paper, and medium-size paper that are mixed with a white pigment and an adhesive are used. There are many types of recording materials such as coated paper and OHT which are coated with a surface to give smoothness. The accuracy is insufficient to detect the surface properties of these various types of recording materials.
更に、特許文献2のように記録材の表面をCMOSセンサのようなイメージセンサによって撮像する方法は、記録材の表面の凹凸に起因して生じる陰影を直接撮影している。このため、超音波を使って記録材表面を反射する音波で表面性を判別する方法よりも判別精度が優れている。 Further, the method of imaging the surface of a recording material with an image sensor such as a CMOS sensor as in Patent Document 2 directly captures a shadow caused by unevenness on the surface of the recording material. For this reason, the discrimination accuracy is superior to the method of discriminating the surface property with the sound wave reflected on the surface of the recording material using the ultrasonic wave.
特に、コート紙とノンコート紙とを区別する場合、凹凸の有無あるいはその大きさや深さが視覚的にはっきりと区別出来る記録材の判別では優れた精度が得られている。 In particular, when discriminating between coated paper and non-coated paper, excellent accuracy is obtained in discriminating a recording material that can visually distinguish the presence / absence of unevenness or the size and depth thereof.
しかしながら、記録材の表面性の検知に特化したセンサであるため、センサ対向板を白色とした場合、通常、白色である記録材の搬送されている先端を検知出来ない。更に、コート紙とOHT等の正反射率の高い記録材に対しては正反射が高くなるため判別精度のマージンが十分ではない。 However, since the sensor is specialized for detecting the surface property of the recording material, when the sensor facing plate is white, it is usually impossible to detect the leading edge of the white recording material being conveyed. Further, since the regular reflection is high for the recording material having high regular reflectance such as coated paper and OHT, a margin of discrimination accuracy is not sufficient.
また、センサ対向板を黒色とした場合、記録材の判別精度は高くなる。しかし、搬送されている紙類の記録材の先端は検知出来るが、OHT等の光透過性のある記録材に対しての先端検知は出来ない。 Further, when the sensor facing plate is black, the recording material discrimination accuracy is high. However, although the leading edge of the paper recording material being conveyed can be detected, the leading edge cannot be detected for a light-transmissive recording material such as OHT.
更に、特許文献3では、記録材の先端が反射光の光路を遮ることによる光量変化と、発光素子から照射された光が記録材表面に反射され受光素子に入光することによる光量変化を捕えて記録材の先端を検知する。この場合、記録材の厚み、光路への進入角度、検知ポイントに対する記録材のばたつき等の影響を大きく受ける。また、先端検知時の光量変化は非常に短い時間で発生するため検知系にも非常に高速性が要求される。更に、電圧レベルの安定性や定量的な記録材の先端検知を行なうためには、精度不十分となる薄紙やコート紙といった記録材も多々存在する。 Further, in Patent Document 3, a change in the amount of light caused by the tip of the recording material blocking the optical path of the reflected light and a change in the amount of light caused by the light irradiated from the light emitting element being reflected by the surface of the recording material and entering the light receiving element are captured. To detect the leading edge of the recording material. In this case, the recording material is greatly affected by the thickness of the recording material, the angle of entry into the optical path, the flapping of the recording material with respect to the detection point, and the like. In addition, since the light amount change at the time of detecting the tip occurs in a very short time, the detection system is also required to have a very high speed. In addition, there are many recording materials such as thin paper and coated paper that are insufficient in accuracy for voltage level stability and quantitative detection of the leading edge of the recording material.
本発明は前記課題を解決するものであり、その目的とするところは、高い記録材判別精度を有し、搬送される各種の記録材の先端を正確に検知可能な記録材判別装置を提供する。 The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a recording material discriminating apparatus having high recording material discrimination accuracy and capable of accurately detecting the tips of various conveyed recording materials. .
前記目的を達成するための本発明に係る記録材判別装置の代表的な構成は、記録材表面に対して光を斜めに照射する光照射手段と、前記光照射手段から照射された光が記録材表面に反射した乱反射光を受光して結像する結像手段と、前記光照射手段からの光を記録材へ照射する部位で該記録材に対して前記光照射手段及び前記結像手段と反対側に配置され、前記光照射手段から照射された光を反射してその乱反射光を前記結像手段に導く乱反射率が異なる複数色の反射手段と、前記結像手段により結像された乱反射光像を電気信号に変換して出力する撮像手段と、前記撮像手段により撮像された記録材表面の画像情報から記録材の種類を判別する判別手段と、前記撮像手段により撮像された前記反射手段に反射した乱反射光の変化から、搬送されてくる記録材の先端部を検知する検知手段とを有することを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, a typical configuration of the recording material discriminating apparatus according to the present invention includes: a light irradiating unit that irradiates light obliquely to the surface of the recording material; An imaging unit that receives irregularly reflected light reflected on the surface of the material and forms an image; and a light irradiation unit and the imaging unit that irradiate the recording material with light from the light irradiation unit. Reflecting means arranged in the opposite side and reflecting the light emitted from the light irradiating means and guiding the irregularly reflected light to the imaging means, a plurality of color reflecting means having different diffuse reflectance, and the irregular reflection imaged by the imaging means Imaging means for converting an optical image into an electrical signal and outputting the output; Discriminating means for discriminating the type of recording material from image information on the surface of the recording material imaged by the imaging means; and the reflecting means imaged by the imaging means From the change of diffusely reflected light reflected on the It is characterized by having a detecting means for detecting the leading edge of the recording material comes.
以上構成によれば、複数色の反射手段に反射した乱反射光の変化から、搬送されてくる各種の記録材の先端部を検知することが出来る。 According to the above configuration, it is possible to detect the leading end portions of various recording materials conveyed from the change of the irregularly reflected light reflected by the reflecting means of a plurality of colors.
更に、記録材の先端部の通過を検知した後に、該記録材の表面性を測定及び判別することで、記録材の先端部の検知位置から短い搬送距離で該記録材の表面性の判別が出来る。 Furthermore, after detecting the passage of the leading end of the recording material, the surface property of the recording material is measured and determined to determine the surface property of the recording material at a short transport distance from the detection position of the leading end of the recording material. I can do it.
更に、反射手段の暗色部分を用いて記録材の表面性を測定することで、記録材表面の陰影を正確に撮像することが可能となり、記録材の種類の判別精度の安定性が向上する。 Furthermore, by measuring the surface property of the recording material using the dark color portion of the reflecting means, it becomes possible to accurately image the shadow on the surface of the recording material, and the stability of the discrimination accuracy of the type of the recording material is improved.
図により本発明に係る記録材判別装置を備えた画像形成装置の一実施形態を具体的に説明する。 An embodiment of an image forming apparatus provided with a recording material discrimination device according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
先ず、図1〜図10を用いて本発明に係る記録材判別装置を備えた画像形成装置の第1実施形態の構成について説明する。尚、図1に示す画像形成装置9は、各ステーション毎にイエローY、マゼンタM、シアンC、ブラックBkに対応する画像形成ユニットが設けられている。尚、説明の都合上、像担持体となる感光ドラム1Y,1M,1C,1Bkを感光ドラム1で代表して説明する場合もある。他の各画像形成ユニットを構成する部品も同様に説明する。 First, the configuration of a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus provided with a recording material discrimination apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the image forming apparatus 9 shown in FIG. 1, image forming units corresponding to yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black Bk are provided for each station. For convenience of explanation, the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk serving as image carriers may be described as a representative of the photosensitive drums 1 in some cases. The components constituting each of the other image forming units will be described in the same manner.
<画像形成装置>
先ず、図1を用いて、本実施形態の画像形成装置9の構成について説明する。図1は中間転写ベルト24を採用したタンデム方式のカラー画像形成装置9を示す。図1に示す記録材判別装置50は、例えば、電子写真方式のカラー画像形成装置9で用いられる。
<Image forming apparatus>
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 9 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows a tandem color image forming apparatus 9 employing an intermediate transfer belt 24. A recording material discrimination device 50 shown in FIG. 1 is used in, for example, an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus 9.
画像形成部は、記録材給送部15、各色のステーション毎の感光体からなる感光ドラム1Y,1M,1C,1Bk、一次帯電手段としての帯電ローラ2Y,2M,2C,2Bkを有する。更に、露光スキャナ部11Y,11M,11C,11Bk、現像手段としての現像装置8Y,8M,8C,8Bkを有する。 The image forming unit includes a recording material feeding unit 15, photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk each including a photosensitive member for each color station, and charging rollers 2Y, 2M, 2C, and 2Bk as primary charging units. Furthermore, it has exposure scanner sections 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11Bk, and developing devices 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8Bk as developing means.
更に、中間転写ベルト24、該中間転写ベルト24を回転駆動する駆動ローラ23、張架ローラ13を有する。更に、二次転写対向ローラ26、一次転写ローラ4Y,4M,4C,4Bk、二次転写ローラ25、二次転写対向ローラ26を有する。更に、定着装置21、及びこれらを制御する制御手段となる制御部10を有して構成されている。 Further, an intermediate transfer belt 24, a driving roller 23 for rotating the intermediate transfer belt 24, and a stretching roller 13 are provided. Further, it has a secondary transfer counter roller 26, primary transfer rollers 4Y, 4M, 4C, 4Bk, a secondary transfer roller 25, and a secondary transfer counter roller 26. Further, the image forming apparatus includes a fixing device 21 and a control unit 10 serving as a control unit that controls these devices.
感光ドラム1は、アルミニウムシリンダの外周に有機光導伝層を塗布して構成し、図示しない駆動モータの駆動力が伝達されて回転する。駆動モータは各感光ドラム1を画像形成動作に応じて図1の時計回り方向に回転させる。 The photosensitive drum 1 is configured by applying an organic optical transmission layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder, and rotates when a driving force of a driving motor (not shown) is transmitted. The drive motor rotates each photosensitive drum 1 in the clockwise direction of FIG. 1 according to the image forming operation.
制御部10が画像信号を受け取ると、記録材給送部15に設けられた給送カセットから給送ローラ3により最上位の記録材Pが分離給送され、搬送ローラ17,18によって記録材判別装置50が配置される位置まで搬送される。記録材判別装置50により記録材Pの種類が判別された後、レジストローラ19に挟持されて一旦停止して待機する。レジストローラ19により画像形成動作と記録材Pの搬送との同期をとる。 When the control unit 10 receives the image signal, the uppermost recording material P is separated and fed from the feeding cassette provided in the recording material feeding unit 15 by the feeding roller 3, and the recording material is discriminated by the conveying rollers 17 and 18. It is conveyed to a position where the device 50 is arranged. After the recording material discriminating device 50 discriminates the type of the recording material P, it is sandwiched between the registration rollers 19 and temporarily stops and waits. The registration roller 19 synchronizes the image forming operation and the conveyance of the recording material P.
一方、制御部10は、受け取った画像信号に応じて、露光スキャナ部11によって帯電ローラ2の作用により一定電位に帯電した感光ドラム1の表面に露光して静電潜像を形成する。 On the other hand, in accordance with the received image signal, the control unit 10 exposes the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 charged to a constant potential by the operation of the charging roller 2 by the exposure scanner unit 11 to form an electrostatic latent image.
現像装置8は、感光ドラム1の表面に形成された静電潜像にトナーを供給して可視化する。そして、各ステーション毎にイエローY、マゼンタM、シアンC、ブラックBkの現像を行なう。各現像装置8には、現像スリーブ5Y,5M,5C,5Bkが設けられており、該現像スリーブ5に現像バイアスが印加されて感光ドラム1の表面に形成された静電潜像にトナーを供給して可視化する。 The developing device 8 supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 for visualization. Then, yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C, and black Bk are developed for each station. Each developing device 8 is provided with developing sleeves 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5Bk, and a developing bias is applied to the developing sleeve 5 to supply toner to the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 1. And visualize.
このように、各感光ドラム1の表面に形成された静電潜像は、それぞれの現像装置8の作用により単色トナー像として現像される。 As described above, the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 1 is developed as a single color toner image by the action of each developing device 8.
各色の感光ドラム1、帯電ローラ2、現像装置8は、それぞれ一体構成となっており、画像形成装置9本体に対して脱着可能なトナーカートリッジ31の形態で取り付けられている。 Each color photosensitive drum 1, charging roller 2, and developing device 8 are integrally configured, and are attached to the main body of the image forming apparatus 9 in the form of a removable toner cartridge 31.
中間転写ベルト24は、感光ドラム1Y,1M,1C,1Bkに接触しており、画像形成時に図1の反時計回り方向に該感光ドラム1Y,1M,1C,1Bkの回転と同期して回転する。各感光ドラム1の表面に現像された単色トナー像は一次転写ローラ4に印加された一次転写バイアスの作用により順次転写され、中間転写ベルト24の表面上で多色トナー像となる。 The intermediate transfer belt 24 is in contact with the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk, and rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drums 1Y, 1M, 1C, and 1Bk in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. . The monochromatic toner image developed on the surface of each photosensitive drum 1 is sequentially transferred by the action of the primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer roller 4 and becomes a multicolor toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 24.
その後、中間転写ベルト24上に形成された多色トナー像は二次転写ローラ25と、中間転写ベルト24とで形成される二次転写ニップ部に搬送される。これと同時に、レジストローラ19に挟持された状態で待機していた記録材Pが該レジストローラ19の作用により中間転写ベルト24上の多色トナー像と同期を取りながら二次転写ニップ部に搬送される。そして、中間転写ベルト24上の多色トナー像が二次転写ローラ25に印加された二次転写バイアスの作用により記録材Pに一括転写される。 Thereafter, the multicolor toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 24 is conveyed to a secondary transfer nip portion formed by the secondary transfer roller 25 and the intermediate transfer belt 24. At the same time, the recording material P that has been waiting while being held between the registration rollers 19 is conveyed to the secondary transfer nip portion while being synchronized with the multicolor toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 24 by the action of the registration rollers 19. Is done. Then, the multicolor toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 24 is collectively transferred to the recording material P by the action of the secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 25.
定着装置21は、記録材Pを搬送しながら該記録材Pの表面に転写された多色トナー像を溶融定着させる。図1に示すように、定着装置21は、記録材Pを加熱する定着ローラ21aと、記録材Pを定着ローラ21aに圧接する加圧ローラ21bを備えている。 The fixing device 21 melts and fixes the multicolor toner image transferred onto the surface of the recording material P while conveying the recording material P. As shown in FIG. 1, the fixing device 21 includes a fixing roller 21a that heats the recording material P, and a pressure roller 21b that presses the recording material P against the fixing roller 21a.
定着ローラ21aと加圧ローラ21bは中空状に形成され、内部にそれぞれヒータ21a1,21b1が内蔵されている。 The fixing roller 21a and the pressure roller 21b are formed in a hollow shape, and heaters 21a1 and 21b1 are incorporated therein, respectively.
多色トナー像を保持した記録材Pは定着ローラ21aと加圧ローラ21bとにより挟持搬送されると共に、熱及び圧力を加えられてトナーが記録材Pの表面に定着される。 The recording material P holding the multicolor toner image is nipped and conveyed by the fixing roller 21a and the pressure roller 21b, and the toner is fixed on the surface of the recording material P by applying heat and pressure.
トナー像が定着した後の記録材Pは、排出ローラ20によって機外に設けられた排出トレイ16上に排出されて一連の画像形成動作が終了する。 The recording material P after the toner image has been fixed is discharged onto a discharge tray 16 provided outside the apparatus by a discharge roller 20, and a series of image forming operations is completed.
クリーニングブレード28は、中間転写ベルト24上に残った転写残トナーをクリーニングする。ここで回収された転写残トナーは、廃トナーとしてクリーナ容器29に蓄えられる。 The cleaning blade 28 cleans the transfer residual toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 24. The transfer residual toner collected here is stored in the cleaner container 29 as waste toner.
このような一連の画像形成動作は、画像形成装置9内に設けられた制御手段となる制御部10によって制御される。図1の画像形成装置9において、本実施形態の記録材判別装置50は、レジストローラ19よりも記録材搬送方向上流側に設置されている。そして、記録材判別装置50により記録材給送部15から搬送された記録材Pの表面の平滑性を反映した画像情報を検知することが可能である。 Such a series of image forming operations is controlled by the control unit 10 serving as a control unit provided in the image forming apparatus 9. In the image forming apparatus 9 of FIG. 1, the recording material discriminating apparatus 50 of this embodiment is installed upstream of the registration rollers 19 in the recording material conveyance direction. Then, it is possible to detect image information reflecting the smoothness of the surface of the recording material P conveyed from the recording material feeding unit 15 by the recording material discrimination device 50.
また、記録材判別装置50の記録材Pを搬送する搬送面50bに対向する位置には、反射手段として従動回転体からなるローラ形状の反射部材51が配置されている。反射部材51は搬送ローラ18により搬送される記録材Pに当接して従動回転する。 A roller-shaped reflecting member 51 made of a driven rotating body is disposed as a reflecting means at a position facing the conveying surface 50b that conveys the recording material P of the recording material determining device 50. The reflection member 51 is in contact with the recording material P conveyed by the conveyance roller 18 and is driven to rotate.
従動回転体からなるローラ形状の反射部材51により記録材判別装置50の搬送面50bでの記録材Pの搬送を円滑に行い、該搬送面50b上を搬送される記録材Pのばたつきを抑制することが出来る。 The recording material P is smoothly transported on the transport surface 50b of the recording material discriminating device 50 by the roller-shaped reflecting member 51 made of a driven rotating body, and fluttering of the recording material P transported on the transport surface 50b is suppressed. I can do it.
更に、本実施形態において記録材判別装置50による記録材Pの種類の判別は、記録材Pが記録材給送部15から画像形成装置9本体内に送り出され、レジストローラ19に挟持されて停止するまでの時間内に行われる。 Further, in this embodiment, the recording material discrimination device 50 discriminates the type of the recording material P. The recording material P is fed from the recording material feeding unit 15 into the main body of the image forming apparatus 9 and is held between the registration rollers 19 and stopped. It is done in the time until.
制御部10は記録材判別装置50から送られてくる判別情報に基づいて、二次転写ローラ25に印加される最適な転写バイアスや、定着ローラ21a及び加圧ローラ21b内のヒータ21a1,21b1に対する定着温度を設定する。これにより、変更手段となる制御部10は、図4に示す記録材判別装置50の判別手段となる種類判別部454により判別された記録材Pの種類情報に基づいて画像形成条件を変更する制御を行なう。 Based on the discrimination information sent from the recording material discrimination device 50, the control unit 10 applies the optimum transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 25 and the heaters 21a1 and 21b1 in the fixing roller 21a and the pressure roller 21b. Set the fixing temperature. As a result, the control unit 10 serving as the changing unit changes the image forming condition based on the type information of the recording material P determined by the type determining unit 454 serving as the determining unit of the recording material determining device 50 illustrated in FIG. To do.
<記録材判別装置>
次に、図2〜図10を用いて本実施形態の記録材判別装置50について説明する。
<Recording material discrimination device>
Next, the recording material discrimination device 50 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
図2に本実施形態の記録材判別装置50の一例を示す。図2(a)は記録材判別装置50を記録材Pの搬送方向aに対して横から見た断面図である。図2(b)は記録材判別装置50を上から見た平面図である。尚、図2(b)では、光源41や撮像素子43等の位置を分かり易くするために上部のフタ部を一部透視して示している。 FIG. 2 shows an example of the recording material discriminating apparatus 50 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the recording material discriminating device 50 as viewed from the side with respect to the conveyance direction a of the recording material P. FIG. FIG. 2B is a plan view of the recording material discrimination device 50 as viewed from above. In FIG. 2B, a part of the upper lid portion is shown in a transparent manner for easy understanding of the positions of the light source 41, the image sensor 43, and the like.
図2に示すように、記録材判別装置50の光学装置本体50aの下部に基板45が設けられている。基板45の上面には、記録材Pの表面(記録材表面)に対して光46を斜めに照射する光照射手段となる面実装型のLED(Light Emitting Diode;発光ダイオード)からなる光源41が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 2, a substrate 45 is provided below the optical device body 50a of the recording material discriminating apparatus 50. On the upper surface of the substrate 45, there is a light source 41 composed of a surface mounting type LED (Light Emitting Diode) serving as a light irradiating means for irradiating light 46 obliquely to the surface of the recording material P (recording material surface). Is provided.
更に、光学装置本体50aの内部には該光源41から照射された光46が記録材Pの表面に反射した乱反射光44を受光して結像する結像手段となるロッドレンズアレイからなる集光素子42が設けられている。 Further, the optical device main body 50a has a light condensing unit consisting of a rod lens array that serves as an imaging means for receiving and imaging irregularly reflected light 44 reflected from the surface of the recording material P by the light 46 emitted from the light source 41. An element 42 is provided.
更に、基板45の上面には撮像素子43が設けられている。撮像素子43は、集光素子42により結像された乱反射光像を電気信号に変換して出力する撮像手段として構成される。本実施形態の撮像素子43は、基板45の上面に実装されるCMOS(Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor;相補型金属酸化物半導体)ラインセンサからなる。つまり撮像素子43とは複数の受光素子を記録材Pの搬送方向aに直交する方向(図2(b)の上下方向)に配列したものを一体化した素子である。 Further, an image sensor 43 is provided on the upper surface of the substrate 45. The imaging element 43 is configured as an imaging unit that converts the irregularly reflected light image formed by the light collecting element 42 into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal. The image sensor 43 of this embodiment is composed of a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) line sensor mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 45. That is, the image pickup element 43 is an element in which a plurality of light receiving elements arranged in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction a of the recording material P (vertical direction in FIG. 2B) is integrated.
光源41から照射された光46は光路49を通って反射部48で反射し、光透過性を有するカバー部材7の内部に光46を照射する。そして、図2(a)の搬送方向aに移動する記録材Pの下面に向けてカバー部材7を透過させながら該記録材Pの下面に対して10°〜15°程度の浅い角度で照明する。 The light 46 emitted from the light source 41 passes through the optical path 49 and is reflected by the reflecting portion 48, and irradiates the light 46 inside the cover member 7 having optical transparency. Then, illumination is performed at a shallow angle of about 10 ° to 15 ° with respect to the lower surface of the recording material P while being transmitted through the cover member 7 toward the lower surface of the recording material P moving in the transport direction a in FIG. .
反射部48は、ガラス板やアクリル板のような透明な板材表面に反射膜等を形成したものでも良い。他に、東レ株式会社製のポリエチレンテレフタレート(PET;Polyethylene terephthalate)基材にアルミニウム蒸着を施したメタルミー(登録商標)等の反射率が高いシート材を両面テープ等で接着しても構わない。 The reflection part 48 may be formed by forming a reflection film or the like on the surface of a transparent plate such as a glass plate or an acrylic plate. In addition, a sheet material having high reflectivity such as Metal Me (registered trademark) obtained by depositing aluminum on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc. may be bonded with a double-sided tape or the like.
また、偏向器のハウジングの一部に形成した凸部に蒸着等で反射面を形成することでも良い。 Alternatively, a reflective surface may be formed by vapor deposition or the like on a convex portion formed on a part of the housing of the deflector.
記録材Pの下面で反射した反射光のうち乱反射光44がカバー部材7を透過して集光素子42により集光され、基板45の上面に設置された撮像素子43により記録材Pの下面側の表面性状が撮像される。 Of the reflected light reflected by the lower surface of the recording material P, the irregularly reflected light 44 passes through the cover member 7 and is condensed by the condensing element 42, and the lower surface side of the recording material P by the image sensor 43 installed on the upper surface of the substrate 45. The surface texture of is imaged.
結像手段となる集光素子42は、搬送される記録材Pの下面側の表面の搬送方向aに直交する方向における略全域に亘って、記録材Pの搬送方向aに約50μm〜200μm幅の直線領域からの乱反射光44を結像する。 The condensing element 42 serving as an image forming unit has a width of about 50 μm to 200 μm in the conveyance direction a of the recording material P over substantially the entire area in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction a of the lower surface of the recording material P being conveyed. The irregularly reflected light 44 from the linear region is imaged.
また、カバー部材7の表面及び記録材Pの下面で反射した反射光のうち正反射光は光トラップ部47内へ入射される。そして、光トラップ部47の中で正反射光は自己減衰する。これにより、正反射光が撮像素子43へ迷光することを防止する。 Of the reflected light reflected from the surface of the cover member 7 and the lower surface of the recording material P, the specularly reflected light enters the light trap portion 47. Then, the specularly reflected light is self-attenuated in the light trap part 47. This prevents regular reflection light from straying to the image sensor 43.
尚、本実施形態の光トラップ部47は単純な溝により構成した。他に、カバー部材7の表面及び記録材Pの下面で反射した正反射光の減衰率がより高くなるように例えば断面三角形状で光トラップ部47を構成しても良い。また、光トラップ部47に光吸収材を設けても良い。 Note that the optical trap portion 47 of the present embodiment is configured by a simple groove. In addition, the light trap portion 47 may be configured to have a triangular cross section, for example, so that the attenuation rate of the regular reflection light reflected by the surface of the cover member 7 and the lower surface of the recording material P is higher. Further, a light absorbing material may be provided in the light trap portion 47.
<反射部材>
図2(a)及び図3に示すように、光源41からの光46を記録材Pへ照射する部位で、該記録材Pに対して光源41及び集光素子42と反対側に反射手段となる反射部材51が設けられている。
<Reflection member>
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, the light source 46 is irradiated with the light 46 on the recording material P, and a reflection means is provided on the opposite side of the recording material P from the light source 41 and the light collecting element 42. A reflecting member 51 is provided.
図3に示すように、反射部材51は、光源41から照射された光46を反射して、その乱反射光44を集光素子42に導く乱反射率が低い黒色等の暗色領域を構成する暗色乱反射部53を有する。更に、乱反射率が高い白色等の明色領域を構成する明色乱反射部54a,54bとを有する。暗色乱反射部53と明色乱反射部54a,54bとは、乱反射率が異なる複数色の反射部として構成される。 As shown in FIG. 3, the reflecting member 51 reflects the light 46 emitted from the light source 41, and dark diffused reflection that constitutes a dark color region such as black with low diffuse reflectance that guides the irregularly reflected light 44 to the light collecting element 42. Part 53. Furthermore, it has light-colored irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b constituting a light-colored region such as white having a high irregular reflectance. The dark color irregular reflection part 53 and the bright color irregular reflection parts 54a and 54b are configured as a plurality of color reflection parts having different irregular reflectances.
本実施形態の反射部材51は、記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上を搬送される記録材Pに当接して従動回転する従動回転体により構成される。これにより記録材Pの搬送性を向上させると共に、記録材Pの搬送時のばたつきを抑制することが出来る。 The reflecting member 51 of the present embodiment is configured by a driven rotating body that rotates in contact with the recording material P conveyed on the conveying surface 50b of the recording material determination device 50. As a result, the transportability of the recording material P can be improved, and fluttering during transport of the recording material P can be suppressed.
本実施形態の反射部材51は搬送される記録材Pに当接して従動回転する。反射部材51の回転軸52は記録材判別装置50の搬送面50bに対向する位置に配置され図示しない装置フレームに回転自在に軸支されている。 The reflecting member 51 of the present embodiment is in contact with the recording material P to be conveyed and is driven to rotate. The rotating shaft 52 of the reflecting member 51 is disposed at a position facing the conveying surface 50b of the recording material discriminating apparatus 50, and is rotatably supported by an apparatus frame (not shown).
本実施形態の反射部材51は、記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b側へ0.49N〜0.98N(50gf〜100gf)程度の軽い押圧力により付勢されている。他に、反射部材51の外周面が記録材判別装置50の搬送面50bに対して100μm程度離間して配置される構成でも良い。 The reflecting member 51 of this embodiment is urged by a light pressing force of about 0.49 N to 0.98 N (50 gf to 100 gf) toward the conveyance surface 50 b side of the recording material discrimination device 50. In addition, a configuration in which the outer peripheral surface of the reflecting member 51 is disposed about 100 μm apart from the conveying surface 50b of the recording material discriminating apparatus 50 may be employed.
回転軸52は、反射部材51の回転軸52方向において両側に設けられる乱反射率の高い白色等の明色乱反射部54a,54bと、回転軸52方向において中央部に設けられる乱反射率の低い黒色等の暗色乱反射部53とを貫通して該反射部材51を保持している。 The rotating shaft 52 includes white diffused light reflecting portions 54a and 54b having a high diffuse reflectance such as white provided on both sides in the rotating shaft 52 direction of the reflecting member 51, and a black having a low diffuse reflectance provided in the central portion in the rotating shaft 52 direction. The reflection member 51 is held through the dark color irregular reflection portion 53.
尚、本実施形態では明色乱反射部54a,54bを回転軸52方向において両側の二箇所に配置しているが、反射部材51の回転軸52方向において片側の一箇所に配置しても良い。 In the present embodiment, the light irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b are arranged at two locations on both sides in the direction of the rotation axis 52, but may be arranged at one location on one side of the reflection member 51 in the direction of the rotation shaft 52.
また、図3に矢線で示す光46a,46bは、光源41から照射された光46の照射角度範囲の概略を示している。この光46aと光46bとの間の領域が光源41から照射された光46で照射出来る反射部材51の回転軸52方向(記録材Pの搬送方向aに直交する方向)の範囲となる。 Further, light 46 a and 46 b indicated by arrows in FIG. 3 schematically shows an irradiation angle range of the light 46 emitted from the light source 41. A region between the light 46a and the light 46b is a range in the direction of the rotation axis 52 of the reflecting member 51 that can be irradiated with the light 46 emitted from the light source 41 (a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction a of the recording material P).
また、撮像素子43の撮像領域43aは、図3に示す反射部材51の破線部分で示す範囲となるように光学装置本体50aの基板45上に配置されている。 Further, the imaging region 43a of the imaging element 43 is arranged on the substrate 45 of the optical device body 50a so as to be in a range indicated by a broken line portion of the reflecting member 51 shown in FIG.
本実施形態の反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53は回転軸52方向において中央部に設けられる。このため光源41から照射された光46の光量も高く、かつ平行性の高い光46が照射されている。 The dark color irregular reflection portion 53 of the reflection member 51 of the present embodiment is provided in the central portion in the direction of the rotation axis 52. For this reason, the amount of light 46 emitted from the light source 41 is also high, and the light 46 with high parallelism is emitted.
このため暗色乱反射部53に反射した乱反射光44を集光素子42により結像し、撮像素子43により撮像された画像情報は、記録材Pの表面性判別及び白色等の明色の記録材Pの先端部P1の検知に用いる。 For this reason, the diffusely reflected light 44 reflected on the dark irregular reflection portion 53 is imaged by the condensing element 42, and the image information captured by the imaging element 43 is used to determine the surface property of the recording material P and the recording material P of light color such as white. It is used for detection of the tip portion P1.
また、反射部材51の明色乱反射部54a,54bは回転軸52方向において両側に設けられる。このため光源41から照射された光46の光量も低く、乱反射率が高いため記録材Pの表面性を判別するためのSN比(信号量(Signal)と雑音量(Noise)との比)も低下する。 Further, the light color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b of the reflection member 51 are provided on both sides in the direction of the rotation axis 52. For this reason, the amount of light 46 emitted from the light source 41 is also low and the diffuse reflectance is high, so that the SN ratio (ratio between signal amount (Signal) and noise amount (Noise)) for discriminating the surface property of the recording material P is also obtained. descend.
このため明色乱反射部54a,54bに反射した乱反射光44を集光素子42により結像し、撮像素子43により撮像された画像情報は、記録材Pの詳細な表面性判別には用いることが出来ない。そのため、主に光源41の光量調整や光透過性を有するOHT等の記録材Pや、表面をコーティングして平滑性をもたせたコート紙等の記録材Pといった正反射率の高い記録材P、または黒色等の暗色の記録材Pの先端部P1の検知に用いる。 For this reason, the diffusely reflected light 44 reflected on the bright irregular reflection parts 54a and 54b is imaged by the condensing element 42, and the image information captured by the imaging element 43 is used for detailed surface property discrimination of the recording material P. I can't. Therefore, a recording material P having a high regular reflectance, such as a recording material P such as OHT, which mainly adjusts the light amount of the light source 41 and has light transparency, and a recording material P such as coated paper coated with a smooth surface. Alternatively, it is used for detecting the front end portion P1 of the dark color recording material P such as black.
図4は記録材判別装置50の制御系のブロック図の一例を示す。記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上を搬送される記録材Pの下面、或いは反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53及び明色乱反射部54a,54bに対して光源41から光46を照射する。 FIG. 4 shows an example of a block diagram of a control system of the recording material discrimination device 50. Light 46 is applied from the light source 41 to the lower surface of the recording material P conveyed on the conveying surface 50b of the recording material discriminating device 50 or the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 and the light irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b of the reflecting member 51.
記録材Pの下面、或いは反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53及び明色乱反射部54a,54bに反射した乱反射光44を集光素子42を介して撮像素子43でそれぞれの表面画像を撮像する。 Each surface image is picked up by the image pickup element 43 through the condensing element 42 with the irregularly reflected light 44 reflected on the lower surface of the recording material P or the dark color irregular reflection part 53 and the bright color irregular reflection parts 54a and 54b of the reflection member 51.
撮像素子43で撮像した記録材Pの下面の表面画像、或いは反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53及び明色乱反射部54a,54bの表面画像を記録材判別部450へ出力する。 The surface image of the lower surface of the recording material P imaged by the image sensor 43 or the surface images of the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 and the light color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b of the reflecting member 51 is output to the recording material discrimination portion 450.
撮像素子43から受け取った電気信号からなる記録材Pの下面の表面画像情報、或いは反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53及び明色乱反射部54a,54bの表面画像情報はA/D(アナログ/デジタル)変換される。A/D(アナログ/デジタル)変換はA/D(アナログ/デジタル)変換部451において行なわれる。そして、記録材Pの搬送方向aと直交する同一直線上の画像を得る。 The surface image information of the lower surface of the recording material P made of an electrical signal received from the image sensor 43 or the surface image information of the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 and the light color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b of the reflection member 51 is A / D (analog / digital). Converted. A / D (analog / digital) conversion is performed in an A / D (analog / digital) conversion unit 451. And the image on the same straight line orthogonal to the conveyance direction a of the recording material P is obtained.
本実施形態では、12ビットA/D変換部IC(Integrated Circuit;半導体集積回路)を使用し、A/D変換部451は「0」から「4095」の値を出力する。 In the present embodiment, a 12-bit A / D converter IC (Integrated Circuit) is used, and the A / D converter 451 outputs a value from “0” to “4095”.
画像抽出部452及び記憶領域部455において、受け取った記録材Pの表面画像、或いは反射部材51の表面画像を該記録材Pの搬送方向aにつなぎ合わせ、図5(a)に示すように、2次元の記録材Pの表面画像を取得する。 In the image extraction unit 452 and the storage area unit 455, the received surface image of the recording material P or the surface image of the reflecting member 51 is joined in the conveyance direction a of the recording material P, as shown in FIG. A surface image of the two-dimensional recording material P is acquired.
本実施形態では、撮像素子43が撮像する画像の解像度は600dpi(1ドットあたり約42μm)であり、一度に1ライン(236ドット×1ドット)分の撮像を行うことができる。撮像を行う際は記録材Pを180mm/秒で搬送しながら撮像を行う。撮像素子43の1ライン(236ドット×1ドット)分の撮像は、42μm/(180mm/秒)で行い、撮像素子43の光蓄積時間は約220μsec間隔で行なう。これにより、搬送されてくる記録材P上の撮像エリアが重複せずに撮像することが出来る。 In the present embodiment, the resolution of the image captured by the image sensor 43 is 600 dpi (about 42 μm per dot), and one line (236 dots × 1 dot) can be captured at a time. When taking an image, the image is taken while conveying the recording material P at 180 mm / second. Imaging of one line (236 dots × 1 dot) of the image sensor 43 is performed at 42 μm / (180 mm / second), and the light accumulation time of the image sensor 43 is performed at intervals of about 220 μsec. Thereby, it is possible to capture images without overlapping the imaging areas on the recording material P being conveyed.
このようにして、1ラインの撮像を連続して118回行う(118ライン分の撮像を連像して行う)ことで、画像サイズが236ドット×118ドットで、記録材Pの10mm×5mm相当の領域を撮像する。 In this way, the image size of 236 dots × 118 dots is equivalent to 10 mm × 5 mm of the recording material P by performing 118 times of continuous image capturing of one line (consecutive image capturing for 118 lines). An image of the area is taken.
また、記録材Pが記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上に未だ搬送されていない場合は、反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53及び明色乱反射部54a,54bの表面画像を撮像することになる。 Further, when the recording material P is not yet conveyed on the conveying surface 50b of the recording material discrimination device 50, the surface images of the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 and the bright color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b of the reflecting member 51 are taken. .
得られた2次元の表面画像から記憶領域部455に記憶されている光軸や有効画像範囲等の情報に基づき、記録材Pの種類の判別に用いる表面画像、或いは反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53及び明色乱反射部54a,54bの表面画像の抽出を行なう。 From the obtained two-dimensional surface image, based on information such as the optical axis and effective image range stored in the storage area unit 455, the surface image used for determining the type of the recording material P or the dark color irregular reflection portion of the reflection member 51 53 and the surface images of the light-colored irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b are extracted.
このとき、記録材Pの種類を判別すると共に該記録材Pの先端部P1を検知するために、各表面画像を図5(b)に示すように、シェーディング補正する。 At this time, in order to determine the type of the recording material P and to detect the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P, each surface image is subjected to shading correction as shown in FIG.
画像抽出部452で行なうシェーディング補正は、画像抽出部452で抽出された表面画像から次の特徴量算出部453で特徴量の算出を行なうために必要な処理である。 The shading correction performed by the image extraction unit 452 is a process necessary for the feature amount calculation unit 453 to calculate the feature amount from the surface image extracted by the image extraction unit 452.
記録材Pが記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上に未だ搬送されていない場合がある。その場合は、後に詳述するが、撮像素子43により撮像された反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53及び明色乱反射部54a,54bに反射した乱反射光44の変化から、搬送されてくる記録材Pの先端部P1を検知する。記録材Pの先端部P1を検知する検知手段となる先端検知部457において記録材判別装置50の搬送面50bへの記録材Pの到達を検知する。 In some cases, the recording material P has not yet been transported onto the transport surface 50 b of the recording material discriminating apparatus 50. In this case, as will be described in detail later, the recording material P conveyed from the change of the irregularly reflected light 44 reflected by the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 and the bright color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b of the reflection member 51 imaged by the imaging element 43. The tip part P1 is detected. The leading edge detector 457 serving as a detecting means for detecting the leading edge P1 of the recording material P detects the arrival of the recording material P on the conveyance surface 50b of the recording material discrimination device 50.
先端検知部457で記録材Pの先端部P1が記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上に到達したことを検知する。すると、制御部10は、記録材Pが記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上を搬送されていると判断する。そして、先端検知部457から記録材Pの先端部P1が記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上に到達したことを種類判別部454へ通知する。種類判別部454は記録材Pの種類を判別する判別手段である。 The leading edge detection unit 457 detects that the leading edge P1 of the recording material P has reached the transport surface 50b of the recording material determination device 50. Then, the control unit 10 determines that the recording material P is being transported on the transport surface 50b of the recording material determination device 50. Then, the front end detection unit 457 notifies the type determination unit 454 that the front end P1 of the recording material P has reached the transport surface 50b of the recording material determination device 50. The type discriminating unit 454 is a discriminating unit that discriminates the type of the recording material P.
種類判別部454は、記録材Pの先端部P1が記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上に到達した通知を受けた後に、上述したように、記録材P表面の撮像を行い、236ドット×118ドット(10mm×5mm相当)の撮像画像を得る。そして、後に詳述するが、この撮像画像を用いて特徴量算出部453で算出された結果に基づき記録材Pの種類の判別を行なう。 After receiving the notification that the leading end P1 of the recording material P has reached the conveying surface 50b of the recording material determination device 50, the type determination unit 454 performs imaging of the surface of the recording material P as described above and is 236 dots × A captured image of 118 dots (10 mm × 5 mm equivalent) is obtained. As will be described in detail later, the type of the recording material P is determined based on the result calculated by the feature amount calculation unit 453 using the captured image.
種類判別部454の結果を制御部10の画像形成条件制御部101に出力し、該種類判別部454において判別した結果に基づいて画像形成条件を制御する。画像形成条件とは、二次転写ローラ25に印加する転写電圧条件や記録材Pの搬送速度、定着装置21の加熱温度条件等である。 The result of the type discriminating unit 454 is output to the image forming condition control unit 101 of the control unit 10, and the image forming conditions are controlled based on the result discriminated by the type discriminating unit 454. The image forming conditions include a transfer voltage condition applied to the secondary transfer roller 25, a conveyance speed of the recording material P, a heating temperature condition of the fixing device 21, and the like.
例えば、記録材Pの種類の判別の結果、ペン書きに適した小切手・証券・事務用紙等に用いる紙質のしまった硬い厚紙からなるボンド紙と判別される。 For example, as a result of the discrimination of the type of the recording material P, it is discriminated as a bond paper made of hard thick paper with a paper quality used for checks, securities, office paper, etc. suitable for pen writing.
その場合、普通紙の画像形成条件では定着性が良くない。従って、記録材Pの搬送速度を遅くして定着装置21での定着ローラ21aと加圧ローラ21bとの定着ニップ部での加熱時間を延長することによる熱交換増加制御を行なう。或いは、ヒータ21a1,21b1の設定温度を上げて定着温度を高めに設定して熱交換増加制御を行なう。 In that case, the fixing property is not good under the image forming conditions of plain paper. Therefore, the heat transfer increase control is performed by slowing the conveying speed of the recording material P and extending the heating time at the fixing nip portion between the fixing roller 21a and the pressure roller 21b in the fixing device 21. Alternatively, the heat exchange increase control is performed by raising the set temperature of the heaters 21a1 and 21b1 and setting the fixing temperature higher.
記憶領域部455には、光源41を発光制御する電流値や必要な光量目標値、更に後述する光量ムラを補正するために使用される光源41のOFF時の暗電流データと光源41のON時の光量分布データを記憶している。また、照射制御部102は光源41のON時の光量分布データ取得時の情報を元に光源41の光量を制御している。 The storage area 455 includes a current value for controlling the light emission of the light source 41, a necessary light amount target value, dark current data when the light source 41 used for correcting light amount unevenness described later, and when the light source 41 is turned on. Are stored. In addition, the irradiation control unit 102 controls the light amount of the light source 41 based on information when acquiring light amount distribution data when the light source 41 is ON.
<記録材先端検知>
次に、図5及び図6を用いて、光透過性を有するOHT等の記録材Pが記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上を搬送されているときの先端部P1の検知動作について説明する。
<Detection of recording material tip>
Next, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the detection operation of the leading end portion P1 when the recording material P such as OHT having optical transparency is conveyed on the conveyance surface 50b of the recording material discrimination device 50 will be described. .
図5(a)は記録材PとしてOHTを搬送する際に反射部材51の明色乱反射部54a,54bと記録材Pの下面とに反射した乱反射光44を撮像素子43により1ラインごとに連続して撮像して取得した抽出撮像画像である。記録材Pは図5(a)の右側から左側に搬送され、撮像画像の中央部やや左側に記録材Pの先端部P1に対応するライン(明色乱反射部54a,54bと記録材Pとの境界)が撮像されている。 In FIG. 5A, irregularly reflected light 44 reflected by the light-colored irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b of the reflecting member 51 and the lower surface of the recording material P when the OHT is conveyed as the recording material P is continuously displayed line by line by the image sensor 43. It is the extracted captured image acquired by imaging. The recording material P is conveyed from the right side to the left side in FIG. 5A, and a line corresponding to the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P (light color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b and the recording material P is located slightly on the left side in the center of the captured image. (Boundary) is imaged.
図5(b)は図5(a)に示す撮像画像に対してシェーディング補正を行った画像である。 FIG. 5B is an image obtained by performing shading correction on the captured image shown in FIG.
図6(a)は図5(b)に示すシェーディング補正画像における明度を図5(b)の左右方向に順にプロットしたグラフである。 FIG. 6A is a graph in which the lightness in the shading correction image shown in FIG. 5B is sequentially plotted in the left-right direction of FIG.
図6(a)に示すように、反射部材51の明色乱反射部54a,54bに反射した乱反射光44の明度は、記録材PとしてOHTが搬送された場合、OHTの到達により低下するため乱反射光の明度の変化を容易に検知することが可能である。 As shown in FIG. 6A, the brightness of the irregularly reflected light 44 reflected by the bright color irregularly reflecting portions 54a and 54b of the reflecting member 51 decreases when the OHT is conveyed as the recording material P. It is possible to easily detect changes in lightness.
これは、記録材PとしてのOHTの表面に反射した正反射光の増大が原因で発生する。しかしながらOHTを透過する光も存在し、その結果、OHTを透過した光が明色乱反射部54a,54bに到達し、該明色乱反射部54a,54bに反射して生じる乱反射光44も加わって撮像される。 This occurs due to an increase in regular reflection light reflected on the surface of the OHT as the recording material P. However, there is also light that passes through the OHT, and as a result, the light that has passed through the OHT reaches the bright color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b, and the irregular reflection light 44 that is reflected by the bright color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b is added to take an image. Is done.
一方、図6(b)に示すように、反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53に反射した乱反射光の明度は、記録材PとしてOHTが搬送された場合、OHTが到達する前と到達した後に亘って変動がばらついている。このため区別が非常に難しい。OHTが到達する前と到達した後で乱反射光44の明度の変化を容易に検知することが出来ない。このため、記録材Pの先端部P1の到達を容易には判別出来ない。 On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, the brightness of the irregularly reflected light reflected by the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 of the reflecting member 51 ranges between before and after the arrival of the OHT when the OHT is conveyed as the recording material P. Fluctuations. For this reason, it is very difficult to distinguish. A change in the brightness of the irregularly reflected light 44 cannot be easily detected before and after the OHT arrives. For this reason, the arrival of the leading end P1 of the recording material P cannot be easily determined.
本発明者らの検討では、明色乱反射部54a,54bをグレー色等の中間色でも検討したが、この場合もOHTからなる記録材Pの先端部P1の検知は非常に難しいことが判明した。これにより、白色等の明色乱反射部54a,54bが有効であることが分かった。 In the study by the present inventors, the light-colored irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b were also examined with an intermediate color such as gray. However, in this case as well, it was found that it is very difficult to detect the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P made of OHT. Thereby, it turned out that the bright color irregular reflection parts 54a and 54b, such as white, are effective.
よって、本実施形態では、先端検知部457は、撮像素子43により撮像された反射部材51の明色領域となる白色等の明色乱反射部54a,54bに反射した乱反射光44の明度の変化から、搬送されてくる光透過性を有するOHT等の記録材Pを検知する。或いは黒色等の暗色の記録材Pの先端部P1を検知する。 Therefore, in the present embodiment, the tip detection unit 457 is based on the change in the brightness of the irregularly reflected light 44 reflected by the light-colored irregular reflection units 54a and 54b such as white, which is the bright color region of the reflection member 51 imaged by the imaging element 43. Then, the conveyed recording material P such as OHT having optical transparency is detected. Alternatively, the front end portion P1 of the dark recording material P such as black is detected.
尚、反射部材51の暗色領域となる黒色等の暗色乱反射部53に反射した乱反射光44の明度の変化から、搬送されてくる白色等の明色の記録材Pの先端部P1の検知については、特許文献1等にも記載されている。この場合、乱反射光44の明度が大きく異なることから、記録材Pの先端部P1の到達を容易に検知可能である。ここで詳しい説明は省略する。 Regarding the detection of the front end portion P1 of the conveyed recording material P of light color such as white that is conveyed from the change in lightness of the irregularly reflected light 44 reflected on the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 of black or the like that is the dark color region of the reflecting member 51. Patent Document 1 and the like. In this case, since the brightness of the irregularly reflected light 44 is greatly different, the arrival of the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P can be easily detected. Detailed description is omitted here.
よって、本実施形態では、先端検知部457は、撮像素子43により撮像された反射部材51の暗色領域となる黒色等の暗色乱反射部53に反射した乱反射光44の明度の変化から、搬送されてくる白色等の明色の記録材Pの先端部P1を検知するように構成される。 Therefore, in the present embodiment, the tip detection unit 457 is conveyed from the change in brightness of the irregularly reflected light 44 reflected by the dark color irregular reflection unit 53 such as black, which is the dark color region of the reflection member 51 imaged by the imaging element 43. It is configured to detect the leading end portion P1 of the bright recording material P such as white.
次に図7を用いて、各種記録材Pの先端部P1の検知動作について説明する。 Next, the detection operation of the leading end portion P1 of the various recording materials P will be described with reference to FIG.
図1に示す制御部10は、画像形成装置9の画像形成動作を開始する際に記録材判別装置50に対して記録材Pの先端部P1の検知を開始する。ステップS201において、先ず、撮像素子43の駆動を開始する。次に駆動を開始した撮像素子43はステップS202において、全ての撮像画像から暗補正を行なうために暗電流の測定を行なう。 The control unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 starts detection of the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P with respect to the recording material determination device 50 when the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 9 is started. In step S201, first, driving of the image sensor 43 is started. Next, in step S202, the image sensor 43 that has started driving measures dark current in order to perform dark correction from all captured images.
その後、ステップS203において、光源41の点灯を行い、併せて光源41の光量の安定化を図る調整を行なう。これは撮像素子43で撮像する際に、外気温の状態や光源41の昇温等による光度変動や光度低下の影響を低減するための処理である。図8(a)は暗電流補正データの一例を示す。 Thereafter, in step S203, the light source 41 is turned on, and at the same time, an adjustment for stabilizing the light amount of the light source 41 is performed. This is a process for reducing the influence of a change in luminous intensity or a decrease in luminous intensity due to the state of the outside air temperature, the temperature rise of the light source 41, or the like when imaging with the imaging element 43. FIG. 8A shows an example of dark current correction data.
次に、前記ステップS203の処理で光源41の光量を安定させる。その後、ステップS204にて記録材判別装置50と、撮像領域43a上にある反射部材51との間を通過させた均一な乱反射を有する基準シートの表面乱反射像を取得する。基準シートとしては、例えば、東レ株式会社製の「パスピア(登録商標)」等が適用出来る。 Next, the light quantity of the light source 41 is stabilized by the process of step S203. Thereafter, in step S204, a surface irregular reflection image of the reference sheet having uniform irregular reflection that is passed between the recording material determination device 50 and the reflection member 51 on the imaging region 43a is acquired. As the reference sheet, for example, “Passpia (registered trademark)” manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc. can be applied.
前記ステップS204の処理は、点灯している光源41の撮像範囲の光分布を撮像により測定し、その測定結果をシェーディング補正用のデータとするために行なう。図8(b)はシェーディング補正データの一例を示す。 The processing in step S204 is performed in order to measure the light distribution in the imaging range of the light source 41 that is turned on by imaging and use the measurement result as data for shading correction. FIG. 8B shows an example of shading correction data.
尚、シェーディング補正データについては、毎回の印字ごとに基準シートを搬送させなくとも、図示しない記憶部に記憶しているシェーディング補正データを用いることで、前記ステップS204の処理を省略することが出来る。 As for the shading correction data, the processing in step S204 can be omitted by using the shading correction data stored in a storage unit (not shown) without transporting the reference sheet for each printing.
次に、ステップS205において、反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53及び明色乱反射部54a,54bの撮像を行なう。この際に、撮像にかかる時間短縮のために、記録材Pの判別を行なう時の解像度とは異なる1/2倍の解像度、或いは1/3倍の解像度で撮像を行っても良い。 Next, in step S205, the dark color irregular reflection part 53 and the bright color irregular reflection parts 54a and 54b of the reflection member 51 are imaged. At this time, in order to shorten the time required for imaging, imaging may be performed with a resolution that is 1/2 times different from the resolution when the recording material P is determined, or with 1/3 times the resolution.
次に、ステップS206において、反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53及び明色乱反射部54a,54bを撮像した画像データに対してシェーディング補正を行なう。 Next, in step S206, shading correction is performed on the image data obtained by imaging the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 and the light color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b of the reflection member 51.
次に、ステップS207において、先ず、暗色乱反射部53の撮像領域での画像データ変化について確認を行なう。暗色乱反射部53の撮像領域43aでの画像データ変化を確認するため、撮像領域43aの全域或いは一部の明度を平均処理をした基準明度を図4に示す先端検知部457に格納しておく。そして、基準明度と得られた画像データの明度とを比較することにより、画像データ変化を確認する。 Next, in step S207, first, a change in image data in the imaging region of the dark color irregular reflection unit 53 is confirmed. In order to confirm the change in the image data in the imaging region 43a of the dark color irregular reflection unit 53, the reference brightness obtained by averaging the brightness of all or part of the imaging region 43a is stored in the tip detection unit 457 shown in FIG. Then, the change in the image data is confirmed by comparing the reference brightness with the brightness of the obtained image data.
例えば、画像データの明度と基準明度との差分が所定の閾値以上の場合、先端検知部457の暗色部検知フラグを立てておく(フラグON)。この基準明度と画像データの明度との比較は、所定時間毎に行われる。本実施形態では、一度、暗色部検知フラグが立つ(フラグON)と、その後、所定時間を空けて少なくとも2回明度の比較が行われる。この比較の際も、所定の閾値以上であれば、その都度、暗色部検知フラグを立てる(フラグON)。 For example, when the difference between the lightness of the image data and the reference lightness is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, a dark color portion detection flag of the tip detection portion 457 is set (flag ON). The comparison between the reference lightness and the lightness of the image data is performed every predetermined time. In this embodiment, once the dark color portion detection flag is set (flag ON), the brightness is compared at least twice after a predetermined time. Also in this comparison, if it is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, a dark color portion detection flag is raised each time (flag ON).
同様に、ステップS208において、明色乱反射部54a,54bの撮像領域43aでの画像データ変化について確認を行なう。明色乱反射部54a,54bの撮像領域43aでの画像データ変化を確認するため、撮像領域43aの全域或いは一部の明度を平均処理をした基準明度を図4に示す先端検知部457に格納しておく。そして、基準明度と得られた画像データの明度とを比較することにより、画像データ変化を確認する。 Similarly, in step S208, the image data change in the imaging region 43a of the bright color irregular reflection units 54a and 54b is confirmed. In order to confirm the change of the image data in the imaging region 43a of the bright color irregular reflection units 54a and 54b, the reference brightness obtained by averaging the entire or part of the imaging region 43a is stored in the tip detection unit 457 shown in FIG. Keep it. Then, the change in the image data is confirmed by comparing the reference brightness with the brightness of the obtained image data.
例えば、画像データの明度と基準明度との差分が所定の閾値以上の場合、先端検知部457の明色部検知フラグを立てておく(フラグON)。この基準明度と画像データの明度との比較は、所定時間毎に行われる。本実施形態では、一度、明色部検知フラグが立つ(フラグON)と、その後、所定時間を空けて少なくとも2回明度の比較が行われる。この比較の際も、所定の閾値以上であれば、その都度、明色部検知フラグを立てる(フラグON)。 For example, when the difference between the lightness of the image data and the reference lightness is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, a light color portion detection flag of the tip detection portion 457 is set (flag ON). The comparison between the reference lightness and the lightness of the image data is performed every predetermined time. In the present embodiment, once the bright color portion detection flag is set (flag ON), the brightness is compared at least twice after a predetermined time. Also in this comparison, if it is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, a bright color portion detection flag is raised each time (flag ON).
そして、ステップS209において、前述の各検知フラグを確認し、電気的なノイズの影響を除去するため、各検知フラグが連続して立った(ON)回数をカウントする。本実施形態では暗色部検知フラグのONの回数が3回連続した場合、又は、明色部検知フラグのONの回数が3回連続した場合、ステップS210において、記録材Pの先端部P1が到達したと判断する。そして、図10に示すステップS101へ移行する。ステップS210において、各検知フラグの立っているONの回数が3回に到達しない場合は、再び、前記ステップS205へ戻り、反射部材51の画像撮像を継続する。以上が記録材Pの先端部P1の検知動作の一連のステップである。 In step S209, the above-described detection flags are confirmed, and the number of times each detection flag stands (ON) is counted in order to eliminate the influence of electrical noise. In this embodiment, when the number of times of turning on the dark color portion detection flag continues three times, or when the number of times of turning on the light color portion detection flag continues three times, the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P reaches in step S210. Judge that Then, the process proceeds to step S101 shown in FIG. In step S210, when the number of times each detection flag is on does not reach three times, the process returns to step S205 again, and the imaging of the reflecting member 51 is continued. The above is a series of steps for detecting the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P.
なお、ステップS207、ステップS208を実行する順番は、ステップS208の方が先でも良いし、ステップS207、ステップS208を同時に実行処理しても良い。また、ステップS207、ステップS208において、画像データの変化を確認する方法は、上記の方法に限定されない。例えば、記録材Pの先端部P1が到達したと判別する連続フラグONの回数を3回以外に設定しても良い。また、撮像領域43aを撮像して得られた画像データの明度に関連する情報を用いて、記録材判別装置50の搬送面50b上に記録材Pがある状態と無い状態とを判別する方法であれば他の方法を用いても良い。 Note that the order in which step S207 and step S208 are executed may be first in step S208, or step S207 and step S208 may be executed simultaneously. Further, the method for confirming the change of the image data in step S207 and step S208 is not limited to the above method. For example, the number of times of continuous flag ON for determining that the leading end P1 of the recording material P has reached may be set to other than three. Further, by using information related to the brightness of image data obtained by imaging the imaging region 43a, a method for discriminating between a state in which the recording material P is present on the conveyance surface 50b of the recording material discrimination device 50 and a state in which no recording material P is present. Other methods may be used as long as they are present.
次に、図8〜図10を用いて、記録材判別装置50の撮像素子43で撮像した記録材Pの表面画像から該記録材Pの種類を判別する動作の一例を説明する。尚、図1に示す制御部10は、画像形成装置9の画像形成動作を開始する際に記録材Pの判別制御を開始する。 Next, an example of the operation for discriminating the type of the recording material P from the surface image of the recording material P imaged by the imaging element 43 of the recording material discrimination device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. The control unit 10 shown in FIG. 1 starts the discrimination control of the recording material P when the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 9 is started.
記録材判別装置50の搬送面50bへ記録材Pが搬送され、図5(a),(b)に示すように、該記録材Pの先端部P1が検知されると、撮像範囲内の記録材Pの表面の乱反射画像情報に基づいて記録材Pの種類の判別動作を開始する。 When the recording material P is conveyed to the conveying surface 50b of the recording material discriminating apparatus 50 and the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P is detected as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), recording within the imaging range is performed. Based on the irregular reflection image information on the surface of the material P, the operation for determining the type of the recording material P is started.
図8(a)は記録材Pの先端部P1の検知前に取得した暗電流補正データの一例を示す。図8(b)は記録材Pの先端部P1の検知前に取得したか、或いは図示しない記憶部に格納されているシェーディング補正データの一例を示す。 FIG. 8A shows an example of dark current correction data acquired before the detection of the leading end P1 of the recording material P. FIG. FIG. 8B shows an example of shading correction data acquired before the detection of the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P or stored in a storage unit (not shown).
記録材Pの表面の撮像は記録材Pの種類の判別に必要な領域分となるまで繰り返し行なう。図8(c)は撮像素子43により実際に撮像した記録材Pの撮像画像であり、記録材Pの一例として、ニーナ社製のNeenah Bond 60(商品名)の表面画像データの一例である。前記ステップS105での撮像後、ステップS106において、記録材Pの表面撮像情報から図8(c)の白点線で囲まれた判別領域6の全体光量を確認する。 The imaging of the surface of the recording material P is repeatedly performed until the area necessary for determining the type of the recording material P is reached. FIG. 8C is a captured image of the recording material P actually captured by the image sensor 43, and is an example of surface image data of Neenah Bond 60 (trade name) manufactured by Nina as an example of the recording material P. After the imaging in step S105, in step S106, the total light amount of the determination area 6 surrounded by the white dotted line in FIG. 8C is confirmed from the surface imaging information of the recording material P.
前記ステップS106における処理は、記録材Pの明度を確認するために行い、本実施形態では記録材Pの表面の特徴量の一つとして、記録材Pの判別領域6の全体光量を記録材Pの種類の判別情報として用いている。 The processing in step S106 is performed in order to confirm the brightness of the recording material P. In this embodiment, the entire amount of light in the discrimination region 6 of the recording material P is used as one of the feature amounts on the surface of the recording material P. It is used as discriminating information of the type.
次に、ステップS107において、記録材Pの表面粗さを検知するために、前記ステップS105で撮像した記録材Pの表面画像に対して、前記ステップS204で取得したシェーディング補正データを用いてシェーディング補正を行なう。 Next, in step S107, in order to detect the surface roughness of the recording material P, shading correction is performed on the surface image of the recording material P imaged in step S105 using the shading correction data acquired in step S204. To do.
前記ステップS107におけるシェーディング補正処理は、図8(c)に示す撮像画像の判別領域6に対して光分布ムラを補正し、記録材Pの表面粗さを正確に検知するために行なう処理である。図8(d)は図8(c)に示す撮像画像に対してシェーディング補正を行った画像データの一例である。 The shading correction process in step S107 is a process performed to correct the light distribution unevenness in the discrimination region 6 of the captured image shown in FIG. 8C and accurately detect the surface roughness of the recording material P. . FIG. 8D is an example of image data obtained by performing shading correction on the captured image shown in FIG.
そして、ステップS108において、図8(d)の白点線で囲まれた判別領域6のシェーディング補正画像を元に、記録材Pの表面粗さを特徴量として抽出を行なう。 In step S108, the surface roughness of the recording material P is extracted as a feature amount based on the shading correction image of the discrimination region 6 surrounded by the white dotted line in FIG.
記録材Pの表面粗さの特徴量としては、図8(d)に示すシェーディング補正後の画像の明度分布範囲(記録材P表面のコントラスト)を特徴量とする方法がある。また、撮像時の1ライン分の最大値と最小値とをピーク値として連続取得した画像毎に算出し、その積算値を特徴量とする方法等が有効である。 As a feature amount of the surface roughness of the recording material P, there is a method in which the brightness distribution range (contrast of the surface of the recording material P) of the image after shading correction shown in FIG. In addition, a method of calculating the maximum value and the minimum value for one line at the time of imaging for each image continuously acquired as a peak value and using the integrated value as a feature amount is effective.
本実施形態では、画像の明度分布範囲を特徴量として用いた。そして、ステップS109において、前記ステップS106で得られた記録材Pの判別領域6の全体光量と、前記ステップS108で抽出した記録材Pの判別領域6内の記録材Pの表面の特徴量とを元に記録材Pの種類の判別を行なう。その判別結果を画像形成装置9へ通知する。 In this embodiment, the brightness distribution range of the image is used as the feature amount. In step S109, the total amount of light in the discrimination region 6 of the recording material P obtained in step S106 and the feature amount of the surface of the recording material P in the discrimination region 6 of the recording material P extracted in step S108 are obtained. First, the type of the recording material P is determined. The determination result is notified to the image forming apparatus 9.
図9は、記録材Pの一例として、一般的なプリンタやコピー機等で使用するPPC(paper chromatography;ペーパークロマトグラフィー)用紙がある。更に、表面に各種塗工を施して平滑性を高めたコート紙、表面性の粗いボンド紙、加色された加色PPC用紙がある。これらの記録材Pを分類するための記録材判別表の一例である。 In FIG. 9, as an example of the recording material P, there is a PPC (paper chromatography) paper used in a general printer, a copying machine or the like. Furthermore, there are coated paper whose surface has been subjected to various coatings to improve smoothness, bond paper with rough surface properties, and added colored PPC paper. It is an example of a recording material discrimination table for classifying these recording materials P.
図9は縦軸が記録材Pの判別領域6の全体光量で、横軸が記録材Pの表面粗さである。PPC用紙、コート紙、ボンド紙、加色PPC用紙は図9に示す二次元マップ上でそれぞれの領域が分離されて重ならないように配置される。 In FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the total amount of light in the discrimination region 6 of the recording material P, and the horizontal axis represents the surface roughness of the recording material P. PPC paper, coated paper, bond paper, and additive color PPC paper are arranged on the two-dimensional map shown in FIG.
本実施形態では、前記ステップS106で得られた記録材Pの判別領域6の全体光量と、前記ステップS108で抽出した記録材Pの判別領域6内の記録材Pの表面粗さとを図9に示す二次元マップ上にマークする。すると、PPC用紙、コート紙、ボンド紙、加色PPC用紙、或いはそれ以外の各領域に入ってくる。これにより、記録材Pの種類の判別を行なうことが出来る。 In the present embodiment, the total light amount of the discrimination region 6 of the recording material P obtained in step S106 and the surface roughness of the recording material P in the discrimination region 6 of the recording material P extracted in step S108 are shown in FIG. Mark on the 2D map shown. Then, it enters the PPC paper, coated paper, bond paper, added PPC paper, or other areas. Thereby, the type of the recording material P can be determined.
その後、ステップS110において、制御部10は画像形成装置9が次の画像形成動作を継続するか否かの判断を行なう。引き続き画像形成動作を継続する場合は、記録材判別装置50により判別した記録材Pが搬送され、記録材Pが記録材判別装置50の搬送面50bと反射部材51との間を通過した後に前記ステップS105へ戻って処理を再開する。 Thereafter, in step S110, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the image forming apparatus 9 continues the next image forming operation. When the image forming operation is continued, the recording material P discriminated by the recording material discriminating device 50 is conveyed, and after the recording material P passes between the conveying surface 50b of the recording material discriminating device 50 and the reflecting member 51, the recording material P is conveyed. Returning to step S105, the processing is resumed.
画像形成動作を終了する場合は、ステップS111に進んで撮像素子43への駆動を停止し、光源41を消灯する。そして、ステップS112で記録材判別装置50の動作を停止させる。以上が記録材Pの種類を判別する一連の処理となる。 When ending the image forming operation, the process proceeds to step S111, the drive to the image sensor 43 is stopped, and the light source 41 is turned off. In step S112, the operation of the recording material discrimination device 50 is stopped. The above is a series of processes for determining the type of the recording material P.
以上のように、記録材Pの搬送タイミングを検知する検知手段を別途設けることなく、記録材判別装置50により搬送されてくる記録材Pの先端部P1を検知し、その後、記録材Pの表面性を測定して該記録材Pの種類を判別することが出来る。 As described above, the front end portion P1 of the recording material P conveyed by the recording material discriminating device 50 is detected without separately providing a detection means for detecting the conveyance timing of the recording material P, and then the surface of the recording material P is detected. The type of the recording material P can be determined by measuring the properties.
また、反射部材51の暗色乱反射部53にて記録材Pの表面性を検知する。これにより、光透過性の記録材Pを透過した光の反射成分を吸収することで記録材Pの表面粗さを正確に検知し、記録材Pの種類の判別精度を更に向上させることが出来る。 Further, the surface property of the recording material P is detected by the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 of the reflecting member 51. Accordingly, the surface roughness of the recording material P can be accurately detected by absorbing the reflection component of the light transmitted through the light-transmissive recording material P, and the discrimination accuracy of the type of the recording material P can be further improved. .
本実施形態では、図3に示すように、反射部材51の明色乱反射部54a,54bの外径直径と、暗色乱反射部53の外径直径とが等しい寸法を有する構成とした。他に、反射部材51の摩耗や汚れ対策のために、反射部材51の明色乱反射部54a,54bの外径直径と、暗色乱反射部53の外径直径とが互いに異なる寸法を有する凹凸の外周表面で構成しても良い。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the outer diameter diameter of the light color irregular reflection portions 54 a and 54 b of the reflecting member 51 and the outer diameter diameter of the dark color irregular reflection portion 53 are equal in size. In addition, in order to prevent wear and contamination of the reflecting member 51, the outer circumference of the irregularities in which the outer diameter diameter of the bright color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b of the reflecting member 51 and the outer diameter diameter of the dark irregular reflection portion 53 are different from each other. You may comprise on the surface.
また、本実施形態では、反射部材51を記録材Pに当接して回転軸52を中心に回転可能なローラ状の従動回転体からなる構成とした。他に、記録材判別装置50の搬送面50bに対して所定の離間間隔を有して対向する基準板構造であっても良い。更に、記録材判別装置50の搬送面50bに対して所定の押圧力で押圧されるシート状の押し当て部材で構成しても良い。 Further, in the present embodiment, the reflecting member 51 is made of a roller-like driven rotating body that abuts on the recording material P and can rotate around the rotating shaft 52. In addition, a reference plate structure that faces the conveyance surface 50b of the recording material determination device 50 with a predetermined separation interval may be used. Furthermore, a sheet-like pressing member that is pressed against the conveying surface 50b of the recording material discrimination device 50 with a predetermined pressing force may be used.
本実施形態では、記録材判別装置50の搬送面50bに対向して、白色等の明色領域となる明色乱反射部54a,54b、黒色等の暗色領域となる暗色乱反射部53等の二種類以上の大きく乱反射率の異なる配色を施した反射部材51を配置する。 In the present embodiment, two types, such as light color irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b that become a light color region such as white, and a dark color irregular reflection portion 53 that becomes a dark color region such as black, face the conveyance surface 50b of the recording material discrimination device 50. The reflecting member 51 having the above-described color scheme with a large irregular reflectance is provided.
更に、搬送されてくる記録材Pに対して、反射部材51の幅方向全域には、ラインセンサ等の撮像素子43を配置して搬送されてくる記録材Pの表面性の測定を行なう。 Further, the surface property of the recording material P to be conveyed is measured by disposing an imaging element 43 such as a line sensor over the entire width direction of the reflecting member 51 with respect to the recording material P being conveyed.
これにより、記録材Pの搬送面50bに対するばたつきを規制することが出来る。また、別途、記録材検知センサを設けることなく、二種類以上の大きく乱反射率の異なる配色を施した反射部材51へ搬送されてくるあらゆる種類の記録材Pの先端部P1の搬送タイミングを検知することが出来る。 Thereby, fluttering of the recording material P with respect to the conveyance surface 50b can be regulated. Further, without providing a recording material detection sensor, the conveyance timing of the leading end portion P1 of all types of recording material P conveyed to the reflecting member 51 having two or more types of colors having different diffuse reflectances is detected. I can do it.
更に、記録材Pの先端部P1の搬送タイミングを検知出来るので、その先端部P1の通過タイミングを検知した後に記録材Pの表面性を測定し、種類を判別する。これにより、記録材Pの先端部P1の通過から非常に短い搬送距離で記録材Pの表面性の判別が実施出来る。 Furthermore, since the conveyance timing of the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P can be detected, the surface property of the recording material P is measured after detecting the passing timing of the leading end portion P1, and the type is determined. Thereby, the surface property of the recording material P can be determined with a very short conveying distance from the passage of the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P.
また、記録材Pの種類を判別するラインセンサ等の撮像素子43の撮像領域43aの中で、記録材Pの種類を該記録材Pの表面性により判別する撮像素子43の撮像領域43aについては黒色等の乱反射率の低い暗色乱反射部53を配置する。 In addition, regarding the imaging region 43a of the imaging element 43 that determines the type of the recording material P based on the surface property of the recording material P in the imaging region 43a of the imaging element 43 such as a line sensor that determines the type of the recording material P. A dark irregular reflection portion 53 having a low irregular reflectance such as black is disposed.
反射部材51の黒色等の乱反射率の低い暗色乱反射部53を用いて記録材Pの表面性を測定する。これにより、記録材P表面の陰影を正確に撮像することが可能となり、記録材Pの種類の判別精度の安定性が向上する。 The surface property of the recording material P is measured using the dark irregular reflection portion 53 having a low irregular reflectance such as black of the reflection member 51. As a result, it is possible to accurately capture the shadow on the surface of the recording material P, and the stability of the discrimination accuracy of the type of the recording material P is improved.
反射部材51の記録材Pの種類の判別に用いない撮像領域43aについては、白色等の乱反射率の高い明色乱反射部54a,54bを配置する。 For the imaging region 43a that is not used to determine the type of the recording material P of the reflecting member 51, light-colored irregular reflection portions 54a and 54b having a high irregular reflectance such as white are arranged.
記録材Pが搬送される直前まで反射部材51の少なくとも二種類以上の乱反射率の大きく異なる配色部分のそれぞれに対してラインセンサ等の撮像素子43により撮像する。そして、二種類以上の異なる乱反射率を有する反射部材51へ搬送されてくるあらゆる記録材Pの先端部P1を、反射部材51からの乱反射光44の乱反射比率の変化を撮像素子43でリアルタイムに検知する。 Until at least immediately before the recording material P is conveyed, at least two kinds of color arrangement portions having greatly different diffuse reflectances of the reflecting member 51 are imaged by the image sensor 43 such as a line sensor. Then, the change in the irregular reflection ratio of the irregularly reflected light 44 from the reflecting member 51 is detected in real time by the imaging element 43 at the leading end P1 of any recording material P conveyed to the reflecting member 51 having two or more different irregular reflectances. To do.
記録材Pの先端部P1を検知した後は、記録材P表面を撮像素子43により詳細に撮像し、記録材Pの表面性を判別することで記録材Pの種類を判別する。 After detecting the front end portion P1 of the recording material P, the surface of the recording material P is imaged in detail by the imaging element 43, and the type of the recording material P is determined by determining the surface property of the recording material P.
また、記録材判別装置50を画像形成装置9に搭載し、記録材P表面の種類の判別結果に応じて画像形成装置9の画像形成条件を制御することで、常に良好な画質の印刷物を得ることが出来る。 Further, the recording material discriminating apparatus 50 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 9 and the image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus 9 are controlled according to the discrimination result of the type of the recording material P surface, so that a printed matter with a good image quality is always obtained. I can do it.
次に、図11及び図12を用いて、本発明に係る記録材判別装置を備えた画像形成装置の第2実施形態の構成について説明する。尚、前記第1実施形態と同様に構成したものは同一の符号を付して説明を省略する。 Next, the configuration of the second embodiment of the image forming apparatus provided with the recording material discrimination device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, what was comprised similarly to the said 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.
図11に本実施形態の記録材判別装置70の一例を示す。図11(a)は記録材判別装置70を記録材Pの搬送方向aに対して横から見た断面図である。図11(b)は記録材判別装置70を上から見た平面図である。尚、図11(b)では、光源61L,61Rや撮像素子63等の位置を分かり易くするために上部のフタ部を一部透視して示している。 FIG. 11 shows an example of the recording material discrimination device 70 of the present embodiment. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of the recording material discriminating device 70 as viewed from the side with respect to the conveyance direction a of the recording material P. FIG. 11B is a plan view of the recording material discrimination device 70 as viewed from above. In FIG. 11 (b), a part of the upper lid portion is shown in a transparent manner for easy understanding of the positions of the light sources 61L and 61R, the image sensor 63, and the like.
本実施形態の記録材判別装置70は、LEDチップを基板65の上面に面実装した光源61L,61Rを二個用いて構成している。光源61L,61Rは記録材P表面に対して光66L,66Rを斜めに照射する光照射手段である。 The recording material discriminating apparatus 70 of the present embodiment is configured by using two light sources 61L and 61R in which LED chips are surface-mounted on the upper surface of the substrate 65. The light sources 61L and 61R are light irradiation means for irradiating light 66L and 66R obliquely to the surface of the recording material P.
光学装置本体70a内の基板65の上面に設置されたLEDチップからなる光源61L,61Rから光路64L,64Rに設けられた反射部68L,68Rを介してカバー部材7の内部に光66L,66Rを照射する。そして、図11の搬送方向aに移動する記録材Pの下面に向けてカバー部材7を透過した光66L,66Rを該記録材Pの下面に対して10°〜15°程度の浅い角度で照明する。 Lights 66L and 66R are supplied to the inside of the cover member 7 from the light sources 61L and 61R made of LED chips installed on the upper surface of the substrate 65 in the optical device main body 70a through the reflecting portions 68L and 68R provided in the optical paths 64L and 64R. Irradiate. Then, the light 66L, 66R transmitted through the cover member 7 toward the lower surface of the recording material P moving in the transport direction a in FIG. 11 is illuminated at a shallow angle of about 10 ° to 15 ° with respect to the lower surface of the recording material P. To do.
反射部68L,68Rは、前記第1実施形態と同様に、ガラス板やアクリル板のような板材表面に反射膜等を形成したものでも良い。また、例えば、東レ株式会社製のPET基材にアルミニウム蒸着を施したメタルミー(登録商標)等の反射率が高いシート材を両面テープ等で光路64L,64Rの壁面に接着したものでも良い。また、偏向器部をハウジングの一部に凸部を形成し、反射面を蒸着等で形成する方法であっても良い。 As in the first embodiment, the reflecting portions 68L and 68R may be formed by forming a reflecting film or the like on the surface of a plate material such as a glass plate or an acrylic plate. Further, for example, a sheet material having a high reflectivity such as Metal Me (registered trademark) obtained by vapor-depositing aluminum on a PET substrate manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc. may be bonded to the wall surfaces of the optical paths 64L and 64R with a double-sided tape or the like. Moreover, the method of forming a convex part in a part of housing and forming a reflective surface by vapor deposition etc. may be sufficient as a deflector part.
記録材Pの下面に反射した乱反射光75がロッドレンズアレイからなる集光素子62で集光され、基板65の上面に設置されたCMOSラインセンサからなる撮像素子63により記録材Pの下面の表面性状が撮像される。 The irregularly reflected light 75 reflected on the lower surface of the recording material P is collected by a condensing element 62 made of a rod lens array, and the surface of the lower surface of the recording material P is picked up by an imaging device 63 made of a CMOS line sensor installed on the upper surface of the substrate 65. Properties are imaged.
集光素子62は光源61L,61Rから照射された光66L,66Rが記録材P表面に反射した乱反射光75を受光して結像する結像手段を構成する。撮像素子63は集光素子62により結像された乱反射光像を電気信号に変換して出力する撮像手段を構成する。 The condensing element 62 constitutes image forming means for receiving and imaging the irregularly reflected light 75 reflected by the light 66L, 66R irradiated from the light sources 61L, 61R on the surface of the recording material P. The imaging element 63 constitutes an imaging means that converts the irregularly reflected light image formed by the condenser element 62 into an electrical signal and outputs it.
カバー部材7の表面及び記録材P表面に反射した正反射光は、光トラップ部67へ入射されて該光トラップ部67の中で自己減衰させられる。これにより、撮像素子63への迷光を防止する。 The specularly reflected light reflected on the surface of the cover member 7 and the surface of the recording material P is incident on the light trap portion 67 and is self-attenuated in the light trap portion 67. Thereby, stray light to the image sensor 63 is prevented.
本実施形態の光トラップ部67は単純な溝として構成した。他に、前記第1実施形態と同様に、カバー部材7の表面及び記録材Pの下面で反射した正反射光の減衰率がより高くなるように例えば断面三角形状で光トラップ部67を構成しても良い。また、光トラップ部67に光吸収材を設けても良い。 The optical trap portion 67 of this embodiment is configured as a simple groove. In addition, similarly to the first embodiment, the light trap portion 67 is formed in, for example, a triangular cross section so that the attenuation rate of the regular reflection light reflected by the surface of the cover member 7 and the lower surface of the recording material P is higher. May be. Further, a light absorbing material may be provided in the light trap portion 67.
反射部材71は記録材Pの搬送性を向上させると共に、該記録材Pの搬送ばたつきを抑制している。反射部材71は光源61L,61Rからの光66L,66Rを記録材Pへ照射する部位で該記録材Pに対して光源61L,61R及び集光素子62と反対側に配置される。更に、該光源61L,61Rから照射された光66L,66Rを反射してその乱反射光75を集光素子62に導く乱反射率が異なる複数色の反射手段を構成する。 The reflection member 71 improves the transportability of the recording material P and suppresses the fluttering of the recording material P. The reflecting member 71 is disposed at the opposite side of the recording material P from the light sources 61L and 61R and the condensing element 62 at a portion where the recording materials P are irradiated with the light 66L and 66R from the light sources 61L and 61R. Further, a plurality of color reflecting means having different diffuse reflectances for reflecting the light 66L and 66R irradiated from the light sources 61L and 61R and guiding the irregularly reflected light 75 to the light collecting element 62 are configured.
図12は本実施形態の反射部材71の構成を示す。本実施形態では搬送される記録材Pに当接して反射部材71が回転可能に構成される。反射部材71の回転軸72は記録材判別装置70の搬送面70bに対向する位置に図示しない装置フレームに回転自在に軸支されている。反射部材71は記録材判別装置70の搬送面70b側へ0.49N〜0.98N(50gf〜100gf)程度の軽い押圧力により付勢されている。他に、反射部材71の外周面が記録材判別装置70の搬送面70bに対して100μm程度離間して配置される構成でも良い。 FIG. 12 shows a configuration of the reflecting member 71 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the reflecting member 71 is configured to be rotatable in contact with the recording material P being conveyed. The rotating shaft 72 of the reflecting member 71 is rotatably supported by an apparatus frame (not shown) at a position facing the conveyance surface 70b of the recording material discriminating apparatus 70. The reflecting member 71 is biased toward the conveying surface 70b side of the recording material discriminating apparatus 70 by a light pressing force of about 0.49N to 0.98N (50 gf to 100 gf). In addition, a configuration in which the outer peripheral surface of the reflecting member 71 is arranged at a distance of about 100 μm from the conveyance surface 70b of the recording material discriminating apparatus 70 may be employed.
回転軸72は反射部材71の乱反射率が高い白色等の明色領域となる明色乱反射部74と、乱反射率が低い黒色等の暗色領域となる暗色乱反射部73L,73Rとを貫通保持している。 The rotary shaft 72 penetrates and holds a light-colored irregular reflection portion 74 that is a bright color region such as white where the irregular reflection rate of the reflection member 71 is high, and dark color irregular reflection portions 73L and 73R that are dark color regions such as black where the irregular reflection factor is low. Yes.
尚、本実施形態では暗色乱反射部73L,73Rを反射部材71の回転軸72方向の両側に二個配置する。また、明色乱反射部74を反射部材71の回転軸72方向の中央部に一個配置している。他に、これ以上の数の暗色乱反射部73L,73R及び明色乱反射部74を配置しても良い。 In the present embodiment, two dark color irregular reflection portions 73L and 73R are arranged on both sides of the reflection member 71 in the direction of the rotation axis 72. In addition, one bright irregular reflection portion 74 is arranged at the center of the reflecting member 71 in the direction of the rotation axis 72. In addition, a larger number of dark color irregular reflection parts 73L and 73R and bright color irregular reflection parts 74 may be arranged.
また、図12に示す光66L,66Rは反射部68L,68Rにより反射した光66L,66Rの概略照射角度を示す。図12に示す光66La,66Lbの間の領域、及び光66Ra,66Rbの間の領域が光源61L,61Rの光66L,66Rで照射出来る範囲となる。 Also, the lights 66L and 66R shown in FIG. 12 indicate the approximate irradiation angles of the lights 66L and 66R reflected by the reflecting portions 68L and 68R. The region between the light 66La and 66Lb and the region between the light 66Ra and 66Rb shown in FIG. 12 are ranges that can be irradiated with the light 66L and 66R of the light sources 61L and 61R.
また、撮像素子63の撮像領域63aは、図12に示す反射部材71の破線部分で示す範囲となるように光学装置本体70aの基板65上に配置されている。 Further, the imaging region 63a of the imaging element 63 is arranged on the substrate 65 of the optical device body 70a so as to be in a range indicated by a broken line portion of the reflecting member 71 shown in FIG.
そして、反射部材71の回転軸72方向の両側に配置される乱反射率が低い黒色等の暗色領域となる暗色乱反射部73L,73Rのそれぞれの範囲内にある領域69L,69Rの部分は、図11(b)に示すように、回転軸72方向の中央部側に近い。このため光源61L,61Rの光量も高く、かつ平行性の高い光66L,66Rが照射されている。 The portions of the regions 69L and 69R in the respective dark diffuse reflection portions 73L and 73R that are dark regions such as black having a low diffuse reflectance disposed on both sides in the direction of the rotation axis 72 of the reflecting member 71 are shown in FIG. As shown to (b), it is near the center part side of the rotating shaft 72 direction. For this reason, the light sources 61L and 61R have high light quantities and are irradiated with highly parallel light 66L and 66R.
このため反射部材71の暗色乱反射部73L,73Rの領域69L,69Rの部分の乱反射光75を記録材Pの表面性の判別及び白色等の明色の記録材Pの先端部P1の検知に用いる。 For this reason, the irregularly reflected light 75 in the regions 69L and 69R of the dark color irregular reflection portions 73L and 73R of the reflection member 71 is used for discrimination of the surface property of the recording material P and detection of the leading end portion P1 of the bright recording material P such as white. .
また、反射部材71の回転軸72方向の中央部に配置される乱反射率が高い白色等の明色領域となる明色乱反射部74の部分は、図12に示すように、光66La,66Lbの間の照射領域、及び光66Ra,66Rbの間の照射領域から外れた位置にある。このため光源61L,61Rから照射される光量も低く、記録材Pの表面性を判別するためのSN比(信号量(Signal)と雑音量(Noise)との比)も低下する。 Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the portion of the light irregular reflection portion 74, which is a bright color region such as white having a high irregular reflectance, which is disposed in the central portion of the reflecting member 71 in the direction of the rotation axis 72, has light 66La and 66Lb. And an irradiation region between the light 66Ra and 66Rb. For this reason, the amount of light emitted from the light sources 61L and 61R is also low, and the SN ratio (the ratio between the signal amount (Signal) and the noise amount (Noise)) for determining the surface property of the recording material P also decreases.
このため、記録材P表面の詳細な表面性の判別には用いることが出来ない。従って、反射部材71の明色乱反射部74の乱反射光75は、主に光源61L,61Rの光量調整やOHTやコート紙といった正反射率の高い記録材P、または黒色等の暗色の記録材Pの先端部P1の検知のために用いる。 For this reason, it cannot be used for detailed surface property discrimination on the surface of the recording material P. Accordingly, the irregularly reflected light 75 of the bright color irregular reflection portion 74 of the reflecting member 71 mainly adjusts the light amount of the light sources 61L and 61R, the recording material P having a high regular reflectance such as OHT or coated paper, or the dark color recording material P such as black. It is used for detection of the front end portion P1.
本実施形態においても図4に示して前述したように、撮像素子63により撮像された記録材P表面の画像情報から該記録材Pの種類を判別する判別手段となる種類判別部454を有する。更に、撮像素子63により撮像された反射部材71に反射した乱反射光75の変化から、搬送されてくる記録材Pの先端部P1を検知する検知手段となる先端検知部457を有する。 Also in the present embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, there is provided a type discriminating unit 454 that serves as a discriminating unit that discriminates the type of the recording material P from the image information on the surface of the recording material P imaged by the imaging element 63. Further, a tip detection unit 457 serving as a detection unit for detecting the tip part P1 of the recording material P conveyed from the change of the irregularly reflected light 75 reflected on the reflecting member 71 imaged by the imaging element 63 is provided.
先端検知部457は、撮像素子63により撮像された反射部材71の黒色等の暗色領域となる暗色乱反射部73L,73Rの乱反射光75の変化から、搬送されてくる白色等の明色の記録材Pの先端部P1を検知する。また、撮像素子63により撮像された反射部材71の白色等の明色領域となる明色乱反射部74の乱反射光75の変化から、搬送されてくる黒色等の暗色の記録材PまたはOHT等の光透過性を有する記録材Pの先端部P1を検知する。 The leading edge detection unit 457 detects a bright color recording material such as white that is conveyed from a change in the irregular reflection light 75 of the dark color irregular reflection units 73L and 73R that become a dark color region such as black of the reflection member 71 imaged by the imaging element 63. The tip end portion P1 of P is detected. Further, from the change in the irregular reflection light 75 of the bright color irregular reflection portion 74 that becomes a bright color region such as white of the reflection member 71 imaged by the imaging element 63, the dark color recording material P or OHT etc. that is conveyed The front end portion P1 of the recording material P having optical transparency is detected.
更に、種類判別部454により判別された記録材Pの種類情報に基づいて、画像形成装置9の画像形成条件を変更する変更手段となる制御部10を有する。 Further, the image forming apparatus 9 includes a control unit 10 serving as a changing unit that changes the image forming conditions based on the type information of the recording material P determined by the type determining unit 454.
上記構成によれば、記録材判別装置70により、搬送されてくる記録材Pの先端部P1を検知する。これにより、記録材Pの搬送タイミングを検知する検知手段を別途設ける必要が無い。記録材Pの先端部P1を検知した後、更に記録材判別装置70により、記録材Pの表面性を測定して該記録材Pの種類を判別することが出来る。 According to the above configuration, the recording material discrimination device 70 detects the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P being conveyed. Thereby, it is not necessary to separately provide detection means for detecting the conveyance timing of the recording material P. After detecting the leading end portion P1 of the recording material P, the recording material discriminating device 70 can further measure the surface property of the recording material P to discriminate the type of the recording material P.
また、反射部材71の暗色乱反射部73L,73Rに反射した乱反射光75により記録材Pの表面性を検知することが出来る。暗色乱反射部73L,73Rは、光透過性の記録材Pを透過した光の反射成分を吸収する。これにより、記録材Pの表面粗さを正確に検知し、記録材Pの種類の判別精度を更に、向上させることが出来る。 Further, the surface property of the recording material P can be detected by the irregularly reflected light 75 reflected on the dark color irregularly reflecting portions 73L and 73R of the reflecting member 71. The dark irregular reflection portions 73L and 73R absorb the reflection component of the light transmitted through the light-transmissive recording material P. Thereby, the surface roughness of the recording material P can be detected accurately, and the discrimination accuracy of the type of the recording material P can be further improved.
また、本実施形態では、反射部材71の明色乱反射部74の外径直径と、暗色乱反射部73L,73Rの外径直径とが等しくなるように構成した。他に、摩耗や汚れ対策のために、明色乱反射部74の外径直径と、暗色乱反射部73L,73Rの外径直径とが異なるように構成し、反射部材71の外周面を凹凸形状で構成しても良い。 In the present embodiment, the outer diameter diameter of the bright color irregular reflection portion 74 of the reflecting member 71 is configured to be equal to the outer diameter diameter of the dark color irregular reflection portions 73L and 73R. In addition, in order to prevent wear and dirt, the outer diameter of the light irregular reflection portion 74 is different from the outer diameter of the dark irregular reflection portions 73L and 73R, and the outer peripheral surface of the reflection member 71 has an uneven shape. It may be configured.
また、本実施形態では、反射部材71を記録材Pに当接して回転軸72を中心に回転可能なローラ状の従動回転体として構成した。他に、記録材判別装置70の搬送面70bに対して所定の離間間隔を有して対向する基準板構造であっても良い。更に、記録材判別装置70の搬送面70bに対して所定の押圧力で押圧されるシート状の押し当て部材で構成しても良い。他の構成は、前記第1実施形態と同様に構成して同様の効果を得ることが出来る。 Further, in the present embodiment, the reflecting member 71 is configured as a roller-like driven rotating body that abuts on the recording material P and can rotate around the rotation shaft 72. In addition, a reference plate structure that faces the conveyance surface 70b of the recording material discrimination device 70 with a predetermined separation interval may be used. Furthermore, a sheet-like pressing member pressed with a predetermined pressing force against the conveyance surface 70b of the recording material discrimination device 70 may be used. Other configurations can be configured in the same manner as in the first embodiment to obtain the same effects.
P …記録材
41 …光源(光照射手段)
42 …集光素子(結像手段)
43 …撮像素子(撮像手段)
44 …乱反射光
46,46a,46b …光
51 …反射部材(反射手段)
454 …種類判別部(判別手段)
457 …先端検知部(検知手段)
P: Recording material
41 ... Light source (light irradiation means)
42… Condensing element (imaging means)
43 Image sensor (imaging means)
44… diffuse reflection
46, 46a, 46b ... light
51 ... Reflective member
454 ... Type discriminator (discriminating means)
457 ... tip detection part (detection means)
Claims (4)
前記光照射手段から照射された光が記録材表面に反射した乱反射光を受光して結像する結像手段と、
前記光照射手段からの光を記録材へ照射する部位で該記録材に対して前記光照射手段及び前記結像手段と反対側に配置され、前記光照射手段から照射された光を反射してその乱反射光を前記結像手段に導く乱反射率が異なる複数色の反射手段と、
前記結像手段により結像された乱反射光像を電気信号に変換して出力する撮像手段と、
前記撮像手段により撮像された記録材表面の画像情報から記録材の種類を判別する判別手段と、
前記撮像手段により撮像された前記反射手段に反射した乱反射光の変化から、搬送されてくる記録材の先端部を検知する検知手段と、
を有することを特徴とする記録材判別装置。 A light irradiation means for irradiating light obliquely to the surface of the recording material;
Imaging means for receiving and imaging diffusely reflected light reflected from the surface of the recording material by the light irradiated from the light irradiation means;
It is disposed on the opposite side of the recording material from the light irradiating means and the imaging means at a portion where the recording material is irradiated with light from the light irradiating means, and reflects the light emitted from the light irradiating means. A plurality of color reflecting means having different diffuse reflectances for guiding the irregularly reflected light to the imaging means;
Imaging means for converting the diffusely reflected light image formed by the imaging means into an electrical signal and outputting the electrical signal;
Discriminating means for discriminating the type of the recording material from the image information on the surface of the recording material imaged by the imaging means;
Detecting means for detecting the leading end of the conveyed recording material from the change in the irregularly reflected light reflected by the reflecting means imaged by the imaging means;
A recording material discriminating apparatus characterized by comprising:
前記撮像手段により撮像された前記反射手段の暗色領域の乱反射光の変化から、搬送されてくる明色の記録材の先端部を検知し、
前記撮像手段により撮像された前記反射手段の明色領域の乱反射光の変化から、搬送されてくる暗色の記録材または光透過性を有する記録材の先端部を検知することを特徴とする請求項2に記載の記録材判別装置。 The detection means includes
From the change in the irregularly reflected light in the dark color area of the reflecting means imaged by the imaging means, the leading end of the bright recording material being conveyed is detected,
The front end portion of a dark color recording material or a recording material having light transmittance is detected from a change in irregularly reflected light in a light color area of the reflecting means imaged by the imaging means. 2. The recording material discrimination device according to 2.
前記判別手段により判別された記録材の種類情報に基づいて、画像形成条件を変更する変更手段を有することを特徴とする画像形成装置。 It has a recording material discriminating device given in any 1 paragraph of Claims 1-3,
An image forming apparatus comprising: changing means for changing image forming conditions based on the type information of the recording material determined by the determining means.
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