Color measuring device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a color measurement device. If the reflection reference surface is contaminated, an appropriate reflection reference value cannot be obtained, but the maintainability of the reflection reference surface has not been considered in conventional color measurement devices. The color measurement device includes: an opening formed in an opening forming member disposed at the bottom of the device for taking in light sent from a measurement object into the device interior; a light emitting unit that emits measurement light toward the measurement object; an incident light processing unit that processes light incident through the opening; and a shutter unit that can switch between a closed state covering the opening and an open state for color measurement, i.e., an open state in which the opening is opened. In the closed state, a reflection reference surface serving as a reference for reflectance is provided at a position facing the opening. The shutter unit is configured to be able to switch to an exposed state in which the reflection reference surface is exposed to the outside of the device in addition to the closed state and the open state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a color measuring device that performs color measurement based on light emitted from a measurement object. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a color measuring device that performs color measurement based on light emitted from a measurement object has been known. In a color measuring device, for example, there is a color measuring device that causes light emitted from a measurement object to enter a spectroscopic filter, extracts a specified wavelength component through the spectroscopic filter, receives the light with a photodiode, and performs color measurement by detecting the voltage output from the photodiode. In such a color measuring device, an opening is provided on the bottom surface of the device body. If the opening is kept open, dust and the like enter the inside of the device. Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is a case where a member capable of switching between a state of covering the opening and a state of exposing the opening is provided.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the member covering the opening is called a support plate. The support plate is provided so as to be movable between a position covering the measurement window as the opening and a position exposing the measurement window. A white reference tile is provided on the support plate as a reflection reference surface, and in a state where the support plate covers the measurement window, it is configured to be able to obtain a white reference value.

[0004] Patent Document 1: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0328656

[0005] If the reflection reference surface is contaminated, an appropriate reflection reference value cannot be obtained. However, in a conventional color measuring device, the maintainability of the reflection reference surface has not been considered. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The color measuring device of the present invention for solving the above problems is characterized by including: an opening formed in an opening forming member disposed at the bottom of the device for taking in light emitted from a measurement object into the device; a light emitting unit that emits measurement light toward the measurement object; an incident light processing unit that processes light incident through the opening; and a shutter unit that can switch between a closed state of covering the opening and an open state of opening the opening as a state during color measurement. In the closed state, the shutter unit has a reflection reference surface as a reference of reflectance at a position facing the opening, and the shutter unit is provided so as to be able to switch to an exposed state in which the reflection reference surface is exposed to the outside of the device in addition to the closed state and the open state. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the functions of the color measuring device.

[0008] Figure 2It is a cross-sectional view of an optical filter device.

[0009] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the upper surface of a color measuring device.

[0010] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the bottom surface of a color measuring device with the shutter unit in a closed state.

[0011] Figure 5 It is a top view of the upper surface of the color measuring device.

[0012] Figure 6 It is a top view of the bottom surface of a color measuring device with the shutter unit in a closed state.

[0013] Figure 7 It is a top view of the bottom surface of a color measuring device with the shutter unit in an open state.

[0014] Figure 8 It is Figure 6 The A-A cross-sectional view of.

[0015] Figure 9 It is Figure 7 The B-B cross-sectional view of.

[0016] Figure 10 It is a perspective view of the shutter unit.

[0017] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of the bottom surface of a color measuring device with the shutter unit in an open state.

[0018] Figure 12 It is from Figure 11 The figure of the state after removing the second bottom frame from the state of.

[0019] Figure 13 It is to make the shutter unit from Figure 12 The figure of the state after sliding the state of in the +Y direction.

[0020] Figure 14 It is to make the shutter member from Figure 13 The figure of the state after rotating the state of.

[0021] Figure 15 It is Figure 6 The C-C cross-sectional view of.

[0022] Figure 16 It is from Figure 15 The figure of the state after removing the second bottom frame from the state of.

[0023] Figure 17 It is a perspective view of the second bottom frame.

[0024] Figure 18This is a diagram showing the switching of the shutter unit according to another embodiment to the exposure state.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals

[0026] 1: Color measuring device; 1a: Main body component; 2: Incident light processing unit; 3: Optical filter device; 4: Light receiving unit; 4a: Photodiode; 5: PD substrate; 6: Capacitance detection unit; 7: Band-pass filter; 9: Light emitting unit; 10: MCU; 12: Wired IF; 13: Wireless communication unit; 14: Operation unit; 15: Display unit; 16: Battery control unit; 17: Battery; 21: Opening forming member; 21a: Opening; 21c: First lower guide part; 21d: Second lower guide part; 21e: Third lower guide part; 21f: Movement restricting part; 21g: Shutter opposing surface; 21h: Threaded hole; 30: First glass member; 31: Second glass member; 32: Housing; 33: Joining member; 34: Fixing member; 35: Wire bonding; 36: Electrode; 37: Substrate board; 38: Diaphragm substrate; 39: Mirror; 40: Fixed electrode; 41: Movable electrode; 42: Diaphragm part; 43: Bonding film; 45: Wavelength variable interference filter; 49: Bottom second frame; 49a: Overlapping part; 49b: Movement restricting part; 49c: Rib; 49d: Upper guide part; 49e: Screw covering part; 50: Device main body; 50a: Front surface; 50b: Right side surface; 50c: Left side surface; 50d: Rear surface; 50e: Upper surface; 50f: Bottom surface; 50g: Holding part; 51: Main frame; 51a: Front wall part; 51b: Right wall part; 51c: Left wall part; 51d: Rear wall part; 51g: Recess; 52: Upper frame; 53: Bottom first frame; 53c: First upper guide part; 53d: Second upper guide part; 53e: Third upper guide part; 53g: Overlapping part; 53h: Guide groove; 53j: Movement restricting part; 53k: Movement restricting part; 54: OK button; 55: Power button; 56: Return button; 57: Display unit cover; 59: Light emitting unit; 60: Cross button; 61: Up button; 62: Down button; 63: Left button; 64: Right button; 87: Condensing member; 87a: Measurement window part; 110: Shutter unit; 111: Shutter holding member; 111d: Shaft holding part; 111e: Finger hooking edge part; 111f: Finger hooking recess; 111g: Open direction mark; 111h: Close direction mark; 112: Shutter member; 112a: Contact surface; 113: Link member; 114: Connecting shaft; 115: Spring hanging shaft; 117: Torsion spring; 118: Leaf spring; 121: First guide shaft; 122: Second guide shaft; 123: Third guide shaft; 125: White board; 127: Magnet; 128: Shutter sensor; 130: First screw; 131: Washer; 132: Second screw; 133: Nut; 145: Spring support member; 145a: Shaft part; 200: Measurement object. Detailed implementation mode

[0027] Hereinafter, the present invention will be briefly described.

[0028] The colorimetric device according to the first mode is characterized by comprising: an opening formed in an opening forming member disposed at the bottom of the device for taking in light sent from a measurement object into the device interior; a light emitting unit that emits measurement light toward the measurement object; an incident light processing unit that processes the light incident through the opening; and a shutter unit that can switch between a closed state covering the opening and an open state for colorimetric measurement, i.e., an open state in which the opening is opened. In the closed state, a reflection reference surface serving as a reference for reflectance is provided at a position facing the opening. The shutter unit is arranged to be able to switch to an exposed state in which the reflection reference surface is exposed to the outside of the device in addition to the closed state and the open state.

[0029] According to this mode, the shutter unit is arranged to be able to switch to an exposed state in which the reflection reference surface is exposed to the outside of the device in addition to the closed state and the open state, so that the reflection reference surface can be easily maintained, and thus an appropriate reflection reference value can be obtained.

[0030] The second mode is characterized in that, based on the first mode, the shutter unit has: a sliding member that can slide along the bottom surface of the device; and a shutter member that is a member that can slide along the bottom surface together with the sliding member, has the reflection reference surface, and can rotate relative to the sliding member. By rotating the shutter member relative to the sliding member, the shutter unit is switched to the exposed state.

[0031] According to this mode, the shutter unit is switched to the exposed state by rotating the shutter member relative to the sliding member, so that the switching to the exposed state can be performed with a simple structure.

[0032] The third mode is characterized in that, based on the second mode, the shutter member abuts against the bottom surface in the exposed state.

[0033] According to this mode, since it abuts against the bottom surface in the exposed state, the bottom surface can support the shutter member when cleaning the reflection reference surface, and breakage of the shutter unit associated with applying a strong force to the reflection reference surface can be suppressed.

[0034] The fourth mode is characterized in that, based on the second mode or the third mode, the shutter unit switches to the open state by sliding from the closed state in a first direction, and switches to the closed state by sliding from the open state in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The shutter member includes: a boss protruding in a direction intersecting the sliding direction; a bottom first frame constituting the bottom surface; and a bottom second frame, which is a member that together with the bottom first frame constitutes the bottom surface, is located in the second direction with respect to the bottom first frame, and is detachable. In the assembled state, it restricts the rotation of the boss, and allows the rotation of the boss by being detached.

[0035] According to this mode, the protrusion, i.e., the shutter member, has a structure that can rotate by detaching the bottom second frame. In other words, in the state where the bottom second frame is assembled, the rotation of the shutter member is restricted, that is, the switching of the opening and closing unit to the exposed state is restricted. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the shutter unit from accidentally switching to the exposed state, and it is possible to suppress the attachment of dust and the like to the reflection reference surface.

[0036] The fifth mode is characterized in that, based on the fourth mode, the color measuring device includes: a first screw for fixing the bottom second frame; and a second screw for fixing the opening forming member. The second screw is covered by the bottom second frame in the assembled state of the bottom second frame, and is exposed by detaching the bottom second frame.

[0037] According to this mode, there are a first screw for fixing the bottom second frame and a second screw for fixing the opening forming member. The second screw is covered by the bottom second frame in the assembled state of the bottom second frame, and is exposed by detaching the bottom second frame. Therefore, when detaching the bottom second frame, it is possible to suppress accidentally detaching the second screw.

[0038] The sixth mode is characterized in that, based on the fourth mode or the fifth mode, in the state where the bottom second frame is assembled, the bottom first frame and the bottom second frame constitute the periphery of the bottom surface, and the bottom first frame and the bottom second frame overlap alternately at the connection part.

[0039] According to this mode, the bottom first frame and the bottom second frame overlap alternately at the connection part. Therefore, it is possible to suppress external light from entering the device interior through the connection part, and an appropriate color measurement result can be obtained.

[0040] The seventh mode is characterized in that, based on any one of the second to sixth modes, the shutter unit includes: a shutter holding member that holds the shutter member so that the shutter member can be displaced in a direction approaching and separating from the opening; and a pressing member that presses the shutter member toward the opening.

[0041] According to this mode, since there is a structure in which the shutter member is pressed toward the opening by the pressing member, even if there are manufacturing errors, assembly errors, or wear during use of the components, it is possible to suppress the generation of a gap between the shutter member and the opening due to the shutter member being pressed toward the opening. As a result, it is possible to satisfactorily suppress the intrusion of dust and the like into the opening.

[0042] The eighth mode is characterized in that, based on any one of the first to seventh modes, the incident light processing unit has: a wavelength-variable optical filter that transmits a specified wavelength component of the incident light; and a light receiving unit that receives the light that has passed through the optical filter.

[0043] According to this mode, in the structure where the incident light processing unit includes a wavelength-variable optical filter that transmits a specified wavelength component of the incident light and a light receiving unit that receives the light that has passed through the optical filter, the effects of any one of the first to seventh modes described above can be obtained.

[0044] The ninth mode is characterized in that, based on the eighth mode, the optical filter is a Fabry - Perot etalon.

[0045] According to this mode, in the structure where the optical filter is a Fabry - Perot etalon, the effects of the eighth mode described above are obtained.

[0046] Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described.

[0047] In addition, the X - Y - Z coordinate system shown in each figure is an orthogonal coordinate system, the X - Y plane is a horizontal plane, and the Y - Z plane is a vertical plane.

[0048] In addition, the Z - axis direction is the vertical direction, which is the device height direction intersecting the upper surface 50e and the bottom surface 50f of the color measuring device 1. In addition, the Y - axis direction is a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction, and when observing the color measuring device 1 from the vertical direction, it is the long side direction of the device. In addition, the Y - axis direction is the sliding direction of the shutter unit 110 described later, and the - Y direction in the Y - axis direction is an example of the first direction in which the shutter unit 110 in the closed state slides toward the open state. In addition, the + Y direction is an example of the second direction in which the shutter unit 110 in the open state slides toward the closed state.

[0049] In addition, the X-axis direction is orthogonal to the Y-axis direction and is the short side direction of the color measurement device 1 when viewed from the vertical direction.

[0050] In this specification, regarding the structure of the color measurement device 1, the case where the bottom surface 50f is placed on a placement surface parallel to the horizontal plane and the long side direction of the color measurement device 1 is along the Y-axis direction will be described.

[0051] Overall structure of the color measurement device 1

[0052] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 to describe the overall structure of the color measurement device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0053] The color measurement device 1 has a structure for performing color measurement based on the light emitted from the measurement object 200. As the light emitted from the measurement object 200, the light reflected by the measurement object 200 and the light emitted by the measurement object 200 itself can be cited.

[0054] The color measurement device 1 includes a band-pass filter 7, an optical filter device 3, a light receiving unit 4, a capacitance detection unit 6, a light emitting unit 9, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 10, a wired IF (Interface) 12, a wireless communication unit 13, an operation unit 14, a display unit 15, a battery control unit 16, and a battery 17.

[0055] In addition, the band-pass filter 7, the optical filter device 3, and the light receiving unit 4 constitute an incident light processing unit 2 for processing the light incident from the measurement object 200.

[0056] The band-pass filter 7 allows the light in the visible light region, for example, light with a wavelength of 380 nm to 720 nm, among the light incident from the measurement object 200 to pass through, and cuts off the light in the ultraviolet light region and the infrared light region. As a result, the light in the visible light region enters the optical filter device 3. In addition, the light sent from the measurement object 200 to the band-pass filter 7 reaches the band-pass filter 7 via the opening 21a and the measurement window 87a (refer to Figure 7 , Figure 11 ).

[0057] The optical filter device 3 selectively transmits any wavelength component from the visible light that has passed through the band-pass filter 7. The light that has passed through the optical filter device 3 is incident on a photodiode 4a, which is an example of a light-receiving element, and is processed by the light-receiving unit 4 that includes the photodiode 4a. The light-receiving unit 4 converts the intensity of the received light into a voltage value, and then into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal to the MCU 10. By repeatedly performing wavelength selection based on the optical filter device 3 and acquisition of the received light intensity using the light-receiving unit 4, the colorimetric device 1 can measure the spectrum of the measurement object 200.

[0058] Here, the structure of the optical filter device 3 will be described with reference to Figure 2 In the present embodiment, the optical filter device 3 is a wavelength-variable Fabry-Perot etalon that transmits a specified wavelength component from the light incident from the measurement object 200, and is a wavelength filter that utilizes multiple interference of two opposed reflecting surfaces.

[0059] In Figure 2 , the optical filter device 3 includes a wavelength-variable interference filter 45, and the wavelength-variable interference filter 45 is built inside a housing composed of a first glass member 30, a second glass member 31, and a housing 32.

[0060] The housing 32 is joined to the first glass member 30 and the housing 32 is joined to the second glass member 31 by joining members 33 such as low-melting-point glass and epoxy resin. In addition, the wavelength-variable interference filter 45 and the housing 32 are fixed by a fixing material 34 such as an adhesive. The electrode 36 on the outer surface of the housing 32 and the wavelength-variable interference filter 45 are electrically connected through a wire bonding 35 and wiring inside the housing 32.

[0061] The wavelength-variable interference filter 45 includes a base substrate 37 and a diaphragm substrate 38. The base substrate 37 and the diaphragm substrate 38 are joined by a joining film 43. Reflective mirrors 39 are formed on the base substrate 37 and the diaphragm substrate 38, respectively. The outermost surfaces of the opposed reflective mirrors 39 are formed of a conductor. Moreover, the capacitance between the opposed reflective mirrors 39 is detected by a capacitance detection unit 6 (refer to Figure 1 ). The capacitance detection unit 6 is composed of a CV (Capacitance to Voltage) converter, converts the detected capacitance into a voltage value, and then into a digital value, and sends it to the MCU 10.

[0062] The distance between the opposed reflective mirrors 39 is controlled by an electrostatic actuator that is formed by opposed fixed electrodes 40 and movable electrodes 41 that are concentric circles when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0063] When a voltage is applied between the opposed fixed electrode 40 and the movable electrode 41, a force that attracts the fixed electrode 40 and the movable electrode 41 to each other is generated due to the electrostatic force. At this time, the diaphragm portion 42 formed in a concentric circle shape deforms, and the mirror 39 of the diaphragm substrate 38 is pulled closer to the base substrate 37 side, and the distance between the opposed mirrors 39 is controlled. Also, the wavelength of the light passing through the wavelength-variable interference filter 45 is selected corresponding to the distance between the opposed mirrors 39.

[0064] At the time of spectroscopic measurement, light from the measurement object 200 is incident on the optical filter device 3 from the second glass member 31 side toward the first glass member 30 side along the optical axis CL. Further, the optical axis CL is parallel to the Z-axis direction and becomes a line passing through the centers of the opening 21a (see Figure 7 , Figure 11 ), the measurement window portion 87a (see Figure 7 , Figure 11 ), the wavelength-variable interference filter 45, and the photodiode 4a (see Figure 1 ). In particular, the opening 21a, the measurement window portion 87a, and the wavelength-variable interference filter 45 are circular when viewed from the Z-axis direction, and the optical axis CL passes through their centers. Further, the optical axis CL may sometimes be referred to as the center position CL below.

[0065] Moreover, the light incident on the optical filter device 3 interferes between the opposed mirrors 39, and the light having a wavelength selected corresponding to the distance between the opposed mirrors 39 passes through the wavelength-variable interference filter 45. The light passing through the wavelength-variable interference filter 45 passes through the first glass member 30 and heads toward the light-receiving portion 4.

[0066] The above is the structure of the optical filter device 3.

[0067] Returning to Figure 1 , the MCU10, which is an example of a control unit that performs various controls of the colorimetric device 1, is a control device based on a microprocessor and has a memory in which various programs and various data required for controlling the colorimetric device 1 are stored.

[0068] The MCU10 sends the control information required for driving the electrostatic actuator constituted by opposing the fixed electrode 40 and the movable electrode 41, which will be described with reference to Figure 2 , to an amplifier (not shown), and supplies a prescribed driving voltage from this amplifier to the optical filter device 3. Further, the MPU10 compares the information related to the voltage value output from the electrostatic capacitance detection unit 6 with the stored value, and performs feedback control of the optical filter device 3 based on this.

[0069] The light-emitting unit 9 emits measurement light toward the measurement object 200. The light-emitting unit 9 is composed of a plurality of light-emitting elements with different wavelength distributions of emitted light, specifically, a plurality of LEDs. The MCU 10 controls the lighting and extinguishing of the light-emitting unit 9.

[0070] The wired IF 12 and the wireless communication unit 13 are components for communicating with external devices. In the standard for communication via the wired IF 12, as an example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) can be adopted. Additionally, in the standard of the wireless communication unit 13, as an example, Bluetooth can be adopted. USB and Bluetooth are registered trademarks. The MCU 10 sends various data to external devices via the wired IF 12 or the wireless communication unit 13 and receives various data from external devices. Moreover, the color measurement device 1 can charge the battery 17 by receiving power supply from an external device via the wired IF 12.

[0071] The operation unit 14 is composed of a power button and various operation setting buttons and sends a signal corresponding to the operation to the MCU 10. The operation unit 14 will be further described later.

[0072] As an example, the display unit 15 is composed of a liquid crystal panel and displays various information such as a user interface for setting color measurement conditions and color measurement results based on signals sent from the MCU 10.

[0073] The shutter sensor 128 that sends a detection signal to the MCU 10 is an example of a position detection unit for detecting the position of the shutter unit 110 described later. In the present embodiment, it is composed of a magnetic sensor that changes the detection signal according to the intensity of magnetism. The shutter sensor 128 is provided on the lower surface of a circuit board (not shown) and sends a signal corresponding to the change in magnetic force based on the distance from the magnet 127 (refer to Figure 10 ) provided in the shutter unit 110 to the MCU 10. The MCU 10 can detect whether the shutter unit 110 is in a closed state or an open state based on the signal received from the shutter sensor 128.

[0074] The battery 17 is a lithium-ion secondary battery in the present embodiment and supplies power to each component part that requires power in the color measurement device 1. The component parts that receive power supply from the battery 17 include the incident light processing unit 2 described later. The battery control unit 16 performs various controls such as charging control of the battery 17.

[0075] The external structure of the color measurement device 1

[0076] Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 7 the external structure of the color measurement device 1 will be described.

[0077] The apparatus main body 50 of the color measuring apparatus 1 is configured such that its overall outer contour is box-shaped by a main frame 51, an upper frame 52, a bottom first frame 53, and a bottom second frame 49. In the present embodiment, the main frame 51, the upper frame 52, the bottom first frame 53, and the bottom second frame 49 are formed of a resin material.

[0078] In each figure, reference numeral 50a denotes the side surface of the apparatus main body 50 in the +Y direction, which will hereinafter be referred to as the front surface 50a. Further, reference numeral 50b (see Figure 6 ) denotes the side surface of the apparatus main body 50 in the +X direction, which will hereinafter be referred to as the right side surface 50b. Further, reference numeral 50c denotes the side surface of the apparatus main body 50 in the -X direction, which will hereinafter be referred to as the left side surface 50c. Further, reference numeral 50d denotes the side surface of the apparatus main body 50 in the -Y direction, which will hereinafter be referred to as the rear surface 50d.

[0079] In addition, in the present specification, the terms "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" are used based on the directions as observed by the user of the color measuring apparatus 1 when the user holds the apparatus with the upper surface 50e as the upper side and the rear surface 50d as the front side.

[0080] In Figures 3 to 6 , the front surface 50a is formed by the front wall portion 51a of the main frame 51, the right side surface 50b is formed by the right wall portion 51b of the main frame 51, the left side surface 50c is formed by the left wall portion 51c of the main frame 51, and the rear surface 50d is formed by the rear wall portion 51d of the main frame 51.

[0081] Further, reference numeral 50e denotes the surface of the apparatus main body 50 in the +Z direction, which will hereinafter be referred to as the upper surface 50e. Further, reference numeral 50f denotes the surface of the apparatus main body 50 in the -Z direction, which will hereinafter be referred to as the bottom surface 50f.

[0082] An operation unit 14 and a display unit 15 are arranged along the Y-axis direction on the upper surface 50e of the apparatus main body 50.

[0083] The operation unit 14 is configured to include a power button 55, a determination button 54, a return button 56, and a cross button 60. The cross button 60 is composed of an upper button 61, a lower button 62, a left button 63, and a right button 64. In the color measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, all the operation buttons are arranged on the upper surface 50e and are gathered in the operation unit 14.

[0084] The power button 55 is a button for turning on / off the power supply of the color measuring device 1. In addition, the OK button 54 is a button for determining various settings displayed on the display unit 15, that is, a button for determining the color measurement conditions, and is also a button for performing color measurement and obtaining the reflection reference value described later. The OK button 54 has a perfect circular shape when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0085] A light-emitting portion 59 having an annular shape is formed around the OK button 54, and the light-emitting color and light-emitting state change according to the state of the device.

[0086] The return button 56 is a button for returning to the previous state in the user interface displayed on the display unit 15, and is also a button for canceling the execution of an operation.

[0087] The cross button 60 is a button for selecting various items in the user interface displayed on the display unit 15.

[0088] Various information such as the color measurement result is displayed on the display unit 15. In the present embodiment, the display unit 15 is constituted by a liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display) 67. Hereinafter, the liquid crystal display 67 is simply referred to as LCD 67. A display unit cover 57 as a transparent member is provided on the upper part of the LCD 67, and a part of the upper surface 50e is formed by the display unit cover 57.

[0089] In the present embodiment, it is configured such that there is almost no step between the upper surface of the display unit cover 57 and the upper surface of the operation unit 14. Accordingly, the upper surface 50e is configured as a flat surface that is almost free of steps as a whole. However, the upper surface of the OK button 54 is slightly recessed and formed into a shape that conforms to the fingertip of a user pressing the OK button 54.

[0090] As Figure 5 shown, the color measuring device 1 has a portion where the opening 21a overlaps with the operation unit 14 when viewed from the Z-axis direction. Accordingly, when the user aligns the opening 21a with the measurement site of the measurement object 200 (refer to Figure 1 ), alignment can be performed based on the position of the operation unit 14, that is, the opening 21a can be aligned with the measurement site with a simple structure.

[0091] In particular, the color measuring device 1 is configured to be handheld. When the user operates the operation unit 14 with a fingertip, the position of the fingertip is close to the position of the opening 21a, and thus it is easy to intuitively determine the position of the opening 21a.

[0092] In addition, particularly in the present embodiment, when viewed from the Z-axis direction, the center position of the opening 21a coincides with the center position of the OK button 54.

[0093] Accordingly, the opening 21a can be more accurately aligned with the measurement site.

[0094] In addition, the operation unit 14 is configured to have a power button 55 and all the buttons related to measurement on the upper surface 50e. Accordingly, it is possible to easily visually confirm the power button 55 and all the buttons related to measurement, and the operation of the device can be easily performed.

[0095] In addition, the upper surface 50e including the operation unit 14 is formed in a flat shape. Accordingly, even when placed with the upper surface 50e facing downwards, it can be stably placed.

[0096] Next, as Figure 4 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 shown, a shutter unit 110 is provided on the bottom surface 50f. Figure 4 and Figure 6 show the closed state of the shutter unit 110, and Figure 7 and Figure 11 show the open state of the shutter unit 110. The shutter unit 110 can switch between the closed state and the open state by sliding along the Y-axis direction, that is, along the bottom surface 50f. More specifically, by sliding in the -Y direction from the Figure 4 , Figure 6 shown closed state, it is switched to the open state. In addition, by sliding in the +Y direction from the Figure 7 , Figure 11 shown open state, it is switched to the closed state.

[0097] In addition, the shutter unit 110 is configured to be able to maintain the closed state and the open state, and the detailed content will be described later.

[0098] By opening the shutter unit 110, as Figure 7 , Figure 11 shown, the opening 21a and the measurement window portion 87a are exposed. The opening 21a and the measurement window portion 87a are open on the bottom surface 50f of the device. It should be noted that the opening here means introducing light, for example, it means that a transparent glass plate can be provided.

[0099] The opening 21a is formed in an opening forming member 21 disposed at the bottom of the device, and the measurement window portion 87a is formed in a condensing member 87 located in the +Z direction with respect to the opening forming member 21. The measurement light emitted from the light emitting unit 9 is emitted from the opening 21a toward the measurement object 200. Then, the light coming from the measurement object 200 is taken into the device through the opening 21a, and then enters the incident light processing unit 2 through the measurement window portion 87a.

[0100] In addition, as Figure 5 , Figure 7As shown, the central position CL coincides with the central positions of the opening portion 21a and the measurement window portion 87a. In addition, the straight line VCL is a straight line parallel to the Y-axis direction and is a straight line passing through the central position CL when viewed from the Z-axis direction. In addition, the straight line HCL is a straight line parallel to the X-axis direction and is a straight line passing through the central position CL when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the central position CL coincides with the central position of the determination button 54 in the X-Y plane and also coincides with the central position of the cross button 60.

[0102] As Figure 5 shown, the power button 55 and the return button 56 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line VCL on the left and right.

[0103] As Figure 3 shown, a grip portion 50g is formed on the left side surface 50c of the device main body 50. The grip portion 50g is constituted by a concave portion 51g formed on the left wall portion 51c of the main frame 51. The concave portion 51g is formed by a curved surface that faces the center in the X-axis direction of the device main body 50 as it faces the -Z direction. Although not shown, a similar grip portion 50g is also formed on the right side surface 50b of the device main body 50. By providing such a grip portion 50g, the user can easily and reliably grip the device main body 50.

[0104] Structure of the shutter unit

[0105] Next, the shutter unit 110 provided at the bottom of the device main body 50 will be described. As Figure 10 shown, the shutter unit 110 is a unit body configured to include a shutter holding member 111, a shutter member 112, and a link member 113 as an example of a sliding member. In the present embodiment, the shutter holding member 111, the shutter member 112, and the link member 113 are formed of a resin material.

[0106] The shutter holding member 111 and the link member 113 are connected via two connecting shafts 114 so as to be relatively rotatable. The two connecting shafts 114 are shafts integrally formed with the link member 113 using a resin material. The connecting shaft 114 is supported by a shaft holding portion 111d formed on the shutter holding member 111.

[0107] On the +X-direction and -X-direction side surfaces of the shutter holding member 111, a first guide shaft 121 is integrally formed with the shutter holding member 111. In addition, on the +X-direction and -X-direction side surfaces of the link member 113, a second guide shaft 122 and a third guide shaft 123 are integrally formed with the link member 113.

[0108] Next, as Figure 15As shown, in the opening forming member 21, at the end in the +X direction and the end in the -X direction, a first lower guide portion 21c, a second lower guide portion 21d, and a third lower guide portion 21e are formed along the Y-axis direction. Among them, the first lower guide portion 21c and the second lower guide portion 21d are formed in a shape where the end in the -Y direction is bent in the +Z direction toward the -Y direction.

[0109] In the bottom first frame 53, at the end in the +X direction and the end in the -X direction, a first upper guide portion 53c is formed in such a way that a first guide shaft 121 is sandwiched between the first upper guide portion 53c and the above-mentioned first lower guide portion 21c. In addition, in the bottom second frame 49, at the end in the +X direction and the end in the -X direction, an upper guide portion 49d is formed in which the first guide shaft 121 is sandwiched between the upper guide portion 49d and the first lower guide portion 21c.

[0110] Similarly, in the bottom first frame 53, at the end in the +X direction and the end in the -X direction, a second upper guide portion 53d is formed in such a way that a second guide shaft 122 is sandwiched between the second upper guide portion 53d and the above-mentioned second lower guide portion 21d.

[0111] In addition, similarly, in the bottom first frame 53, at the end in the +X direction and the end in the -X direction, a third upper guide portion 53e is formed in such a way that a third guide shaft 123 is sandwiched between the third upper guide portion 53e and the above-mentioned third lower guide portion 21e.

[0112] In this way, the first guide shaft 121, the second guide shaft 122, and the third guide shaft 123 are in a state of being sandwiched between the opening forming member 21, the bottom first frame 53, and the bottom second frame 49 in the Z-axis direction, and are guided in the Y-axis direction by the opening forming member 21, the bottom first frame 53, and the bottom second frame 49.

[0113] Moreover, since the first guide shaft 121 is provided on the shutter holding member 111, the movement locus of the shutter holding member 111 is defined by the first lower guide portion 21c and the first upper guide portion 53c, the first lower guide portion 21c and the upper guide portion 49d, and the connecting shaft 114.

[0114] In addition, since the second guide shaft 122 and the third guide shaft 123 are provided on the link member 113, the movement locus of the link member 113 is defined by the second lower guide portion 21d and the second upper guide portion 53d, the third lower guide portion 21e and the third upper guide portion 53e.

[0115] Note that the movement limit of the shutter unit 110 in the +Y direction, i.e., the closed state, is defined by the abutment of the first guide shaft 121 against the movement restricting portion 49b formed on the bottom second frame 49. In addition, the movement limit of the shutter unit 110 in the -Y direction, i.e., the open state, is defined by the abutment of the first guide shaft 121 against the movement restricting portion 21f formed on the opening forming member 21. In the present embodiment, the second guide shaft 122 and the third guide shaft 123 do not define the movement limit of the shutter unit 110 in the Y direction.

[0116] Next, as Figure 8 , Figure 9 shown, a spring hanging shaft 115 is provided on the device main body 50, and one end of a torsion spring 117, which is an example of a spring member, is rotatably fixed to the spring hanging shaft 115. The front end portion of one end of the torsion spring 117 is formed in a spiral shape so as to allow the spring hanging shaft 115 to pass through. In addition, the spring hanging shaft 115 and the opening forming member 21 are integrally formed of a resin material.

[0117] And, as Figure 10 shown, the other end of the torsion spring 117 is hooked on the shaft portion 145a of the spring support member 145 that constitutes the shutter unit 110. The spring support member 145 is a member assembled to the link member 113.

[0118] Thus, the torsion spring 117 can rotate in the Y-Z plane, in other words, can change its attitude.

[0119] When the shutter unit 110 is in the Figure 8 closed state, the torsion spring 117 applies a pressing force in the +Y direction to the shutter unit 110, whereby the shutter unit 110 is held in the closed state.

[0120] When the shutter unit 110 is displaced from this state to the Figure 9 open state shown, the attitude of the torsion spring 117 changes, and the direction of the force applied by the torsion spring 117 to the shutter unit 110 is switched from the +Y direction to the -Y direction due to this attitude change. Therefore, the shutter unit 110 is held in the open state.

[0121] In addition, as Figure 4 shown, an open direction mark 111g and a closed direction mark 111h are provided on the upper surface of the shutter holding member 111. These marks prompt the user of the operation direction of the shutter unit 110.

[0122] In addition, a finger hooking edge portion 111e is formed at the +Y direction end of the upper surface of the shutter holding member 111. As Figure 8As shown, the finger-hooking edge portion 111e is formed to protrude in the -Z direction more than the bottom second frame 49 when the shutter unit 110 is in the closed state, and to be slightly inclined in the -Z direction toward the +Y direction. Thus, when the user operates the shutter unit 110 from the closed state toward the open state, the finger can be easily hooked on the finger-hooking edge portion 111e, improving the operability.

[0123] In addition, a finger-hooking concave portion 111f is formed at the -Y direction end of the upper surface of the shutter holding member 111. Here, as Figure 9 shown, when the shutter unit 110 is in the open state, the shutter holding member 111 does not protrude in the -Z direction from the bottom surface 50f. However, by forming the finger-hooking concave portion 111f in the shutter holding member 111, when the user operates the shutter unit 110 from the open state toward the closed state, the finger can be hooked on the finger-hooking concave portion 111f, improving the operability.

[0124] Next, as Figure 10 shown, a shutter member 112 is provided on the +Z direction side of the shutter holding member 111. In the shutter member 112, a white plate 125 serving as a reflection reference surface is provided on the +Z direction side. In order to obtain the reflection reference value, the white plate 125 is presented in white with a reflectance close to 100%.

[0125] The white plate 125 is located in the central region in the plane direction of the shutter member 112, that is, in the X-Y plane. Here, the white plate 125 being located in the central region in the plane direction of the shutter member 112 means that the central position in the plane direction of the shutter member 112 is included within the range of the white plate 125. The central position in the plane direction of the shutter member 112 is the central position in the Y-axis direction and the X-axis direction of the shutter member 112, which substantially coincides with the optical axis CL or at least is located near the optical axis CL in the present embodiment.

[0126] The shutter member 112 is provided so as to be displaceable relative to the shutter holding member 111 in the Z-axis direction, that is, in the direction of approaching and separating from the opening 21a. A leaf spring 118 serving as a pressing member for pressing the shutter member 112 toward the +Z direction, that is, the opening 21a, is provided between the shutter member 112 and the shutter holding member 111. In the present embodiment, the leaf springs 118 are arranged at positions substantially equally spaced along the periphery of the white plate 125.

[0127] When the shutter unit 110 is in the closed state, the contact surface 112a of the shutter member 112 is in close contact with the shutter opposing surface 21g due to the pressing force of the leaf spring 118 (refer to Figure 11 ).

[0128] Here, the shutter opposing surface 21g is the -Z direction surface of the portion of the opening forming member 21 where the opening 21a is formed. The shutter opposing surface 21g is a flat surface that is circular ring-shaped in a top view.

[0129] In addition, the contact surface 112a is a surface that is circular ring-shaped along the shutter opposing surface 21g.

[0130] By pressing the shutter member 112 toward the opening 21a, the contact surface 112a abuts against the shutter opposing surface 21g, thereby closing the opening 21a, suppressing the generation of a gap between the contact surface 112a and the shutter opposing surface 21g, and suppressing dust and the like from entering the interior of the device via the opening 21a.

[0131] Furthermore, since the shutter member 112 is pressed toward the opening 21a by the leaf spring 118, the position and orientation of the white plate 125 are less likely to deviate, and an appropriate reference value can be obtained.

[0132] Next, the bottom second frame 49 is detachably provided with respect to the device main body 50. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. (a) and (b) of Figure 17 , the bottom second frame 49 includes a first screw 130. As shown in FIG. (b) of Figure 17 , the first screw 130 is held by the washer 131 so as not to fall off from the bottom second frame 49.

[0133] In the bottom second frame 49, overlapping portions 49a that constitute surfaces parallel to the Y-Z plane are formed at both end portions in the X-axis direction. Ribs 49c extending in the Z-axis direction are formed inside the overlapping portions 49a.

[0134] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12 , an overlapping portion 53g is formed in the bottom first frame 53, and a guide groove 53h extending in the Z-axis direction is formed in the overlapping portion 53g. Thus, when assembling the bottom second frame 49, the rib 49c of the bottom second frame 49 is fitted into the guide groove 53h of the bottom first frame 53 and is guided in the Z-axis direction. And in the assembled state of the bottom second frame 49, the rib 49c is fitted into the guide groove 53h, thereby maintaining the relative position of the bottom first frame 53 and the bottom second frame 49 in the Y-axis direction.

[0135] In the state where the bottom second frame 49 is assembled, the bottom first frame 53 and the bottom second frame 49 constitute the periphery of the bottom surface 50f. Moreover, in the state where the bottom second frame 49 is assembled, the overlapping portion 49a of the bottom second frame 49 and the overlapping portion 53g of the bottom first frame 53 overlap as shown in Figure 11 , that is, the bottom first frame 53 and the bottom second frame 49 overlap alternately at the connection portion.

[0136] With such a structure, it is possible to suppress external light from entering through the connection part between the bottom first frame 53 and the bottom second frame 49, and an appropriate color measurement result can be obtained.

[0137] Next, as Figure 12 shown, a threaded hole 21h is formed in the opening forming member 21. As Figure 8 , Figure 9 shown, a nut 133 is provided inside the threaded hole 21h. Thus, the first screw 130 provided on the bottom second frame 49 is engaged with the nut 133 through the threaded hole 21h, and the bottom second frame 49 is fixed relative to the device main body 50.

[0138] Then, in Figure 17 , the above-mentioned upper guide portion 49d is formed at both ends in the X-axis direction of the bottom second frame 49, and a screw covering portion 49e is formed inside the upper guide portion 49d. As Figure 7 shown, the screw covering portion 49e covers the second screws 132 located on both sides in the X-axis direction with respect to the first screw 130. The second screws 132 are screws for fixing the opening forming member 21 to the device main body 50.

[0139] In this way, the second screws 132 are covered by the screw covering portion 49e in the assembled state of the bottom second frame 49 and are exposed by removing the bottom second frame 49. With such a structure, when removing the bottom second frame 49, it is possible to prevent the accidental removal of the second screws 132.

[0140] Here, as Figure 4 , Figure 6 shown, in the closed state of the shutter unit 110, the first screw 130 is covered by the shutter unit 110. Since the first screw 130 is covered by the shutter unit 110 in the closed state of the shutter unit 110, the aesthetics of the device when not in use can be maintained. Then, when removing the first screw 130, as Figure 7 , Figure 11 shown, the shutter unit 110 is made open, and then the first screw 130 is removed. Thus, as shown by the change from Figure 11 to Figure 12 , the bottom second frame 49 can be removed.

[0141] When the shutter unit 110 slides from the open state to the closed state in the state where the bottom second frame 49 has been removed, as Figure 16 shown, the second guide shaft 122 abuts against the movement restricting portion 53j of the bottom first frame 53, and in addition, the third guide shaft 123 abuts against the movement restricting portion 53k of the bottom first frame 53, and the movement in the +Y direction is restricted.

[0142] In this state, the first guide shaft 121 is not restricted by the bottom second frame 49. Therefore, as shown by the arrow f in Figure 16 , the shutter holding member 111 and the shutter member 112 can be rotated about the connecting shaft 114. When the shutter holding member 111 and the shutter member 112 are rotated, as shown by the change from Figure 13 to Figure 14 , the white plate 125 can be exposed to the outside of the device. In this state, the shutter holding member 111 and the shutter member 112 are in contact with and supported by the bottom surface 50f as shown in Figure 14 .

[0143] As described above, a shutter unit 110 that can switch between a closed state covering the opening 21a and an open state in which the opening 21a is opened during color measurement, and that has a white plate 125 as a reference for reflectance at a position facing the opening 21a in the closed state, is provided such that, in addition to the closed state and the open state, it can also be switched to an exposed state in which the white plate 125 is exposed to the outside of the device (see Figure 14 ). Thus, the white plate 125 can be easily maintained, and an appropriate reflection reference value can be obtained.

[0144] In addition, in the present embodiment, the shutter unit 110 includes: a link member 113, which is a sliding member that can slide along the bottom surface 50f; and a shutter member 112, which is a member that can slide along the bottom surface 50f together with the link member 113 and has a white plate 125 and can rotate relative to the link member 113. And by rotating the shutter member 112 relative to the link member 113, the above-described exposed state is switched. With such a structure, the switching to the above-described exposed state can be performed with a simple structure.

[0145] In addition, in the present embodiment, the shutter member 112 is a member different from the shutter holding member 111, and the shutter member 112 is structured to rotate relative to the link member 113 via the shutter holding member 111. However, for example, the shutter holding member 111 and the shutter member 112 may be configured as one body.

[0146] In addition, in the present embodiment, since the shutter member 112 is in contact with the bottom surface 50f in the exposed state, when cleaning the white plate 125, the bottom surface 50f can support the shutter member 112, and breakage of the shutter unit 110 due to applying a strong force to the white plate 125 can be suppressed. In particular, applying a strong force to the connecting shaft 114 can be suppressed, and breakage of the connecting shaft 114 can be suppressed.

[0147] In addition, in the present embodiment, the shutter unit 110 switches to the open state by sliding in the -Y direction (the first direction) from the closed state, and switches to the closed state by sliding in the +Y direction (the second direction) from the open state. Moreover, the shutter member 112 includes: a first guide shaft 121 that protrudes in the X-axis direction as a boss; a bottom first frame 53 that constitutes the bottom surface 50f; and a bottom second frame 49, which is a member that constitutes the bottom surface 50f together with the bottom first frame 53 and is located in the +Y direction with respect to the bottom first frame 53. And the bottom second frame 49 is detachable, restricts the rotation of the first guide shaft 121 in the assembled state, and allows the rotation of the first guide shaft 121 by being removed.

[0148] In this way, the first guide shaft 121, that is, the shutter member 112, is structured to be rotatable by removing the bottom second frame 49. In other words, in the state where the bottom second frame 49 is assembled, the rotation of the shutter member 112 is restricted, that is, the switching of the shutter unit 110 to the exposed state is restricted. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the shutter unit 110 from accidentally switching to the exposed state, and it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dust and the like to the white plate 125.

[0149] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these modifications are of course also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0150] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the shutter unit 110 is structured such that the white plate 125 is exposed to the outside of the device by the rotation of the shutter member 112, but it may be like the Figure 18 shutter unit 110A shown, and the white plate 125 is exposed to the outside of the device by the sliding action of the shutter unit 110A. As shown by the change from the (a) figure to the (b) figure in Figure 18 , by removing the bottom second frame 49, the shutter unit 110A can protrude in the +Y direction, and the white plate 125 can be exposed to the outside of the device.

[0151] Alternatively, it may be configured such that the white plate 125 is exposed to the outside of the device by sliding the shutter unit 110 in the X-axis direction. Alternatively, it may be configured such that the white plate 125 is exposed to the outside of the device by rotating the shutter unit 110 about a rotation axis along the Z-axis direction or a rotation axis along the Y-axis direction. In addition, in these cases, the open state of the shutter unit 110 and the exposed state in which the white plate 125 is exposed to the outside of the device may be the same state.

[0152] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the bottom second frame 49 is structured to be fixed by the first screw 130, but it is not limited to a screw, and it may also be a structure fixed by a snap-fit structure.

[0153] In the above embodiment, the first screw 130 is covered when the shutter unit 110 is closed and exposed when the shutter unit 110 is switched from the closed state to the open state. However, the first screw 130 may be exposed when the shutter unit 110 is closed.

[0154] In the above embodiment, the colorimetric device 1 includes the battery 17. However, the battery 17 may be detachable, that is, the colorimetric device 1 may not include the battery 17. In this case, the battery 17 may be a primary battery that is not repeatedly charged and discharged.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the incident light processing unit 2 is configured to include an optical filter device 3 and a light receiving unit 4. The optical filter device 3 is a wavelength-variable Fabry-Perot etalon that transmits a predetermined wavelength component of the incident light, but is not limited thereto. For example, a spectroscopic method utilizing a diffraction grating may also be employed. Alternatively, a device configuration utilizing a direct reading method of stimulus values, which directly measures the three stimulus values underlying color, may be employed as the principle of colorimetry.

[0156] In addition, although an LED is used as the light emitting element used in the light emitting portion 9 in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, a xenon lamp may also be used.

Claims

1. A color measuring device, characterized in that, Comprising: An opening part formed in an opening part forming member disposed at the bottom of the device for taking in light sent from a measurement object into the device interior; A light emitting part that emits measurement light toward the measurement object; An incident light processing part that processes light incident through the opening part; And A shutter unit capable of switching between a closed state covering the opening part and an open state opening the opening part as a state when performing color measurement. In the closed state, the shutter unit has a reflection reference surface serving as a reference for reflectance at a position facing the opening part, The shutter unit is arranged to be able to switch to an exposed state in which the reflection reference surface is exposed to the outside of the device in addition to the closed state and the open state, The shutter unit comprises: A sliding member capable of sliding along the bottom surface of the device; And A shutter member capable of sliding along the bottom surface together with the sliding member, having the reflection reference surface, and capable of rotating relative to the sliding member, By rotating the shutter member relative to the sliding member, the shutter unit switches to the exposed state, The shutter unit switches to the open state by sliding in a first direction from the closed state, and switches to the closed state by sliding in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the open state, The shutter member comprises: A boss protruding in a direction crossing the sliding direction; A bottom first frame constituting the bottom surface; and A bottom second frame that together with the bottom first frame constitutes the bottom surface and is located in the second direction relative to the bottom first frame, The bottom second frame is detachable and restricts the rotation of the boss in the assembled state, and allows the rotation of the boss by being detached.

2. The color measurement device according to claim 1, wherein The shutter member abuts against the bottom surface in the exposed state.

3. The color measurement device according to claim 1, wherein The color measurement device comprises: A first screw for fixing the bottom second frame; and A second screw for fixing the opening part forming member, The second screw is covered by the bottom second frame in the assembled state of the bottom second frame and is exposed by detaching the bottom second frame.

4. The color measurement device according to claim 1, wherein In a state where the bottom second frame is assembled, the bottom first frame and the bottom second frame constitute the periphery of the bottom surface, The bottom first frame and the bottom second frame overlap alternately at the connection part.

5. The color measurement device according to claim 1, wherein The shutter unit comprises: A shutter holding member that holds the shutter member so that the shutter member can be displaced in a direction approaching and separating from the opening part; and A pressing member that presses the shutter member toward the opening part.

6. The color measurement device according to claim 1, wherein The incident light processing part comprises: A wavelength variable optical filter that transmits a specified wavelength component in the incident light; and The light-receiving part receives the light that has passed through the optical filter.

7. The colorimetric device according to claim 6, wherein: The optical filter is a Fabry–Pérot etalon.

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