Paper sheet detection device and detection method thereof

Abstract

The present application provides a paper detection device, comprising: a magnetic induction element disposed on a paper guide, wherein when the paper guide moves along a moving direction, the paper guide drives the magnetic induction element to move to a first position or a second position; a first magnetic element disposed on a paper cassette and corresponding to the first position; a second magnetic element disposed on the paper cassette and spaced apart from the first magnetic element and corresponding to the second position; and a processing element electrically connected to the magnetic induction element. When the magnetic induction element corresponds to the first magnetic element to output a first voltage signal, the processing element determines that the paper guide is located at the first position according to the first voltage signal. When the magnetic induction element corresponds to the second magnetic element to output a second voltage signal, the processing element determines that the paper guide is located at the second position according to the second voltage signal. The first voltage signal and the second voltage signal are different.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a detection device, and more particularly to a paper detection device and its detection method. Background Technology

[0002] The main structure of the existing paper detection mechanism includes an input tray and a grating ruler sensing module. The photosensitive sensor is mounted on the paper guide. The photosensitive sensor is moved to the required position by the movement of the paper guide. The position read by the photosensitive sensor is used to obtain the relative width dimension of the paper.

[0003] Furthermore, in Taiwan Patent Application Publication TW 201402343A, the paper detection mechanism of a printer includes a paper tray, a width adjuster, a length adjuster, and a logic unit. The width adjuster and length adjuster are located on the front of the bottom plate of the paper tray, and together with the bottom plate, they form a paper feeding area. The paper size detection mechanism also includes a first magnetic element on the width adjuster, a second magnetic element on the length adjuster, and multiple magnetic sensing elements on the back of the bottom plate. Each magnetic sensing element generates a position signal when it senses the first magnetic element or the second magnetic element, and the logic unit determines the paper size of the paper feeding area based on the combination of the position signals generated by the multiple magnetic sensing elements.

[0004] However, in the design concepts of these existing technologies, both the light sensor and the magnetic sensing element are only constructed to detect "present" or "absent" signals. Therefore, when the paper guide or adjuster is slightly offset from the preset paper size position, although the light sensor or magnetic sensing element will still generate a signal, the signal strength may not correspond to the preset strength, which can easily cause errors in signal judgment and thus errors in paper size judgment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a paper detection device and its detection method, which can more accurately detect paper size.

[0006] This invention provides a paper detection device that works in conjunction with a paper tray. The paper tray has a paper guide. The paper detection device includes: at least one magnetic sensing element disposed on the paper guide, wherein when the paper guide moves along a moving direction, the paper guide causes the magnetic sensing element to move to a first position or a second position; a first magnetic element disposed on the paper tray and corresponding to the first position; a second magnetic element disposed on the paper tray, spaced apart from the first magnetic element, and corresponding to the second position; and a processing element electrically connected to the magnetic sensing element. When the magnetic sensing element outputs a first voltage signal corresponding to the first magnetic element, the processing element determines that the paper guide is located at the first position based on the first voltage signal. When the magnetic sensing element outputs a second voltage signal corresponding to the second magnetic element, the processing element determines that the paper guide is located at the second position based on the second voltage signal. The first voltage signal and the second voltage signal are different.

[0007] In some embodiments, when the paper guide is in a first position, the magnetic induction element is adjacent to the first magnetic element, and there is a first distance between the magnetic induction element and the first magnetic element. The magnetic induction element outputs a first voltage signal corresponding to the first distance and the magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the paper guide is in the second position, the magnetic induction element is adjacent to the second magnetic element, and there is a second distance between the magnetic induction element and the second magnetic element. The magnetic induction element outputs a second voltage signal corresponding to the second distance and the magnetic induction intensity of the second magnetic element.

[0009] In some embodiments, the magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element is different from that of the second magnetic element, and the first distance and the second distance are the same or different.

[0010] In some embodiments, the magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element is the same as that of the second magnetic element, but the first distance and the second distance are different.

[0011] In some embodiments, the processing element outputs a first paper size signal corresponding to a first position based on a first voltage signal, and outputs a second paper size signal corresponding to a second position based on a second voltage signal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the magnetic moment direction of the first magnetic element is parallel to the magnetic moment direction of the second magnetic element, and the magnetic moment direction of the first magnetic element is perpendicular to the direction of movement.

[0013] In some embodiments, the paper detection device includes two magnetic sensing elements, each of which is offset from the other in the direction of movement and disposed on the paper guide.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are located on opposite sides of each of the magnetic induction elements.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the paper guide is in a first position, one of the magnetic induction elements is adjacent to the first magnetic element, and there is a first distance between the one of the magnetic induction elements and the first magnetic element. The one of the magnetic induction elements outputs a first voltage signal corresponding to the first distance and the magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element.

[0016] In some embodiments, when the paper guide is in the second position, the other of each of the magnetic sensing elements is adjacent to the second magnetic element, and there is a second distance between the other of each of the magnetic sensing elements and the second magnetic element. The other of each of the magnetic sensing elements outputs a second voltage signal corresponding to the second distance and the magnetic induction intensity of the second magnetic element.

[0017] In some embodiments, the paper detection device further includes a storage element electrically connected to the processing element and storing a magnetic voltage lookup table.

[0018] In some embodiments, the magnetic voltage lookup table includes a first voltage information and a first paper size information corresponding to the first voltage information.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first voltage information includes a voltage value and an allowable range corresponding to the voltage value.

[0020] In some embodiments, when the processing element determines that the first voltage signal corresponds to the first voltage information, the processing element outputs a first paper size signal corresponding to the first position based on the first paper size information.

[0021] This invention provides a detection method for a paper detection device, which involves movably mounting a paper guide in a paper tray along a moving direction, and cooperating with a processing element and a storage element. The detection method includes: mounting a magnetic induction element on the paper guide, mounting a first magnetic element in the paper tray, and storing a magnetic force-voltage lookup table in the storage element; when the paper guide moves along the moving direction, the magnetic induction element on the paper guide generates a first voltage signal corresponding to the first magnetic element in the paper tray; the processing element receives the first voltage signal; and the processing element determines that the paper guide is located at a first position based on the first voltage signal and the magnetic force-voltage lookup table.

[0022] In some embodiments, the process element determining that the paper guide is in the first position further includes: the process element outputting a first paper size signal corresponding to the first position based on the first voltage signal.

[0023] In some embodiments, the detection method further includes: disposing a second magnetic element in a paper tray; a magnetic induction element generating a second voltage signal corresponding to the second magnetic element in the paper tray; a processing element receiving the second voltage signal; and the processing element determining, based on the second voltage signal and a magnetic voltage lookup table, that the paper guide is located in a second position. The first voltage signal and the second voltage signal are different.

[0024] In some embodiments, the process element determining that the paper guide is in the second position further includes: the process element outputting a second paper size signal corresponding to the second position based on the second voltage signal.

[0025] In some embodiments, the magnetic voltage lookup table includes a first voltage information and a first paper size information corresponding to the first voltage information. The processing element determining that the paper guide is in the first position further includes: when the processing element determines that the first voltage signal corresponds to the first voltage information, the processing element outputs a first paper size signal corresponding to the first position based on the first paper size information.

[0026] In summary, the paper detection device of the present invention has a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element respectively disposed at a first position and a second position, and the magnetic sensing element generates different first voltage signals and second voltage signals corresponding to the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, respectively. Therefore, when the paper guide moves the magnetic sensing element to different positions, and the magnetic sensing element generates different voltage signals corresponding to different magnetic elements, the processing element can accurately determine the location of the magnetic sensing element. Compared with the prior art, which only detects "present" or "absent" signals, the magnetic sensing element of the paper detection device of the present invention can still generate corresponding voltage signals even if its position is slightly offset, thereby avoiding errors in signal determination and accurately determining the size of the paper being pressed by the paper guide.

[0027] Furthermore, the paper detection method of the paper detection device of the present invention can accurately set the position of a plurality of magnetic elements by means of a processing element based on a magnetic force and voltage lookup table stored in a storage element, thereby clearly obtaining the structure and effect of the paper detection device. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device and a paper tray in cooperation with a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device and a paper tray in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device in use according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a detection method for a paper detection device according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 10 This is another flowchart of a detection method for a paper detection device according to the present invention.

[0038] In the picture: 1, 2, 3, 4: Paper detection device; 10: Manufacturing equipment; 11, 21, 31A, 31B, 41A, 41B: Magnetic induction elements; 12, 13, 22, 23, 32, 33, 42A~42G: Magnetic components; 14: Processing components; 15: Storage element; 9: Cardboard box; 91: Paper guide; T: Magnetic Voltage Reference Table; D: Direction of movement; P1~P7: Location; V1, V2: Voltage signals; X1, X2, Xs: Paper size signals Z1, Z2: Distance. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention. However, the embodiments described are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device 1 and a paper tray 9 in cooperation with a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 1 in use according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3A As shown, the paper detection device 1 of this embodiment can, for example, be configured to cooperate with the paper tray 9 of a printer (not shown). The paper tray 9 may, for example, have a paper guide 91. The paper guide 91 is disposed within the paper tray 9 and can move along a moving direction D. It should be noted that the paper guide 91 can be a single-sided (left, right, or bottom) paper guide (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), the paper guide components on both the left and right sides move together (as shown below). Figure 4 The paper guide components (not shown in the figure), or those connected to the left (or right) and bottom sides, or other paper guide components that are connected or not connected in other ways, are not intended to limit the invention. The left, right, or bottom sides are described above with the side of the paper tray 9 connected to the paper inlet of the printer as the top example.

[0042] The paper detection device 1 of this embodiment includes a magnetic sensing element 11, a first magnetic element 12, a second magnetic element 13, and a processing element 14.

[0043] A magnetic sensing element 11 is disposed on the paper guide 91. The magnetic sensing element 11 can be, for example, a Hall sensor, but is not limited thereto. When the paper guide 91 moves along the moving direction D, it causes the magnetic sensing element 11 to move to a first position P1 or a second position P2. The first position P1 and the second position P2 are set according to the size of the paper to be detected. That is, when the magnetic sensing element 11 is near the first position P1 and the second position P2, the paper guide 91 is respectively abutting against different sizes of paper.

[0044] The first magnetic element 12 is disposed on the paper tray 9 and corresponds to the first position P1. The first magnetic element 12 is, for example, a magnet, and its magnetic induction intensity (or magnetic force) is not limited, for example, it can be 3200 Gauss (G), 2560G, 1300G, or other suitable magnetic induction intensity. In addition, the arrangement of the magnetic moment direction of the first magnetic element 12 (the direction from the south pole S to the north pole N) is not limited. Here, the arrangement of the south pole S on the side close to the magnetic induction element 11 is used as an example for explanation.

[0045] The second magnetic element 13 is disposed on the paper tray 9, spaced apart from the first magnetic element 12, and corresponding to the second position P2. The second magnetic element 13 is, for example, a magnet, and its magnetic induction intensity (or magnetic force) is not limited; it can be, for example, 3200G, 2560G, 1300G, or other suitable magnetic induction intensities. Similarly, the arrangement of the magnetic moment direction of the second magnetic element 13 is not limited; here, an example is given where the south pole S is positioned close to the magnetic induction element 11. It should be noted that the arrangement of the magnetic moment directions of the first magnetic element 12 and the second magnetic element 13 can be consistent or inconsistent; this is not limited. In some embodiments, the magnetic moment directions of the first magnetic element 12 and the second magnetic element 13 are parallel to each other, and the magnetic moment directions of the first magnetic element 12 and the second magnetic element 13 are perpendicular to the direction of movement D.

[0046] It is worth mentioning that the first magnetic element 12 and the second magnetic element 13 can be magnets with the same or different magnetic induction intensities.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first magnetic element 12 and the second magnetic element 13 may be located on the same side of the magnetic induction element 11 (e.g., Figure 3A As shown), located on opposite sides of the magnetic induction element (as follows). Figure 4 (as shown), or located on the bottom side of the magnetic induction element (not shown, i.e., when viewed from above, the magnetic element overlaps with the paper guide 91), which is not limiting, but requires that the magnetic induction element 11 can generate a voltage signal accordingly.

[0048] Processing element 14 is electrically connected to magnetic sensing element 11. Processing element 14 may include, for example, a sensor integrated circuit, a microcontroller (MCU), a microprocessor (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable logic array (FPGA), or a system-on-a-chip (SoC).

[0049] In some embodiments, the paper detection device may further include a storage element 15. The storage element 15 is electrically connected to the processing element 14 and stores a magnetic force-voltage lookup table T. The storage element 15 may be a non-volatile storage medium such as read-only memory (ROM), electronically eraseable and rewritable read-only memory (EEPROM), or flash memory (e.g., NAND flash or SSD containing a control chip), but is not limiting.

[0050] Therefore, when the user moves the paper guide 91 along the moving direction D inside the paper tray 9 to press against the paper, the magnetic induction element 11 will move along with the paper guide 91. When the magnetic induction element 11 outputs a first voltage signal V1 corresponding to the first magnetic element 12, the processing element 14 can determine that the paper guide is located at the first position P1 based on the first voltage signal V1 and the magnetic voltage lookup table T. Specifically, the formula for the magnetic induction element 11 to generate the first voltage signal V1 (i.e., Vout in the following formula (1)) is as follows: (1) (2) V Q This is the minimum output voltage of the magnetic induction element 11. The magnetic sensitivity option for the magnetic sensing element 11 can be, for example, 200 mV / mT, but this is not limiting. t The residual magnetic field is independent of the geometry of the first magnetic element 12 (e.g., a magnet) (refer to physical magnet data). Z is the distance between the pole faces on the axis of symmetry. D is the thickness of the first magnetic element 12. R is the radius of the first magnetic element 12 (e.g., a circular magnet). It is worth noting that the above calculations are performed, for example, at room temperature of 23°C, but are not limiting.

[0051] Furthermore, when the paper guide 91 is in the first position P1, the magnetic induction element 11 is adjacent to the first magnetic element 12, and there is a first distance Z1 between the magnetic induction element 11 and the first magnetic element 12 (i.e., parameter Z in the above formula (2)). The magnetic induction element 11 will output a first voltage signal V1 corresponding to the first distance Z1 and the magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element 12. It should be noted that the proximity of the magnetic induction element 11 to the first magnetic element 12 is not a limitation, such as when the central axis of the magnetic induction element 11 is aligned with the central axis of the first magnetic element 12, or when the center point of the magnetic induction element 11 is at its shortest distance from the central axis of the first magnetic element 12, or in other cases where the magnetic induction element 11 is adjacent to the first magnetic element 12 and generates the first voltage signal V1. Moreover, the first distance Z1 is not limited to the case where the magnetic induction element 11 and the first magnetic element 12 are at their shortest distance. The first distance Z1 is the distance at which the magnetic induction element 11 can generate the first voltage signal V1 corresponding to the first magnetic element 12.

[0052] Therefore, when the processing element 14 determines that the paper guide is located at the first position P1 based on the first voltage signal V1 and the magnetic voltage reference table T, the processing element 14 can output a first paper size signal X1 corresponding to the first position P1 based on the first voltage signal V1.

[0053] Furthermore, please refer to Figure 3BAs shown, when the user moves the paper guide 91 along the moving direction D inside the paper tray 9 to abut the paper, and the magnetic induction element 11 outputs a second voltage signal V2 (i.e., Vout in the above formula (1)) corresponding to the second magnetic element 13, the processing element 14 can determine that the paper guide is located at the second position P2 based on the second voltage signal V2 and the magnetic voltage lookup table T. It should be noted that the first voltage signal V1 (e.g., ... Figure 3A The signal shown is different from the second voltage signal V2.

[0054] Specifically, when the paper guide 91 is in the second position P2, the magnetic induction element 11 is adjacent to the second magnetic element 13, and there is a second distance Z2 between the magnetic induction element 11 and the second magnetic element 13 (i.e., parameter Z in the above formula (2)). The magnetic induction element 11 outputs a second voltage signal V2 corresponding to the second distance Z2 and the magnetic induction intensity of the second magnetic element 13. It should be noted that the proximity of the magnetic induction element 11 to the second magnetic element 13 is not a limitation, such as when the central axis of the magnetic induction element 11 is aligned with the central axis of the second magnetic element 13, or when the center point of the magnetic induction element 11 is at its shortest distance from the central axis of the second magnetic element 13, or other situations where the magnetic induction element 11 is adjacent to the second magnetic element 13 and generates the second voltage signal V2. Furthermore, the second distance Z2 is not limited to the case where the magnetic induction element 11 and the second magnetic element 13 are at their shortest distance. The second distance Z2 is the distance at which the magnetic induction element 11 can generate the second voltage signal V2 corresponding to the second magnetic element 13.

[0055] Therefore, when the processing element 14 determines that the paper guide is located at the second position P2 based on the second voltage signal V2, the processing element 14 can output a second paper size signal X2 corresponding to the second position P2 based on the second voltage signal V2.

[0056] It is worth mentioning that if the magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element 12 is different from that of the second magnetic element 13, the first distance Z1 and the second distance Z2 may be the same or different. On the other hand, if the magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element 12 is the same as that of the second magnetic element 13, then the first distance Z1 and the second distance Z2 are different.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the paper detection device 1 has a first magnetic element 12 and a second magnetic element 13 respectively positioned at a first position P1 and a second position P2. The magnetic sensing element 11 generates different first voltage signals V1 and second voltage signals V2 corresponding to the first magnetic element 12 and the second magnetic element 13, respectively. Therefore, when the paper guide 91 moves the magnetic sensing element 11 to different positions, the magnetic sensing element 11 generates different voltage signals V1 and V2 corresponding to different magnetic elements 12 and 13, allowing the processing element 14 to accurately determine the position of the magnetic sensing element 11. Compared to existing technologies that only detect "present" or "absent" signals, the magnetic sensing element 11 in this embodiment can still generate corresponding voltage signals V1 and V2 even if its position is slightly offset. This avoids errors in signal determination and allows for accurate determination of the size of the paper being pressed against by the paper guide.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The difference between the paper detection device 2 of this embodiment and the paper detection device 1 described above is that the paper guide 91 has paper guides that move on both sides, and the first magnetic element 22 and the second magnetic element 23 are located on opposite sides of the magnetic induction element 21.

[0059] It is worth mentioning that the arrangement of the magnetic moment directions of the first magnetic element 22 and the second magnetic element 23 is not restrictive. Here, we will take the arrangement of the south pole S on the side closer to the magnetic induction element 21 as an example.

[0060] Similarly, when the paper guide 91 is in the first position P1, the magnetic induction element 21 is adjacent to the first magnetic element 22, and the magnetic induction element 11 outputs a first voltage signal V1. When the paper guide 91 is in the second position P2, the magnetic induction element 21 is adjacent to the second magnetic element 23, and the magnetic induction element 21 outputs a second voltage signal V2. Thus, the processing element 14 can output a first paper size signal X1 or a second paper size signal X2 based on the first voltage signal V1 or the second voltage signal V2, and the magnetic force voltage lookup table T.

[0061] As described above, instead of placing the first magnetic element 22 and the second magnetic element 23 on the same side, by placing the first magnetic element 22 and the second magnetic element 23 on opposite sides of the magnetic induction element 21, the distance between the first magnetic element 22 and the second magnetic element 23 can be maintained, avoiding the magnetic induction element 21 being affected by both due to the distance between the first magnetic element 22 and the second magnetic element 23 being too close. This allows for a more accurate determination of the size of the paper being pressed against by the paper guide.

[0062] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The paper detection device 3 of this embodiment differs from the paper detection device 2 described above in that: the paper detection device 3 has two magnetic sensing elements 31A and 31B, which are offset from each other in the moving direction D and disposed within a paper guide 91. Furthermore, the processing element 14 is electrically connected to the magnetic sensing elements 31A and 31B. It is worth noting that the offset arrangement means that the central axes of the magnetic sensing elements 31A and 31B are offset from each other by a distance (e.g., 10 mm), and the magnetic sensing elements 31A and 31B may not overlap completely, or they may partially overlap. The offset distance of the magnetic sensing elements 31A and 31B is not limiting and can be designed differently according to different requirements. It should be noted that the magnetic sensing elements 31A and 31B can also be disposed on different paper guides 91 that move on both the left and right sides.

[0063] Similarly, when the paper guide 91 is in the first position P1, the magnetic induction element 31A is adjacent to the first magnetic element 32, and the magnetic induction element 31A outputs a first voltage signal V1. When the paper guide 91 is in the second position P2, the magnetic induction element 31B is adjacent to the second magnetic element 33, and the magnetic induction element 31B outputs a second voltage signal V2. Thus, the processing element 14 can output a first paper size signal X1 or a second paper size signal X2 based on the first voltage signal V1 or the second voltage signal V2, and the magnetic force voltage lookup table T.

[0064] As mentioned above, by staggering the two magnetic sensing elements 31A and 31B relative to a single magnetic sensing element, the distance between the first magnetic element 32 and the second magnetic element 33 in the moving direction D can be reduced, thereby making the overall structure of the paper detection device 3 more compact.

[0065] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a paper detection device 4 and a paper tray 9 in cooperation with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 4 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram of the paper detection device 4 in use according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Please refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8AAs shown, the difference between the paper detection device 4 in this embodiment and the paper detection device 3 described above is that the number of magnetic elements 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F, and 42G in the paper detection device 4 corresponds to the number of paper size types to be detected. In this embodiment, the paper detection device 4 is described using seven magnetic elements 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F, and 42G, respectively corresponding to paper sizes LT LEF (long side feeding), LT SEF (short side feeding), B5 SEF (B5 short side feeding), A3 SEF (A3 short side feeding), B4 SEF (B4 short side feeding), A4 SEF (A4 short side feeding), and A5 SEF (A5 short side feeding), but this is not a limitation. Furthermore, this embodiment uses two magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B as an example for illustration, but it is not a limitation and more than two magnetic induction elements can be set according to different designs.

[0067] Magnetic element 42A is disposed in paper tray 9, corresponding to position P1, which corresponds to paper size LT LEF. Magnetic element 42B is disposed in paper tray 9, corresponding to position P2, which corresponds to paper size LT SEF. Magnetic element 42C is disposed in paper tray 9, corresponding to position P3, which corresponds to paper size B5 SEF. Magnetic element 42D is disposed in paper tray 9, corresponding to position P4, which corresponds to paper size A3 SEF. Magnetic element 42E is disposed in paper tray 9, corresponding to position P5, which corresponds to paper size B4 SEF. Magnetic element 42F is disposed in paper tray 9, corresponding to position P6, which corresponds to paper size A4 SEF. Magnetic element 42G is disposed in paper tray 9, corresponding to position P7, which corresponds to paper size A5 SEF.

[0068] In some embodiments, magnetic elements 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F, and 42G are, for example, magnets. Table 1 below is, for example, an embodiment of a magnetic force-voltage comparison table T, which includes the magnetic induction intensity (or magnetic force) of magnetic elements 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F, and 42G, and the distance Z from magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B (the distance between magnetic induction elements and magnetic elements, for example...). Figure 8A The first distance Z1 and Figure 8B The second distance Z2), the voltage information (including voltage value Vout and allowable range) generated by the magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B, and the paper size information corresponding to the voltage information, but are not restrictive.

[0069]

[0070] It is worth mentioning that during the manufacturing process, magnets typically exhibit a magnetic force variation of ±10%. Therefore, the voltage value Vout generated by the magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B will also have an allowable range of ±10%.

[0071] Therefore, please refer to Figure 8A As shown, when the user moves the paper guide 91 along the moving direction D within the paper tray 9 to press against the paper, the magnetic induction element 41A moves along with the paper guide 91. When the magnetic induction element 41A corresponds to the output voltage signal V1 of the magnetic element 42A, the processing element 14 can determine that the paper guide 91 is located at position P1 based on Table 1 (e.g., a magnetic force voltage lookup table T, stored in a storage element 15 electrically connected to the processing element 14) and the voltage signal V1 (e.g., corresponding to the voltage information 42A (P1) in Table 1, ranging from 3.07 V to 3.62 V). It should be noted that at this time, the magnetic induction element 41B may correspond to the output voltage signal of other magnetic elements, but the processing element 14 can determine from Table 1 that the magnetic induction element 41B does not correspond to any preset position.

[0072] Furthermore, when the paper guide 91 is located at position P1, the magnetic induction element 41A is adjacent to the magnetic element 42A, and the distance between the magnetic induction element 41A and the magnetic element 42A is Z1 (i.e., the parameter Z in the above formula (2), for example, 2 mm in Table 1), the magnetic induction element 41A will output a voltage signal V1 corresponding to the distance Z1 and the magnetic induction intensity of the magnetic element 42A (for example, 3200G in Table 1). It should be noted that the magnetic induction element 41A is adjacent to the magnetic element 42A, for example, when the central axis of the magnetic induction element 41A is aligned with the central axis of the magnetic element 42A, or when the center point of the magnetic induction element 41A is at its shortest distance from the central axis of the magnetic element 42A, or other situations where the magnetic induction element 41A is adjacent to the magnetic element 42A and generates a voltage signal V1, which is not limiting. Furthermore, the distance Z1 is not limited to the case where the distance between the magnetic induction element 41A and the magnetic element 42A is the shortest. The distance Z1 is the distance between the magnetic induction element 41A and the magnetic element 42A at which the voltage signal V1 can be generated.

[0073] Therefore, when the processing element 14 determines that the paper guide is located at position P1 based on the voltage signal V, the processing element 14 can determine the paper size information (e.g., indicating paper size LT LEF) corresponding to the voltage signal V1 according to Table 1 and output the paper size signal Xs corresponding to position P1.

[0074] Furthermore, please refer to Figure 8BAs shown, when the user moves the paper guide 91 along the moving direction D within the paper tray 9 to press against the paper, and the magnetic induction element 41B outputs a voltage signal V2 corresponding to the magnetic element 42D, the processing element 14 can determine that the paper guide 91 is located at position P4 based on Table 1 and the voltage signal V2 (for example, corresponding to the voltage information 42D (P4) in Table 1, which is in the range of 1.33 V to 1.50 V). It should be noted that at this time, the magnetic induction element 41A may correspond to the output voltage signal of other magnetic elements, but the processing element 14 can determine from Table 1 that the magnetic induction element 41A does not correspond to any preset position.

[0075] Furthermore, when the paper guide 91 is located at position P4, the magnetic induction element 41B is adjacent to the magnetic element 42D, and the distance between the magnetic induction element 41B and the magnetic element 42D is Z2 (i.e., the parameter Z in the above formula (2), for example, 3 mm in Table 1), the magnetic induction element 41B will output a voltage signal V2 corresponding to the distance Z2 and the magnetic induction intensity of the magnetic element 42D (for example, 2560G in Table 1). It should be noted that the magnetic induction element 41B is adjacent to the magnetic element 42D, for example, when the central axis of the magnetic induction element 41B is aligned with the central axis of the magnetic element 42D, or when the center point of the magnetic induction element 41B is at its shortest distance from the central axis of the magnetic element 42D, or other situations where the magnetic induction element 41B is adjacent to the magnetic element 42D and generates a voltage signal V2, but this is not a limitation. Furthermore, the distance Z2 is not limited to the case where the distance between the magnetic induction element 41B and the magnetic element 42D is the shortest distance. The distance Z2 is the distance between the magnetic induction element 41B and the magnetic element 42D at which the voltage signal V2 can be generated.

[0076] Therefore, when the processing element 14 determines that the paper guide is located at position P4 according to Table 1 and voltage signal V2, the processing element 14 can output a paper size signal Xs corresponding to position P4 based on the paper size information (e.g., paper size A3 SEF) corresponding to the voltage signal V2.

[0077] It is worth mentioning that if the magnetic induction intensities of magnetic elements 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F, and 42G are different, the distance Z can be the same or different (for example, magnetic elements 42A and 42B or magnetic elements 42A and 42C in Table 1). On the other hand, if the magnetic induction intensities of magnetic elements 42A, 42B, 42C, 42D, 42E, 42F, and 42G are the same, then the distance Z is different (for example, magnetic elements 42A and 42E or magnetic elements 42B and 42F in Table 1).

[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, the paper detection device 4 has magnetic elements 42A-42G respectively positioned at different positions P1-P7, and magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B generate different voltage signals (such as the voltage signals V1 and V2 mentioned above) corresponding to magnetic elements 42A-42G. Therefore, when the paper guide 91 moves the magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B to different positions P1-P7, the magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B generate different voltage signals corresponding to different magnetic elements 42A-42G, allowing the processing element 14 to accurately determine the location of the magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B. Compared to existing technologies that only detect "present" or "absent" signals, the magnetic induction element 11 of this embodiment's paper detection device 4 can still generate a corresponding voltage signal even if its position is slightly offset, thereby avoiding signal determination errors and accurately determining the size of the paper being pressed against by the paper guide.

[0079] Furthermore, by placing the magnetic elements 42A~42G on opposite sides of the magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B, the spacing between the magnetic elements 42A~42G can be maintained, preventing the magnetic induction elements 41A and 41B from being affected by both due to the close proximity of the magnetic elements 42A~42G. This allows for a more accurate determination of the paper size being pressed against by the paper guide.

[0080] Furthermore, by staggering the two magnetic sensing elements 41A and 41B, the spacing between the magnetic elements 42A~42G in the moving direction D can be reduced, thereby making the overall structure of the paper detection device 4 more compact.

[0081] The following describes the selection method of the magnetic force-voltage lookup table T in the fourth embodiment described above, but it is not limiting. In some embodiments, magnetic force-voltage lookup tables T with magnetic induction intensities of 3200G, 2560G, and 1300G are selected. total This can be represented as follows, but it is not restrictive. For different selections of magnetic components, see the magnetic force-voltage comparison table T. total It can also contain different parameters.

[0082]

[0083] Specifically, based on factors such as the repetitive output voltage signal, the type of magnet at close range, and the corresponding paper size, unusable voltage signals are eliminated, and suitable magnetic components and their placement are selected. As described above... Figure 8A Taking the fourth embodiment as an example, when a magnetic element with a magnetic force of 3200G is at a distance Z of 2mm from a magnetic induction element, the voltage value Vout generated by the magnetic induction element is 3.34V. Since this value is in the magnetic force-voltage comparison table T... totalSince there is no other situation that would produce the same voltage signal, the first magnetic element (e.g., a magnetic element with a magnetic force of 3200G) can be placed in the first position of the paper tray (e.g., position P1 corresponding to LT LEF). Similarly, the second magnetic element (e.g., a magnetic element with a magnetic force of 2560G) can be placed in the second position of the paper tray (e.g., position P2 corresponding to LT SEF).

[0084] It is worth mentioning that when the magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element is the same as that of the second magnetic element, the magnetic force-voltage comparison table T can be used as a reference. total The second distance is set differently from the first distance. (As mentioned above) Figure 8A In the fourth embodiment, different magnetic elements 42A and 42E can be selected, but different distances Z can be set to correspond to different voltage signals.

[0085] Therefore, once the voltage signal of the magnetic induction element at different positions meets the requirements of the magnetic voltage reference table T, the paper detection device of the present invention can be set up.

[0086] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a detection method for a paper detection device according to the present invention. Figure 9 As shown, the detection method of the paper detection device of the present invention includes steps S10 to S13. Step S10 involves placing a magnetic induction element on a paper guide, placing a first magnetic element on a paper tray, and storing a magnetic force-voltage lookup table in a storage element. Step S11 involves the magnetic induction element on the paper guide generating a first voltage signal corresponding to the first magnetic element on the paper tray when the paper guide moves along a moving direction. Step S12 involves a processing element receiving the first voltage signal. Step S13 involves the processing element determining, based on the first voltage signal and the magnetic force-voltage lookup table, that the paper guide is located at a first position.

[0087] In some embodiments, the magnetic voltage lookup table includes a first voltage information and a first paper size information corresponding to the first voltage information. The process element determining that the paper guide is in the first position in step S13 may further include: when the process element determines that the first voltage signal corresponds to the first voltage information, the process element outputs a first paper size signal corresponding to the first position based on the first paper size information.

[0088] It is worth mentioning that the detection method of this embodiment can be applied to different paper detection devices, such as paper detection devices 1 to 4 as described in the first to fourth embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0089] Figure 10This is another flowchart of a detection method for a paper detection device according to the present invention. The detection method of the paper detection device of the present invention may further include steps S14 to S17. Step S14 involves placing a second magnetic element in the paper tray. Step S15 involves a magnetic induction element generating a second voltage signal corresponding to the second magnetic element placed in the paper tray. Step S16 involves a processing element receiving the second voltage signal. Step S17 involves the processing element determining, based on the second voltage signal and a magnetic voltage lookup table, that the paper guide is located in a second position.

[0090] In some embodiments, the process element determining in step S17 that the paper guide is in the second position may further include: the process element outputting a second paper size signal corresponding to the second position based on the second voltage signal.

[0091] It is worth mentioning that the detection method of this embodiment can be applied to different paper detection devices, such as paper detection devices 1 to 4 as described in the first to fourth embodiments above, which will not be repeated here.

[0092] In summary, the paper detection device and method of the present invention respectively place magnetic elements at different positions, and the magnetic sensing elements generate different voltage signals corresponding to the magnetic elements. Therefore, when the paper guide moves the magnetic sensing elements to different positions, the magnetic sensing elements generate different voltage signals corresponding to different magnetic elements, allowing the processing element to accurately determine the location of the magnetic sensing elements. Compared to existing technologies that only detect "present" or "absent" signals, the magnetic sensing elements of the paper detection device of the present invention can still generate corresponding voltage signals even if their positions are slightly offset, thereby avoiding signal determination errors and accurately determining the size of the paper being pressed against by the paper guide.

[0093] Furthermore, by placing the magnetic elements on opposite sides of the magnetic induction element, the spacing between the magnetic elements can be maintained, preventing the magnetic induction element from being affected by both due to the close proximity of the magnetic elements. This allows for a more accurate determination of the paper size being pressed against by the paper guide.

[0094] Furthermore, by misaligning the magnetic sensing elements, the spacing between the magnetic elements in the direction of movement can be reduced, thereby making the overall structure of the paper detection device more compact.

[0095] The above-described embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present invention, and the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present invention are all within the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A paper detection device, which cooperates with a paper tray having a paper guide, characterized in that, The paper detection device includes: Two magnetic induction elements are disposed on the paper guide, wherein when the paper guide moves along a moving direction, the paper guide drives each of the magnetic induction elements to move to a first position or a second position; A first magnetic element is disposed in the paper tray and corresponds to the first position; A second magnetic element is disposed in the paper tray, spaced apart from the first magnetic element, and corresponding to the second position; and A processing element is electrically connected to each of the aforementioned magnetic induction elements. The magnetic induction elements are staggered relative to each other in the paper guide in the direction of movement. When one of the magnetic sensing elements outputs a first voltage signal corresponding to the first magnetic element, the processing element determines that the paper guide is located at the first position based on the first voltage signal. When one of the magnetic sensing elements outputs a second voltage signal in response to the second magnetic element, the processing element determines that the paper guide is located at the second position based on the second voltage signal. The first voltage signal is different from the second voltage signal.

2. The paper detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the paper guide is in the first position, one of the magnetic induction elements is adjacent to the first magnetic element, and there is a first distance between the one of the magnetic induction elements and the first magnetic element. The one of the magnetic induction elements outputs the first voltage signal corresponding to the first distance and the magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element.

3. The paper detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, When the paper guide is in the second position, the other of each magnetic induction element is adjacent to the second magnetic element, and there is a second distance between the other of each magnetic induction element and the second magnetic element. The other of each magnetic induction element outputs the second voltage signal corresponding to the second distance and the magnetic induction intensity of the second magnetic element.

4. The paper detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element is different from that of the second magnetic element, and the first distance is the same as or different from the second distance.

5. The paper detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The magnetic induction intensity of the first magnetic element is the same as that of the second magnetic element, but the first distance and the second distance are different.

6. The paper detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The processing element outputs a first paper size signal corresponding to the first position based on the first voltage signal, and outputs a second paper size signal corresponding to the second position based on the second voltage signal.

7. The paper detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic moment direction of the first magnetic element is parallel to the magnetic moment direction of the second magnetic element, and the magnetic moment direction of the first magnetic element is perpendicular to the direction of movement.

8. The paper detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element are located on opposite sides of each of the magnetic induction elements.

9. The paper detection device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A storage element is electrically connected to the processing element and stores a magnetic voltage lookup table.

10. The paper detection device as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The magnetic voltage reference table includes a first voltage information and a first paper size information corresponding to the first voltage information.

11. The paper detection device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, The first voltage information includes a voltage value and a permissible range corresponding to that voltage value.

12. The paper detection device as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that, When the processing element determines that the first voltage signal corresponds to the first voltage information, the processing element outputs a first paper size signal corresponding to the first position based on the first paper size information.

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