Recording medium property measuring device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To suppress measurement by a second measurement unit from being obstructed by noise that is generated in a first measurement unit.SOLUTION: A measurement device comprises: a first measurement unit arranged at a first opposing position that faces a portion of a sheet-like measurement object, for vibrating the measurement object by ultrasonic waves so as to measure the first properties of the measurement object; a second measurement unit arranged at a second opposing position that faces another portion of the measurement object while the first measurement unit is in the state of facing the portion, for sandwiching the another portion in the thickness direction to bind it and measuring the second properties of the measurement object other than the first properties; and an arrangement unit arranged between the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit in a direction that intersects the thickness direction of the measurement object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a measurement terminal used for measuring the resistance of a thin film using a four-terminal method, characterized in that the positions of the four measurement terminals are fixed so that the measured voltage value divided by the current value is equal to the sheet resistance value of the thin film. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-137774 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As the measuring device, a first measuring unit that is arranged at a position facing a part of a sheet-like measurement object and measures a first physical property of the measurement object, and a second measuring unit that is arranged at a position facing another part of the measurement object while the first measuring unit is facing the part and measures a second physical property other than the first physical property of the measurement object, can be considered.

[0005] In this configuration, when noise occurs in the first measurement unit, the noise may propagate toward the second measurement unit via the measurement object or space and interfere with the measurement in the second measurement unit.

[0006] The present invention aims to prevent noise generated in the first measurement section from interfering with measurement in the second measurement section, compared to a configuration in which the first measurement section and the second measurement section are adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the object to be measured.

[0007] The noise may be anything that interferes with the measurement by the measurement unit, and examples of the noise include electromagnetic waves and vibrations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first aspect includes a first measuring unit that is arranged at a first opposing position facing a part of a sheet-like measurement object and that vibrates the measurement object with ultrasonic waves to measure a first physical property of the measurement object, a second measuring unit that is arranged at a second opposing position facing another part of the measurement object while the first measuring unit is facing the part, that clamps and restrains the other part in the thickness direction, and measures a second physical property of the measurement object other than the first physical property, and a positioning unit that is arranged between the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the measurement object.

[0009] In a second aspect, the arrangement portion contacts the measurement object between the first opposing position and the second opposing position.

[0010] In a third aspect, the arrangement portion is in contact with one surface of the object to be measured in a thickness direction and is not in contact with the other surface.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, the arrangement section is a third measurement section that measures a third physical property of the measurement object other than the first physical property and the second physical property.

[0012] In a fifth aspect, the third measurement unit has an irradiation unit that irradiates light in a non-contact manner onto a surface on one side in the thickness direction of the object to be measured while the surface on the other side in the thickness direction of the object to be measured is supported.

[0013] A sixth aspect comprises a first measuring unit that is arranged at a first opposing position facing a part of a sheet-like measurement object and vibrates the measurement object with ultrasonic waves to measure a first physical property of the measurement object, and a second measuring unit that is arranged at a second opposing position facing another part of the measurement object while the first measuring unit is facing the part, clamps the other part in the thickness direction to restrain it, and measures a second physical property other than the first physical property of the measurement object, wherein the distance between the first opposing position and the second opposing position is a distance at which vibrations in the part are attenuated in the other part so that the restrained state of the other part is maintained.

[0014] A seventh aspect comprises one measurement unit that is arranged at an opposing position facing a part of a sheet-like measurement object and is driven by a first driving circuit to measure one physical property of the measurement object, and another measurement unit that is arranged at an opposing position facing another part of the measurement object while the first measurement unit is facing the part and is driven by a second driving circuit to measure another physical property of the measurement object other than the one physical property, wherein the first driving circuit and the second driving circuit are provided on different substrates.

[0015] In an eighth aspect, the first driving circuit is disposed on one side of the object to be measured in a thickness direction, and the second driving circuit is disposed on the other side of the object to be measured in the thickness direction.

[0016] A ninth aspect includes a placement unit that is placed between the one measurement unit and the other measurement unit in a direction intersecting a thickness direction of the measurement object.

[0017] A tenth aspect includes a measuring device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium as a measurement target whose physical properties have been measured by the measuring device, and a control device that controls the image formation operation of the image forming unit based on the physical properties measured by the measuring device. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the configuration of the first aspect, compared to a configuration in which the first measuring section and the second measuring section are adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the object to be measured, the configuration suppresses interference with measurement in the second measuring section due to vibrations generated as noise in the first measuring section.

[0019] According to the configuration of the second aspect, the measurement in the second measurement unit is prevented from being hindered by vibrations generated in the first measurement unit, compared to a configuration in which the placement unit is not in contact with the measurement object.

[0020] According to the configuration of the third aspect, the measurement in the first measurement unit is less likely to be hindered, compared to a configuration in which the arrangement unit contacts one surface and the other surface in the thickness direction of the measurement object.

[0021] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, it is possible to measure the third physical property of the object to be measured while suppressing interference with the measurement in the second measurement section, compared to a configuration using a placement section that does not have a measurement function for measuring the physical property of the object to be measured.

[0022] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the measurement in the first measurement unit is less likely to be hindered, compared to a configuration in which the irradiation unit contacts the other surface of the measurement object in the thickness direction.

[0023] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, compared to a configuration in which vibrations in one part of the object to be measured cause other parts to vibrate, the configuration suppresses the measurement in the second measurement section from being hindered by vibrations generated in the first measurement section.

[0024] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, compared to a configuration in which the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are provided on the same substrate, the noise from the first drive circuit is prevented from interfering with measurements in other measurement units.

[0025] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, compared to a configuration in which both the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit are arranged on one side of the object to be measured in the thickness direction, the configuration suppresses noise from the first drive circuit from interfering with measurements in other measurement units.

[0026] According to the configuration of the 9th aspect, compared to a configuration in which one measurement unit and another measurement unit are adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting the thickness direction of the object to be measured, the configuration suppresses noise from the first driving circuit from interfering with measurements at the other measurement units.

[0027] According to the configuration of the tenth aspect, a high-quality image can be formed on the recording medium, compared to a configuration in which the image forming operation of the image forming unit is executed regardless of the physical properties of the recording medium. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a measurement device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a measurement device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a measurement device according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a measurement device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0030] First Embodiment (Image forming apparatus 10) A configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0031] The image forming apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 1 is an apparatus for forming an image. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 11, a medium storage section 12, an image forming section 14, a conveying mechanism 15, a control device 16, and a measuring device 20. The image forming apparatus 10 is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from a user terminal 19. Each section of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described below.

[0032] (Image forming device body 11) 1 is a portion in which the components of the image forming device 10 are provided. Specifically, the image forming device body 11 is configured, for example, as a box-shaped housing. In this embodiment, the medium storage unit 12, the image forming unit 14, and the transport mechanism 15 are provided inside the image forming device body 11.

[0033] (Medium storage section 12) 1 is a portion of the image forming apparatus 10 that stores paper P. The paper P stored in the medium storage portion 12 is supplied to the image forming portion 14. The paper P is an example of a "recording medium."

[0034] (Image forming unit 14) 1 has a function of forming an image on paper P supplied from the medium container 12. Examples of the image forming unit 14 include an inkjet type image forming unit that forms an image on paper P using ink, and an electrophotographic type image forming unit that forms an image on paper P using toner.

[0035] In an inkjet type image forming unit, for example, ink droplets are ejected from an ejection unit onto a sheet of paper P to form an image on the sheet of paper P. In the inkjet type image forming unit, ink droplets may be ejected from an ejection unit onto a transfer body, and the ink droplets may be transferred from the transfer body to the sheet of paper P to form an image on the sheet of paper P.

[0036] In an electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, the steps of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fixing are performed to form an image on paper P. In the electrophotographic image forming unit, an image may be formed on a transfer body by performing the steps of charging, exposing, developing, and transferring, and then transferring the image from the transfer body to paper P, and then fixing the image to paper P, thereby forming an image on paper P.

[0037] Note that examples of the image forming section are not limited to the inkjet type image forming section and the electrophotographic type image forming section described above, and various other image forming sections can be used.

[0038] (Transport mechanism 15) 1 is a mechanism for transporting paper P. As an example, the transport mechanism 15 transports paper P by transport members (not shown) such as a transport roll and a transport belt. The transport mechanism 15 transports paper P from the medium container 12 to the image forming unit 14 through a predetermined transport path.

[0039] (Overview of user terminal 19, control device 16, and measurement device 20) The user terminal 19 shown in Fig. 1 is configured with a terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer. The user terminal 19 is capable of communicating with the measuring device 20 and the control device 16 wirelessly or by wire. As shown in Fig. 1, the measuring device 20 and the control device 16 are provided outside the image forming device main body 11, for example. Each of the user terminal 19 and the control device 16 is configured with a control unit (control board) having a recording unit configured with a storage or the like in which a program is recorded, and a processor that operates according to the program.

[0040] In this embodiment, a user of the image forming apparatus 10 places, for example, a sheet of paper P on which an image is to be formed on the measuring device 20 and issues a measurement instruction from the user terminal 19. Upon receiving the measurement instruction from the user terminal 19, the measuring device 20 measures the physical properties of the sheet of paper P and transmits measurement value information indicating the measured values ​​of the physical properties to the user terminal 19.

[0041] A user of the image forming apparatus 10, for example, stores the paper P that has been measured by the measuring device 20 in the medium storage unit 12, and issues a measurement instruction and an image formation instruction from the user terminal 19. The image formation instruction may also serve as a measurement instruction.

[0042] When the control device 16 receives an acquisition instruction from the user terminal 19, it acquires measurement value information from the user terminal 19. When the control device 16 receives an image formation instruction from the user terminal 19, it causes the image forming unit 14 and the transport mechanism 15 to perform an image formation operation, and controls the operations of the image forming unit 14 and the transport mechanism 15 based on the measurement value information. Specifically, the control device 16 controls the transport speed of the paper P in the transport mechanism 15, as well as the transfer voltage and fixing temperature in the image forming unit 14, based on the measurement value information.

[0043] In the above example, control device 16 is provided outside image forming apparatus main body 11, but it may be provided inside image forming apparatus main body 11. In addition, control device 16 acquires measurement value information of measuring device 20 via user terminal 19, but it may be configured to acquire measurement value information directly from measuring device 20.

[0044] Furthermore, although the measuring device 20 is provided outside the image forming apparatus body 11, it may be provided inside the image forming apparatus body 11. Specifically, the measuring device 20 may be configured as a device that measures physical properties in the medium storage unit 12 or in the transport path of the paper P.

[0045] (Specific configuration of the measuring device 20) FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a measuring device 20 according to this embodiment. Note that the arrow UP shown in the figure indicates the upper side (vertically upward) of the device, and the arrow DO indicates the lower side (vertically downward) of the device. Also, the arrow LH shown in the figure indicates the left side of the device, and the arrow RH indicates the right side of the device. Also, the arrow FR shown in the figure indicates the front side of the device, and the arrow RR indicates the rear side of the device. These directions are determined for the convenience of explanation, and the device configuration is not limited to these directions. Note that in each direction of the device, the word "device" may be omitted. That is, for example, "above the device" may be simply indicated as "above."

[0046] In addition, in the following description, the "up-down direction" may mean "both above and below" or "either above or below". The "left-right direction" may mean "both right and left" or "either right or left". The "left-right direction" may also be referred to as the lateral direction or horizontal direction. The "front-rear direction" may mean "both forward and backward" or "either forward or backward". The front-rear direction may also be referred to as the lateral direction or horizontal direction. In addition, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction are directions that intersect with each other (specifically, directions that are perpendicular to each other).

[0047] In addition, the symbol "x" inside a "circle" in the figure means an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. In addition, the symbol "·" inside a "circle" in the figure means an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page.

[0048] The measuring device 20 is a device that measures the physical properties of the paper P used in the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the measuring device 20 measures the basis weight, electrical resistance, and the presence or absence of a coating layer of the paper P. The paper P is an example of a "sheet-like measurement target." "Sheet-like" refers to a shape like paper, and is a concept that includes shapes called film-like or plate-like.

[0049] Basis weight, electrical resistivity, and the presence or absence of a coating layer are examples of "physical properties." Note that "measurement" means measuring the value (i.e., the degree) of a physical property, but the value of the physical property is a concept that includes 0 (zero). In other words, "measurement" includes measuring whether the value of the physical property is 0 (zero) or not, that is, measuring whether or not the physical property is present.

[0050] 2, the measuring device 20 specifically includes a first housing 21, a second housing 22, a basis weight measuring unit 30, a resistance measuring unit 50, and a coating layer measuring unit 70. Each part of the measuring device 20 will be described below.

[0051] (First housing 21) The first housing 21 is a portion in which some of the components of the measuring device 20 are provided. This first housing 21 constitutes the lower portion of the measuring device 20. The first housing 21 has an opposing surface 21A that faces the lower surface of the paper sheet P. The opposing surface 21A is also a support surface that supports the paper sheet P from below. A portion of the basis weight measuring unit 30 and a portion of the resistance measuring unit 50 are arranged inside the first housing 21.

[0052] (Second housing 22) The second housing 22 is a portion in which the other parts of each component of the measuring device 20 are provided. This second housing 22 constitutes the upper portion of the measuring device 20. The second housing 22 has an opposing surface 22A that faces the upper surface of the paper P. Other parts of the basis weight measuring unit 30, the coating layer measuring unit 70, and other parts of the resistance measuring unit 50 are arranged inside the second housing 22. In the measuring device 20, a paper sheet P as an example of a measurement target is arranged between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22.

[0053] In addition, the second housing 22 is configured to be movable relative to the first housing 21, for example, in a direction approaching and moving away from the first housing 21 (specifically, in the up and down direction), and after the paper P is placed between the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, it moves relative to the first housing 21 in a direction approaching the first housing 21 and is positioned at the position shown in Figure 2.

[0054] (Basic weight measurement section 30) The basis weight measuring unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 vibrates the paper P with ultrasonic waves to measure the basis weight [g / m 2 The basis weight measuring unit 30 has a function of measuring the basis weight (weight, surface area ...

[0055] The transmitter 32 has a function of transmitting ultrasonic waves to the paper P. The transmitter 32 is disposed in the second housing 22. That is, the transmitter 32 is disposed at a position facing one surface (specifically, the upper surface) of the paper P. Note that below the transmitter 32 in the second housing 22, an opening 24 is formed to allow the ultrasonic waves from the transmitter 32 to pass through toward the paper P.

[0056] The driving circuit 31 is a circuit that drives the transmitting unit 32. When the driving circuit 31 drives the transmitting unit 32, the transmitting unit 32 applies ultrasonic waves to the upper surface side of the paper P, vibrating the paper P. The vibrated paper P vibrates the air below the paper P. In other words, the ultrasonic waves from the transmitting unit 32 pass through the paper P.

[0057] The receiving unit 35 has a function of receiving ultrasonic waves that have passed through the paper sheet P. The receiving unit 35 is disposed in the first housing 21. That is, the receiving unit 35 is disposed at a position facing the other surface (specifically, the lower surface) of the paper sheet P. The receiving unit 35 generates a reception signal by receiving the ultrasonic waves that have passed through the paper sheet P. An opening 23 is formed above the receiving unit 35 in the first housing 21, which allows ultrasonic waves from the paper sheet P side to pass through toward the receiving unit 35.

[0058] In this way, in the basis weight measurement unit 30, the transmitter 32 and the receiver 35 constitute a detection unit (specifically, a detection sensor) that detects information indicating the basis weight of the paper P (specifically, ultrasonic waves transmitted through the paper P). A drive circuit 31 constitutes a circuit that drives the detection unit.

[0059] The processing unit 36 ​​obtains a measurement value by performing processing such as amplification on the received signal obtained from the receiving unit 35. Furthermore, the processing unit 36 ​​outputs measurement value information indicating the obtained measurement value to the user terminal 19. As one example, the processing unit 36 ​​is configured with an electric circuit including an amplifier circuit and the like.

[0060] The measurement value obtained by the processing unit 36 ​​is a value that has a correlation with the basis weight of the paper P. Therefore, the measurement in the basis weight measuring unit 30 includes not only the measurement of the basis weight of the paper P itself, but also the measurement of a measurement value that has a correlation with the basis weight of the paper P.

[0061] In addition, the basis weight measuring unit 30 may calculate the basis weight of the paper P based on the measurement value obtained by the processing unit 36. Specifically, the basis weight measuring unit 30 calculates the basis weight from correlation data indicating the correlation between the measurement value and the basis weight, for example.

[0062] (Resistance measuring unit 50) The resistance measuring unit 50 shown in FIG. 2 has a function of measuring the surface resistance value [Ω] of the paper P. The resistance measuring unit 50 is an example of a "second measuring unit." The surface resistance value is an example of a "second physical property other than the first physical property." Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the resistance measuring unit 50 has an electric circuit 51, a pair of terminals 52, a power source 53, a pair of opposing members 54, a detection circuit 55, and a processing unit 56.

[0063] The pair of terminals 52 are disposed, for example, on the first housing 21. The pair of terminals 52 are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction and contact the lower surface of the paper P through an opening 25 formed in the first housing 21. Each of the pair of terminals 52 is electrically connected to a power source 53 through an electric circuit 51.

[0064] Each of the pair of opposing members 54 faces each of the pair of terminals 52 with the paper P disposed between each of the pair of terminals 52. Each of the pair of opposing members 54 contacts the upper surface of the paper P through the opening 26 formed in the second housing 22. That is, the paper P is sandwiched between each of the pair of opposing members 54 and each of the pair of terminals 52. Each of the pair of opposing members 54 and each of the pair of terminals 52 are formed of a roll, for example.

[0065] The power source 53 applies a predetermined voltage [V] to the pair of terminals 52 through the electric circuit 51. As a result, a current corresponding to the surface resistance of the paper P flows between the pair of terminals 52. The detection circuit 55 is electrically connected to the pair of terminals 52. The detection circuit 55 detects the current flowing between the pair of terminals 52 to generate a detection signal.

[0066] In this way, in the resistance measuring unit 50, the pair of terminals 52 and the detection circuit 55 constitute a detection unit (specifically, a detection sensor) that detects information indicating the surface resistance of the paper P (specifically, the current flowing through the paper P). The electric circuit 51 constitutes a circuit that drives the detection unit.

[0067] The processing unit 56 performs processing such as amplification on the detection signal obtained from the detection circuit 55 to obtain a measurement value (specifically, a current value [A]). Furthermore, the processing unit 56 outputs measurement value information indicating the obtained measurement value to the user terminal 19. As an example, the processing unit 56 is configured by an electric circuit including an amplifier circuit and the like.

[0068] The measured value obtained by the processing unit 56 is a value that has a correlation with the surface resistance value of the paper P. Therefore, the measurement in the resistance measuring unit 50 includes not only measuring the surface resistance value of the paper P itself, but also measuring a measured value that has a correlation with the surface resistance value of the paper P. Note that the resistance measuring unit 50 may calculate the surface resistance value of the paper P based on the measured value obtained by the processing unit 56.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the resistance measuring unit 50 is configured to apply a predetermined voltage to the pair of terminals 52 and detect the current flowing between the pair of terminals 52 to obtain the surface resistance value, but is not limited to this. For example, the resistance measuring unit 50 may be configured to obtain the surface resistance value by passing a current of a predetermined current value through the pair of terminals 52 and detecting the voltage between the pair of terminals 52.

[0070] (Coating layer measuring unit 70) The coating layer measuring unit 70 shown in Fig. 2 has a function of measuring the presence or absence of a coating layer on the paper P. A coating layer is a layer formed by applying a coating agent to the surface of the paper. In other words, the coating layer measuring unit 70 measures whether the paper P is coated paper (i.e., coated paper).

[0071] The coating layer measuring unit 70 is an example of a "positioning unit" and an example of a "third measuring unit." The presence or absence of a coating layer is an example of a "third physical property other than the first physical property and the second physical property." Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the coating layer measuring unit 70 has a drive circuit 71, a light irradiating unit 72, a light receiving unit 75, and a processing unit 76. The light irradiating unit 72 is an example of an "irradiating unit."

[0072] The light irradiation unit 72 has a function of irradiating light onto the paper P. The light irradiation unit 72 is disposed in the second housing 22. That is, the light irradiation unit 72 is disposed at a position facing one surface (specifically, the upper surface) of the paper P with a gap therebetween. Note that below the light irradiation unit 72 in the second housing 22, an opening 28 is formed to pass the light from the light irradiation unit 72 toward the paper P.

[0073] The driving circuit 71 is a circuit that drives the light emitting section 72. When the driving circuit 71 drives the light emitting section 72, the light emitting section 72 irradiates the paper P with light, and the light is reflected by the paper P.

[0074] The light receiving unit 75 has a function of receiving light reflected by the paper P. The light receiving unit 75 is disposed in the second housing 22. That is, the light receiving unit 75 is disposed in a position facing one surface (specifically, the upper surface) of the paper P with a gap therebetween. The light receiving unit 75 receives the light reflected by the paper P to generate a light receiving signal. An opening 29 is formed below the light receiving unit 75 in the second housing 22.

[0075] Thus, in the coating layer measuring unit 70, the light irradiating unit 72 and the light receiving unit 75 constitute a detection unit (specifically, a detection sensor) that detects information indicating the presence or absence of a coating layer on the paper P (specifically, light reflected by the paper P). A drive circuit 71 constitutes a circuit that drives the detection unit.

[0076] The processing unit 76 obtains a measurement value by performing processing such as amplification on the light receiving signal obtained from the light receiving unit 75. Furthermore, the processing unit 76 outputs measurement value information indicating the obtained measurement value to the user terminal 19. As one example, the processing unit 76 is configured by an electric circuit including an amplifier circuit and the like.

[0077] The measured values ​​obtained by processing unit 76 are values ​​that correlate with the presence or absence of a coating layer on paper P. Therefore, the measurements in coating layer measuring unit 70 include not only measuring the presence or absence of a coating layer on paper P itself, but also measuring a measurement value that correlates with the presence or absence of a coating layer on paper P.

[0078] The coating layer measuring unit 70 may measure the presence or absence of a coating layer on the paper P based on the measurement value obtained by the processing unit 76. Specifically, the presence or absence of a coating layer is measured, for example, by whether or not the measurement value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

[0079] (Arrangement of basis weight measuring unit 30, resistance measuring unit 50, and coating layer measuring unit 70) Here, the arrangement of the basis weight measuring unit 30, the resistance measuring unit 50, and the coating layer measuring unit 70 will be described.

[0080] 2, the basis weight measuring unit 30 is disposed at one end (specifically, the left end) of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. The basis weight measuring unit 30 is disposed at a facing position T1 facing a part of the paper P (specifically, the left side portion).

[0081] Specifically, in the basis weight measurement unit 30, the transmitter 32 faces one side (specifically, the upper side) of the paper P at the facing position T1 with a gap therebetween. Also, the receiver 35 faces the other side (specifically, the lower side) of the paper P at the facing position T1 with a gap therebetween. The facing position T1 is an example of a "first facing position."

[0082] The transmitter 32 is disposed at a position recessed upward from the opposing surface 22A of the second housing 22. The receiver 35 is disposed at a position recessed downward from the opposing surface 21A of the first housing 21.

[0083] In this way, the basis weight measuring unit 30 faces the paper P with a gap therebetween at the facing position T1, and is not in contact with either side of the paper P. Therefore, the paper P is not constrained at the facing position T1 and is in a free state. Therefore, the paper P vibrates when ultrasonic waves are applied to it.

[0084] The resistance measuring unit 50 is disposed at the other end (specifically, the right end) of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. When the basis weight measuring unit 30 faces a part (specifically, the left side portion) of the paper P, the resistance measuring unit 50 is disposed at a facing position T2 facing another part (specifically, the right side portion) of the paper P. In other words, both the resistance measuring unit 50 and the basis weight measuring unit 30 are disposed within the paper size of the paper P.

[0085] Specifically, in the resistance measuring unit 50, each of the pair of opposing members 54 and each of the pair of terminals 52 sandwich and restrain another part (specifically, the right side part) of the paper P at the opposing position T2. ​​The opposing position T2 is an example of a "second opposing position."

[0086] Each of the pair of terminals 52 is disposed at a position protruding upward from the opposing surface 21A of the first housing 21. Moreover, each of the pair of opposing members 54 is disposed at a position protruding downward from the opposing surface 22A of the second housing 22.

[0087] The coating layer measuring unit 70 is disposed between the basis weight measuring unit 30 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the coating layer measuring unit 70, together with the resistance measuring unit 50 and the basis weight measuring unit 30, is disposed within the paper size of the paper P. In this embodiment, the coating layer measuring unit 70 is disposed between the basis weight measuring unit 30 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in both the front-rear direction and the top-bottom direction. The left-right direction is an example of a "direction intersecting the thickness direction of the object to be measured".

[0088] In the coating layer measuring unit 70, specifically, the light irradiation unit 72 and the light receiving unit 75 are arranged in the left-right direction at an intermediate position T3 between the transmitter 32 and receiver 35 of the basis weight measuring unit 30 and each of the pair of opposing members 54 and the pair of terminals 52 of the resistance measuring unit 50.

[0089] The light irradiating unit 72 and the light receiving unit 75 are disposed at a position recessed upward from the opposing surface 22A of the second housing 22. Therefore, the light irradiating unit 72 irradiates light to the upper surface of the paper P without contacting the paper P while the lower surface of the paper P is supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing 21. The light receiving unit 75 receives reflected light from the upper surface of the paper P without contacting the paper P while the lower surface of the paper P is supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing 21.

[0090] The bottom surface of the paper P is an example of "one surface of the measurement object in the thickness direction." The top surface of the paper P is an example of "the other surface of the measurement object in the thickness direction."

[0091] As described above, the paper P is not restrained and is in a free state at the facing position T1. Meanwhile, at the facing position T2, the paper P is pinched and restrained by the resistance measuring unit 50. Furthermore, at the intermediate position T3, the paper P has its lower surface supported by the facing surface 21A of the first housing 21, and its upper surface is not in contact. Therefore, in this embodiment, the restraining force on the paper P becomes stronger in the order of the facing position T1, the intermediate position T3, and the facing position T2.

[0092] (Action according to this embodiment) In this embodiment, the basis weight measuring unit 30 vibrates the paper P with ultrasonic waves at the facing position T1 to measure the basis weight of the paper P. The vibrations generated on the paper P at the facing position T1 are transmitted as noise through the paper P toward the resistance measuring unit 50 (i.e., the facing position T2 side). If the paper P vibrates at the facing position T2, a gap may be generated between the pair of terminals 52 and the paper P, which may hinder the measurement by the resistance measuring unit 50.

[0093] In this embodiment, the resistance measuring unit 50 clamps and restrains the paper P at the facing position T2. ​​If the restraining force of the paper P at the facing position T2 extends to the facing position T1, the vibration of the paper P at the facing position T1 may be restricted, which may hinder the measurement by the basis weight measuring unit 30.

[0094] Here, in this embodiment, the coating layer measuring unit 70 is disposed between the basis weight measuring unit 30 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in the left-right direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the basis weight measuring unit 30 and the resistance measuring unit 50 are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction (hereinafter referred to as configuration A), it is possible to separate the basis weight measuring unit 30 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in the left-right direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, compared to configuration A, vibrations generated at the facing position T1 on the paper P are less likely to be transmitted to the facing position T2, and the measurement by the resistance measuring unit 50 is prevented from being hindered by vibrations generated in the basis weight measuring unit 30. That is, in this embodiment, the measurement error in the resistance measuring unit 50 is smaller than in configuration A.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restraining force at facing position T2 of the paper P is less likely to extend to facing position T1 compared to configuration A. Therefore, compared to configuration A, the vibration of the paper P at facing position T1 is less likely to be restricted, and disturbance of measurement in the basis weight measurement unit 30 is suppressed. That is, in this embodiment, the measurement error in the basis weight measurement unit 30 is smaller compared to configuration A.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, the coating layer measuring unit 70 is used as an example of a positioning unit that is arranged between the basis weight measuring unit 30 and the resistance measuring unit 50, so that it is possible to measure the presence or absence of a coating layer on the paper P while suppressing interference with measurements in the resistance measuring unit 50 and the basis weight measuring unit 30, compared to a configuration that uses a positioning unit that does not have a measurement function for measuring the physical properties of the paper P.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light irradiator 72 of the coating layer measuring unit 70 irradiates light in a non-contact manner onto the upper surface of the paper sheet P while the lower surface of the paper sheet P is supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing 21. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the light irradiator 72 contacts the upper surface of the paper sheet P, vibration of the paper sheet P at the opposing position T1 is less likely to be restricted, and interference with measurement by the basis weight measuring unit 30 is suppressed.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, when the control device 16 receives an image formation instruction from the user terminal 19, it causes the image forming unit 14 and the conveying mechanism 15 to perform an image formation operation, and controls the operation of the image forming unit 14 and the conveying mechanism 15 based on the measurement value information.

[0099] Therefore, a high quality image is formed on the paper P, as compared to a configuration in which an image forming operation is performed regardless of the physical properties of the paper P.

[0100] <Second embodiment> Next, a measuring device 220 according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0101] 3, the measuring device 220 includes a contact member 270 instead of the coating layer measuring section 70. The contact member 270 is formed in an L-shape when viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0102] The contact member 270 is disposed between the basis weight measurement unit 30 and the resistance measurement unit 50 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the contact member 270, together with the resistance measurement unit 50 and the basis weight measurement unit 30, is disposed within the paper size of the paper P. In this embodiment, the contact member 270 is disposed between the basis weight measurement unit 30 and the resistance measurement unit 50 when viewed in both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction.

[0103] Specifically, the contact member 270 is arranged in the left-right direction at an intermediate position T3 between the transmitting unit 32 and the receiving unit 35 of the basis weight measuring unit 30 and each of the pair of opposing members 54 and the pair of terminals 52 of the resistance measuring unit 50.

[0104] The contact member 270 protrudes downward from the facing surface 22A of the second housing 22 through an opening 279 formed in the second housing 22. As a result, the bottom surface 272 of the contact member 270 is located below the facing surface 22A of the second housing 22 and contacts the upper surface of the paper P. In other words, the contact member 270 contacts the paper P between the facing position T1 and the facing position T2.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an opening 274 is formed in the facing surface 21A of the first housing 21 at the intermediate position T3. Therefore, the lower surface of the paper P is not in contact with the paper P at the intermediate position T3. Thus, in this embodiment, the contact member 270 is in contact with the upper surface of the paper P and is not in contact with the lower surface of the paper P. Except for the above points, the measuring device 220 is configured similarly to the measuring device 20.

[0106] In this embodiment, the top surface of the paper P is an example of "one surface of the measurement object in the thickness direction." The bottom surface of the paper P is an example of "the other surface of the measurement object in the thickness direction."

[0107] (Action according to this embodiment) In this embodiment, the contact member 270 is disposed between the basis weight measuring unit 30 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in the left-right direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the basis weight measuring unit 30 and the resistance measuring unit 50 are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction (hereinafter referred to as configuration A), it is possible to separate the basis weight measuring unit 30 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in the left-right direction. Therefore, in this embodiment, compared to configuration A, vibrations generated at the facing position T1 on the paper P are less likely to be transmitted to the facing position T2, and the measurement by the resistance measuring unit 50 is prevented from being hindered by vibrations generated in the basis weight measuring unit 30. That is, in this embodiment, the measurement error in the resistance measuring unit 50 is smaller than in configuration A.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the restraining force at facing position T2 of the paper P is less likely to extend to facing position T1 compared to configuration A. Therefore, compared to configuration A, the vibration of the paper P at facing position T1 is less likely to be restricted, and disturbance of measurement in the basis weight measurement unit 30 is suppressed. That is, in this embodiment, the measurement error in the basis weight measurement unit 30 is smaller compared to configuration A.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the contact member 270 contacts the paper P between the opposing positions T1 and T2, vibrations generated at the opposing position T1 on the paper P are less likely to be transmitted to the opposing position T2 compared to a configuration in which the contact member 270 is not in contact with the paper P, and the measurement at the resistance measuring unit 50 is prevented from being hindered by vibrations generated in the basis weight measuring unit 30.

[0110] Furthermore, since the contact member 270 does not contact the underside of the paper P, the vibration of the paper P at the opposing position T1 is less restricted compared to a configuration in which the contact member 270 contacts the upper and lower surfaces of the paper P, and interference with measurement by the basis weight measuring unit 30 is suppressed.

[0111] <Third embodiment> Next, a measuring device 320 according to a third embodiment will be described. Note that parts having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0112] 4, the measuring device 320 is configured not to include a coating layer measuring unit 70. Furthermore, in the measuring device 320, the distance LA between the facing positions T1 and T2 is set to a distance at which vibrations at the left side portion of the paper P at the facing position T1 are attenuated at the right side portion so that the restrained state of the right side portion of the paper P at the facing position T2 is maintained.

[0113] That is, the distance LA is set so that the restraint state of the right side portion of the paper P at the facing position T2 is the same when vibration is generated at the facing position T1 and when vibration is not generated. The restraint state of the right side portion of the paper P is confirmed, for example, by the load of each of the pair of facing members 54 and each of the pair of terminals 52 on the paper P.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the basis weight measuring unit 30 is arranged at one end (specifically, the left end) of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, and the resistance measuring unit 50 is arranged at the other end (specifically, the right end) of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22, so that the distance LA becomes the aforementioned distance.

[0115] In addition, the basis weight measuring unit 30 is disposed at one end of the paper P (specifically, the left end), and the resistance measuring unit 50 is disposed at the other end of the paper P (specifically, the right end).

[0116] Furthermore, the transmitting unit 32 and the receiving unit 35 are disposed in the left portion of the basis weight measurement unit 30. That is, the transmitting unit 32 and the receiving unit 35 are disposed in the basis weight measurement unit 30 on the left side of the center in the left-right direction.

[0117] Moreover, the pair of opposing members 54 and the pair of terminals 52 are disposed in a right-hand portion of the resistance measuring unit 50. That is, the pair of opposing members 54 and the pair of terminals 52 are disposed in the resistance measuring unit 50 to the right of the center in the left-right direction.

[0118] (Action according to this embodiment) In this embodiment, as described above, the distance LA between the opposing positions T1 and T2 is set to a distance at which the vibration in the left side portion of the paper P at the opposing position T1 is attenuated in the right side portion so that the restraint state in the right side portion of the paper P at the opposing position T2 is maintained.

[0119] Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the vibration of the left side portion of the paper P at facing position T1 vibrates the right side portion of the paper P at facing position T2, the vibration generated in the basis weight measurement unit 30 is less likely to interfere with the measurement in the resistance measurement unit 50. That is, in this embodiment, the measurement error in the resistance measurement unit 50 is smaller than in a configuration in which the vibration of the left side portion of the paper P at facing position T1 vibrates the right side portion of the paper P at facing position T2.

[0120] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a measuring device 420 according to a fourth embodiment will be described. Note that parts having the same functions as those in the second embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0121] 5, the measuring device 420 includes a coating layer measuring unit 70 instead of the basis weight measuring unit 30. The coating layer measuring unit 70 is disposed at one end (specifically, the left end) of the first housing 21 and the second housing 22. The coating layer measuring unit 70 is disposed at a facing position T1 facing a part of the paper P (specifically, the left side portion).

[0122] Specifically, in the coating layer measuring unit 70, the light irradiator 72 and the light receiver 75 are disposed at a position at the opposing position T1 that is recessed upward from the opposing surface 22A of the second housing 22. Therefore, the light irradiator 72 irradiates light to the upper surface of the paper P without contacting the upper surface of the paper P with the lower surface of the paper P supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing 21. Moreover, the light receiver 75 receives reflected light from the upper surface of the paper P without contacting the upper surface of the paper P with the lower surface of the paper P supported by the opposing surface 21A of the first housing 21.

[0123] In this embodiment, the drive circuit 71 of the coating layer measuring unit 70 is provided on a substrate 79. On the other hand, the electric circuit 51 and the power supply 53 of the resistance measuring unit 50 are provided on a substrate 59. That is, the drive circuit 71 of the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the electric circuit 51 and the power supply 53 of the resistance measuring unit 50 are provided on different substrates.

[0124] Furthermore, the drive circuit 71 of the coating layer measuring unit 70 is disposed above the paper P, and the electrical circuit 51 and power source 53 of the resistance measuring unit 50 are disposed below the paper P. Therefore, the drive circuit 71 of the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the electrical circuit 51 and power source 53 of the resistance measuring unit 50 are disposed in a position partitioned by the paper P in addition to the first housing 21 and the second housing 22.

[0125] In this embodiment, the contact member 270 is disposed between the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the contact member 270, together with the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the resistance measuring unit 50, is disposed within the paper size of the paper P. In this embodiment, the contact member 270 is disposed between the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the resistance measuring unit 50 when viewed in both the front-rear and top-bottom directions.

[0126] Specifically, the contact member 270 is arranged in the left-right direction at an intermediate position T3 between the light irradiation section 72 and the light receiving section 75 of the coating layer measuring section 70 and each of the pair of opposing members 54 and the pair of terminals 52 of the resistance measuring section 50.

[0127] In this embodiment, the coating layer measuring unit 70 is an example of a "first measuring unit." The presence or absence of a coating layer is an example of a "first physical property." The resistance measuring unit 50 is an example of an "other measuring unit." The surface resistance value is an example of an "other physical property." The driving circuit 71 is an example of a "first driving circuit." The electrical circuit 51 is an example of a "second driving circuit."

[0128] (Action according to this embodiment) In this embodiment, the drive circuit 71 of the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the electric circuit 51 and power supply 53 of the resistance measuring unit 50 are provided on different substrates. Therefore, the influence of noise between the drive circuit 71 and the electric circuit 51 is suppressed compared to a configuration in which the drive circuit 71 and the electric circuit 51 are provided on the same substrate (hereinafter referred to as configuration B). This suppresses the interference of noise from the drive circuit 71 with the measurement in the resistance measuring unit 50 and the interference of noise from the electric circuit 51 with the measurement in the coating layer measuring unit 70 compared to configuration B.

[0129] In this embodiment, the drive circuit 71 of the coating layer measurement unit 70 is disposed above the paper P, and the electric circuit 51 and power source 53 of the resistance measurement unit 50 are disposed above the paper P. Therefore, compared to a configuration (hereinafter referred to as configuration C) in which both the drive circuit 71 and the electric circuit 51 are disposed on one side of the thickness direction of the paper P (for example, the upper surface side of the paper P), it is possible to separate the drive circuit 71 and the electric circuit 51 in the vertical direction, and it is possible to separate the drive circuit 71 and the electric circuit 51 by the paper P. This reduces the interference with measurement by the resistance measurement unit 50 due to noise from the drive circuit 71, and reduces the interference with measurement by the coating layer measurement unit 70 due to noise from the electric circuit 51, compared to configuration C.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the contact member 270 is disposed between the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in the left-right direction. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the resistance measuring unit 50 are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction (hereinafter referred to as configuration D), it is possible to separate the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in the left-right direction, and it is possible to separate the drive circuit 71 and the electric circuit 51 with the contact member 270. As a result, compared to configuration D, interference with measurement by the resistance measuring unit 50 due to noise from the drive circuit 71 and interference with measurement by the coating layer measuring unit 70 due to noise from the electric circuit 51 are suppressed.

[0131] (Modification) In the first to fourth embodiments, paper P is used as an example of a sheet-like measurement target, but this is not limited thereto. An example of the measurement target may be a sheet-like recording medium other than paper P, such as a metal or resin film, or any other sheet-like member.

[0132] In the first to third embodiments, the basis weight [g / m 2 However, the present invention is not limited to this. An example of the first measurement unit is a unit for measuring the thickness [m] and density [g / m 3 ], mass [g], or other physical properties. That is, examples of the first physical properties may include the thickness [m], density [g / m 3 ], and mass [g], or other physical properties.

[0133] In the first to third embodiments, the resistance measuring unit 50 that measures the surface resistance value of the paper P is used as an example of the second measuring unit, but is not limited to this. An example of the second measuring unit may be, for example, a measuring unit that measures the volume resistance or other physical property of the object to be measured. That is, an example of the second physical property may be, for example, the volume resistance or other physical property of the object to be measured. When measuring the volume resistance of the paper P, one of the pair of terminals 52 is disposed on the upper surface side of the paper P and the other is disposed on the lower surface side of the paper P, and the pair of terminals 52 clamp and restrain the paper P in the vertical direction.

[0134] In the first embodiment, the coating layer measuring unit 70 that measures the presence or absence of a coating layer on the paper P is used as an example of the third measuring unit, but is not limited to this. An example of the third measuring unit may be, for example, a measuring unit that measures the moisture content, stiffness (i.e., rigidity), or other physical property of the object to be measured. In other words, an example of the third physical property may be, for example, the moisture content, stiffness (i.e., rigidity), or other physical property of the object to be measured.

[0135] Furthermore, the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the contact member 270, which are an example of a placement unit, are not in contact with one side of the paper P, but are not limited to this. An example of the placement unit may be configured to contact both sides of the measurement object. An example of the placement unit may be configured to be in non-contact with both sides of the measurement object.

[0136] In the fourth embodiment, the coating layer measuring unit 70 that measures the presence or absence of a coating layer on the paper P is used as an example of the one measuring unit, but is not limited to this. An example of the one measuring unit may be any measuring unit that includes a drive circuit, and may be a measuring unit that measures a physical property other than the presence or absence of a coating layer. In other words, an example of the one physical property may be, for example, a physical property other than the presence or absence of a coating layer.

[0137] In the fourth embodiment, the resistance measuring unit 50 that measures the surface resistance value of the paper P is used as an example of the other measuring unit, but is not limited to this. An example of the other measuring unit may be a measuring unit that includes a drive circuit and may be a measuring unit that measures a physical property other than the surface resistance value. In other words, an example of the other physical property may be, for example, a physical property other than the surface resistance value.

[0138] In the fourth embodiment, the drive circuit 71 of the coating layer measuring unit 70 is disposed above the paper P, and the electric circuit 51 and the power source 53 of the resistance measuring unit 50 are disposed below the paper P, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the drive circuit 71 and the electric circuit 51 may both be disposed on one side of the paper P in the thickness direction (for example, the upper surface side of the paper P).

[0139] In the fourth embodiment, the contact member 270 is disposed between the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the resistance measuring unit 50 in the left-right direction, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the coating layer measuring unit 70 and the resistance measuring unit 50 may be configured to be adjacent to each other in the left-right direction.

[0140] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the configurations included in the first to fourth embodiments and the modifications shown above may be appropriately combined to form a configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 10 Image forming device 14 Image forming section 16 Control device 20, 220, 320, 420 Measuring Equipment 30 Basis weight measurement section (example of the first measurement section) 50 Resistance measuring unit (an example of a second measuring unit, an example of another measuring unit) 51 Electric circuit (an example of a second drive circuit) 70 Coating layer measuring section (an example of the arrangement section, an example of the third measuring section, an example of the first measuring section) 71 Drive circuit (an example of the first drive circuit) 72 Light irradiation unit (an example of an irradiation unit) 270 Contact member (an example of a placement part) P Paper (example of measurement object) T1 Opposite position (an example of the first opposite position) T2 Opposite position (an example of the second opposite position)

Claims

1. A basis weight measuring unit is disposed at a first opposing position opposing a portion of a recording medium on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus, and measures the basis weight of the recording medium by vibrating the recording medium with ultrasonic waves; a resistance measuring unit that is disposed at a second opposing position opposing another part of the recording medium while the basis weight measuring unit is opposing the part, and that clamps and restrains the other part in a thickness direction to measure a surface resistance of the recording medium; a contact portion that is disposed between the basis weight measuring portion and the resistance measuring portion in a direction intersecting a thickness direction of the recording medium and that contacts one side of the recording medium; A recording medium physical property measuring device comprising:

2. A recording medium physical property measuring device according to claim 1, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium whose physical properties have been measured by the recording medium physical property measuring device; a control device that controls an image forming operation of the image forming unit based on the physical property measured by the recording medium physical property measuring device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images