Copying magnification setting device for an electrophotographic copying apparatus

Abstract

An image forming apparatus that is capable of providing various copy ratios includes an original table that can receive an original document from an image carrier. The original is then illuminated, and a focusing lens system is capable of focusing reflected light from the original document onto a photosensitive member. The focusing lens system is movable. A drive assembly can cause relative movement of the original and a light system for illuminating the original, while a second drive member can vary the distance from the original to the focusing lens system whereby the image stays within the fixed focal length of the optical system while accommodating the speed necessary for a specified copy ratio.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a copying magnification setting device for use in an electrophotographic copying apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a conventional electrophotographic copying apparatus with variable magnification of enlarged or reduced size such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,897,148, copying magnification value can only be set in a stepwise fashion, whereby the copying operation cannot be carried out at a magnification value between, e.g., two different magnification values which are set by the manufacturer of the copying apparatus. Moreover, magnification values set by the manufacturer cannot be adjusted by a user, so that if the size of an actual reproduction copy deviates from a desired size by, e.g., a mechanical error, such an error cannot be corrected.

There have been provided copying apparatuses in which the magnification value is substantially continuously adjustable such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,120,578, 4,287,461 and 4,332,461, though, in such conventional copying apparatuses, an optionally selected magnification value is effective during a single copying operation or one or more consecutive copying operations, and therefore in another subsequent copying operation, the position of a cursor for the magnification setting must again be adjusted by the operator. That is, the position of the cursor must be repeatedly adjusted even if a new copying operation is carried out in the same magnification value as the preceding copying operation if the cursor is moved between the former and subsequent operations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, an essential object of the present invention is to provide a copying magnification setting device for an electrophotographic copying apparatus or the like in which a copying magnification value can be substantially continuously varied with simple operation, and the magnification value once established is selectively accessible whenever required.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a copying magnification setting device for an electrophotographic copying apparatus or the like in which an established copying magnification value can be easily adjusted when magnification of an actually obtained copy deviates from the established desired value.

In accomplishing these and other objects, according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a copying magnification setting device for an electrophotographic copying apparatus or the like which includes value inputting means for establishing a selected copying magnification value, memory means for storing the input value and control means for reading the stored value and establishing a magnification value of the copying apparatus in correspondence to the value read from storage.

BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of an electrophotographic copying apparatus to which the copying magnification setting device according to the present invention may be applied;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrative of relation between positions of lenses shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a mirror moving mechanism provided in the copying apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mirror rotation mechanism provided in the copying apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a control panel of the copying apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a block circuit diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an output circuit diagram applicable to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8a and 8b show a flow chart roughly illustrating operation of an essential portion of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrative of a program for setting a specific copying magnification;

FIGS. 10a and 10b show a flow chart illustrative of a way of indicating the set magnification;

FIGS. 11a, 11b and 11c show a flow chart illustrating a magnification setting program in a first setting mode in detail;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating magnification setting programs in first and second setting modes in detail;

FIGS. 13a and 13b show a flow chart illustrating sub routines of FIG. 12 in detail;

FIGS. 14a and 14b show a flow chart illustrative of a program for reading an optional copying magnification;

FIGS. 15a, 15b and 15c show a flow chart illustrative of a copying operation;

FIG. 16 is a waveform diagram illustrating an essential portion of the copying operation shown in FIGS. 15a to 15c;

FIGS. 17a and 17b show a flow chart illustrative of a process for operating an interruption key;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 5, which particularly shows a modification thereof;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIGS. 10a and 10b, which particularly shows a modification thereof; and

FIGS. 20, 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24 and 25 are flow charts illustrative of operations of various modifications of the copying apparatus according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Copying Mechanism

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is shown an example of an electrophotographic copying apparatus to which a copying magnification setting device according to the present invention is applied. The electrophotographic copying apparatus comprises a photoreceptor drum 1 provided substantially at the central portion of the apparatus for rotation in the counterclockwise direction, and a main eraser lamp 2, a sub corona charger 3, a sub eraser lamp 4, a main corona charger 5, a developing device 6, a transfer charger 7, a copy paper separation charger 8 and a bladetype residual toner cleaning device 9 disposed around the photoreceptor drum 1. The photoreceptor drum 1 has a photosensitive layer formed on its cylindrical surface, which is photosensitized and charged by passing through the eraser lamps 2 and 4 and the corona chargers 3 and 5. The photoreceptor drum 1 receives an exposed image transferred from an original to be copied through an optical system 10.

The optical system 10 is provided under an original platform 16 for scanning an image of the original, which platform 10 is formed by transparent material such as glass. The optical system 10 comprises an illumination light source (not shown), movable mirrors 11, 12 and 13, a projection lens 14 and a projection mirror 15. A DC motor M3 drives the illumination light source and the movable mirrors 11, 12 and 13 so that the illumination light source and the movable mirror 11 are moved to the left in FIG. 1 at the same speed as the circumferential speed v of the photoreceptor drum 1 which is constant regardless of changes in copying magnification while the movable mirrors 12 and 13 are moved to the left in FIG. 1 at a speed of v/2 n (n represents copying magnification). When the copying magnification is changed, the projection lens 14 is moved along the optical axis followed by rotational movement of the projection mirror 15, as hereinafter described with reference to a device for varying the copying magnification.

In the left-hand direction in FIG. 1 of the copying apparatus, there are provided copy paper cassettes 20 and 22 respectively having copy paper feeding rollers 21 and 23 while a path for the copy paper is formed by pairs of rollers 24 and 25, a pair of timing rollers 26, a transport belt 27, a fixing device 28 and a pair of discharge rollers 29.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a mechanism for moving the aforementioned lens 14 and mirrors 11, 12 and 15 for varying the copying magnification. The copying magnification varying mechanism is capable of selecting the copying magnification in a substantially stepless manner (i.e., with ratios selectable to, e.g., the third decimal place) from an enlarged size magnification to a reduced size magnification. More particularly, the mechanism may appropriately select the copying magnification within a range from an enlarged size magnification at a ratio of .times.1.414 to a reduced size magnification at a ratio of .times.0.647 about an equal size magnification at a ratio of .times.1.

The copying magnification varying mechanism is generally formed by a lens moving mechanism 35, a mirror moving mechanism 40, a mirror rotation mechanism 55 and a stepping motor M4 for driving said mechanisms.

The lens moving mechanism 35 includes the projection lens 14 rotatably mounted on a guide rail 36 which is arranged in parallel with the optical axis of the projection lens 14, a driving pulley 32 fixed to an output shaft 31 of the stepping motor M4 and a driving wire 37 wound around the driving pulley 32 and extending along a pair of rotatable pulleys 38 with its intermediate portion secured to a connecting arm 14a projecting from the side portion of the projection lens 14. Thus, upon forward or reverse rotation of the stepping motor M4 at a predetermined rotational frequency, the driving wire 37 is rotated in a forward or reversed direction through the driving pulley 32 so that the projection lens 14 is moved along the guide rail 36 on the optical axis thereof in the leftward or rightward direction in FIG. 3 to be stopped in a position corresponding to the selected copying magnification.

The mirror moving mechanism 40 includes a movable member 41, a shaft 43 rotatably supported on the movable member 41 for fixing the rear side of the mirror 15, a guide shaft 45 arranged in parallel with the optical axis of the projection lens 14 with side portions 42 of the movable member 41 slidably mounted to the guide shaft 45 and a roller 44 rotatably provided in one end of the shaft 43 and placed on an auxiliary guide rail 46. The mechanism 40 further includes a pin 50 provided on the movable member 41 through a bracket 49, a cam 53 for driving the movable member 41, the circumferential surface of which is in contact with the pin 50 and a coiled spring 48 having its one end fixed to another pin 47, for urging the movable member 41 toward the cam 53. A gear 33 is fixed to the output shaft 31 of the stepping motor M4 to be engaged with another gear 52 fixed to one end of a support shaft 51, and the cam 53 is fixed to the other end of the support shaft 51.

With the aforementioned arrangement, rotation of the stepping motor M4 is transmitted from the gear 33 to the cam 53 through the gear 52 and the support shaft 51, so that the movable member 41 containing the mirror 15 is moved frontwardly or rearwardly along the optical axis of the lens 14 in conformity to the circumferential shape of the cam 53, to effect a change of the optical path length caused by a change of the copying magnification. That is, the projection lens 14 and the projection mirror 15 are driven in association with each other by the stepping motor M4 following a change of the selected copying magnification, as shown in FIG. 2. The rotational frequency of the stepping motor M4 is continuously adjustable in the embodiment of the present invention for changing the copying magnification in a substantially stepless manner. However, in a case where the stepping motor M4 is controlled to change its rotational frequency in a stepwise manner, the copying magnification can also in like manner be changed.

The mirror rotation mechanism 55 includes a rotatable support shaft 56 provided in the movable member 41, a cam 57 fixed to the rotatable support shaft 56 with its circumferential surface being in contact with the rear surface of the projection mirror 15 for swingingly moving the same, a coiled spring 58 wound around the shaft 43 for urging the projection mirror 15 against the cam 57 and a pinion gear 59 fixed to the support shaft 56 to be engaged with a rack 60 which is mounted on the copying apparatus extending in parallel with the guide shaft 45. When the copying magnification value is changed, the optical axis of the luminous flux reflected by the mirror 15 deviates from the standard point on the photoreceptor drum 1. Thus, the mirror rotation mechanism 55 functions to correct deviation of an exposure point of the light reflected by the mirror 15 on the photoreceptor drum 1 by rotating the mirror 15 to direct the optical axis toward a standard exposure point on the photoreceptor drum 1 upon a change of the copying magnification. That is, when the movable member 41 is moved along guiderail 36 in compliance with a change of the copying magnification, the pinion gear 59 is rolled over the rack 60 so that the cam 57 is rotated along with the support shaft 56 and the mirror 15 is rotated about the shaft 43 is conformity to the peripheral shape of the cam 57 to correct the position of the exposure point.

In this case, the angle of rotation of the mirror 15 is so adjusted that the optical axis of the luminous flux reflected by the mirror 15 is directed to the center of the photoreceptor drum 1 in a maximum copying magnification (at the ratio of .times.1.414 in this embodiment) while said optical axis is still directed to the position of the exposure point of the maximum copying magnification also in a smaller copying magnification. By virtue of this, the optical axis of the mirror 15 is directed perpendicularly to the photoreceptor drum 1 in a condition of the maximum copying magnification under which a slit-formed image is enlarged and projected on the photoreceptor drum 1 and thus an exposed image is most remarkably distorted, thereby reducing distortion of the exposed image caused by deviation of incident angles of the light.

Control Device

In FIG. 5, there is shown a control panel 70 of the copying apparatus with the arrangement of a print key 71 for starting a copying operation, a numerical value display device 72 indicative of a number of four figures, ten keys 80 through 89 respectively corresponding to 1, 2, . . . 9, 0, an interruption key 90 for designating an interruption of the copying operation, a clear stop key 91, a copy paper selection key 92 for selectively designating the size of the copy paper provided in a plurality of stages, UP and DOWN keys 93 and 94 for selecting and changing, as hereinafter described, the magnification of the copy image and a plurality of keys 95 to 103 forming the copying magnification setting selection device according to the present invention.

A first group of copying magnification setting selection keys 95 through 98 are arranged for selectively setting the copying magnification, and when one of the keys 95-98 is operated, in a condition that a first switching key 99 for switching a magnification setting mode is operated to switch the control mode of the copying apparatus to a first magnification setting mode, the numerical value input through the ten keys 80-89 and displayed on the display device 72 is stored as the copying magnification value in a memory location corresponding to the operated key.

With respect to a second group of magnification setting keys 100 through 103, a predetermined copying magnification is previously set in each of a plurality of respectively corresponding memory locations so that a copying operation can be carried out on the basis of a preset value, without the necessity of setting of such value, as in the case of the aforementioned first group of keys. Therefore, the preset copying magnification can be selected and set in, e.g., the manufacturing process with values generally used by the user as hereinafter described in detail.

Thus, the first group of keys function to selectively as set the copying magnification required by the user for particular copying needs, while the second group of keys function to select preset copying magnifications in the typical ratios of, e.g., A4 size to B5 size, B4 size to A4 size, A3 size to A4 size or A4 size to A3 size in case of copying apparatuses to be used in, e.g., Japan. However, since the values preset with respect to the second group of keys are general or calculated copying magnifications, a mechanical error or an error in design might cause the magnification of an actually obtained copy to slightly deviate from the preset copying magnification. That is, even if an equal size magnification of .times.1 is selected, the actually obtained copy might be, e.g., in an enlarged size magnification of .times.1.004 or in a reduced size magnification of .times.0.996. In such a case, a desired copying magnification can be obtained by operating a second switching key 104 (FIG. 1) to switch the control mode of the copying apparatus to a second copying magnification setting mode and setting a selected value in the memory locations corresponding to the keys 100 to 103, in a similar manner to the operation of the aforementioned first copying magnification setting mode. More particularly, a value of 1.002 or 0.998 may be set with respect to an equal size magnification key.

Reference numeral 110 indicates a magnification indicating key used for setting the copying magnification and numeral 111 indicates an UP key for scrollingly increasing the copying magnification by a fixed incremental unit value and numeral 112 indicates a DOWN key for similarly reducing the copying magnification by said incremental unit value.

In FIG. 6, there is shown a circuit for controlling the copying magnification setting device according to the present invention, which comprises a first CPU (central processing unit) 201, a second CPU 202, a RAM (random access memory) 203 backed up by batteries, a switch matrix 204, a driving circuit 205 for driving the DC motor M3 for scanning an original document to be copied, a driving circuit 206 for driving the stepping motor M4 for changing the copying magnification and a decoder 207. Output terminals A1 through A7 are respectively connected to switching transistors (FIG. 7) for driving a main motor M1, a developing motor M3, a timing roller clutch 26(CL1), an upper paper feeding clutch 21(CL2), a lower paper feeding clutch 23(CL3), the charger 5(HV11) and the transfer charger 7 respectively.

The RAM 203 stores various data for controlling the copying operation written in the RAM203 or shifting to it from a ROM (read only memory) (not shown) arranged in the CPU 201 and is provided with memory location Q1, Q2, Q3 and Q4 such that, e.g., the magnification displayed in the display unit 72 is written in or read from the memory location Q1 when the selection key 100 is turned on while the magnification is written in or read from the memory location Q2 when another selection key 101 is turned on, as hereinafter described in detail.

With respect to the selection keys 95 through 98, memory locations Q5, Q6, Q7 and Q8 are further provided in a similar manner such that, e.g., the magnification is written in or read from the memory location Q5 when the selection key 95 is turned on.

FIGS. 8a through 17b are flow charts explanatory of processes for the controlling of the setting of the copying magnification and the copying operation carried out in the first CPU 201. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is hereinafter described in detail with reference to these flow charts.

In FIGS. 8a and 8b, there is shown a flow chart roughly illustrating a general operation of the first CPU 201.

At steps S1 and S2, presetting of the magnification is effected with respect to the memories Q1 through Q4, preferably during the assembling of the copying apparatuses or forwarding of the same from the factory. Details of these steps are shown in FIG. 9.

At steps S3 and S4, magnifications Q1 through Q8 are set in correspondence to the selection keys 95 through 98 or 100 through 103 respectively, when the copying apparatus is not in operation. Details of these steps are shown in FIGS. 10a through 12.

At a step S5, data for controlling the position of the projection lens 15 and the speed for driving the motor M4 in correspondence to the magnification set at the step S4 are transferred to the second CPU 202. Upon the transferring of this data, the second CPU 202 effects a process on the same to control the copying operation. Details of the step S5 are shown in FIGS. 13a through 14b.

At a step S6, controlling of other factors such as the temperature of a heater of the copying apparatus and selections as to, e.g., the size of a copy paper are effected all together.

At a step S7, a process for controlling the copying operation is effected. FIG. 16 is a time chart showing the operation of the step S7.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for illustrating in detail an initial setting process for presetting predetermined values in the memory locations Q1 through Q4 corresponding to the second group of magnification setting keys 100 through 103. An initial switch 104 shown in the step S1 of FIGS. 8a and 8b is set in a normally inaccessible position of the copying apparatus (FIG. 1) so that the switch 104 may be freely operated only in assembling of the apparatus in a factory or by a maintenance engineer, and the process shown in FIG. 9 is effected only when the switch 104 is operated.

The values to be preset in the memory locations Q1 through Q4 are determined by conditions of switches 105 and 106 (FIG. 1) which are turned on or off following operation of switch 104. That is, in the assembling of the copying apparatus or forwarding of the same from the factory, the switches 105 and 106 are operated to be on or off by an operator according to a predetermined combination, so that when the initial switch is closed the predetermined values are stored in the memory locations Q1 through Q4. The subsequent process is for setting the magnification, with respect to combinations of ON and OFF of the switches 105 and 106, which are stored in the first CPU 201, and examples of the preset values with respect to combinations of ON and OFF of the switches 105 and 106 are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1______________________________________SWITCH MAGNIFICATION105 106 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4______________________________________0 0 0.707 0.816 1.414 1.0000 1 0.707 0.785 1.414 1.0001 0 0.647 0.785 1.287 1.0001 1 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000______________________________________

In FIGS. 10a through 12, there is shown a process for setting the copying magnifications in the memory locations Q1 through Q8 corresponding to the selection keys 95 through 98 and 100 through 103.

At steps S101 and S102 in FIGS. 10a and 10b, selection is made as to on which group of keys setting of magnification is required when the switch 99 or 104 is operated to switch the control mode to the copying magnification setting mode. The control mode is switched to the first copying magnification setting mode upon operation of the key 99, and a value "1" is set in a flag A. On the other hand, when the key 104 is operated, the value "1" is set in a flag B showing the second copying magnification setting mode.

When either the key 99 or 104 is thus operated, a process is effected for making the thousands digit flag "1" while making the units digit display "0" at the steps S103 and S105. That is, when the control mode of the copying apparatus is switched to either magnification setting mode, a display "bbb0" (b indicates a blank) is shown on the display device 72, and the copying apparatus is in a stand-by condition for receiving an input from the thousands digit column.

When the ten keys 80-89 are operated in the aforementioned condition, which of the keys 80-89 is operated is determined at a step S107, and the process is advanced to a step S108 only when a "1" key 80 is selected to indicate that the thousands digit flag is "1". The input values are expressed herein as the thousands digit, the hundreds digit, the tens digit and the units digit in consideration of the relation with the numerical value display device 72, though, it is to be noted that values indicating the copying magnifications are processed as decimal numbers ranging from down to three decimal places up to an effective number of four figures, with three decimal places.

In a case where the thousands digit flag is "1" and the input value is 0 or one of 2 through 9, the process is advanced to a step S110 for displaying "0" as the thousands digit. Then, if the input is "0", the process is advanced to a step S109 as in the case of "1" to make the thousands digit flag "0" while making the hundreds digit flag "1" for standing by for an input to the hundreds digit column. On the other hand, when the input is one of 2 through 9, the thousands digit flag is made "0" at a step S112 and then the process is advanced to a step S115 to display the input value as the hundreds digit.

The aforementioned process, effected when the thousands digit flag is "1", is based on the premise that values within the range of 0.647 to 1.414 are considered effective as the copying magnification values. Consequently, only "1" or "0" can be displayed as the thousands digit. By virtue of this, operation for inputting "0" as the thousands digit may be simplified. However, it is to be noted that, even in the aforementioned process, the copying magnification value might deviate from the aforementioned range depending on the values input below the hundreds digit. Such a case is hereinafter described with reference to a sub routine shown in FIGS. 11a through 11c and FIG. 12.

The hundreds digit flag is made "1" upon input of a value to the thousands digit column, and when one of the ten keys 80-89 is operated under this condition, a value corresponding to the operated key 80-89 is input in the hundreds digit column so that said value is displayed at a step S115 and a process is effected at a step S116 to make the hundreds digit flag "0" while making the tens digit flag "1". Input of values to the tens digit and units digit columns is effected in a similar manner by operation of the ten keys 80-89.

FIGS. 11a through 11c show a flow chart showing a process of storing the value input and displayed by the process of FIGS. 10a and 10b in a memory location corresponding to the selection key 95-98, 100-103 operated in the subsequent stage.

At a step S201, a determination is made as to whether the control mode is in the first magnification setting mode or in the second magnification setting mode. Since the process of the step S201 is effected only when either the flags A or B is at "1", determination at the step S201 is carried out as to only whether or not, e.g., the flag A is "1". When the flag A is "1", the control mode is in the first magnification setting mode and the process is advanced to a step S218 for determinations base upon operations of the first group of keys 95 through 98. When the flag A is not "1", i.e., when the flag B is "1", the control mode is in the second magnification setting mode and the process is advanced to a step S202 for determinations base upon operations of the second group of keys 100 through 103.

In each of the steps as shown in FIGS. 11a through 11c, a basic process is effected in which a displayed value is stored in a memory location corresponding to the operated selection key 95-98, 100-103. However, in such a stage, a value deviating from an allowable range of the copying magnification might be displayed as hereinabove described. Therefore, in the process of FIGS. 11a through 11c, a sub routine indicated by a step S203 is effected following determinations of the operation of each key 95-98, 100-103 so that the deviating value is not stored in the RAM memory 203. FIG. 12 shows the process effected at the step S203.

When the displayed value is not "0" in FIG. 12, a determination is made as to whether or not the displayed value is smaller than 0.647, and if the determination is "Yes", the value 0.647 is displayed at a step S231. Further determination is made at a step S232 as to whether or not the displayed value is larger than 1.414, and if the determination is "Yes", the value 1.414 is displayed at a step S233.

Thus, with reference to FIGS. 11a through 11c, when a predetermined selection key is operated in a magnification setting mode and a displayed value is out of the allowable range, the display is considered an allowable limit value, and thereafter the displayed value is stored in a memory corresponding to the selection key. Upon effecting of the process for storing the value in the memory, the flag A is made "0" in case of the first magnification setting mode while the flag B is made "0" in case of the second magnification setting mode, and the process is advanced to a step S206.

Steps S206 through S208 relate to processes effected upon operation of the clear stop key 91 (FIG. 5). When the clear stop key 91 is operated, "bbb1" is displayed in the display device 72 at the steps S207 and S208 while the flags A and B are made "0". That is, upon operation of the clear stop key 91, the value that has been displayed is cleared and the magnification setting mode is released. Therefore, the value "1" displayed in this process is indicative of a reference value of the copy number.

In FIGS. 13a through 14b, there are shown processes effected upon operation of the second group of selection keys 100 through 103 and the first group of selection keys 95 through 98 respectively.

When one of the keys 100, 101, 102 and 103 is operated in FIGS. 13a and 13b, one of light emission diodes 100a, 101a, 102a and 103a (FIG. 5), provided respectively in correspondence to the keys, is turned on so that the value stored in the corresponding memory location is transferred as the magnification data to the second CPU 202, and the process is advanced to a step S401 in FIGS. 14a and 14b.

When one of the selection keys 95 through 98 is operated in FIGS. 14a and 14b, the corresponding light emission 95a-98a is turned on while the value set in the corresponding memory location Q5 through Q8 corresponding to the key 95-98 is displayed in the display device 72 at steps S402, S408, S415 and S420, since the magnification can be selectively set in this condition. Such a display is effected only when, e.g., each of the respective keys 95-98 is depressed, and upon releasing of the key, 95-98 a selected magnification ratio stored in the other memory device is accessed to be displayed in the display device 72.

FIGS. 17a and 17b shown a flow chart showing a system for setting the magnification by operating an UP key 111 and a DOWN key 112.

In this case, the process is advanced via a step E in the flow of FIGS. 14a and 14b to a step S501 of FIGS. 17a and 17b. A determination is made on a rising edge in which the UP key 111 is turned on, and if the determination is "Yes", one of light emission diodes 95a through 103a, said one corresponding to the presently selected magnification setting key, 95-98 is turned off at a step S502, and an automatic increase timer is set at a step S503. When counting in the automatic increase timer for a predetermined time period of, e.g., 0.5 seconds is completed at steps S522 and S523, a positive going signal is generated in a similar manner to a case where the UP key 111 is turned on. Then, at a step S504, the magnification is increased by 1 unit (e.g., 0.002) in the CPU 201, and the process is advanced to a step S505. At steps S505 and S506, a determination is made as to whether or not the magnification equals or exceeds 1.415, to limit the magnification to 1.414, i.e., not to exceed 1.414.

Information of the magnification value is transmitted at a step S507 to the second CPU 202, to enable copying operation at the set magnification value.

At steps S518, S519 and S520, a determination is made as to whether or not one of the UP key 111, the DOWN key 112 and the magnification key 110 has been turned on, and the magnification is displayed on the display device 72 only when the determination is "Yes".

The process is advanced to the subsequent step S522, at which the counting state of the increase timer is read to make a determination of "Yes" showing that counting in the increase timer is completed at the step S522 after a lapse of a period of, e.g., 0.5 seconds from setting of the timer, so that a signal is generated in a similar manner to a case where the UP key 111 rises. Then the process is returned to the step S501. The aforementioned operation is repeated for a period during when the UP key 111 remains "on", and the magnification is increased by 0.002 every 0.5 seconds.

When the UP key 111 is turned off, a determination is made on a negative going edge of the UP key signal and the process is advanced to a step S509, at which the increase timer is reset to finish the change of the magnification.

When the DOWN key 112 is turned on, the process is advanced to a step S510 through steps S501 and S508, and upon a determination made that the DOWN key 112 has been turned on, one of the light emission diodes 95a through 103a corresponding to the magnification key 95-98 at a step S511a is turned off so that an automatic decrease timer is set at a step S511. Then the magnification is decreased every 0.5 seconds by 0.002 at a step S512.

The aforementioned operation is continued for a period during when the DOWN key 112 remains "on". When the magnification is decreased equal to or below 0.646, the value is corrected to 0.647 at a step S514, thus being prevented from further decrease.

It is to be noted that the aforementioned magnification setting operation is performed for correcting the magnifications that have already been stored in the memory locations Q1 through Q8, and the magnifications are returned to initially set values after one or a series of copying operations are completed with the corrected magnifications.

When the UP key 111 is turned on once for a short period of time, the magnification can be increased by the unit value of 0.002. On the other hand, when the DOWN key 112 is turned on once for a short period of time, the magnification is decreased by the unit value of 0.002.

In operation of the UP key 111 and the DOWN key 112, the display device 72 may continuously hold the value read in advance of the operation of said UP and DOWN keys without changing its display, with arrangement of another display device showing the number of times of magnification changes or a display lamp flashed upon every change of the value.

The UP key 111 and the DOWN key 112 may be kept "on" while increasing the speed of change of values in compliance with the time for operating the keys.

As obvious from the aforementioned description with respect to the setting operation in the copying magnification setting device according to the present invention, selected copying magnifications required by respective operators may be easily set by utilizing the first magnification setting mode, and the set value can be accessed whenever the data is required, so that the value is used as a control data for the copying apparatus while confirming said value by display. According to the second copying magnification setting mode, on the other hand, the copying magnification can be simply corrected by access to an error between a copy actually obtained from the preset copying magnification and a calculated copying magnification.

In operation of the UP key 111 and the DOWN key 112, further, a desired copying magnification can be easily obtained by minutely adjusting the preset magnification value whenever minute adjustment is required. Such operation is effective in utilization of a value which is rarely used.

In the meantime, movement of the lens 14 is controlled by the control device 206 based upon the output from the second CPU 202 according to the copying magnification data whereby the stepping motor M4 is controlled to be rotated in a forward or reverse direction by, e.g., one pitch with respect to a value of 0.001 or 0.002. Thus, a minimum adjustable unit of the copying magnification may be related to the display by operating the UP key 111 and the DOWN key 112 to change the magnification by 0.002. The speed of movement of the optical system is also controlled by the control device 205 based upon the output from the second CPU 202 to be variable in correspondence to the set magnification value, though, description of a system for controlling the speed of a DC motor, i.e., the driving source, is not particularly made herein since a plurality of systems of this kind have generally been proposed or provided such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,330,196.

Returning to FIG. 5, a panel member 70a adjacent to the first group of selection keys 95 through 98 may be formed by a white board, a detachable sticker or a detachable magnetic panel to and from which information can be written and erased by a specific pen, so that an operator may write in the panel items used with respect to a value selected by the operator, e.g., "letter size or legal size to A4 size". The panel member 70a may be upwardly or downwardly stepped from other portions if necessary.

Copying Operation

FIGS. 15a through 15c show a flow chart showing an example of operational control of the copying apparatus. This chart is now briefly described with reference to a time chart of FIG. 16.

In a block 10, when a print switch is turned on, the main motor M1, the developing motor M2, the corona charger 12 and the transfer charger 14 are respectively operated while a copy flag showing that the device is in copying operation is set at "1" and control timers T-A and T-B are driven to turn on the clutch of a selected paper feed roller.

In a block 11, a determination is made on completion of the operation of the timer T-A, to turn off the paper feed roller.

In a block 12, a determination is made on completion of operation of the timer T-B, to turn on a scan motor M3 for initiating the scanning operation.

In a block 13, a process is effected to turn on a timing roller clutch CL3 when a timing signal is generated during the scanning operation while setting a timer T-C. A copy sheet is transported in synchronization with an image on the photoreceptor drum 10 by a timing roller 35.

In a block 14, a determination is made on completion of operation of the timer T-C, to turn off the corona charger, the scan motor and the timing roller clutch respectively. The timer T-C may be set variable depending on factors such as the size of the utilized copy sheet.

In a block 15, the developing motor M2 and the transfer charger 14 are respectively turned off and the copy flag is set at "0" while a timer T-D is set when the optical system is returned to a set position following a returning operation to turn on a set position switch.

In a block 16, a determination is made on completion of operation of the timer T-D, to turn off the main motor M1.

In a block 17, a process is effected for various kinds of outputs.

The timers T-A through T-D described with respect to the aforementioned flow chart and time chart are digital timers which are programmed to be counted up by "1" per one routine of processing of MC50 effected within a time period defined by an internal timer, and the time-up period is stored as a numerical data.

The aforementioned embodiment of the present invention may be modified in various ways as hereinafter described.

Modification 1

As obvious from illustration of the control panel 70 shown in FIG. 5, the number of keys for selecting the magnification is increased following increase in number of storeable magnification values in the magnification setting device according to the present invention, and such increase is not necessarily convenient for the operator. Therefore, a first modification of the embodiment of the present invention aims to achieve the function of the aforementioned selection keys 95 through 98 by one magnification selection key 98' provided on the control panel 70 as shown in FIG. 18. In this modification, the processes shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b, 11a through 11c, 13a and 13b and 14a and 14b are modified as shown in FIGS. 19, 20, 21a and 21b and 22a and 22b.

Attention is now drawn to FIGS. 19 and 20, with which it is to be noted that a flag B becomes "1" when a key 99 is turned on while a flag A becomes "1" when a key 104 is turned on for performing a first magnification setting operation. Further, when the ten keys 80-89 are operated, a flag C becomes "1".

When the key 99 is turned on, the flag B becomes "1" at a step S605 while the flag A is "0". If the ten keys 80-89 are not operated, the flag C is "0". Under this condition, the process is advanced to a step S607 at which a memory counter is reset to "0", then a thousands digit flag is made "0" at a step S603, and thereafter the process is advanced to a step S608 and further to a step S657 (FIG. 20) since the flag A is at "0".

When a selection switch 98' is not turned on, the process is advanced through a step S656 to a step S657, at which the value of a copying magnification written in the memory locations Q5 is read to be displayed in a display device 72. In this condition, the copying operation, if carried out, is performed at the read magnification value.

Once the selection key 98' is turned on, the count at the memory counter is increased by one to present "1". Then the process is advanced through a step S658 to a step S659, at which the memory location Q6 is designated to read and display a magnification value written in the same, thereby enabling the copying operation at said magnification.

In a similar manner, the count at the memory counter is increased by one every time the selection key 98' is turned on, whereby the magnification written in the memory locations Q7a and Q8 is read to enable copying operation at the read magnification value. Then, when the count at the memory counter becomes "4", the counter is reset at a step S655 to be "0" so that the process is returned through the step S656 to the step S657 to read the magnification set in the memory location Q5.

If it is desired to rewrite the magnification value set in, e.g., the memory location Q6 when the count at the memory counter is "1" and the memory location Q6 is designated, one of ten keys 80 through 89 corresponding to the desired magnification is operated so that the process is advanced from the step S651 through V to a step S609, at which a process is effected to rewrite the magnification set in the memory location Q6. This process is hereinafter described in detail.

With respect to a second magnification setting mode, the flag A is made "1" at a step S601 by turning on the key 104. Then, at steps S602 and S603, a process is effected to make the thousands digit flag "1" while making the units digit display "0". That is, when the control mode of the copying apparatus is switched to the second magnification setting mode, the display device 72 displays "bbb0" (b indicates a blank), which shows that the copying apparatus is in a standby condition for receiving input from the thousands digit column.

When the ten keys 80-89 are operated in the aforementioned condition, a determination is made at a step S610 as to the respective one of the keys 80-89 which is the operated key, so that the process is advanced to a step S612 only when the "1" key 80 is operated, to display "1" as the thousands digit. Though the input values are expressed herein as the thousands digit, the hundreds digit, the tens digit and the units digit in consideration of the relation with the numerical value display device 72, the copying magnification values having an effective number of four figures are treated as decimal numbers ranging from down to three decimal places to four digits with three decimal places.

In a case where the thousands digit flag is "1" and the input value is 0 or one of 2 through 9, the process is advanced to a step S616 at which "0" is displayed as the thousands digit. Then, if the input value is "0", the process is advanced, in a similar manner to the case the input value is "1", through the step S619 to the step S613, at which the thousands digit flag is made "0" while the hundreds digit flag is made "1" for standing by for an input in the hundreds digit. When, on the other hand, the input value is one of 2 through 9, the thousands digit flag is made "0" at the step S618, and thereafter the process is advanced to a step S621, at which the input value is displayed as the hundreds digit.

The aforementioned process of when the thousands digit flag is "1" is based on the premise that values within the range of 0.647 to 1.414 are considered effective as the copying magnification values. Consequently, only "1" or "0" can be displayed as the thousands digit. By virtue of this, operation for inputting "0" as the thousands digit may be simplified. It is to be noted that, even in aforementioned process, the value of the copying magnification might deviate from the aforementioned range depending on the values input below the hundreds digit. Such a case is hereinabove described with reference to a sub routine shown in FIG. 12.

When a value is input in the thousands digit column, the hundreds digit flag becomes "1", and upon operation of the ten key under this condition, a value corresponding to the operated keys 80-89 is input in the hundreds digit column so that the value is displayed at a step S621 while a process is effected at a step S622 for making the hundreds digit flag "0" as well as making the tens digit flag "1". Input of values to the tens digit and units digit columns is effected in a similar manner by operation of the ten keys 80-89.

FIGS. 21a and 21b show a flow chart showing a process of storing the magnification value input and displayed by the process of FIG. 19 in a memory location corresponding to a signal of the selection key 100-103 to be operated subsequently.

Upon input of the magnification data in the aforementioned manner, the process is advanced through a step Y in FIGS. 21a and 21b to a step S680 when the flag A is at "1", and the process is further advanced, if the selection key 100 is "on", through a subroutine S681 to a step S682, at which the input data is written in the memory location Q1. On the other hand, if the selection key 101 is "on", the process is advanced through a subroutine S685 to a step S686, at which the input magnification is written in the memory location Q2. Operations of other selection keys 102 and 103 are processed in a similar manner to the above. It is to be noted that FIGS. 21a and 21b are also illustrative of the writing process in the first magnification setting mode described with reference to FIG. 20.

When the switch 98' is turned on, data is written in the memory locations Q5 through Q8 respectively in correspondence to the count set in the memory counter at that time.

In any magnification setting mode of the process shown in FIGS. 21a and 21b, there is basically performed storage of a displayed value in a memory corresponding to the operated selection key 95-98, 100-103. However, in such a stage, there might be displayed a value out of an allowable range of the copying magnification. Therefore, in the process of FIGS. 21a and 21b, sub routines indicated by steps S681, S685, S688 and S690 are carried out following a determination of operation of the respective keys, so that values out of said allowable range are not stored in the memories. The process of these sub routine steps is as shown in FIG. 12.

In FIGS. 22a and 22b, there is shown processes effected upon operation of a group of selection keys 100 through 103 and a selection 98' respectively.

When one of the keys 100 through 103 is operated, one of light emission diodes 100a through 103a (FIG. 18), corresponding to the operated key 100-103, is turned on, and if the value stored in the corresponding one of the memory locations Q1 through Q4 is not "0", said value is transferred as magnification data to the second CPU 202.

Once, on the other hand, the selection key 98' is turned on, the process is advanced from a step S266 to a step S717, at which a light emission diode 98'a is turned on while a determination is made at a step S718 as to whether or not a display counter is at "0", and if the determination is "Yes", the process is advanced to a step S719, at which the value in the memory location Q5 is transferred to the CPU 202 as well as displayed in the display device 72 at a step S720, and then the process is advanced to a step S721 at which the count at the display counter is increased by one.

When the selection key 98' is turned on again, the process is advanced from a step S722 to a step S723, at which the value in the memory location Q6 is transferred to the CPU 202. In such a way, the count at the display counter is increased by one every time the selection key 98' is turned on to indicate the memory locations Q7 and Q8, thereafter returning to the memory location Q5.

Modification 2

The copying apparatus also has function of so-called interruption of copy, with which a copying operation in progress is interrupted to give priority to another kind of copying operation. Generally, when such an interruption copy mode is employed, storage is effected with respect to various data relating to the copying operation theretofore carried out including the copying magnification value, and the stored data is automatically reproduced upon releasing of the interruption copy mode. When a copying magnification setting device of the aforementioned type is used, however, though magnification data set before the interruption can be stored in switching to the interruption copy mode, the stored value is not reproduced upon releasing of the interruption copy mode if the data stored in a part of the memory for storing the magnification is changed during the interruption copy mode, and thus the preset copying magnification is erased.

The second modification of the preferred embodiment contemplates overcoming the aforementioned disadvantage by modifying the process shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b. In this modification shown in FIGS. 23a and 23b. The same basic steps are utilized as shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, except that, the step S3' is followed by a determination (step S4') as to whether or not the copying apparatus is in the interruption copy mode, and if the determination is "Yes", the copying magnification cannot be updated.

In FIG. 24, there is shown an example of the process for operating the interruption key 90.

When a determination is made at a step S801 that the interruption key 90 is turned on, a further determination is made at a step S802 as to whether the interruption key 90 is turned on in an interruption mode or in a normal mode, so that the process is advanced to a step S808 in the interruption mode while being advanced to a step S803 in the normal mode. At steps S803 through S807, there is effected the process in the interruption mode upon depression of the interruption key 90, in which a stop flag is set to interrupt the copying operation in progress while the number of copies already made and, the exposure level, i.e., the code indicating the level of the exposure level indicator 110 in FIG. 5 and the number of the selected key of the aforementioned magnification memory locations are respectively withdrawn into a memory, and a display "bbb1" (b indicates a blank) is made on the display device 72. At steps S808 through S811, there is effected the process upon releasing of the interruption mode, in which the aforementioned registered number of copies, the exposure level and the value of the magnification memory location respectively withdrawn in the said memory are reproduced as data for carrying out the copying operation in a predetermined memory provided that the copy flag is not "1". It is to be noted that the copy flag is set to be "1", e.g., from starting of paper feeding to completion of the scanning operation.

Therefore, if the interruption key 90 is depressed in the process of a copying operation in the normal mode, the copying apparatus is stopped upon completion of the operation in progress to be in a standby condition. In this condition, the set magnification value can be accessed by operation of the selection keys 95 through 98 or 100 through 103 while processes such as variation of said value are prohibited by the process at the step S4' in FIG. 23.

Modification 3

In FIG. 25, there is shown another modification of the flow chart of FIG. 24, which enables selected setting of the magnification in the interruption copy operation while maintaining the preset magnification value without modifying the flow chart of FIGS. 8a and 8b.

When a determination is made at the step S901 that the interruption key 90 is turned on, a further determination is made at the step S902 as to whether the interruption key 90 is turned on in an interruption mode or in a normal mode, so that the process is advanced to the step S906 in the interruption mode while being advanced to the step S903 in the normal mode. At the steps S903 through S905, there is effected the process in the interruption mode upon depression, of the interruption key 90 in such a manner that a determination is made at the step S903 as to whether or not the copying apparatus is in the copying operation, and if the determination is "Yes", the copying operation is stopped at the step S904 while, at the step S905, a number displayed at the time of depression of the interruption key 90, i.e., the registered copy number, the paper feed portion, paper feed size exposure level, i.e., the code indicating the level of the exposure level indicator 110 in FIG. 5, the magnification value stored in the aforementioned magnification memory locations Q1 through Q8 and the selected magnification key are respectively withdrawn into other memory locations in CPU 201 and the interruption copy mode is established, thereby correcting the display in the display device 72 to "bbb1" (b indicates a blank).

At the steps S906 and S907, on the other hand, there is effected the process upon releasing of the interruption mode, in which the aforementioned registered copy number, the values of the exposure level and the magnification memory and the magnification key are returned as data for carrying out the copying operation to predetermined memory locations provided that the copying apparatus is in a standby condition.

Therefore, when the interruption key 90 is depressed in the progress of the copying operation in a normal mode, the copying apparatus is stopped upon completion of the copying operation, to be in a standby condition. In this condition, the set value of the copying magnification can be accessed by operation of the selection keys 95 through 98 or 100 through 103, or, varied by the ten keys for the interruption copying operation while said value is cancelled following releasing of the interruption mode, whereby the former value is established in each of the magnification memory locations.

According to the third modification as described above, the magnification value can be changed in the interruption mode with storage of the stored magnification value and/or the selected magnification key maintained so that the magnification value set before the interruption can be reproduced upon releasing of the interruption mode.

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus for obtaining any copy ratio within a predetermined continuously varying range of copy ratios comprising:

a main body;

an original table, connected to said main body, for receiving an original placed thereon;

an image carrier for forming an image of said original thereon;

illuminating means for illuminating said original on said original table;

optical means, disposed in said main body, for directing light reflected from said original along an optical axis to said image carrier, said optical means including a single focus lens movable along said optical axis and having a fixed focal length (f) for focusing said reflected light on said image carrier;

a first drive means including a first motor disposed in said main body, for optically scanning said original through relative movement of said original and said illuminating means;

a second drive means including a second motor disposed in said main body, for varying a distance (a) from said original to said lens, and a distance (b) from said lens to said image carrier;

first means, connected to said main body, for inputting data specifying a copy ratio which is within said range of copy ratios;

second means for causing said second drive means to change the distances (a) and (b) to make a ratio (b/a) coincident with said specified copy ratio data input from said first means satisfying an equation 1/a+1/b=1/f, and for causing said first drive means to provide said relative movement at a speed in accordance with said specified copy ratio data; and

a third motor driving said image carrier.

2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said original is stationary and said first motor moves said illuminating means to produce said relative movement.

3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said optical means further includes first, second and third mirrors for successively reflecting said reflected light from said original to said single focus lens, and a fourth mirror for reflecting said light from said single focus lens to said image carrier.

4. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first means includes a 10-key input pad by which said specified copy ratio may be input as an integer within said range of copy ratios.

5. An image forming apparatus for obtaining any copy ratio within a predetermined continuously varying range of copy ratios comprising:

a main body;

an original table, connected to said main body, for receiving an original placed thereon;

an image carrier for forming an image of said original thereon;

illuminating means for illuminating said original on said original table;

optical means, disposed in said main body, for directing light reflected from said original along an optical axis to said image carrier, said optical means including a single focus lens movable along said optical axis and having a fixed focal length (f) for focusing said reflected light on said image carrier;

a first motor disposed in said main body, for optically scanning said original through relative movement of said original and said illuminating means;

a first drive means including a second motor disposed in said main body, for varying a distance (a) from said original to said lens, and (b) from said lens to said image carrier;

first means, connected to said main body, for inputting data specifying a copy ratio which is within said range of copy ratios;

second means for causing said second drive means to change the distances (a) and (b) to make a ratio (b/a) coincident with said specified copy ratio data input from said first means satisfying an equation 1/a+1/b=1/f, and for causing said first motor to provide said relative movement at a speed in accordance with said specified copy ratio data; and

a second drive means for driving said image carrier.

6. An image forming apparatus for obtaining any copy ratio within a predetermined continuously varying range of copy ratios comprising:

a main body;

an original table, connected to said main body, for supporting an original placed thereon;

an image carrier for forming an image of said original thereon;

illuminating means for illuminating said original on said original table;

optical means, disposed in said main body, for directing light reflected from said original along an optical axis to said image carrier, said optical means including a single focus lens movable along said optical axis and having a fixed focal length (f) to focus said reflected light on said image carrier, and an optical element guiding said reflected light along said optical axis and being movable along said optical axis to change a length of said optical axis;

a first drive means, including a first motor disposed in said main body, for optically scanning said original through relative movement of said original and said illuminating means;

a second drive means, including a second motor disposed in said main body, for varying a distance (a) from said original to said lens and a distance (b) from said lens to said image carrier by moving said lens and said optical element;

first means, connected to said main body, for inputting data specifying a copy ratio which is within said range of copy ratios;

second means for causing said second drive means to change the distances (a) and (b) to make a ratio (b/a) coincident with said specified copy ratio data input from said first means satisfying an equation 1/a+1/b=1/f, and for causing said first drive means to provide said relative movement at a speed in accordance with said specified copy ratio data, and

a third drive means for driving said image carrier at constant speed.

7. An image forming apparatus for obtaining any copy ratio within a predetermined continuously varying range of copy ratios comprising:

a main body;

an original table, connected to said main body, for receiving an original placed thereon;

an image carrier for forming an image of said original thereon;

illuminating means for illuminating said original on said original table;

optical means, disposed in said main body, for directing light reflected from said original along an optical axis to said image carrier, said optical means including a single focus lens movable along said optical axis and having a fixed focal length (f) for focusing said reflected light on said image carrier;

a first drive means disposed in said main body, for optically scanning said original through relative movement of said original and said illuminating means;

a second drive means for moving said single focus lens to vary a distance (a) from said original to said lens;

a third drive means for moving said single focus lens to vary a distance (b) from said lens to said image carrier;

first means, connected to said main body, for inputting data specifying a copy ratio which is within said range of copy ratios;

second means for causing said second drive means and said third drive means to change the distances (a) and (b) to make a ratio (b/a) coincident with said specified copy ratio data input from said first means satisfying an equation 1/a+1/b=1/f, and for causing said first drive means to provide said relative movement at a speed in accordance with said specified copy ratio data, and for causing said third drive means to move said single focus lens in accordance with said specified copy ratio data, and

a fourth drive means for driving said image carrier.