JPH01206361A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To simplify the constitution of the title device and to improve operability by providing a means for inputting information for setting the number of copying object and information on copying magnification, a means for selecting the setting of both information and a means for displaying the information at the time of selecting the input of the information on the copying magnification. CONSTITUTION:When the information for setting the number of formed copying object or the information on the copying magnification is inputted by an input means 35 and the information on the copying magnification is selected by selecting means 37 and 38 which selectively perform the setting of both information, the information on the copying magnification is displayed on a display means at such a time. Thus, the data for setting the number of copying object and the data for performing the setting of the copying magnification can be inputted with a small number of input keys, so that the constitution can be simplified and the operability can be improved by confirming an operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to an improvement in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine with a variable magnification function.

(Prior Art) In recent years, many types of copying machines that can perform reduced copying or enlarged copying have been put into practical use.

The basic operating principle of a copying machine will be explained with reference to FIG.
A scanning section consisting of a mirror C performs scanning, and the reflected light is guided to a rotating photoconductor drum h, which is uniformly charged in advance, via mirrors d and e, a lens f, and a mirror g. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the drum h. Next, the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum h is developed, and this visible image (developer image) is transferred onto the paper P, completing one copying operation.

At this time, the size of the copied copy is determined by the relative ratio of the scanning speed and the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum h in the scanning direction (
The size in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction is determined by the ratio of the optical path length from document A to lens f and the optical path length from lens f to photoreceptor drum h (hereinafter referred to as optical path length ratio). (call).

Therefore, by changing the speed ratio and the optical path length ratio, it is possible to copy the original A at any reduction or enlargement ratio.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, conventionally, the means for inputting data for setting the number of copies to be formed and the means for inputting data for setting the copy magnification are independent, and furthermore, , the number of copy magnification setting keys corresponds to the copy magnification.

Therefore, there are problems in that not only the number of input keys increases and the arrangement thereof becomes complicated, but also confusion arises during operation. Furthermore, it is necessary to confirm input data during operation.

The present invention has been made based on the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to enable input of data for setting the number of copies and copy magnification with a small number of input keys, and to simplify the configuration. The present invention is intended to provide an image forming apparatus that is capable of improving user-friendliness and operability, and also allows confirmation of this operation.

[Structure of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problem) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention forms an original image on an image carrier at a preset copying magnification, and copies a preset number of copies. in a device adapted to form a copy of
An input means for inputting information for setting the number of copies to be formed and information on a copy magnification, and a selection for selectively setting the number of copies to be formed or setting the copy magnification based on the information input from the input means. and a display means for displaying information on the 19-copy magnification when inputting the information on the copy magnification from the input means is selected by the selection means.

(Function) That is, according to the above configuration, data for setting the number of copies and data for setting the copying magnification can be entered with a small number of people, thereby simplifying the configuration and improving operability. In addition to this, it is also possible to confirm the operation, thereby improving operability.

(Example) An example of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6. FIG. 2 shows the general structure of a copying machine. In the figure, 1 is a main body of the copying machine, and a document table 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the main body 1 of the copying machine. The original A placed on the original table 2 is exposed during the rhythmic movement of the exposure lamp 3 and mirror 4,5,6 as they reciprocate along the lower surface of the original table 2 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. Configured to be scanned. In this case, mirrors 5 and 6 move at half the speed of mirror 4 so as to keep the optical path length constant.

The light reflected from the original A by the exposure lamp 3 is as follows:
After being reflected by mirrors 4.5 and 6, it passes through lens 7, is further reflected by mirror 8, and is guided to a photoreceptor drum serving as an image carrier, where the image of the document is formed on the surface of photoreceptor drum 9. configured so that Here, exposure lamp 3, mirrors 4, 5, 6, lens 7, mirror =
8 constitutes an optical system 10.

The photoreceptor drum 9 rotates in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, and while the surface charge is removed by the electric discharge lamp 11, the electric charger 12 for charging is rotated.
The surface of the document A is charged, and then an electrostatic latent image is formed by exposing the image of the document A to slit light, and this electrostatic latent image is made visible by applying toner to it by the developing device 13. It is configured as follows. Further, a paper feeding device 14 is provided ahead of the developing device 13 for supplying the paper P below the photosensitive drum 9. This paper feeding device 14 is detachably attached to the side of the main body 1, and is capable of handling a plurality of sheets of paper P.
15.16 2-lower 2-tier paper feed cassette containing...
and paper feed rollers 17.18 for taking out sheets of paper P one by one from these paper feed cassettes 15.16, and for positioning the leading edge of the paper P sent out from either of the paper feed cassettes 15.16. Aligning rollers 19 and 20 for conveying the paper are provided.

The paper P conveyed by the aligning rollers 19 and 20 is sent to the transfer section. The paper P sent to the transfer section comes into close contact with the surface of the photoreceptor drum 9 at the transfer charger 21, so that the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 9 is transferred by the action of the charger 21. It is composed of

After the photosensitive drum 9 has been transferred, the charge is removed by the charger 22, and residual toner is removed by the cleaning device 23, so that the drum 9 returns to its initial state.

On the other hand, the paper P after the transfer is peeled off from the photosensitive drum 9A by the action of the peeling charger 24, and then conveyed to the fixing device 26 by the conveyance device 25. The conveying device 25 is composed of a negative pressure chamber 27 and a perforated belt 28 wound between rollers. The paper P conveyed to the fixing device 26 is transferred to the heat roller 29. The developed image transferred by the pressure roller 30 is fixed. and,
After fixing, the paper P is taken out to an external paper discharge tray 33 by 01 paper rollers 31 and 32.

Further, if a reduced or enlarged copy is desired, the document A can be scanned by specifying the copy magnification via a fourth means 35 for specifying the copy magnification provided on the control panel 34, which will be described later. First means 36. Second means for changing the optical path length 37. and controls the third means 38 for driving the photoreceptor drum 9.

And exposure lamp 3. A second carriage 41 and a lens on which the mirrors 5 and 6 are mounted and the size in the scanning direction is changed by changing the relative ratio (speed ratio) between the moving speed (scanning speed) of the mirror 4 and the rotational speed of the photosensitive drum 9. 7 to change the ratio of the optical path length from the original iA to the lens 7 and the optical path length from the lens 7 to the photosensitive drum 9 (optical path length ratio), and change the size in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. You will get a copy of the size. Next, a mechanism related to changing the speed ratio and changing the optical path length ratio, which are important parts of the present invention, will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 3 is a view of the copying machine shown in FIG. 2, viewed from the back side with the document table 2 removed. In the figure, reference numeral 40 denotes a first carriage, and the first carriage 40 is equipped with an exposure lamp 3 and a mirror 4, which constitute a second means 36 for scanning the original A.

Further, 41 is a second carriage, and this second carriage 4
1 has a mirror 5. Equipped with mirror 6. The second carriage 41 is driven together by a scanning motor 42 through a mechanism that moves at half the speed of the first carriage 40.

That is, as shown in detail in FIG. 4, the first and second carriages 40, 41 are guided by a guide shaft 43 and a guide rail 44 so as to be able to reciprocate. Further, a drive pulley 45 driven by the scanning motor 42 is arranged at one end of the guide shaft 43, and a driven pulley 46 is arranged at the other end.
A toothed belt 47 is stretched through 46. One point of this toothed belt 47 is connected to the first carriage 40.
It is in a state where it is fixed to a fixing part 40a which is provided protrudingly.

On the other hand, pulleys 48 and 49 are set on the guide support portion 41a of the guide shaft 43 of the second carriage 41, and a wire 50 is wound around the pulleys 48 and 49.

One end of this wire 50 is connected to a fixing member 51, and the other end is connected to the fixing member 51 via a spring 52, and one point of this wire 50 is clamped to the fixing part 40a of the first carriage 40. It is in a state. As a result, the pulleys 48 and 49 serve as movable pulleys, so that the second carriage 4
1 can move at 1/2 speed.

Further, a rack (not shown) is formed on the lower end surface of the fixing member 51 and engages with a pinion 54 driven by the mirror moving motor 53. Only the carriage 41 can be moved.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the lens 7 is held in a lens block 55, and this lens block 55 is connected to a lens moving motor 57 via a cam follower section 56 fixed thereto. The lens block 55 is coupled to a grooved camshaft 58 driven by a groove, and the lens block 55 moves forward or backward according to the direction of rotation of the lens moving motor 57. Note that the second carriage 4
1 moves simultaneously with the movement of this lens block 55, and both constitute a third means 37 for changing the optical path length. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how the cam follower part 56 and the camshaft 58 are connected, and the cam follower 59 fitted into the cam follower part 56 is connected to the camshaft 58.
8, the entire lens block 55 can move.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the photosensitive drum 9 is connected to a scanning motor 42. Mirror movement motor 53° is driven by a dedicated drum drive motor 60 as a fourth means 38 for driving the photoreceptor drum 9 separately from the lens movement motor 57, and these four motors 42, 53, 57, and 60 are each independent. is controlled by.

FIG. 6 also shows the control panel 34 operated by the user, with a print button 61 for instructing the start of copying. Magnification setting button 621 for setting the copy magnification; numeric keypad 63 for specifying the magnification and the number of copies. and a display section 64 and power switch 65 for displaying their input settings. It consists of a copy rate adjustment section 66 and the like. The magnification setting button 62 and numeric keypad 63 constitute a fourth means 35 for specifying an arbitrary copy magnification. Further, the magnification setting button 62 has a built-in lamp (not shown), and when input regarding the magnification from the numeric keypad 63 is possible, that is, when the magnification setting button 62 is pressed before the print button 61 is pressed. It lights up and is controlled to turn off by pressing the button again.

In the photographic machine configured in this manner, the user presses the magnification setting button 62 before pressing the print button 61.
After pressing , the user inputs the desired copy magnification using the numeric keypad 63, presses the magnification setting button 62 again, inputs the number of copies using the numeric keypad 63, and then presses the print button 61. Since the numerical values inputted from the numeric keypad 63 are sequentially displayed on the display section 64, the user can judge whether or not he/she has inputted them correctly.

In addition, with this copier, you can press the print button 6 without specifying the magnification or the number of copies.
It is also possible to press 1, in which case the copying machine copies one copy at the same magnification.

Now, once the copying magnification is determined, the lens moving motor 57 and the mirror moving motor 53 operate respectively to change the magnification in the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction.
The lens block 55 and the second carriage 41 are moved to a position where the ratio of the optical path length from the lens 7 to the photosensitive drum 9, that is, the optical path length ratio, is equal to the specified magnification.

In this case, the longest or shortest optical path length is determined by the physical size of the copying machine, and since the same lens 7 is always used, the position of the lens 7 can be uniquely determined.
For example, using a microcomputer for control,
If pulse motors are used for the lens moving motor 57 and the mirror moving motor 53, calculation of the amount of movement is very easy, and by counting the number of pulses, it is possible to accurately determine the position.

On the other hand, the original A placed on the original table 2 by pressing the print button 61 is scanned as the first carriage 40 moves, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 9, but this process is As mentioned above. In this case, the magnification in the scanning direction is determined by the speed ratio of the first carriage 40 and the photoreceptor drum 9, but independent motors are provided for moving the first carriage 40 and driving the photoreceptor drum 9. That is, since the scanning motor 42 and the drum drive motor 60 are provided, the speed ratio can be made to match the set magnification by controlling the number of rotations of each motor. The scanning motor 42 and the drum drive motor 60 are composed of pulse motors, and by changing the number of pulses given to the scanning motor 42 and the number of pulses given to the drum drive motor 60, the speed ratio is made to match the magnification.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the speed ratio between the first carriage 40 and the second carriage 41 was obtained using the principle of a movable pulley through a bobbin, but instead of this, a scanning motor 42 driving the first carriage 40 and a Separately, the second carriage 41
This can also be achieved by having a dedicated motor for each drive and controlling its speed.

Moreover, if an electromagnetic clutch is used, the lens block 55 and the first. Since the operation timings of the second carriages 40 and 41 are shifted, the lens moving motor 57 and the scanning motor 42 can be used in common. Further, each of the motors 42, 53, 57.degree. 60 is not limited to a pulse motor, and any motor may be used as long as the speed can be controlled within an allowable error range. Also, exposure lamp 3. The first and second mirrors 4 and 5 and 6 are mounted.
The document table 2 may be moved instead of driving the carriages 40, 41.

In addition, the optical path length was changed by moving the second carriage 41 on which the mirrors 5 and 6 are mounted and the lens 7, but it is also possible to prepare multiple lenses and use different lenses depending on the range of magnification, or to use a correction lens in the lens 7. By changing the focal length of the lens by covering it with a lens, etc., and then moving the lens block 55 and second carriage 41, it is possible to downsize the copying machine or expand the range of permissible magnification changes. Also,
The mirror 8 may be moved instead of the second carriage 41.

Further, when setting the magnification, it is not necessary to use the numeric keypad 63, but a slide switch or a rotary switch may be used, and the amount of movement thereof may be associated with the copy magnification.

Furthermore, as explained using a copying machine as an example, by optically scanning the object to be copied and exposing this image onto an image carrier that moves through an optical system, Of course, any image forming apparatus that can obtain copies may be used.

In addition, it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention focuses on an original image on an image carrier at a preset copying magnification to form a preset number of copies. an input means for inputting information for setting the number of copies to be formed and information on the IV copying magnification, and selectively setting the number of thick copies to be formed or setting the copying magnification based on the information input from the input means. and display means for displaying copy magnification information when input of copy magnification information from the input means is selected by the selection means. Therefore, data for setting the number of copies and data for setting the copy magnification can be input with a small number of keys, thereby simplifying the configuration and improving operability. Furthermore, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus in which this operation can be confirmed and operability can be improved.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the main parts of a copying machine, Figs. 2 to 6 show an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a schematic longitudinal cross-section of the copying machine. 3 is a perspective view with the document table removed, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the moving mechanism of the optical system, FIG. 5 is an ordinal view of the moving mechanism of the lens block, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view of the control panel. A... Subject to be copied (original), 3... Exposure lamp, 4°5.6.8... Mirror, 7... Lens, 9... Image carrier (photosensitive drum), 10 ...Optical system, 35...
- Input means (fourth means), 37. 38... Selection means (second and third means), 64... Display means (display section)
. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Takehiko Suzue

Claims (1)

[Claims] Information for setting the number of copies to be formed and information on the copy magnification in a device in which an original image is formed on an image carrier at a preset copy magnification to form a preset number of copies. an input means for inputting information; and a selection means for selectively setting the number of copies to be made or the copy magnification based on the information input from the input means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: display means for displaying copy magnification information when input of copy magnification information from the input means is selected by the selection means.