JPH04141644A - Power variation rate adjusting mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To shorten the movement time of an optical system by outputting a signal for moving an optical system to a standy-by movement position or target position when a power variation rate is inputted. CONSTITUTION:A standy-by movement position storage means 31 is stored with a specific position between a maximum and a minimum power variation rate corresponding to a specific power variation rate in advance and the power variation rate is inputted through a power variation rate input means 30; and an optical system driving control means 32 moves the optical system 100 to the standy-by movement position stored in the standy-by movement position storage means 31 when the power variation rate is inputted through the power variation rate input means 30. After a final power variation rate is inputted, the signal for moving the optical system 100 to the target position is outputted. Then the optical system driving means 33 moves the optical system 100 with the control signal from an optical system driving control means 32. Consequently, it does not take a long time to move the optical system.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a variable magnification adjustment mechanism for moving an optical system in order to perform variable magnification operations such as reduction, equal magnification, and enlargement in a copying machine. It is.

[Prior Art] When reducing or enlarging a copying machine, a desired magnification, for example 150%, is set by operating a variable magnification setting key on an operation panel provided on the top of the copying machine. , then by pressing the print key we are getting a 150% copy. At this time, the optical system such as lenses and mirrors corresponds to the 150% magnification, so as soon as the variable magnification setting key is operated, the optical system moves to the 150% magnification position.

Alternatively, in a type of copying machine that automatically detects the original size, when the original is placed on the contact crow,
Or, when you close the document cover, the document size is automatically detected, the magnification is automatically calculated based on the document size and the selected paper feed cassette type, and the optical system immediately It is moving to a position corresponding to that magnification.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, even if the magnification ratio is set in this way, it does not necessarily mean that it has been set correctly, and there may be cases where it is desired to correct it.

Alternatively, even if the magnification ratio has been determined based on the document size and the paper feed cassette, there may be cases where it is desired to change it.

Nevertheless, in conventional copying machines, as mentioned above, the optical system moves to its target position as soon as the magnification is set, or as soon as the document is placed on the contact crow and the document cover is closed. Therefore, if the optical system is re-corrected, the optical system must be moved to the corrected position again, and if the re-corrected position is far from the original position, However, there was a problem in that it took too much time to prepare for copying.

The present invention takes into consideration the problems with conventional optical system adjustment mechanisms, and eliminates the need to spend a large amount of time moving the optical system even if the initially set magnification ratio is incorrect and corrected. The purpose is to provide an optical system adjustment mechanism.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a preliminary movement position storage means in which a predetermined position corresponding to a predetermined magnification between a maximum magnification and a minimum magnification is set and stored in advance; A variable magnification input means for inputting a variable magnification, and when a variable magnification is input from the variable magnification input means, the optical system is moved to a preliminary movement position stored in the preliminary movement position storage means, and the optical system is moved to a final position. An optical system drive control means that outputs a signal to move the optical system to a position corresponding to the target position after the magnification ratio is determined, and an optical system drive means that moves the optical system according to a control signal from the optical system drive control means. This is a variable magnification adjustment mechanism.

The present invention also provides a boundary storage means in which a boundary position corresponding to a predetermined magnification is set and stored in advance, a magnification input means for inputting a target magnification, and a magnification input means for inputting a target magnification. The target magnification information and the boundary position information stored in the boundary storage means are input, and the optical system calculates the distance from the current position to the target position corresponding to the target magnification (L) here, the boundary position. If the preliminary movement judgment means determines that the boundary position does not exist between (L), the magnification change input means determines the magnification rate. When entered,
Immediately move the optical system to the target position, and on the other hand, if the preliminary movement determining means determines that the boundary position exists between (L), when the variable magnification is input from the variable magnification input means,
an optical system drive control means for outputting a signal to move the optical system to the boundary position and, after determining the final magnification, move the optical system from the boundary position to the target position; and the optical system drive control means The magnification adjustment mechanism includes an optical system driving means for moving the optical system based on a control signal from the optical system.

Further, in the present invention, the final magnification change ratio in the above invention can be determined by an instruction from a final confirmation instruction key, an instruction from a start key instructing to start image formation, or a predetermined period of time when the magnification change rate is input. This is a variable magnification adjustment mechanism that is determined by the time that has passed since the input operation of the means.

[Function] According to the present invention, a predetermined position corresponding to a predetermined magnification between the maximum magnification and the minimum magnification is stored in advance in the preliminary movement position storage means, and the magnification is changed by the magnification input means. is input, and the optical system drive control means moves the optical system to a preliminary movement position stored in the preliminary movement position storage means when the variable magnification is input from the variable magnification input means;
After the final magnification ratio is determined, a signal is output to move the optical system to the target position. Then, the optical system drive means moves the optical system in response to a control signal from the optical system drive control means.

Further, in the present invention, a boundary position corresponding to a predetermined magnification is set and stored in advance in the boundary storage means, a target magnification is inputted by the magnification input means, and the preliminary movement determination means performs the following steps. The target magnification information by the magnification input means and the boundary position information stored in the boundary storage means are input, and the distance from the current position where the optical system currently exists to the target position corresponding to the target magnification (L ), and if the optical system drive control means determines with its preliminary movement determination means that the boundary position does not exist between the boundary position and (L), When the variable magnification is input from the magnification input means, the optical system is immediately moved to the target position, and on the other hand, if the preliminary movement determination means determines that the boundary position exists between (L), the variable magnification input means When the magnification ratio is input from , the optical system is moved to the boundary position, and after the final magnification ratio is determined, a signal is outputted to move the optical system from the boundary position to the target position, and the optical system driving means The optical system is moved by a control signal from the optical system drive control means.

Further, the final magnification ratio of the present invention can be determined by an instruction from a final confirmation instruction key, an instruction from a start key instructing to start image formation, or an input operation of a magnification ratio input means for a predetermined period of time. Determined by what has passed since that point.

[Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a copying machine incorporating a magnification adjustment mechanism according to the present invention.

In the figure, a paper feed cassette 2.2 and a manual feed tray 3 that store copy paper of various sizes are provided on the upstream side of the apparatus main body 1 (based on the conveyance direction of copy paper). Further, a photosensitive drum 4 is rotatably provided in the center, and a developing device 5, a transfer separator 6, and the like are arranged around it. Further downstream, there is a heat fixing device 7.
, a discharge roller 8, and a discharge tray 9 are provided.

Note that 10 is a conveyance path, 11 is a paper refeed path, and 12 is an intermediate paper feed cassette.

Further, on the top surface of the main body of the apparatus, there is provided a contact glass 15 on which a document is placed, and a document cover 1 for holding the document.
6 is provided. An optical system 100 consisting of an illumination lamp 17, a reflective mirror 18, a lens 13, a reflective mirror 14, etc. is disposed below the contact crow 15.

Further, an operation panel 19 as shown in FIG. 2 is attached to the front of the upper surface of the main body of the apparatus. This operation panel 1
9 includes a reduced display section 20, an enlarged display section 21. A magnification display section 22, a reduction key 23 for instructing reduction, an enlargement key 24 for instructing enlargement, an equal magnification key 25 for instructing same size, and a paper size section for displaying the size of the copy paper in each paper cassette 2. 27 and a size key 26 for specifying the paper size.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the variable magnification adjustment mechanism according to the present invention.

The preliminary movement position storage means 31 is a memory means such as a RAM or ROM in which a predetermined position corresponding to a predetermined magnification between the maximum magnification and the minimum magnification is set and stored in advance.

For example, in a copying machine capable of reducing and enlarging from 50% to 200%, a position corresponding to a reduction magnification of 80% is set and stored in advance.

The variable magnification input means 30 includes the reduction key 23 and the enlargement key 2.
4. It is a means for inputting a target magnification ratio, which is composed of a constant magnification key 25 and the like.

The optical system driving means 33 is a means for moving the optical system 100, and is composed of a motor, gears, chains, etc.

When a variable magnification is input from the variable magnification input means 30 such as the reduction key 23, the optical system drive control means 32 moves the optical system to a preliminary movement position stored in advance in the preliminary movement position storage means 31. By controlling the drive means 33,
When a print key (not shown) is pressed to move the optical system 100 and start copying, and the final magnification is determined, the optical system driving means moves the optical system 100 from the preliminary movement position to the target position. It is moved by controlling 33.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be explained.

When the print key is pressed, the optical system 100 irradiates the image light of the original on the contact glass 15 onto the photoreceptor tram 4, thereby performing exposure.

A developing device 5 develops a latent image generated by the exposure with toner. The developed image is transferred to a transfer separator 6
As a result, the image is transferred from the paper feed cassette 2 to the transported paper, and the paper is further separated from the photoreceptor tram 4. The paper passes through the conveyance path 10, is sent to the fixing device 7, is thermally fixed, and is finally delivered to the ejection roller 8.
is discharged onto the discharge tray 9.

In this way, the copying operation is completed. In that case, it is assumed that the optical system 100 has returned to the same magnification position.

Next, when another person makes a copy, first, as shown in FIG. 4, the target magnification ratio is input using the reduction key 23 and enlargement key 24 (step Sl). Then,
The optical system drive control means 32 controls the optical system drive means 33 to move the optical system 100 to the preliminary movement position A stored in its preliminary movement position storage means 31 (step S2).

Thereafter, the operator confirms that the set magnification ratio is correct and presses the start key.

That is, when the final magnification ratio is determined without changing the magnification ratio by pressing the start key (step S3)
The optical system drive control means 32 controls the optical system drive means 33 to move the optical system 100 from the preliminary movement position A to the target position B (step S4).

On the other hand, if the operator discovers that the set magnification is incorrect, he does not press the start key (step S3) and sets the correct magnification again. At this time, the optical system 100 remains at its preliminary movement position A.

Then, as mentioned above, when the start key is pressed,
The optical system 100 is moved to the correct target position B (steps S3, S4).

Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing its contents.

The boundary storage means 44 is a memory means such as a RAM or ROM in which a boundary position corresponding to a predetermined magnification ratio is set and recorded in advance. For example, two positions that equally divide the moving range of the optical system into three in terms of distance (time) are defined as boundary positions.

The variable magnification input means 40 is means such as the reduction key 23 and the enlargement key 24 for inputting a target variable magnification.

The preliminary movement determination means 41 inputs the target magnification information from the magnification input means 40 and the boundary position information stored in the boundary storage means 44, and determines the target change from the current position P1 where the optical system 100 currently exists. Target position P corresponding to magnification
This is a means for determining whether the boundary position Pb is located between 2 and 2. FIG. 6(a) shows a case where a boundary position Pb exists between them, and FIG. 6(b),
(c) shows the case where it does not exist. Note that the direction of the arrow indicates the moving direction of the optical system 100.

The optical system driving means 43 is a means for moving the optical system 100, and is composed of a motor, gears, chains, etc.

The optical system drive control means 42 has its preliminary movement determination means 41
If it is determined that the boundary position Pb does not exist in the above-mentioned interval, when the variable magnification is input from the variable magnification input means 40, the optical system 100 is immediately moved to the target position P2, and the other preliminary movement is performed. If the determining means 41 determines that the optical system exists between the boundary position Pb and the variable magnification is input from the variable magnification input means 40, the optical system 100 is moved to the boundary position Pb, and the final variable magnification is determined. After determining the optical system 1
00 from the boundary position Pb to the target position P2.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In advance, set the boundary magnification MQ when reducing, and the boundary magnification MB when expanding.
is stored in the boundary storage means 44.

Then, the operator inputs the target magnification ratio m from the magnification ratio input means 40 (steps S1 and S2). The preliminary movement determining means 41 determines the magnitude relationship between the target magnification ratio m, the magnification ratio M corresponding to the current position of the optical system used in the previous copying, the boundary magnification M1, Me, etc. , determine whether the boundary needs to be crossed. Further, the optical system drive control means 42 controls the optical system drive means 43 according to the determination result, and the optical system 100 moves accordingly.

That is, if the magnification change rate M used in the previous copying and the target magnification change rate In are the same, the optical system 100 is not moved (step S3). To the current magnification ratio 4 and target magnification ratio m
If they are different, then the magnitude relationship is determined (step S4). If the current magnification change rate M is larger than the target magnification change rate m, it is a reduction.

In the case of reduction, if the target magnification ratio m is greater than or equal to the boundary magnification Mp during reduction, the optical system 100 does not pass the boundary position Pb, so the optical system 100 immediately moves to the position corresponding to the target magnification ratio m.
00 moves (step S5.513). On the other hand, if the target magnification ratio m is smaller than the boundary magnification MA during reduction, but if the current magnification M is smaller than the boundary magnification IVL, the target magnification ratio m is immediately changed because the boundary position Pb is not passed.
The optical system 100 moves to a position corresponding to (step S
6.513).

On the other hand, if the current magnification M is greater than or equal to the boundary magnification MA (step S6), the optical system 100 must pass through the boundary position Pb, so it moves to the boundary position pb (corresponding to the magnification Mp). do. After that, when the final magnification ratio is determined (step S8), the boundary position P
The optical system 100 moves from b to the target position P2 (step 513).

If the change is not finalized but is to be changed, the process returns to step S2 (step S8).

In the judgment in step S4, if the current magnification M is less than or equal to the target magnification m, enlargement is performed.

In the case of the enlargement, the target magnification ratio m is the boundary magnification ratio Me at the time of expansion.
If it is smaller, the optical system 100 does not pass the boundary position P, and the optical system 100 immediately moves to the position corresponding to the target magnification ratio m (step S9.513). On the other hand, if the target magnification ratio m is greater than or equal to the boundary magnification ratio M8 during expansion,
If the current magnification M is greater than or equal to the boundary magnification Mp, the optical system 100 does not pass through the boundary position Pb, so the optical system 100 immediately moves to the position corresponding to the target magnification m (step 510
．． 513).

Based on this, the current magnification M is the boundary magnification M. If it is smaller than step 510), the optical system 100 must pass through the boundary position Pb, so the boundary position pb
(corresponding to the magnification M^) (step 511). Thereafter, when the final magnification ratio is determined (step S12), the optical system 100 moves from the boundary position P to the target position P2 (step 513).

If the change is not finalized but is to be changed, the process returns to step S2 (step 512).

Although the preliminary movement position of the present invention is an intermediate position in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this, and may be any position between the current position and the target position.

In addition, although the boundary position of the present invention is a three-equal distance dividing position in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this, and may be a commonly used magnification, for example, 70%, 141%, etc. There's no need to divide it up.

Further, in the above embodiment, the final magnification ratio of the present invention is determined by
The final magnification ratio is determined by pressing the start key, but is not limited to this, or when a predetermined period of time such as 10 seconds has elapsed since the final confirmation instruction key was used to instruct the determination of the final magnification ratio, or from the input operation from the magnification ratio input means. At this point, the operator may determine that there is no change in the magnification ratio entered as the required input, and any means that the mechanism can recognize may be used.

In addition, although the preliminary movement position calculation means, optical system drive control means, etc. of the present invention are realized in the form of software using a computer in the embodiment described above, the functions of these means are not limited to this. It may also be realized using a dedicated heart circuit.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, when a variable magnification is input from the variable magnification input means by the optical system drive control means using the preliminary movement position or the boundary position, the optical system drive control means may move up to the preliminary movement position or to the boundary position or to the target position,
Since a signal for moving the optical system is output, for example, even if a magnification change ratio is inputted incorrectly, the time required to move the optical system when correcting the error can be reduced.

Furthermore, since there is no need to move the optical system a large distance all at once, the positional accuracy of lenses and mirrors can be improved.

[Brief Description of the Drawings] Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a copying machine, Fig. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel of the copying machine, and Fig. 3 is an implementation of the variable magnification adjustment mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the same embodiment, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 explains the operation of the same embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart 1 showing the operation of the same embodiment. 30... Magnification variable input means; 31... Preliminary movement position calculation means; 32... Optical system drive control means; 33...
Optical system driving means, 4o... Magnification ratio input means, 41...
- Preliminary movement judgment means, 42... optical system drive control means,
43 . . . optical system driving means; 100 . . . optical system.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) Preliminary movement position storage means in which a predetermined position corresponding to a predetermined magnification between the maximum magnification and the minimum magnification is set and stored in advance, and a magnification rate input for inputting a target magnification. When a variable magnification is input from the variable magnification input means, the optical system is moved to a preliminary movement position stored in the preliminary movement position storage means, and after the final variable magnification is determined, the optical system is moved. comprising an optical system drive control means for outputting a signal to move the system to a position corresponding to the target position, and an optical system drive means for moving the optical system in response to a control signal from the optical system drive control means. A variable magnification adjustment mechanism featuring: (2) A boundary storage means in which a boundary position corresponding to a predetermined magnification is set and stored in advance, a magnification input means for inputting a target magnification, and a target magnification by the magnification input means. information and the boundary position information stored in the boundary storage means, and the boundary position is determined between the current position where the optical system currently exists and the target position corresponding to the target magnification (L). preliminary movement determination means for determining whether or not the position will be located;
The preliminary movement determining means determines that the boundary position is between the intervals (L).
If it is determined that the variable magnification does not exist in the variable magnification input means, the optical system is immediately moved to the target position when the variable magnification is inputted from the variable magnification input means, and on the other hand, the preliminary movement determination means
If it is determined that the boundary position exists in the interval (L), when a variable magnification is input from the variable magnification input means,
an optical system drive control means for moving the optical system to the boundary position and outputting a signal for moving the optical system from the boundary position to the target position after a final magnification ratio is determined; A variable magnification adjustment mechanism comprising: optical system driving means for moving the optical system in response to a control signal from a control means. (3) The final magnification ratio is determined by an instruction from a final confirmation instruction key, an instruction from a start key to start image formation, or an input operation of the magnification ratio input means for a predetermined period of time. 3. The variable magnification adjustment mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the variable magnification adjustment mechanism is determined based on the elapsed time.