Variable Magnification Copier Machine

Abstract

Device for varying the copying magnification by moving the position of the supporter member mounted with two or more lenses and adapted to be automatically returned to the position for the usual magnification when the main switch for the copier machine is turned off.

Description

The present invention relates to a variable magnification copier machine, and more particularly to a device for varying the magnification and adapted to be automatically returned to the position for the normal magnification copying when the main switch for the copier machine is turned off.

There have been various types of devices for varying the copying magnification, among which the invention concerns to such a type as having a turret or a frame provided with at least two lenses and adapted to be moved for utilizing selected one of the plurality of lenses of various magnifications. In general there would be naturally one magnification to be usually or often selected such as of 1 : 1. When the copying operation has been made at any unusual magnification and the main switch has been turned off as it is without returning the device to the normal magnification copying position, then the new copying operation without confirming the magnification would wastefully use copy papers and consequently time for the useless copying if said operation should have been made at a regular magnification such as of 1 : 1, which would of course be considerable particularly when the copier machine is of automatic type in which a previously set number of copies of the same original are to be repeatedly made. No operator for the copier machine, however, would not forget to turn the main switch off when the operation is ended, even if how he is careless. It is thus preferable to make the device for varying the magnification to be automatically returned to the previously determined magnification in connection with turning the main switch off.

It is thus an object of the invention to provide such a copier machine as having the magnification varying device adapted to be automatically returned to the position for the previously selected magnification when the main switch is turned off.

The invention shall be explained in more detail and definitiveness with respect to preferred embodiments in reference to the accompanying drawings not for the purpose of limiting the invention thereto but merely for the explanation, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a device according to the invention for selecting either of the two magnifications and adapted to be automatically returned to the position for the regular magnification,

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electric circuit for said device, and

FIG. 3 is a similar view of a modification thereof.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 1 but in respect of the device for selecting any of the three lenses,

FIG. 5 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 4 but of turlet to be angularly moved, and

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an electric circuit for the device as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

In FIG. 1 there is shown the device capable of varying the magnification in two sorts by way of explanation and for the sake of simplicity, in which a frame 11 is mounted with two lenses 12 and 13, the former being for the normal and regular copying magnification for instance of 1/1 and the latter for e.g. 1/2 magnification. Said frame 11 is adapted to be moved from the illustrated position to the left direction in the drawing or vice versa along a guide rail 14 with an electric motor M via a cable 15. Said guide rail 14 is notched at two positions 16A and 16B so that an elastically mounted element 17 to engage with either of said notches to correctly position the frame 11 for copying through the lens 12 or through the lens 13. There are provided a pair of microswitches SA and SA' being respectively actuated by abutment with the frame 11 now in the position for copying through the lens 12 of 1.0 magnification and another pair of microswitches SB and SB' to be actuated when the frame 11 has been moved to take the position for copying through the lens 13 of 0.5 magnification.

In FIG. 2 showing the electric circuit in which all elements are illustrated in their respective positions for copying through the lens 12 or for the normal magnification copying, said motor M is connected to be driven through either of said switches SA and SB arranged in parallel via switch of a keep relay R with an electric sourse E. Said motor M is of induction type and has a phase-split capacitor C connected for varying the motor driving direction. The electric source E is connected with a copier machine electric load L inclusive the light source, the drying heater, the drier fan motor, pumping means for feeding developer liquid and so on through a main switch SM. However, since said microswitches SA and SB normally closed are adapted to be opened when actuated by abutment with the frame 11 and since the relay switch R is of a change-over type so as to be connected with said switch SA when the relay is in its inactivated condition and with said switch SB when said keep relay is energized to be referred to in more detail hereinafter, the motor M can not be driven when the frame 11 is in the position for actuating the switch SA to be opened as illustrated in the drawing.

In parallel to said load L there are arranged two capacitors C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 to be connected with said electric source E respectively through a diode D, each of said capacitor circuits having respective switches SM' and SM" to be actuated in connection with the movable contact of said manual actuation main switch SM, so that said capacitors C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 may be charged when said main switch SM is turned on. Said first capacitor C.sub.1 is connected also with a first winding RA of said relay R through a manual actuation switch SP which is preferably of a push button type and through the microswitch SA' referred to above, which is normally opened but adapted to be closed on the abutment actuation by the frame 11, so that when said switch SM is manually turned off to charge said capacitors C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 and then said switch SP is manually pushed down for establishing the output circuit of said capacitor C.sub.1 this capacitor is discharged to energize said relay winding to change over the relay switch R. This change-over is to establish the motor circuit through the normally closed switch SB to drive said motor M in one direction. Said first capacitor C.sub.1 is connected further to a second winding RB of the relay R through the normally opened switch SB' which is arranged in parallel to said switch SA' and adapted to be closed when actuated with abutment by the frame 11. Thus, when the frame 11 has been moved to return the switch SA' to its normal open position and actuate the switch SB' to be closed, then said second winding RB may be energized to return the relay switch R to its initial normal position. Said second capacitor C.sub.2 is connected to said second winding RB to be energized when said main switch SM is turned off for stopping the copying work to actuate said switch SM" to be closed for establishing the output circuit of said capacitor C.sub.2.

It is preferable to arrange two pilot lamps L.sub.1 and L.sub.2 respectively in parallel to said general load L for showing which lens is being ready for copying. For that purpose the respective lamps accompany microswitches SA" and SB" which are normally opened but adapted to be closed when actuated with abutment by the frame 11.

Now in operation, when the copying is intended at the normal or usual magnification through the lens 12, it is sufficient to manually actuate the main switch SM to be closed.

Thereby the load L is supplied with electric power for proceeding with the copying work from the electric source E through the circuit referred to above. Since the frame 11 is in such a position as illustrated in FIG. 1 and consequently the switch SB" is left in the normal and open position but the switch SA" is actuated with abutment by the frame 11 to be closed, the circuit is established for igniting the lamp L.sub.1 to show the copying work being made at the intended usual magnification. There is to occur no change other than the above. During the switch SM is closed, the capacitors C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 are charged as referred to above but this would cause no change. Even if the main switch SM is turned off for stopping the copying operation, the capacitor C.sub.1 would not be discharged since the connection thereof to the first relay winding RA through the switch SA' which is now closed with abutment actuation by the frame 11 is shutt off by the opened switch SP. The capacitor C.sub.2 is connected to the second winding RB of the keep relay R for the energization thereof since the corresponding circuit is established with the switch SM" now closed since said switch is mechanically connected to said main switch SM as referred to above, but this energization would affect no influence on the position of the relay switch R because it has already occupied such a position as to be brought in by said energization.

When it is intended to copy at the usual magnification, namely through the lens 13, the button switch SP is manually pushed down after turning the main switch SM on whereby the switch SM' is relatedly closed. The capacitor C.sub.1 is thus connected to the first relay winding RA through said closed switches SP and SM' and further through the switch SA' closed with abutment actuation by the frame 11 to energize said relay, whereby the relay switch R is changed over to establish the motor circuit through the normally closed switch SB and energize said motor M to be driven for moving the frame 11 in the leftward direction in FIG. 1. Now the frame 11 actuates the normally closed switch SB to be opened so that the motor circuit is shutt off to inactivate the motor M and the switch SA is turned to the normal close position. As a result of the movement of said frame 11, the switch SA" is returned to its normal open position to inactivate the lamp L.sub.1, but the switch SB" is actuated to be closed to ignite the lamp L.sub.2 which shows the copying machine is now ready for working through the lens 13, namely at 0.5 magnification. Similarly the switch SA' is returned to the normal open position but the switch SB' is actuated to be closed.

Thus when the main switch SM is turned off for shutting the circuit between the electric source E and the copying load L, the capacitor C.sub.2 is connected, through the switch SM" closed in relation with the turning-off of the switch SM, to the relay second winding RB to be energized which changes over the relay switch R to its initial position. Thus the motor circuit is established through the switch SA now closed, whereby the motor M is driven in the reverse direction in FIG. 1 for moving the frame 11 to its initial and usual position, whereby the switches SA, SB, SA', SB', SA" and SB" are all returned to the respective normal position as illustrated in FIG. 2.

When it is intended to change over from the lens 13 which has been used until now to the lens 12 without inactivating the copying machine, the button switch SP is manually pushed down to be closed, whereby the capacitor C.sub.1 is connected to the relay second winding RB through the closed siwtch SP and the switch SM' now closed in relation with the closed main switch SM and the switch SB' closed with abutment actuation by the frame 11. Thus the energized relay changes over the relay switch R to energize the motor M to be driven which moves the frame 11 to the position for copying through the lens 12.

A modification of the electric circuit of FIG. 2 shall be explained in reference to FIG. 3 in which also the elements are shown all in the respective normal positions. In this embodiment the motor is of DC type and consequently the motor circuit comprises a rectifier. It would go without saying that the induction motor and consequently the same motor circuit as in FIG. 2 may be used also in this modification, which is characterized by using a timer means instead of a pair of capacitor-microswitch combinations. The explanation shall be given merely on arrangements different from those in FIG. 2.

The DC motor M is connected with the electric source E for moving the frame 11, namely for changing the magnification, through a gang switch having a pair of double-throw switches to be actuated with the keep relay R like as in FIG. 2, through either of the microswitches SA and SB arranged in parallel just similar to FIG. 2, and through a bridge rectifier or full-wave rectifier D'. As the relay switch R is adpated to be normally in a position to establish the motor circuit through the switch SA which is normally closed but now open by abutment with the frame 11, the motor M would not be driven. The first winding RA of the relay is connected with the electric source E through a push button switch SP.sub.2 for selection of the lens 13 so that manual actuation of said switch may energize said winding RA to change over the relay switch R for establishing the motor circuit through the normally closed switch SB. The second winding RB is connected with the electric source E through a push button switch SP.sub.1 for selection of the usual magnification lens 12. In parallel to said switch SP.sub.1 there is arranged a switch SMC in the reverse relation so as to be normally closed but opened when the main switch SM is turned on.

As the timer means, there are provided a timer T and a switch SMT connected in series with the electric source E. Said switch is mechanically connected with the main switch SM in the reverse condition similar to said switch SMC. In a circuit parallel to said timer circuit, a switch TS and a relay K are arranged in series to be connected to the electric source E. Said switch TS is normally closed but adapted to be opened by means of said timer T with a predetermined time delay after the actuation of said timer T. Said relay K is adapted, when energized, to actuate a normally opened switch KC to be closed, which is arranged in parallel to the main switch SM.

In operation, when the main switch SM is manually closed for starting the copying work in case where the lens 12 occupies the position of FIG. 1 for the usual magnification, the general load L for copying is supplied with necessary electric power, but there will occur no other substantial change except the followings. The switch SMT in the timer circuit and the switch SMC arranged in parallel to the normally opened switch SP.sub.1 for energization of the winding RB are both mechanically relatedly opened. The relay K is energized through the normally closed switch TS to close the switch KC whereby the concerning connection with the electric source E is to be kept for a while, even if the main switch SM is turned off for the purpose to be appreciated by studying the explanation to be given hereinafter. As there is caused no change in the condition of the relay by the actuation of the main switch SM, the motor M would not be driven in view of the motor circuit condition as referred to above.

Now when the main switch SM is turned off for ending the copying operation, the switches SMT and SMC are relatedly closed. The closed switch SMC establishes the circuit connecting the electric source E with the second winding RB through the switch KC now closed by energization of the relay K, but the relay R would not be actuated since it has already taken a position to which said switch is to be changed over by energization of said winding RB. The closed switch SMT triggers operation of the timer T, which actuates the concerning switch TS to be opened after a predetermined time has lapsed, which in turn deenergizes the relay K and returns the switch KC to its normal open position. That is all which would be caused from turning-off the main switch SM. The copying machine is thus kept always in the position for the usual magnification.

When it is intended to change the magnification from 1/1 to 1/2 by moving the frame 11 from the position illustrated in FIG. 1 in the left direction without turning-off the main switch SM, the button switch SP.sub.2 is manually pushed down to be closed, which may be released soon to be opened. As the relay winding RA is connected with the electric source E through the main switch SM now closed, the relay switch R is changed over by energization of said winding RA to establish the motor circuit through the normally closed switch SB. The motor M is thus supplied with DC power through the rectifier D' from the electric source E to drive the frame 11 toward the left in FIG. 1 to take a position for actuating the switch SB to be opened and returning the switch SA to its normally closed position. Now the motor M is deenergized to set the frame 11 ready for 1/2 magnification copying through the lens 13.

When the main switch SM is turned off in this state as it is, the now relatedly closed switch SMC establishes the circuit for energization of the relay winding RB through the switch KC closed by energization of the relay K as referred to above. The energized winding RB changes over the relay switch R to the initial position which establishes the motor circuit through the switch SA now in its normally closed position. The motor M is thus driven in the reverse direction to return the frame 11 to its initial position as illustrated in FIG. 1. The switches SA and SB are also returned to the respectively initial position as illustrated in FIG. 3. The switch KC is also returned to the initial open position after the lapse of a predetermined time for the timer T.

When it is intended to change the magnification from 1/2 through the lens 13 directly to 1/1 through the lens 12 without stopping the copying work, namely without turning-off the main switch SM, the push button SP.sub.1 for selection of the lens 12 is manually pushed down to be closed, which causes energization of the relay winding RB. There will be no need for further explanation on the result thereof.

It would be appreciated that the switch SMC in FIG. 3 plays a role just same with that of the switch SM' in FIG. 2 regarding the automatic restoration of the usual magnification position, although the switch SMC necessitates the aid by the switch KC.

The invention can be applied also to such a device as varying the copying magnification among three or more sorts of lenses, as referred to above. A further embodiment shall be given in respect of the frame having three lenses, for instance a lens of 0.8 magnification in addition to the lenses of 1.0 and 0.5 magnifications referred to above. The relation of such frame to the concerning microswitches is shown in FIG. 4, in which the frame 11 has a lens 13' of 0.8 magnification mounted at the left in addition to the lens 12 of 1.0 magnification at the middle and the lens 13 of 0.5 magnification at the right. The frame 11 is adapted to be moved from the illustrated middle position for copying through the lens 12 either to the left so as to copy through the lens 13 or to the right so as to copy through the lens 13' by means of the motor M through the mechanism as referred to above in respect of FIG. 1. In view of the number of the lenses, naturally three groups of switches must be provided different from the two groups of switches SA, SA', SA" and SB, SB', SB" in FIG. 1. Switches SB and SB' are arranged so as to be actuated by the frame 11 being in the left position for copying through the lens 13 just as in FIG. 1. Switches SC and SC' are arranged so as to be actuated by the frame 11 when it occupies the right position for copying through the lens 13' like as the switches SA and SA" for the lens 12 in FIG. 1. In order to actuate the switches SA AND SA" arranged in FIG. 4 at the middle portion of the frame stroke and below said frame 11 being in the middle position, it is preferable to provide a downwardly projected pin 12A on the frame 11 at the lower edge. A further microswitch SA40 is provided in addition to said two switches SA and SA" together therewith, for the purpose to be referred to hereinafter in relation to the electric circuit of FIG. 6.

In lieu of the frame, the turlet may be used as shown in FIG. 5. The turlet 11 is mounted for angular movement from the position illustrated in said figure for copying through the lens 12 either in the clockwise direction so that the lens 13 may occupy the position having been occupied by the lens 12 or in the counterclockwise direction so that the lens 13' may occupy said position by means of the motor M of which output drive shaft is mechanically connected with the center shaft of said turlet 11, if necessary via gearing not shown. Said turlet 11 may have outwardly projected pins 12A, 13B and 13'C around its circumference respectively adjacent the concerning lens, so as to actuate the three groups of switches SA, SA', SA", SB, SB'; and SC, SC" arranged in such a way as to attain the purpose referred to above.

In FIG. 6 exemplifyingly showing one of the electric circuits to be variously designed for attaining the purpose of the invention in respect of the three lens device as in FIG. 4 or 5, all elements are illustrated also in their respective position for copying through the lens 12 of normal or usual 1 : 1 magnification. The motor M is of induction type and thus the motor circuit is same with that in FIG. 1 which has the capacitor C arranged in parallel. If the DC motor is used, the concerning circuit may be same with that in FIG. 3. The motor M is connected with the electric source E through either the normally closed switch SB and a button switch SP.sub.2 for selection of the lens 13 of 0.5 magnification connected in series or the normally closed switch SC and a button switch SP.sub.3 for selection of the lens 13' of 0.8 magnification connected in series, and through a main switch SM, so that turning the main switch SM on would not cause energization of the motor M unless either of said button switches is manually pushed down for establishing the concerning motor circuit, despite that both the switches SB and SC are closed as they are not actuated by the frame or turlet 11 being in the middle position for copying through the lens 12.

There is arranged a shunt in said motor circuit to connect the leads from said microswitch SB to said button switch SP.sub.2 and from said microswitch SC to said button switch SP.sub.3. Said shunt circuit has a relay switch R.sub.1 of which movable contact is connected to one terminal of the electric source E through the microswitch SA normally closed but now opened by abutment with the frame or turlet 11, through a button switch SP.sub.1 which is arranged in parallel to said button switches SP.sub.2 and SP.sub.3, and through the main switch SM. The lead from said switch SA to the button switch SP.sub.1 has a shunt circuit of a switch SMC which is mechanically related to said main switch SM and consequently normally closed but opened when the main switch SM is turned on.

Said button switch SP.sub.3 is a double gang switch, one being arranged between the switch SC and the main switch SM as referred to above, but the other is arranged in a shunt circuit in parallel to the load L. In said shunt circuit there are arranged in series said switch SP.sub.3 and a relay R and the switch SA' which is normally opened but now closed by abutment with the frame or turlet 11. Said relay R has a second relay switch R.sub.2 normally opened but adapted to be closed when said relay R is energized to establish a self-holding circuit for said relay R through said switch SA'.

In operation, turning-on the main switch SM would supply the necessary electric power to the load L for the copying operation. As the microswitch SA" normally opened is now closed by abutment with the frame or turlet 11, the pilot lamp L.sub.1 is ignited for showing the copying operation is being made by the usual magnification through the lens 12. The motor M would not be position, since any of the concerning switches is opened in this state so as to cut off the motor circuit.

When the main switch SM is turned off, the switch SMC is relatedly closed, but the switch SA is opened by abutment with the frame or turlet 11 so that the motor M can not be driven.

When it is intended to change over from copying through the lens 12 to that through the lens 13 for 0.5 magnification, the button switch SP.sub.2 is manually pushed down after the main switch SM has been closed. Now the motor circuit is established through the switch SB normally closed to drive the motor M in one direction which moves the frame 11 in FIG. 4 to the left or the turlet 11 in clockwise direction in FIG. 5. Thus the switch SA is returned to be closed and the switches SA' and SA" are returned to be opened, but now the normally closed switch SB is opened and the normally opened switch SB" is closed due to actuation thereof by abutment with the frame or turlet 11. Thus, the pilot lamp L1 is put out and the pilot lamp L.sub.2 is ignited for showing the copying at the 0.5 magnification. Immediately upon said opening of the switch SB, the motor M is inactivated. Now the button switch SP.sub.2 may be released to be opened.

When the main switch SM is turned off in this state for stopping the copying work, the mechanically related switch SMC is closed so that the motor circuit is established through the normally closed switch SA and the relay switch R.sub.1 and the normally closed switch SC whereby the motor M is driven in the opposite direction which returns the frame or turlet 11 to its initial position i.e. the position for copying through the lens 12.

When it is intended to change over from the 0.5 magnification copying position through the lens 13 to the usual magnification position through the lens 12 without stopping the copying work, it is sufficient only to manually push down the button switch SP.sub.1. As the switch SC is closed without abutment by the frame or turlet 11, the motor circuit is established to drive the motor M in the same direction just as referred to in the preceding paragraph.

When it is intended to change over from the 0.5 magnification copying position through the lens 13 to the 0.8 magnification copying position through the lens 13', it is sufficient merely to push down the button switch SP.sub.3. As the switch SC is closed without being actuated by abutment with the frame or turlet 11, the motor circuit is established to drive the motor M also in the same direction. Since the switch SP.sub.3 is of double gang switch type as referred to above, pushing down the same will establish the circuit of the relay R also through the normally closed switch SA'. When the relay R is energized, the relay switch R.sub.1 is changed over from the contact of the switch SC side to the contact of the switch SB side, and the relay switch R.sub.2 is closed for establishing the self-holding circuit for the relay R.

During the movement of the frame or turlet 11, the switches SA, SA' and SA" are actuated momentarily. The momentary closing of the normally opened switch SA" will ignite the pilot lamp L.sub.1 momentarily so that movement of the frame or turlet 11 can be confirmed thereby. The switch SA may be momentarily closed but this would affect nothing on the motor M. When the frame or the turlet 11 is brought into the final position where the lens 13' occupies the position having been occupied by the lens 13, the normally closed switch SC is opened by abutment with said frame or turlet 11 whereby the motor M is inactivated. Similarly the normally opened switch SC" is closed by the abutment to ignite the pilot lamp L.sub.3 for showing that the copying is now made through the lens 13' for 0.8 magnification. Even if the button switch SP.sub.3 is released to be opened, the self-holding circuit through the closed switch R.sub.2 can keep the relay R in its energized condition and consequently the relay switches R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 in their lower positions in FIG. 5.

When the main switch SM is turned off in this state, the switch SMC is mechanically relatedly closed so as to establish the motor circuit through the normally closed switch SA, the relay switch R.sub.2 changed over to the contact of the switch SB side, and through the normally closed switch SB. Thus the motor M is driven in the reverse direction so as to move the frame 11 in the left direction in FIG. 5 or the turlet 11 in clockwise direction in FIG. 5. When the frame or the turlet 11 is brought in the position for copying through the lens 12, the protruded pin 12A abuts on the switches SA, SA' and SA". Thus the normally closed switch SA is opened for cutting the motor circuit. The normally opened switch SA" is closed for igniting the pilot lamp L.sub.1. The normally closed switch SA' is opened for deenergizing the relay R so as to return the relay switches R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 to their respective initial positions as illustrated in FIG. 5.

When it is intended to change over from the copying position through the lens 13' directly to the copying position through the lens 12 without turning the main switch SM off, it is sufficient to manually push down the switch SP.sub.1 to be closed. It would be appreciated that the just same operations with those referred to in the preceding paragraph are caused.

When it is intended to change over from the copying position through the lens 13' directly to the copying position through the lens 13 without turning the main switch SM off, it is sufficient to manually push down the switch SP.sub.2 to be closed. As the lens 13' now takes the position having been taken by the lens 12 in FIGS. 5 and 6, the normally closed switch SC is opened by abutment with the frame or the turlet 11, but the switches SA and SB are closed. The relay switches R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are changed over to their respective lower positions, as referred to above. Thus closing the push button switch SP.sub.3 would establish the motor circuit through the closed switch SA and the closed switch SB to drive the motor M to be driven in such a direction as moving the frame or the turlet 11 in the same direction as referred to in the preceding two paragraphs. During the movement of said frame or the turlet 11, the protruded pin 12A would actuate the normally closed switch SA' to be opened, whereby the relay R is deenergized to return the concerning switches R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 to their initial positions as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus the self-hold circuit for the relay R is cut off so that even if the frame or the turlet 11 is moved over the middle position for copying through the lens 12 so that the switch SA' is closed again, the relay switches R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 would not be returned to their lower positions. The switch SA may be momentarily closed but this would affect nothing on the motor M. The switch SA" is momentarily closed and igniting the pilot lamp L.sub.1 momentarily. When the frame or the turlet 11 is brought into such position as to actuate the switches SB and SB", the same operations as referred to above would be caused. It would be thus unnecessary to repeat the explanation why and how the device is automatically returned to its usual position for copying through the lens 12 when the main switch SM is turned off.

Finally when it is intended to change over from the position for copying through the lens to that for the lens 13', the button switch SP.sub.3 is manually pushed down, whereby the motor circuit is established through said switch SP.sub.3 as manually closed and the normally closed switch SC. Thus the motor M is driven to move the frame or the turlet 11 to the position for copying through the lens 12. Due to removal of the frame or the turlet 11 from engagement with the switch SA', it is returned to its normal close position whereby the relay R is enerized to change over the concerning switch R.sub.1 to the contact of the switch SB side and the second switch R.sub.2 for establishing the self-holding circuit. When the frame or the turlet 11 is brought into the position for copying through the lens 13', it actuates the switches SC and SC" of which results would not be repeatedly explained.

The invention has been explained in respect of preferred embodiments, but various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the claims and spirit of the invention. For instance it is possible to realize the invention by providing the microswitches to be actuated by a single lens which is adapted to be moved from one position for copying at the first magnification to the other position for copying at the second magnification.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A variable magnification copier machine comprising;

an electric source for the general electric load for copying, an optical means for projecting an image of an original at any selected one of at least two magnifications inclusive of a usual magnification depending on the position thereof, an electro-motive means for moving said optical means, a main switch for establishing circuits when closed to supply electric power from said electric source to said general electric load and to said electro-motive means, a switching means arranged between said main switch and said electro-motive means manually actuatable to closed position for energizing said electro-motive means, a switching means actuatable by said optical means at a selected magnification position for deenergizing said electro-motive means, and a switching means actuatable to a closed position with the opening of said main switch and said optical means being in a position other than that for said usual magnification projection so as to energize said electro-motive means to move said optical means to the position for said usual magnification projection.

2. The variable magnification copier machine as claimed in claim 1, which further comprises a switching means adapted to be closed, when said main switch is turned off with said optical means being in a position other than that for said usual magnification projection, so as to establish the circuit for energizing said electromotive means together with said switching means to be closed by engaging with the optically condensing means for moving the same to the usual magnification position.

3. The variable magnification copier machine as claimed in claim 1, in which said optical means comprises a support member mounted with at least two lenses mounted for projecting an image of the original at a selected magnification depending on the position of said lens support member, and said lastly referred switching means comprises a keep relay.