Scanning type variable magnification electrophotographic copying machine employing copy paper storage roll

A variable magnification electrophotographic copying apparatus includes an original holder and an original scanning mechanism of the original holder advancing type or of the scanning mirror advancing type. The focus of the image projector lens is adjusted concurrently with the speed of the scanning mirror or original carrier relative to the photosensitive drum speed to adjust the image magnification ratio. Copy paper is withdrawn from a roll thereof and advanced past a cutter through an image transfer station adjacent to the photosensitive drum. The cutter is actuated in response to the position of an indexing member movable along the length of the original and the relative speed of movement of the original or scanning mirror to actuate the cutter so as to cut the copy paper to a length corresponding to the length of the image of the original on the copy paper. The copy paper feed is synchronized with the image scanning so that the leading edge of the image coincides with the leading edge of the copy paper. Switches are actuated by the indexing member carried by the moving original holder or the indexing member of a stationary original holder carries the switches actuated by the scanning mirror carriage and controls the actuation of the cutter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates generally to an improved electrophotographic 
copying apparatus which utilizes a roll packaged type of copying paper and 
which has an adjustable magnification for reproducing copies of different 
magnification ratios, and more particularly it relates to an improved 
electrophotographic copying apparatus which permits the cutting of the 
copying paper into the length of the reproduced image regardless of the 
copying magnification ratio at which the image is formed. 
A conventional type of electrophotographic copying apparatus employs what 
is known as a random cutting mechanism for cutting the copying paper 
withdrawn from a roll thereof to the length of an original to be copied. 
Such apparatuses are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,651,727 and No. 
3,614,220 in which the copying apparatuses shown in both of these patents 
are of the slit exposure type with the apparatus of the former patent 
performing the scanning of the original by the movement of optical means 
and the apparatus of the latter patent by the movement of the original 
holder. In both apparatuses, the original to be copied is placed on an 
original holder with an end aligned with a reference edge and then a 
slidable indicator member is moved along the original to align it with the 
other end of the original. By this alignment, means associated with the 
indicator member is adjusted to cut the copying paper into the length of 
the original so that upon operation of the copying apparatus, said means 
actuates a switch means to energize a cutter to cut the copy paper. 
Normally, such means is provided on the original holder or optical element 
for utilizing the scanning movements of either to actuate the cutter. 
Furthermore, there has been proposed in recent years a copying apparatus 
with a magnification adjustment means which permits the reproductions of 
images at different copying or magnification ratios such as at normal 1:1 
and at reduced 1:0.708 copying ratios. 
In this type of electrophotographic copying apparatus such as that 
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,614,222, the scanning speed for the original 
to be copied is retained at the same speed as the rotating speed of the 
photosensitive member onto which the image of the original is projected 
when obtaining a copy at a 1:1 copying ratio. On the other hand, if the n 
th power magnification of the reproduction image is desired, the scanning 
speed of the original must be changed to 1/n th if the rotating speed of 
the photosensitive member is maintained constant. 
In addition to the above change which requires the change in scanning 
speed, the optical length between the original and the photosensitive must 
be corrected. This is accomplished as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,614,222 
by shifting part of the optical system which includes first and second 
optical carriages movable at a speed ratio of 1:0.5 parallel to the 
original and a projection lens. Specifically, the second carriage and the 
lens are shifted to compensate the optical length when obtaining a copy at 
a different copying or magnification ratio. 
In the above type of copier, the image of the original is scanned by the 
first carriage and then reflected to the second carriage moving at half 
the speed of the first carriage and projected onto the photosensitive 
member through the lens. Conventionally, the image forming steps such as 
charging and exposure are normally conducted by means actuated by the 
copying paper as it is transported or by switch timing cam means driven at 
a related speed with respect to the scanning speed to actuate the charging 
and exposure means. In this case, the moving speed of the photosensitive 
member, the feeding speed of the copying paper and the driven speed of the 
cam means normally remain the same regardless of the magnification copying 
ratio and accordingly, the timing at which the charging and exposure means 
are actuated and the timing at which the scanning means pass through the 
reference point of the original would become different. This, in other 
words, will result in the failure in coincidence of the leading end of the 
original with the leading end of the copying paper, that is, the image 
will not be properly formed on the copying paper. A similar problem is 
encountered in a copier with magnification means in which the original 
holder scans with the optical means being stationary. 
Accordingly, if the random cutting mechanisms such as those disclosed in 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,651,727 and No. 3,614,220 are utilized in the 
afore-described copiers, the problems are encountered that not only that 
the copying paper cannot be cut into the size of the original but also the 
copying paper is not cut into the length of the reproduced image if copies 
at different copying ratios are to be obtained. This is true even if the 
means for correcting the timing of the paper feed is provided since the 
scanning speed for the original would vary in accordance with the 
magnification power at which the copying is performed. Thus, there has not 
been conventionally available in a photocopying machine of the above types 
a roll paper cutting device which cuts the copying paper into a size of 
image formed thereon when copying at other than a 1:1 copying ratio. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an 
improved electrophotographic copying apparatus with magnification means 
utilizing roll type copying paper. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel roll paper 
cutting means in a copying apparatus which cuts the copying paper in 
accordance with the length of the original when at 1:1 copying ratio and 
in accordance with the size of the reproduced image when at other than 1:1 
copying ratios. 
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a novel slit 
exposure type copying apparatus with magnification means which cuts the 
roll storaged type paper into the length of the reproduced image. 
It has been found that the aforesaid and other related objects of the 
present invention may be attained in an electrophotographic copying 
apparatus which is capable of reproducing copies at various copying ratios 
in which a novel means for actuating the paper cutter is provided which 
effects the cutting of storage roll withdrawn copying paper into lengths 
of the reproduced images in accordance with the copying ratio at which the 
copying is performed. 
For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the present 
invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken 
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 
1 showing the electrophotographic copying apparatus in accordance with the 
present invention, the apparatus M includes an original holder table 1 
having a transparent glass 2 onto which an original 0 to be copied is 
placed, the details of which will be described hereinafter. Below the 
table 1, an optical scanning means which includes a first movable carriage 
3 having an exposure lamp 4 backed by a reflector member 5 and a first 
reflector or mirror 6, a second movable carriage 7 having a second and 
third reflectors or mirrors 8, 9, a projection lens L and a fixed 
reflector or mirror 10 are provided to scan and to project the image of 
the original onto a rotatable photosensitive member or drum 11. As will be 
more fully described hereinafter, the first carriage 3 is moved at twice 
the speed of the second carriage 7 parallel to the original on the table 1 
to keep the optical length between the original 0 and the photosensitive 
member 11 always constant. Thus, as the image of the original is projected 
successively by the scanning movements of the carriages 3, 7, the image is 
projected onto the photosensitive member 11 through the lens L and the 
fixed mirror 10 to form an electrostatic latent image on the 
photosensitive member 11. 
About and around the photosensitive member 11, a corona-charging means 12 
for charging the photosensitive member 11, an exposure slit 13 through 
which the projected image passes, an image transferring means 14 for 
transferring an electrostatic latent image onto a copying paper C the 
details of which are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,824,012, a stripping 
member 15 for separating the copy paper and an erasing means 16 for 
erasing the residual charges from photosensitive member 11 are provided 
sequentially in the rotational direction of the photosensitive member 11. 
The copy paper C is in the form of a roll R with the immediate withdrawn 
portion thereof being normally held in a nipped condition by a pair of 
intermittently driven feed rollers 17a connected to a feed clutch CL1. The 
copying paper C has its leading edge at a cutter 17 having a fixed blade 
18 and a rotatable blade 19 connected to a solenoid SL1 and fed from there 
to the image transferring means 14 by plurality of pairs of transporting 
rollers 20, 21. As the latent image on the photosensitive member 11 is 
transferred onto the copying paper C, the paper is separated by the 
stripping member 15 and developed by a developing means 22 and thereafter 
the developed image is heat fixed by a fusing means 23 and discharged out 
of the apparatus. 
Referring back to the optical scanning means which is employed in the 
present invention, the apparatus of FIG. 1 is provided with a 
magnification means which provides copying at first and second copying 
magnification ratios so as to obtain a normal 1:1 size copy (i.e., to 
obtain a copy of the same size as the original) at a first copying ratio 
and to obtain a reduced sized copy of, for example, 1:0.708 at a second 
copying magnification ratio. As well known from U.S. Pat. No. 3,614,222, 
the second carriage 7 as well as the projection lens L can be shifted a 
predetermined distance precedent to a copying operation at a second 
copying ratio and in addition, the velocities of the carriages 3, 7 must 
accordingly be changed. More specifically, if n is termed as the 
magnification power (such as 0.708 power) at which the reproduced image at 
a second copying ratio is to be obtained, f as the focal length of 
projection lens L,v.sub.1 as the velocity of the first carriage 3 at the 
first copying ratio, v.sub.2 as the velocity of the first carriage 3 at 
the second copying ratio, x as the distance at which the lens L must be 
shifted and y as the distance at which the second carriage 7 must be 
shifted, the velocity of the carriage and the positions of the second 
carriage 7 and the lens should be adjusted in accordance with the 
following equations in which: 
EQU v.sub.2 = v.sub.1 /n 
EQU x = f(1-n) and 
EQU y = f(1-n).sup.2 /2n 
Thus, in the apparatus of FIG. 1, the lens L and the second carriage 7 are 
shifted for the distance of x and y respectively to the positions shown in 
dotted lines and the scanning speed of the first carriage 3 (the second 
carriage 7 simply following the movement of the first carriage 3 at half 
the speed) is changed to v.sub.1 /n for obtaining a copy at the second 
copying ratio. 
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first and second carriages 3, 7 
are movably supported on a pair of guide rods 24a, 24b by sliding members 
25, 26 at one end and by bearing members 27, 28 at the other end for 
parallel movement with respect to the original holder table 1. 
The first and second carriages 3, 7 are made movable at a 1:1/2 speed ratio 
by the first and second cables 29, 30 wherein the first cable 29 having 
one end fixed to a retaining member 31a on the sliding member 25 of the 
first carriage 3, extends therefrom to and around a drive pulley 32, and 
extending straight to and around a guide pulley 33 and back to the first 
carriage 3 where its end is anchored to another retaining member 31b 
provided at the bottom portion of the sliding member 25. The second cable 
30, on the other hand, has one end fixed to an adjustable knob shaft 34 
and extends therefrom to and around a carriage shifting pulley 35 provided 
on a ratio changing lever 36, along a second guide pulley 37 provided on 
the same axis as the knob shaft 34, and around a third and fourth pulleys 
38, 39 fixed on the sliding member 26 of the second carriage 7 and to the 
first carriage 3 where its other end is anchored to a retaining member 31c 
provided at the top of the sliding member 25. 
The optical scanning means as shown in FIG. 2, further includes a third 
cable 40 one end of which is connected to a retaining member 41 provided 
on the sliding member 26. The third cable is adapted to be wound by a 
return pulley 42 having integral therewith a spring shaft 43 carrying a 
spring 44. The spring 44 enables or biases the carriages 3, 7 to return 
automatically upon completion of a scan movement. The sliding member 25 of 
the first carriage 3 has a stop 45 which contacts with a bumper 46 in its 
return movement to stop the movement of carriages. 
For shifting the positions of the projection lens L supported by a lens 
carriage 46 and the second cariage 7 carrying mirrors 8, 9 for the 
distances x and y respectively precedent to a copying operation to obtain 
a copy at a second copying ratio, there is provided a lens motor 47 for 
driving a lens drive pulley 48 and a carriage positioning gear 49 through 
a shaft 50. The lens drive pulley 48 is in engagement with a lens drive 
cable 51 which is in an endless form about a pair of pulleys 52, 53. The 
cable 51 engages an arm 54 projecting into the path of cable 51 from the 
lens carriage 46 so that the lens L is moved when the cable 51 is 
advanced. 
The carriage positioning gear 49 driven by the lens motor 47 is adapted to 
rotate a carriage shifting cam 55 having two cam surfaces of different 
radii through a cam driving gear 56. The first cam surface of the cam 55 
is normally in engagement with a cam follower 57 provided on the ratio 
changing lever 36 and holds the lever 36, which is swingable about an axis 
58, in the position shown in FIG. 2 when the copying magnification ratio 
is 1:1. Upon energization of the lens motor 47, the lens carriage 46 is 
shifted the distance x by the cable 51 and simultaneously, the carriage 
shifting cam 55 is rotated. This causes the cam follower 57 to disengage 
from the first cam surface of the cam 55 to enable the ratio changing 
lever 36 to swing clockwise about the axis 58. The pivotal movement of the 
lever 36 shifts the position of the carriage shifting pulley 35 and 
accordingly causes the second carriage 7, which is connected with the 
pulley 35 through the second cable 30, to shift from its position the 
distance y. The swinging movement of the ratio changing lever 36 is 
terminated by a stop 58a when its side edge contacts therewith. 
To drive the first and second carriages, 3, 7 at the speeds suited for the 
selected copying ratio, the drive means includes a triple stage speed 
changing means for driving the carriage at the first velocity v.sub.1 
during the 1:1 copying ratio in the first stage, for driving the carriage 
at the second velocity v.sub.2 (i.e., v.sub.1 /0.708) during 1:0.708 
copying ratio in the second stage, and for the speed changing means to be 
in a third neutral stage during the return of the carriages. 
As specifically shown, a timing belt 59 wound over first, second and third 
pulleys 60, 61, 62 is driven by a main motor 63. The first pulley 60 has 
on a same shaft a paper feeding pulley 64 for transporting the copying 
paper C and the third pulley 62 has on a same shaft a gear 65 which in 
turn meshes with another gear 66 for driving the photosensitive drum 11. 
The second pulley 61 includes on its shaft a first drive gear 67 in mesh 
with a second drive gear 68, an electromagnetic reduction clutch CL2 and a 
third drive gear 69 in mesh with a fourth drive gear 70 on the shaft 71. 
The shaft 71 also includes another electromagnet clutch CL3 with its end 
holding the drive pulley 32. Thus, when the electromagnetic clutch CL3 is 
energized with the other clutch CL2 deenergized, the first and second 
carriages 3, 7 respectively move at the velocities of v.sub.1 and 
1/2v.sub.1 to obtain a copy of 1:1 magnification ratio. On the other hand, 
when the reduction clutch CL2 is energized, the drive pulley 32 is rotated 
at a different speed to move the carriages at the velocities of v.sub.2 
(i.e., v.sub.1 /n) and 1/2v.sub.2 to obtain a copy of 1:n magnification 
ratio. 
Referring now to FIG. 3, the original holder table 1 includes a reference 
edge member P at one end of the transparent glass 2 for aligning an end of 
the original 0 with the edge thereof. Along the other side end of the 
transparent glass, there is provided a slidable indicator or indexing 
member 72 for alignment with the other end of the original 0. A scale 73 
indented with plurality of most often used paper size marks is provided 
adjacent the path of the indicator member 72. The indicator member 72 is 
slidable along a groove 74 and as shown aligned with the end of original 
0. In accordance with the present invention, the alignment of the 
indicator member 72 with the end of original 0 enables the copy paper to 
be cut into a length of reproduced image i.e., the paper will be cut to a 
length corresponding to a length of the original when a copy is to be made 
at the first copying ratio of 1:1 and to a length corresponding to a 
length of a reproduced image when a copy is to be made at a second copying 
ratio of other than 1:1. 
If L.sub.1 is considered as the length of the copying paper cut to the 
length corresponding to the length of the original with said indicator 
member aligning with the end of the original when at a 1:1 copying ratio, 
and L.sub.2 as the length to which the copying paper must be cut to obtain 
the length equaling to a length of a reproduced image when at a second 
copying ratio with a magnification of n, then L.sub.2 =nL.sub.1. To 
satisfy this condition, a paper feed initiation means must be provided to 
control the initiation of paper feeding for the first and second copying 
ratios respectively. In other words, the paper feeding must be initiated 
at different points in time for copying at a first copying ratio and at a 
second copying ratio. This is so since the scanning speeds of the 
carriages differ for different copying ratios. To be more specific, the 
location of the leading edge of the copying paper along its path must 
always be at the same location at the initiation of image exposure, i.e., 
at the initiation of the scan of the leading edge of the original on the 
table 1 by the first carriage in order for the copy paper to be properly 
formed with image. 
Referring to FIG. 1, the paper feed initiating switches MS1, MS2 are 
fixedly provided at the upper portion of the apparatus M. Both switches 
MS1, MS2 are adapted to be actuated by an actuator rod 75 projecting from 
and provided integrally on the first carriage 3. The first switch MS1 is 
for energizing the paper feed clutch CL1 when a copy is to be obtained at 
first copying ratio and the second switch MS2 is for energizing the same 
when a copy is to be obtained at second copying ratio. 
The switch means for actuating the solenoid SL1 of the cutter 17 to cut the 
copying paper C is provided on a switch board 76 integrally movable with 
the slidable indicator member 72. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the switch 
board 76 fixed to the indicator member 72 includes a first cutter 
actuating switch MS3, a second cutter actuating switch MS4 and a return 
initiating switch MS5. The first cutter actuating switch MS3 is related 
with the first paper feed initiating switch MS1 and is for actuating the 
cutter 17 to cut the copying paper into the length of the original at 
first copying ratio, i.e., it cuts the paper into the length of L.sub.1 as 
described above. The second cutter actuating switch MS4, on the other 
hand, is related with the second paper feed initiating switch MS2 and is 
for cutting the copying paper at the second copying ratio (i.e., it cuts 
the paper into the length of L.sub.2. These switches MS3, MS4 are 
separated by the distance of .DELTA. l which will be described 
hereinafter. Finally, the return initiating switch MS5 is for returning 
the first and second carriages 3, 7 to their original positions. Each of 
these switches MS3, MS4 and MS5 are actuated by the actuating rod 75 of 
the first carriage 3 as it passes by the respective switches. 
The locations of the first and second paper feed initiating switches MS1, 
MS2 are determined in reference to the leading edge of the original in 
contact with reference edge member P (FIG. 3). That is, these switches are 
located at the distances of a and b respectively from the one end of the 
original on the table 1 with its end aligned with the edge of reference 
edge member. These distances a and b are determined by subtracting a first 
distance E which equals the peripheral surface distance of the 
photosensitive member 11 from the exposure station where the exposure slit 
13 is provided to the image transferring station where the image 
transferring means 14 from a second distance D which equals to the path 
distance from where the leading edge of the copy paper is at the 
initiation of paper feed to the image transferring station where the image 
transferring means 14 is provided and dividing the difference of D minus E 
by the magnification powers set for first and second copying ratios. To be 
more specific, the distance D equals to the distance from the cutter 17 
where the leading edge of the copying paper is at the initiation of paper 
feed to the image transferring means 14 where the leading edge of the 
copying paper coincides with the leading edge of an electrostatic latent 
image formed on the photosensitive member 11. The distance E, on the other 
hand, equals to the peripheral surface distance along the photosensitive 
member 11 from a leading edge of a latent image formed at where the 
exposure slit 13 is to where the leading edge of the latent image 
coincides with the leading edge of the copy paper for image transfer at 
the image transferring station where the image transferring means 14 is 
provided. 
If F is assumed to be the difference of D and E thus obtained, then the 
locations of the switches MS1 and MS2 would be determined by dividing F by 
the magnification powers set for the first and second copy ratios. Thus, 
if the magnification power for the first copying ratio is n.sub.1 and 
n.sub.2 for the second copying ratio, the first paper feed initiating 
switch MS1 would be located at the distance of F/n.sub.1 which is a away 
from the leading edge of the original in contact with the reference edge 
member P and the second paper feed initiating switch MS2 would be located 
at the distance of F/n.sub.2 which is b away from the leading edge of the 
original. If n.sub.1 equals to one as is normally so, then the distance of 
a would simply equal to F. As to the distance between these switches MS1 
and MS2 it would simply equal to F/n.sub.1 -F/n.sub.2 or F - F/n.sub.2 if 
n.sub.1 is one. It should be noted that if n.sub.2 is less than 1, the 
switch MS2 is located to the right of MS1 and if n.sub.2 is larger than 1, 
MS2 will be located to the left of MS1. 
The locations of the first and second cutter actuating switches MS3 and MS4 
are, as apparent, simply separated the distance of said .DELTA. l which 
equals to the distance between the first and second paper feed initiating 
switches MS1, MS2. Thus the distance of .DELTA. l would equal to F/n.sub.1 
-F/n.sub.2 or F-F/n.sub.2 if n.sub.1 is 1. In this way, the distance 
between the first paper feed initiating switch MS1 and the first cutter 
actuating switch MS3 would always equal to the distance between the second 
paper feed initiating switch MS2 and the second cutter actuating switch 
MS4. This assures, as this distance equals to the length of the original, 
the copying paper to be cut into a length of original at 1:1 copying ratio 
and to the length of the reproduced image at a copying ratio other than 
1:1. In this regard, the switches MS3, MS4 are respectively displaced from 
the indicator as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. 
The conditions of a = F/n.sub.1 and b = F/n.sub.2 are particularly true if 
the afore-described distances of D and E differ. But if D equals to E, 
then the first and second paper feed initiating switches MS1, MS2 may be 
made into one switch and be provided immediately below the leading edge of 
the original. For the same reason, the cutter actuating switches MS3, MS4 
may be made into one switch and provided immediately below the indicator 
member 72. 
In operation, an original 0 to be copied is placed on the transparent glass 
2 of the table 1 with one end aligned in contact with the reference edge 
member P. The slidable indicator member 72 is then slid along the side of 
the original for alignment with the other end of the original. The switch 
board 76 is integrally moved with the indicator member 72. 
If the copying at the first copying ratio, i.e., at 1:1 copying is desired, 
the projection lens L and the second carriage 7 would be at the solid line 
positions shown in FIG. 1. Upon pressing of the print switch MS6 as shown 
in FIG. 5A, the electromagnetic clutch CL3 together with the main motor 63 
are energized causing the timing belt 59 to be driven to rotate the 
photosensitive drum 11 through the gears 65, 66. The energization of the 
clutch CL3 rotates the drive pulley 32 and moves the first and second 
carriages 3, 7 at the speeds of 1 to 1/2 by means of the first and second 
cables 29, 30. 
At the very beginning of the movement of the first carriage, the actuator 
rod 75 thereof at first actuates the second paper feed initiating switch 
MS2 but nothing happens as the desired copying ratio selected is first 
copying ratio of 1:1. As the carriage 3 moves, the actuator rod 75 
actuates the first paper feed initiating switch MS1 and this energizes the 
feed clutch CL1 for the intermittently driven feed rollers 17a. 
Accordingly, the copy paper C where its leading edge is at the cutter 17 
is fed along the path to the image transferring means 14 in synchronism 
with the speed of the first carriage 3. As the first carriage 3 moves, it 
scans the image of the original 0 and projects its scanned image from the 
first mirror 6 on the first carriage 3 to the second and third mirrors 8 
and 9 on the second carriage 7. The image is further projected through the 
lens L and the fixed mirror 10 and onto the photosensitive member 11 
through the exposure slit 13 for forming a latent image thereon of 
successively scanned sections of the original. 
Upon further movement of the first carriage 3, the first cutter actuating 
switch MS3 (the second cutter actuating switch MS4 is non-operative 
although actuated) is actuated by the actuator rod 75 and this energizes 
the solenoid SL1 for the cutter 17 and cuts the copy paper C into the 
length corresponding to the length of the original. The actuation of the 
switch MS3 simultaneously deenergizes the feed clutch CL1 to stop the 
feeding of the copy paper C. The further movement of the carriage 3 causes 
the return initiating switch MS5 to be actuated by the actuator rod 75 and 
this deenergizes the clutch CL3. The carriages 3, 7 are thus returned to 
their initial positions by the action of spring 44. The copy paper, on the 
other hand, passes through the image transferring means 14 where the 
latent image is transferred thereto and fed further through the developing 
means 22 and the fusing means 23 and fed out of the apparatus. 
If a copy at the second copying ratio, for example, a reduction copy of 
1:0.708 is desired, the lens L and the second carriage 7 are respectively 
shifted for the distances of x and y precedent to the copying operation. 
Upon pressing of the print switch MS6 to initiate the copying cycle, the 
electromagnetic reduction clutch CL2 is energized to drive the drive 
pulley 32 to initiate the movement of the carriages 3, 7. At this time, 
the scanning speeds of the carriages 3, 7 are respectively 1/0.708 or 1/n 
th the speeds of carriages at the first copying ratio of 1:1. Immediately 
following the movements of the first and second carriages 3, 7, the 
actuator rod 75 of the first carriage 3 actuates the secondpaper feed 
initiating switch MS2 and this in turn energizes the feed clutch CL1 to 
initiate the feeding of the copy paper C. Thus, the copy paper is fed 
along the path and the scanning movements of the carriages 3, 7 project 
the image onto the photosensitive drum 11 successively. As the carriage 3 
moves, the actuator rod 75 thereof actuates the second cutter actuating 
switch MS4 to deenergize the feed clutch CL1 and simultaneously energizes 
the solenoid SL1 to actuate the cutter 17. Thus, the copy paper C is cut 
into a length corresponding to the length of the reproduced image. That 
is, if the copy was to be obtained at 1:0.708 ratio, the paper will be cut 
to the length of 0.708th the length of the original. 
The further movement of the carriage causes the return initiating switch 
MS5 to become actuated by the actuator rod 75 and this deenergizes the 
reduction clutch CL2 to enable the carriages to return to their initial 
positions. The copying paper, on the other hand, is fed through the image 
transferring means 14 where its leading edge coincides with the leading 
edge of the latent image formed on the drum 11. The paper further is fed 
and discharged out of the apparatus. 
It should be noted that the sequence chart of FIG. 5B is merely indicative 
of FIG. 5A and shows that the feeding of paper begins and ends at 
different points in time for first and second copying ratios. The paper 
may be cut to any length between about 150mm and 430mm depending upon the 
position of the indicator member aligned with the end of the original. 
While the conditions for the locations of the paper feed initiating 
switches MS1, MS2 and the cutter actuating switches MS3, MS4 set forth 
above have been described for the image transfer type copier as that shown 
in FIG. 1, it should be noted that substantially the same conditions apply 
for electrofax type copier in which a latent image is formed directly on 
the copying paper. In such electrofax copier, the afore-described distance 
of D would equal to the distance from the cutter where the leading edge of 
the paper is at to an exposure station and the distance E would equal to 
zero. Thus, switches MS1 and MS2 are respectively provided at the 
distances D/n.sub.1 or D if n.sub.1 equals to 1 and D/n.sub.2 from the 
leading edge of the original on the table 1. 
Referring now to FIGS. 6 to 8 which illustrate a second embodiment of the 
present invention, FIG. 6 shows an exposure slit type electrophotographic 
copying apparatus M in which the reference numeral 1 designates a 
reciprocatingly movable original holder table. The table 1 includes 
substantially the same means as that shown in FIG. 3 and includes the 
transparent glass 2, the reference edge member P and the slidable 
indicator member 72 in the similar manner as in the previous embodiment. 
As shown in FIG. 7, the slidable indicator member 72, which is to be 
aligned with an end of the original 0, includes an integral lever member 
80 carrying a switch actuating rod 81. Along the path of the switch 
actuating rod 81, there are provided on the frame of the apparatus a 
second cutter actuating switch MS4, a first cutter actuating switch MS3 
and a return initiating switch MS5. These switches are adapted to be 
actuated by the switch actuating rod 81 as the table 1 performs the 
scanning movement in the direction to the right as viewed in FIG. 6. It is 
to be noted that the first and second cutter actuating switches MS3, MS4 
are separated by the distance of .DELTA. 1 and are for actuating the 
solenoid SL1 for the cutter 17 to cut the copy paper C into a length 
corresponding to first and second copying ratios respectively. The return 
initiating switch MS5 is for returning the table 1 to its initial 
position. 
Disposed below the table 1 are an exposure lamp 4, a first reflector mirror 
82, a second reflector mirror 83, a lens mirror 84 consisting of lens L 
and a mirror 85 and a third mirror 86. It should be noted that the lens 
mirror 84 and the third mirror 86 are shiftable between first and second 
positions in which both are in first positions (solid lined positions) at 
a first copying ratio for obtaining a reproduced copy at a 1:1 ratio and 
shifted to second positions (dotted lined positions) at a second copying 
ratio for obtaining a copy at for example 1:0.708 ratio. Thus the lens 
mirror 84 and the third mirror 86 are shiftable for predetermined 
distances respectively as is well known to those skilled in the art. It 
should be further noted that the scanning speeds of the table 1 are 
different at the first and second copying ratios respectively and for this 
purpose, the drive means for the table 1 includes a first and second 
clutch means CL2 and CL3 (not shown) for moving the table at a speed of 
v.sub.1 for the first copying ratio of 1:1 and at a speed of v.sub.2 
(which equals to v.sub.1 /n) for second copying ratio of 1:n. 
The remaining elements such as the photosensitive drum 11 and its related 
means and the means provided along the path of copy paper C are 
substantially identical to those of the previous embodiment and 
accordingly the description thereof will be omitted herein. 
The primary difference of this embodiment from that first described is that 
the copy paper C is initially fed prior to the commencement of the 
scanning movement of the table 1 and then the table 1 is initiated for 
scan when the leading edge of the paper reaches a predetermined location 
along its path. For this purpose, a first and second table scan initiating 
switches MS1 and MS2 are provided along the path of the copying paper for 
actuation by the leading edge of the paper. The first switch MS1 is for 
initiating the scan movement of the table 1 at the velocity v.sub.1 when a 
copy is to be obtained at the first copying ratio and the second switch 
MS2 is for initiating the scan movement of the table 1 at the velocity 
v.sub.2 when a copy is to be obtained at the second copying ratio. 
To determine the distance of .DELTA. 1 which is the distance between the 
first and second cutter actuating switches MS3 and MS4 for locating the 
positions thereof, under the following conditions in which the first table 
scan initiating switch MS1 is located at the distance d from the cutter 
where the leading edge of the copy paper is at the initiation of copying 
operation and the second table scan initiating switch MS2 is located at 
the distance of d + .DELTA. d from the cutter where the leading edge of 
the paper is positioned. Thus, the distance d may be regarded as the 
length of copy paper C which is fed prior to the commencement of the 
movement of the table 1 at the first copying ratio and the distance of sum 
of d and .DELTA. d may be regarded as the length of copy paper which is 
fed prior to the commencement of the movement of the table 1 at the second 
copying ratio. And if l.sub.1 is the distance from the tip of switch 
actuating rod 81 to the first cutter actuating switch MS3 when the table 1 
is in rest position as shown in FIG. 6, which in other words equals to the 
length of copy paper fed from the initiation of scan movement of the table 
1 until the actuation of the first cutter actuating switch MS3 at the 
first copying ratio, then the length L.sub.1 to which the copy paper is to 
be cut at the first copying ratio of 1:1 equals to the sum of d and 
l.sub.1 as the paper is fed at the same speed as the table 1. That is: 
EQU L.sub.1 =d+l.sub.1 
When a copy at the second copying ratio of 1:n is to be obtained wherein n 
is the magnification power, then the length L.sub.2 to which the copy 
paper is to be cut at the second copying ratio equals to: 
EQU L.sub.2 =(d+.DELTA.d) +n.multidot.(l.sub.1 -.DELTA.1) 
wherein (d+.DELTA.d) is equal to the length of copy paper which is fed 
prior to the commencement of the movement of the table 1 and n(l.sub.1 
-.DELTA.1) is equal to the length of copy paper fed from the initiation of 
the scan movement of the table 1 until the actuation of the second cutter 
switch MS4 (which is located at the position of l.sub.1 -.DELTA.1). The 
multiplication of (l.sub.1 -.DELTA.1) by n which is the magnification 
power is necessary as the table 1 scans at the speed of 1/nth the speed of 
the table 1 at first copying ratio. 
Thus as L.sub.2 =n.multidot.L.sub.1, then d+.DELTA.d+n1.sub.1 -n 
.DELTA.l.sub.1 =nd+nl.sub.1 and therefore .DELTA. l=(d+.DELTA.d-nd)/n 
Accordingly, the first and second cutter actuating switches MS3 and MS4 are 
separated by the distance (d+.DELTA.d-nd)/n and these switches are so 
accordingly located. Thus, as long as the conditions set forth above are 
met and provided that the slidable indicator member 72 is aligned with one 
end of the original to be copied, the copy paper C will be cut to the 
length corresponding to the length of the original at the first copying 
ratio of 1:1 and will be cut to the length of nth the length of the 
original at second copying ratio of 1:n. 
In operation, an original to be copied is placed on the transparent glass 2 
with its one end in contact with the reference edge member P and then the 
indicator member 72 is slid along the original for alignment with the 
other end of original as shown in FIG. 3. If a copy is to be obtained at 
second copying ratio of, for example, 1:0.708, the lens mirror 84 and 
third mirror 86 are shifted respectively to the positions shown by dotted 
lines. 
Upon actuation of print switch MS6, the feed clutch CL1 for the 
intermittently driven feed rollers 17a is energized as shown in FIG. 8. 
The copy paper C, where its leading edge is at the cutter 17, is 
accordingly fed at a constant velocity. As the leading edge of the copy 
paper C reaches the first table scan initiating switch MS1 and if the 
first copying ratio of 1:1 has been selected, it actuates this switch MS1 
energizes the first clutch CL2 to initiate the scan movement of the table 
1 in the direction to the right as viewed in FIG. 6. The speed of the 
movement of table 1 is at the same speed as the feeding speed of the paper 
(i.e., at the speed of v.sub.1 as explained above). 
If, on the other hand, the second copying ratio of, for example, 1:0.708 
has been selected for copying, the switch MS1 is non-operative although 
actuated by the copying paper. The further feeding of copy paper causes 
the second table scan initiating switch MS2 to become actuated by the 
leading edge of paper. This energizes the second feed clutch CL3 to 
initiate the scan movement of the table at the speed of 1/n th the speed 
of the table 1 at first copying ratio. At either copying ratio, the table 
1 is initiated for scan movement and projects an image of the original 
onto the rotating photosensitive drum 11 through the first and second 
reflector mirrors 82 and 83, the lens mirror 84 consisting of lens L and 
mirror 85 and the third mirror 86. As the table 1 moves, the switch 
actuating rod 81 carried by the lever member 80 connected to the indicator 
member 72 which is moved integrally with the table 1 reaches the second 
cutter actuating switch MS4 and actuates it if the second copying ratio 
had been selected. The actuation of the switch MS4 energizes the solenoid 
SL1 for the cutter 17 and simultaneously deenergizes the feed clutch CL1 
to stop the feeding of copy paper by the feed rollers 17a. The actuation 
of switch MS4 cuts the copy paper into a length of 0.708th the length of 
the original. 
If the first copying ratio has been selected, the switch MS4 is 
non-operative and instead, the first cutter actuating switch MS3 is 
actuated by the switch actuating rod 81 upon further movement of the table 
1. The actuation of the switch MS3 similarly energizes the solenoid SL1 
for the cutter 17 and deenergizes the feed clutch CL1 to cut the copy 
paper C into a length corresponding to the length of the original. As the 
table 1 moves further, the return initiating switch MS5 is actuated by the 
switch actuating rod 81 and the table 1 then makes the return movement to 
its initial position of FIG. 6. The copy paper C cut by the cutter 17 
continues to be transported through the image transferring means 14, the 
developing means 22 and the fusing means 23 and is discharged from the 
apparatus. 
While the second embodiment had been described in connection with the image 
transfer type copier, it should be noted that the conditions for the 
locations of various switches set forth above are applicable to an 
electrofax type copier such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,614,220 or 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,424,526. 
In addition, the apparatus of FIG. 6 may be provided with first and second 
paper feed initiating switches for actuation by the switch actuating rod 
81 instead of said first and second table scan initiating switches as in 
the first embodiment so that the feed of paper is initiated by the 
movement of table although such mode is unlikely as the amount of movement 
of the table would be quite large. 
Furthermore, in connection with the first embodiment, the first and second 
table scan initiating switches MS1 and MS2 of the second embodiment may be 
provided along the path of the copy paper in the apparatus of FIG. 1 
instead of paper feed initiating switches. In this case, the table scan 
initiating switches MS1 and MS2 will be respectively provided at distances 
d and d + .DELTA. d from the cutter wherein the distances are the length 
of copy paper fed prior to the scanning movement of carriages 3 and 7 at 
the first copying ratio and the distance d + .DELTA. d as the length of 
copy paper fed prior to the commencement of the movement of carriages at 
the second copying ratio. Then the distance .DELTA.l, which is the 
distance to be maintained between the first and second cutter actuating 
switches MS3 and MS4 which are provided on the switch board 76 of the 
indicator member 72 for actuation by actuating rod 75, would be 
(d+.DELTA.d-nd)/n as apparent from the foregoing description. It should be 
noted that this condition is applicable for both the image transfer type 
and electrofax type copiers. 
In addition, it should be understood that the locations of respective 
switches described in the first embodiment are particularly correct 
provided that the optical axis of the first carriage extending from the 
original to the first mirror 6 coincides with the position of switch 
actuating member 75. However if the member 75 is provided at the position 
displaced from the optical axis, then the locations of switches must be 
determined with its displacement taken into consideration. Accordingly, 
what must be regarded as the most important feature of the present 
invention are that the switch MS-1 is actuated when the center of optical 
axis is at the distance of "a" from the reference edge of the original and 
the switch MS-2 is actuated when the center of the optical axis is at the 
distance of "b" from the reference edge of the original. Thus, depending 
on the position of the member 75 provided on the first carriage, the 
switches MS-1 and MS-2 may be made into single switch with switches MS-3 
and MS-4 made similarly into single switch and still satisfying the above 
conditions. 
Having described the invention in connection with certain specific 
embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that further modifications may 
now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and it is intended to 
cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.