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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention and Related Art Statement
The present invention relates to an optical instrument for reproducing an
original in normal daylight conditions and particularly to a camera
operable in a light room, for forming an original image on photosensitive
material or tracing paper with a desired magnification.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional camera of the above
mentioned type. FIG. 2 is a side view of the camera shown in FIG. 1. The
camera illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is capable of reproducing an original
in normal daylight conditions. The camera includes: a base frame 22 which
is supported stably on a floor by means of casters 20 and a main frame 24
for forming a copy image therein The main frame 24 is fixed on one end
portion of the base frame 22. The camera further includes an original
holder 26 which is provided on the other end portion of the base frame 22
and which is slidable toward the main frame 24. The original holder 26
holds an original to be copied such that the original is directed toward
the main frame 24. A light source 28 for illuminating the original is
provided on the original holder 26. A film processor 30 is provided on the
main frame 24. The film processor 30 processes photosensitive film exposed
in the main frame 24. A platen cover 32 covers the upper surface of the
main frame and the film processor 30 to define a dark space inside. A lens
holder 34 is provided on the base frame 22 between the main frame 24 and
the original holder 26. The lens holder 34 is slidable between the main
frame 24 and the original holder 26. The lens holder 34 holds a lens which
is adapted to form a reproduced image of the original in the main frame
24. A bellows 36 connects the lens holder 34 and the main frame 24 to
shield an optical path of rays passing through the lens from the
environment.
The main frame 24 includes a mirror 38 provided on an optical axis from the
original holder 26 and through the lens holder 34. The mirror 38 has a
prescribed inclination (e.g., 45.degree.) with respect to the optical
axis. The mirror 38 reflects a beam from the original upward The main
frame 24 further includes an image formation platen 40 provided on the
upper surface of the main frame 24. An image of an original is formed on
the upper surface of the frame 24 by the beam reflected by the mirror 38
An operation panel 42 is provided on the upper surface of the main frame
24. The operator uses the panel 42 to set the reproduction ratio or the
like.
The side on which the operation panel 42 is provided is hereinafter
referred to as the front side. The side on which the original holder 26 is
mounted is hereinafter referred to as the back side. A frame 46 is
provided on the back side of the main frame 24 and the film processor 30
is fixed on the frame 46. A photosensitive material storing box 44 for
storing photosensitive material (such as photosensitive film) is provided
under the film processor 30.
The cover 32 is openable and closable so that the platen 40, the storing
box 44 and the film processor 30 can be shut off from external light to
form a dark space. The cover 32 has a pair of operation holes 48 on its
front surface into which the operator inserts his arms to handle the
photosensitive film inside the cover 32. The photosensitive film is
discharged from an outlet opening 50 after the film is processed by the
processor 30. The operator can look though a window 52. The window 52
includes, for example, a red transparent place which covers an opening 53
formed in the platen cover 32. The window 52 intercepts rays which would
cause damage to the photosensitive material.
The cover 32 can be opened to form a right angle with the upper surface of
the main frame 24. The holder 26 can be rotated to a horizontal position
(FIG. 2) to make it easy to place an original thereon.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the film processor 30. The processor 30
includes: a drive motor 54 which is fixed on the frame 46; a developing
bath 56, a fixing bath 58 and a rinsing bath 60; a drier 62; and a
rotation transmission shaft 70 connected through a sprocket 66 and a chain
68 to a drive shaft 64 of the drive motor 54. The shaft 70 is supported on
the lateral surfaces of the baths 56 to 60. Driven shafts 72 are supported
by concave portions formed on the sides of the respective baths 56 and 60.
The shafts 72 can be removed from the shaft 70. Roller rack units 74 are
detachably set in each of the baths 56 to 60. A tray 80, on which a
processed film is placed, is provided in the outlet opening 50 of the
platen cover 32.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lens holder 34 shown in
FIG. 2. The lens holder 34 includes a lens support 82 which is movably
mounted on the base frame 22; a cylindrical lens hood 84 which is attached
to the lens support 82 on the side of the main frame 24; and a long focal
point type lens 86 at the center of the top end of the lens hood 84. The
lens 86 faces the main frame 24 and its optical axis is directed toward
the original holder 26.
In operation, to obtain a reproduction of an original with a desired
magnification, an original is fixed on the original holder 26. The
original is illuminated by the light source 28. Part of the light
reflected from the original enters the lens hood 84 through its opening.
The light passes through the lens 86 and is reflected by the mirror 38.
The light reaches the platen 40.
The lens holder 34 and the original holder 26 slide on the base frame 22.
When the operator sets a reproduction ratio (using the operation panel 42)
the lens holder 34 and the original holder 26 move in back-and-forth
directions by means of a drive unit (not shown) so that the image of the
original is formed on the platen 40 with the desired magnification.
If the operator places (beforehand) a photosensitive material, such as a
film, on the platen 40 for exposure, a latent image of the original is
formed thereon. After exposure, the operator inserts his arms into the
platen cover 32 through the operation holes 48. The operator feeds the
film to the processor 30, while observing the inside of the platen cover
32 through the window 52.
The film 78 moves along the film transport path 76 within each roller rack
unit 74 by the rotation of the drive motor 54 (as well as by the rotation
of the transmission shaft 70 and the related driven shaft 72). The film 78
moves through the developing bath 56, the fixing bath 58, and the rinsing
bath 60. The film 78 is dried by the drier 62 after it comes out of the
rinsing bath 60. The processed film 78 is discharged through the outlet
opening 50 and stacked on the tray 80.
If the platen cover 32 is opened (FIG. 2) and a sheet of tracing paper is
placed on the platen 40 (instead of the film), the image formed on the
platen 40 can be traced. This function is utilized for various cases such
as layouts of designs or captions in the design industry or formation of
block copies in the plate making industry.
However, the conventional apparatus has several disadvantages. First, it is
difficult to reduce the size of the conventional camera without degrading
the camera's performance. The mirror 38 reduces the size of the entire
apparatus by changing the optical path. However, when the camera has such
a mirror 38, light from outside of the effective photographing range, but
passing through the focusing lens, might be incident directly on the
photographing surface or the inside of the camera. This is referred to
herein as flare light. Flare light adversely affects the quality of the
photographed image
FIG. 5 illustrates the principle of flare generation. Referring to FIG. 5,
a circle 88 represents an effective photographing range on the original
holder 26. A circle 90 represents an image forming range on the platen 40.
Light from the holder 26 reaches the lens 86 through the path shown by
dot-dash lines. Light passing through the lens 86 is turned by the mirror
38 and converged on the platen 40.
Part of the light passing through the path shown by the hatched areas
reaches the platen 40 directly, i.e., without passing through the mirror
38. These rays are not appropriately converged to form an image on the
platen 40. This is flare light. The flare light adversely affects the
quality of the image formed by the other light. The hatched area 92 in the
circle 90 represents the range of the flare light's adverse effect.
To avoid direct incidence of flare light on the platen 40, a method of
setting the effective photographing area for example to a reduced range
and decreasing the size of the platen 40, or a method of increasing the
distance D between the mirror 38 and the platen 40 may be considered.
However, the former method fails to meet the art's need to enlarge the
effective photographing area. With the latter method, it is necessary to
decrease the distance between the lens 86 and the mirror 38 to obtain a
prescribed magnification. The mirror 38 restricts the range of travel of
the lens 86. As a result, sometimes the lens 86 cannot move to the
position necessary to achieve a desired reduction because the mirror 38
obstructs the lens 86. As a result, reduction cannot be satisfactorily
obtained.
Another disadvantage of the conventional camera is that it is difficult to
trace an image of an original in normal daylight conditions. In the
conventional apparatus, the platen cover 32 is fully opened (for example
at 90.degree.) to facilitate exchange of film cases or maintenance of the
film processor 30. A large amount of light is applied from the environment
to the platen 40. The light applied from the environment to the platen 40
becomes brighter than the image formed on the platen 40 by the
illumination of the light source 28 As a result, the image of the original
formed on the platen 40 becomes very difficult to see. This makes it
difficult to trace the image of the original.
Further, the conventional camera is difficult to maintain. Generally,
periodic maintenance is required for the film processor 30 to maintain
high quality. The roller rack units 74 can be taken out from the baths 56,
58 and 60 to facilitate maintenance, i.e., to rinse the roller rack units
74 and the respective baths 56, 58 and 60.
But when the baths 56, 58 and 60 are to be rinsed, the electric parts and
the like might be splashed with the dispersed rinsing water. Rinsing the
baths 56, 58 and 60 is also troublesome.
In addition, it is not easy to clean the roller rack units 74.
Particularly, in order to clean the photosensitive film transport path 74
formed in each roller rack unit 74, it is necessary to remove a guide
member of the film transport path 76 from the roller rack unit 74 (by
using a driver or the like).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an improved
optical instrument which is operable in a lighted room and which does not
present the above-described problems.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved optical
instrument which is operable in a lighted room, and which obtains
reproduced images of good quality.
The present invention relates to an optical apparatus, including: a lens
for converging light from an original to form an image of the original,
the lens being movable with respect to the original to change the
magnification of the image; a mirror for reflecting the light from the
original, the mirror being located between the lens and the image; and
intercepting means for intercepting light which would otherwise reach the
image without being reflected by the mirror.
The present invention also relates to an optical instrument for forming an
image of an original, the optical instrument being operable during normal
daylight conditions, the optical instrument including: an original holder
for holding an original on a plane, the original holder being movable
along a first optical axis, the first optical axis being generally
perpendicular to the plane; a convex lens for transmitting light from the
original to form an image of the original, the convex lens being movable
along the first optical axis, the convex lens being located in front of
the original holder; a mirror for reflecting light from the convex lens
along a second optical axis, the mirror being located on the first optical
axis in front of the convex lens; a planar image forming member which is
generally perpendicular to the second optical axis, the planar image
forming member being located on the second optical axis in front of the
mirror so that the image of the original is formed on the planar image
forming member; moving means for moving the convex lens and the original
holder along the first optical axis to change the magnification of the
image formed on the planar image forming member; intercepting means for
intercepting light which would otherwise be transmitted directly to the
planar image forming member without being reflected by the mirror; and
interception drive means for moving the intercepting means in an
interception direction, the interception drive means being operatively
coupled with the moving means so as to move the intercepting means in the
interception direction according to the magnification of the image, the
interception direction intersecting the first optical axis.
The present invention also relates to an optical system, including: a
frame; image forming means for forming an image of an original on an image
forming surface, the image forming means being located within the frame;
covering means for covering the image forming surface so as to define a
dark space on the image forming surface, the covering means including a
pivotable cover; and coupling means for pivotably coupling the cover to
the frame so as to selectively maintain the cover in a partially open
position and in a fully open position.
The present invention also relates to a system for processing
photosensitive material, the system comprising: a frame; a plurality of
baths for containing processing liquids for processing the photosensitive
material, the baths including a developing bath, a fixing bath and a
rinsing bath, the baths being detachably coupled to the frame; and feed
means for feeding the photosensitive material through the baths.
The present invention also relates to a system for feeding photosensitive
material through a plurality of baths so as to process the photosensitive
material, the system comprising: a plurality of transport means for
transporting photosensitive material along a transport path through a
plurality of baths and for immersing the photosensitive material in
processing liquids in the baths, each of the transport means including:
(A) first guide means for guiding the photosensitive material through the
baths in a first direction, the first guide means extending in a direction
which intersects the transport path, the first guide means including: (a)
a pair of first support frames which are parallel to each other, the
support frames being located on the sides of the transport path; and (b) a
first guide member for defining the first direction, the first guide
member having ends which are fixed to the first support frames; (B) second
guide means for guiding the photosensitive material in another direction,
the second guide means being detachably coupled to the first guide means,
the second guide means including: (a) a pair of second support frames
which are detachably coupled to the first support frames; and (b) a second
guide member for defining the another direction, the second guide member
having ends which are fixed to the second support frames; and (C) feed
roller means extending in a direction which intersects the transport path,
the feed roller means contacting the transport path
Rays of light from the original are transmitted by the convex lens unit and
reflected by the mirror to form an image of the original on the image
forming member. In the case of reproduction with a large magnification,
the rays which would otherwise reach the image forming member without
being reflected by the mirror are intercepted by the interceptor. The
interceptor moves so as to change the range of the rays to be intercepted
according to the degree of magnification. As a result, the image of the
original is formed in good condition. Even if the size of the optical
instrument is reduced, the quality of the image obtained is maintained.
The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed
description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional camera;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the camera of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a side view of a film processor of the camera of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an optical system of the camera of FIG.
1;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the optical system of a conventional
camera;
FIG. 6 is a side view of a camera according to the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a partial fragmentary perspective view of a main part of the
camera according to the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an optical system of the camera according to
the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a half-open state holder of the camera according
to the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the direction X--X in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a side view of a film processor of the camera according to the
present invention;
FIG. 12 is a plan view taken along the direction VII-VII in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a roller rack unit to be used in the
film processor shown in FIG. 11;
FIG. 14 is a side view of the roller rack unit shown in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a half-open state holder to be used in a
camera according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a plan view of the half-open state holder of FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along the direction of XVII--XVII in FIG.
16;
FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of a roller rack unit for use in a camera
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a side view of the roller rack unit shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of a roller rack unit for use in a camera
according to another embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 21 is a side view of the roller rack unit shown in FIG. 20; and
FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of the roller rack unit shown in
FIGS. 20 and 21.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 6, a camera according to the present invention includes:
a base frame 22 which is stably supported on a floor by a plurality of
casters 20 and a main frame 24 which is fixed on one end portion of the
base frame 22. An image of an original is formed in the main frame 22. The
camera further includes an original holder 26 which is slidably arranged
on the other end of the base frame 22, opposed to the main frame 24. The
holder 26 holds the original to be reproduced in position facing the main
frame 24. The camera has a light source 28 which is fixed on the original
holder 26 for illuminating the original. An improved film processor 144
processes a photosensitive film which is exposed in the main frame 24. The
processor 144 is provided on the main frame 24. A platen cover 32 covers
the upper surface of the main frame 24 and the film processor 144 and
forms a dark room therein. An improved lens holder 102 is slidably located
on the base frame 22 between the main frame 24 and the original holder 26.
The holder 102 supports a lens to be used for reproduction.
Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the lens holder 102 includes a platelike lens
support 82 which slides on the base frame 22 and which has an opening
through which light for reproduction is applied. A lens hood 84 is fixed
on the opening of the support 82 and projects toward the main frame 24. A
short focal distance lens 86 is provided on an end of the lens hood 84
nearest to the main frame 24. Bellows 36 cover the lens 86 and the lens
hood 84 and connect the lens support 82 and the main frame 24 to form a
dark room therein communicating with the main frame 24. A flare
interceptor 104 is located in a lower portion of the lens support 82 to
adjustably cover part of the opening 108 of the support 82 to intercept
flare according to the reproduction magnification.
The flare interceptor 104 includes a flare interception plate 110 which is
vertically movable on a wall 106 opposed to the original holder 26. The
plate 110 has an upper side which is parallel to the lower side of the
opening 108. A vertically movable plate cam 114 determines the height of
the plate 110 according to the position of the lens support 82. The cam
114 is parallel to a guide member 112 for guiding the movement of the lens
support 82. A cam follower 116 follows the cam 114 and a flare
interception plate support frame 118 vertically moves the flare
interception plate 110 according to the vertical movement of the cam
follower 116. The upper end of the frame 118 supports the flare
interception plate 110. The rotatable cam follower 116 is mounted on the
lower end of the frame 118.
An elongated slot 120 is provided in a lower portion of the opening 108.
The plate 110 is connected to the frame 118 by a pin 122 which is inserted
into the slot 120.
Referring to FIG. 8, the main frame 24 includes an optical path change
mirror 38 which is inclined by a prescribed angle, e.g., 45.degree. with
respect to the optical axis connecting the original holder 26 and the lens
holder 34. Light from the original is reflected by the mirror 38 so as to
direct the light upward. The image of the original is formed on a surface
of an image formation platen 40 by the rays reflected by the mirror 38. An
operation panel 42 for setting a reproduction ratio and the like by the
operator is provided on an upper portion of the front surface of the main
frame 24. Interception side plates 124 are provided on the upper surface
of the main frame 24 on both sides of the platen 40. The side plates 124
intercept rays which would otherwise be incident sideways onto the platen
40.
The film processor 144 is fixed on a frame 46 provided on the main frame
24.
The cover 32 has a pair of holes 48 on its front surface. The operator
inserts his arms into the holes 48 to handle photosensitive material
located within the cover 32. The upper surface of the cover 32 has an
observation window 52 (FIG. 1), and an outlet opening 50 from which the
photosensitive film processed by the film processor 30 is discharged. The
window 52 is formed of transparent red-color glass, transparent red
plastic, or the like. Only light having wavelengths to which the
photosensitive film is not sensitive are admitted through the opening.
The light source 28 for illuminating the original is provided on the front
surface of the original holder 26. But a light source for transmitting
through the original from the back surface of the original holder 26 may
be provided. Both the front and back light sources may be provided
together to eliminate shade around a thick original.
The cover 32 is attached to an upper portion of the main frame 24 by a
hinge 128. In a closed position, the cover 32 forms a dark room on the
upper surface of the main frame 24 (shown by the single dotted chain lines
in FIG. 6). The cover 32 can be pivoted through about 90.degree. about the
hinge 128 to a fully opened position (as shown by the double dotted chain
line in FIG. 6).
The platen cover 32 has sidewalls 32a. At least one of the sidewalls 32a is
coupled to the main frame 24 by means of a half-open state maintaining
device 130 formed by a multistage stop stay.
Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the half-open state maintaining device 130
includes an arm 132. One end of the arm 132 is swingably coupled to the
platen cover 32. Another arm 134 has its one end swingably coupled to the
main frame 24 and a shaft 136 is swingably coupled to the free ends of the
arms 132 and 134. A ball 142 is fitted in a space 140 formed by concave
portions 138a and 138b in the opposing surfaces of the free ends of the
arms 132 and 134.
Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the film processor 144 includes a drive motor
145 which is fixed on the frame 46; a developing bath 146, a fixing bath
148, a rinsing bath 150; a drier 62; and a drive shaft 154 which is
coupled to a rotation shaft 189 of the drive motor 145. The shaft 154
rotates according to the rotation of the drive motor 145. A rotation
transmission shaft 156 has one end which is detachably coupled to the
drive shaft 154. The shaft 156 is rotatably supported along the whole
length of the lateral portions of the baths 146, 148 and 150. Three driven
shafts 164 are rotatably supported by concave portions 158, 160 and 162.
The concave portions 158, 160 and 162 are formed on both sides of the
baths 146, 148 and 150. The shafts 164 are detachable from the
transmission shaft 156. Roller rack units 170 are detachably set in each
of the baths 146, 148 and 150. The units 170 form a prescribed path for
transporting a photosensitive film 78. The outlet opening 50 and the tray
80 are provided on the platen cover 32.
The baths 146, 148 and 150 are formed as a unitary body. The unitary body
is in turn detachably fixed to the frame 46 by four wing bolts 172. A
fixing member 174 is provided on a side surface of the rinsing bath 150
facing the drive motor 145.
The casing of the drier 62 is supported by the fixing member 174. The two
lateral portions of the casing are detachably fixed to the rinsing bath
150 by wing bolts 176. The drier 62 includes a straight tube heater 178
for heating air and a fan 180 for sending air to a processed
photosensitive film.
The transmission shaft 156 has a worm wheel 182 fixed to its end (on the
side of the drive shaft 154) and three worms 184 adjacent to the
respective baths 146, 148 and 150.
A support member 186 for rotatably supporting the shaft 156 is provided on
a lateral portion of the baths 146, 148 and 150.
The drive motor 145 and the drive shaft 154 are coupled by a transmission
system 188. The transmission system 188 includes a sprocket 190 which is
provided on a rotation shaft 189 of the drive motor 146, a sprocket 192
which is provided at one end of the drive shaft 154, and a chain 194 which
connects the sprockets 190 and 192.
The drive shaft 154 has a worm 196 which is detachably coupled to the worm
wheel 182. The baths 146, 148 and 150 are covered with an upper lid 198. A
worm wheel 200 at one end of each driven shaft 164 engages with the
corresponding worm 184. The drive shaft 154 is rotatably supported by a
vertical member 202 and a drive shaft support member 204.
Referring to FIG. 13, the roller rack unit 170 includes a pair of support
frames 206 and an upper feed roller 208 with both of its ends rotatably
supported by the support frames 206 and its central axis coupled to the
driven shaft 164. Upper guide rollers 210 are parallel to and contact the
upper feed roller 208. Both ends of the central axis of each guide roller
210 are rotatably supported by the support frames 206. Both ends of a
lower feed roller 212 are rotatably supported by lower portions of the
support frames 206. The roller 212 and the frames 206 rotate together with
the corresponding driven shaft 164 by a transmission mechanism (not shown
in FIG. 13). A small diameter lower guide roller 214 (with both of its
ends rotatably supported by the support frames 206) rotates together with
the driven shaft 164. The rollers, together with a set of guide members
216, 218 and 220, constitute a U-shaped film transport path 215. The lower
feed roller 212 and the lower guide roller 214 contact each other at the
lowest point of the transport path 215.
As illustrated in FIG. 14, the guide members 218 and 220 can be removed
from the support or guide member 216. A gear 208a is provided on the shaft
of the upper feed roller 208. A gear 210a which engages with the gear 208a
is provided at one end of the shaft of the upper guide roller 210. A free
wheel 222 engaging with the gear 208a is provided on a side surface of the
central portion of the support member 206. A gear 214a engaging with the
free wheel 222 is provided at one end of the shaft of the lower guide
roller 214. A gear 212a engaging with the gear 214a is provided at one end
of the shaft of the lower feed roller 212.
The guide member 216 is arranged inside of the U-shaped path 215. The outer
guide members 218 and 220 are arranged outside of the path 215. A pin 224
is fixed on and projects from a side surface of the guide member 218 near
its upper end. A pin 226 projects in the same direction as the pin 224 and
is fixed on a side surface of the outer guide member 218 near its lower
end. Similar pins 228 and 230 are provided on the guide member 220.
The pins 226 and 230 are slid into and supported in grooves 232 and 234 in
side end portions of the support frame 206. The pins 224 and 228 are
fitted into grooves 236 and 238, respectively. Snaps 240 and 242 hold the
pins 224 and 228 in the grooves 236 and 238.
In operation, the original holder 26 is rotated through 90.degree. (as
shown by the double dotted chain line in FIG. 6) and the original is
sandwiched between the original holder 26 and a platen glass 26a so as to
be opposed to the lens holder 102. The light source 28 illuminates the
original on the original holder 26.
The operator uses the operation panel 42 to set a desired reproduction
ratio. The lens holder 102 and the original holder 26 move on the base
frame 22 along the guide member 112 by drive means, not shown, according
to the set reproduction ratio. The lens holder 102 and the original holder
26 may be positioned manually to obtain a desired magnification.
The cam follower 116 moves vertically together with the movement of the
lens holder 102 according to the cam profile of the cam 114. The flare
interception plate 110 moves vertically according to the vertical movement
of the pin 122.
The cam profile of the cam 114 is such that the plate 110 is located at a
higher position when a larger reproduction ratio is set by the lens holder
102. In other words, the flare interception plate 110 is raised to a
higher position as the lens holder 102 approaches the original holder 26.
Light reaching the lens 86 from the original is permitted to enter the lens
86 through the opening 108. The light incident on the lens 86 forms a
field angle .alpha.. If the reproduction ratio is large, a field angle
.theta. formed by the range of rays which are actually available to form
an image (referred to hereinafter as "available view angle") is smaller
than the field angle .alpha.. The rays which pass through the lower of the
regions but outside of the available field angle .theta. cause flare and
deteriorate the quality of the image.
The flare interception plate 110 is raised to a higher position as the
available field angle 8 decreases (i.e., as reproduction magnification is
increased). The flare interception plate 110 intercepts rays which are
outside of the available field angle .theta.. All the rays having passed
through the lens 86 are reflected by the mirror 38 and form an image on
the upper surface of the platen 40. None of the rays which pass through
the lens 86 reach the platen 40 directly (i.e., there is no flare). The
image formed on the upper surface of the platen 40 is not adversely
affected by flare.
If the reproduced image is to be formed on the photosensitive film, the
operator closes the platen cover 32 in advance. The operator inserts his
hands into the cover 32 through the holes 48 and places the photosensitive
film on the platen 40. After an exposure process, the operator again
inserts his hands into the cover 32 and feeds the photosensitive film to
the film processor 144. The processor 144 effects a sequence of processes
from development to drying and then discharges the processed
photosensitive film from the outlet opening 50.
The image formed on the platen 40 is not adversely affected by flare. The
quality of the image formed on the photosensitive film is always good
regardless of the magnification ratio.
It is also possible to form an expanded or reduced image of the original
and to form a copy thereof by manually tracing the image on tracing paper.
If a copy is to be formed by tracing, the operator sets the platen cover
32 to a half-open state (as indicated at 32a in FIG. 6). The half-open
state maintaining device 130 maintains the platen cover 32 in the
half-open state 32a.
An angle formed between the arms 132 and 134 of the device 130 ranges from
0.degree. to 180.degree. according to the position of the cover 32. The
concave portions 138a and 138b change their positions according to the
angular position of the arms 132 and 134. When the arms 132 and 134 form a
prescribed angle, the positions of the concave portions 138a and 138b
coincide so that a space 140 is formed therebetween. Otherwise, the
positions of the concave portions 138a and 138b do not coincide. The ball
142 normally fits in one of the concave portions 138a and 138b. The ball
142 fits stably within the space 140 formed by the concave portions 138a
and 138b. This way, the ball 142 fixes the angle between the arms 132 and
134. When the operator applies force to open or close the cover 32, the
ball 142 is forced out of the space 140.
If the platen cover 32 is kept in the half-open state, only a little light
falls on the platen 40 from above or from the back side (as compared with
the amount of light which falls on the platen 40 when the cover 32 is in
the full-open state). In addition, the interception side plates 124 ensure
that only a little light falls on the platen 40 from the lateral sides.
Thus, unwanted light on the platen 40 from the right, left, upper and back
sides is reduced.
If the operator stands in front of the main frame 24, namely, on the side
of the operation panel 42 for tracing work, unwanted light from the front
side onto the platen 40 is intercepted by the body of the operator.
Accordingly, the amount of light incident on the platen 40 from the
environment becomes sufficiently small such that the light incident on the
platen 40 from the lower side and the image formed on the platen 40 can be
clearly observed in normal daylight conditions. Thus, the image formed on
the platen 40 can be traced on tracing paper placed on the platen 40 more
easily than is possible with the conventional apparatus.
The interception side plates 124 need not be fixed on the upper surface of
the main frame 24. For example, the interception side plates may be fixed
to a lower portion of the cover 32. Interception side plates can be stored
in the main frame 24 and moved up and down simultaneously with the opening
and closing of the cover 32.
During operation of the improved film processor 144, the photosensitive
film 78 is fed to the film processor 144 through the photosensitive film
supply opening 244. The drive motor 145 and the rotating shaft 189
transmit rotation to the drive shaft 154 through the transmission system
188. The engagement between the worm 196 and the worm wheel 182 enables
the transmission shaft 156 to rotate in the direction shown by the arrow R
in FIG. 11.
Rotation of the shaft 156 is transmitted to the shafts 164 by the worms 184
and the worm wheels 200. The driven shafts 164 in turn cause the
respective upper feed rollers 208 to rotate in a prescribed direction.
Rotation of the shaft 156 is transmitted through the upper guide rollers
210, the lower feed rollers 212 and the lower guide rollers 214 by the
gears 208a, 210a, 212a and 214a and the free wheels 222.
The photosensitive film is guided from the position of contact between one
of the upper guide rollers 210 and the upper feed roller 208 to one of the
transport paths 215. The photosensitive film passes between the lower feed
roller 212 and the lower guide roller 214 and enters the other transport
path 215. The film is discharged from the position of contact between the
roller 210 and the roller 208 to the outside unit 170.
The film is immersed in the processing liquids in the baths 146, 148 and
150 while it passes through the unit 170. The film is first immersed in
developer in the developing bath 146. Then, the film is immersed in fixing
liquid in the fixing bath 148. Finally, the film is rinsed in the rinsing
bath 150. After it is dried by hot air generated by the heater 178 and
blown by the fan 180, the processed film is discharged from the outlet
opening 50 and stacked on the tray 80.
To maintain the film processor 144, the liquids are removed from the baths
146, 148 and 150. After the cover 32 is fully opened, the upper lid 198 is
removed. The roller rack units 170 are removed from the baths 146, 148 and
150. The outer guide members 218 and 220 can be removed from each roller
rack unit 170 as shown in FIG. 14. First, the pins 224 and 228 are
released from the snaps 240 and 242. The guide members 218 and 220 are
then pivoted on the respective pins 226 and 230 and dismounted from the
support frames 206.
Removal of the guide members 218 and 220 from the support frames 206 makes
it very easy to clean or inspect the parts attached to the guide members
218, 220 and 216 and to the support frame 206.
The wing bolt 176 is loosened and the drier 62 is removed from the film
processor 144 so that the drier 62 can be inspected and cleaned.
Finally, the four wing bolts 172 are removed and the baths 146, 148 and 150
are removed as a unitary body. The removed baths 146, 148 and 150 are
transported to a rinsing spot (which is distant from the main body of the
camera) where they are inspected and cleaned. Since the rinsing spot is
distant from the camera, there is no danger to the main body of the
camera, its wiring and the like. The removability of the baths 146, 148
and 150 makes cleaning and inspection very easy.
After cleaning and inspection, the parts are remounted in the film
processor 144 in the reverse order from which they were disassembled.
Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to reproduce an
original with high quality and with a wide range of magnification by
intercepting flare without increasing the size of the apparatus. The
ability to keep the cover 32 in a half-open state makes it easy to trace
an image of an original. The interception side plates 124 also make it
easy to trace an image of an original. Since maintenance of the film
processor 144 is simple, photosensitive film can be processed by the film
processor 144 under optimum conditions. As a result, the quality of the
reproduced image obtained by the processor 144 is improved. Thus,
according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a camera which
operates in a lighted room which is capable of high quality image
reproduction with a wide range of magnification, has good operability and
maintainability and is applicable to various fields.
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For
example, in place of the half-open state maintaining device 130, a
half-open state maintaining device 246 as shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 may be
used.
The half-open state maintaining device 246 includes an arm 248 having one
end which is swingably coupled to the frame 46, a circular friction plate
250 fixed on a surface of the other end of the arm 248, an arm 252 having
one end which is swingably coupled to the platen cover 32, and a circular
friction plate 254 which is fixed on a surface of the other end of the arm
252 facing the arm 248. A through hole is provided at the center of the
friction plate 250 and the arm 248. A through hole is also provided at the
center of the friction plate 254 and the arm 252.
The device 246 further includes a shaft 256 which is inserted in the
through holes of the arm 252, the friction plates 254 and 250, and the arm
248. The shaft 256 has a threaded portion which projects from the arm 248.
A belleville spring 260 is provided in a portion of the rotating shaft 256
which projects from the arm 248. The spring 260 presses the two friction
plates 250 and 254 together. A U nut 258 engages the threaded portion of
the shaft 256 to fix the spring 260. A thrust washer 262 is located
between the shaft 256 and the arm 252 to reduce friction.
The friction plates 250 and 254 are pressed against each other by the
spring 260. The cover 32 is maintained in a half-open state at an
arbitrary angle with respect to the main frame 24 by the friction between
the plates 250 and 254.
Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, an alternative roller rack unit 264 includes
a central guide member 266 for guiding the photosensitive film in the
processing bath, and side guide members 268 and 270 on both sides of the
central guide member 266, for forming a photosensitive film transport path
between the side guide members and the central guide member 266.
The central guide member 266 includes a pair of central support frames 272.
The frames 272 are shaped like reversed "T"s. A feed roller 274 is
rotatably supported between central upper portions of the frames 272 at
both ends thereof. The axis of the feed roller 274 is coupled to the
driven shaft 164. Both ends of a guide roller 276 are rotatably supported
between the central support frames 272 at a lower position. The guide
roller 276 is spaced apart from the feed roller 274 by a prescribed
distance. A guide roller 278 (with both of its ends rotatably supported
between the central support frames 272 at a lower position) is spaced
apart from the guide roller 276 by a prescribed distance. A guide roller
280 contacts the guide roller 278 from below and is rotatably supported at
both of its ends between the pair of central support frames 272. A guide
282 provided among the feed roller 274 and the guide rollers 276 and 278
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