U.S. patent application number 11/693253 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-02 for rotating input tray for an automatic document feeder of an imaging apparatus.
Invention is credited to Robert Warren Rumford, Bryan Christopher Scharf.
Application Number | 20080237966 11/693253 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39792902 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080237966 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rumford; Robert Warren ; et
al. |
October 2, 2008 |
Rotating Input Tray for An Automatic Document Feeder Of An Imaging
Apparatus
Abstract
A rotating input tray for an automatic document feeder of an
imaging apparatus includes a document tray configured to hold the
document and to supply the document to the input of the automatic
document feeder in a document feed direction, and a pivot device
coupling the document tray to the component of the imaging
apparatus, the pivot device providing a document tray axis of
rotation, wherein the document tray and the pivot device are
configured to permit the document tray to rotate about the document
tray axis of rotation between a closed position and an open
position, the closed position being adjacent to the input for
supplying the documents to the automatic document feeder, and the
open position being away from and exposing both the input and the
exit of the automatic document feeder.
Inventors: |
Rumford; Robert Warren;
(Lexington, KY) ; Scharf; Bryan Christopher;
(Richmond, KY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEXMARK INTERNATIONAL, INC.;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW DEPARTMENT
740 WEST NEW CIRCLE ROAD, BLDG. 082-1
LEXINGTON
KY
40550-0999
US
|
Family ID: |
39792902 |
Appl. No.: |
11/693253 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
271/3.14 ;
399/367 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 1/00 20130101; B65H
2405/324 20130101; B65H 2801/06 20130101; B65H 2405/11171 20130101;
B65H 2601/325 20130101; B65H 2405/3321 20130101; B65H 2601/321
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
271/3.14 ;
399/367 |
International
Class: |
B65H 85/00 20060101
B65H085/00 |
Claims
1. A rotating input tray for an automatic document feeder of an
imaging apparatus, said automatic document feeder having an input
for receiving a document in a document feed direction and an exit
adjacent said input for discharging said document onto a discharge
tray, said imaging apparatus having a component mounting said
rotating input tray, comprising: a document tray configured to hold
said document and to supply said document to said input in said
document feed direction; and a pivot device coupling said document
tray to said component of said imaging apparatus, said pivot device
providing a document tray axis of rotation, wherein said document
tray and said pivot device are configured to permit said document
tray to rotate about said document tray axis of rotation between a
closed position and an open position, said closed position being
adjacent to said input for supplying said documents to said
automatic document feeder, and said open position being away from
and exposing both said input and said exit.
2. The rotating input tray of claim 1, wherein said document tray
axis of rotation is substantially parallel to said document feed
direction.
3. The rotating input tray of claim 1, further comprising a latch
configured to secure said document tray in said closed
position.
4. The rotating input tray of claim 3, further comprising a latch
spring configured to spring load said latch.
5. The rotating input tray of claim 3, further comprising a bias
spring configured to bias said document tray to said open
position.
6. The rotating input tray of claim 1, said imaging apparatus
having a body, wherein said component of said imaging apparatus is
a scanner lid pivotably attached to said body about a scanner lid
axis of rotation, said scanner lid being configured to rotate about
said scanner lid axis of rotation.
7. The rotating input tray of claim 1, said document tray including
a document edge guide configured to center said document relative
to said automatic document feeder.
8. The rotating input tray of claim 1, further comprising a detent
feature configured to retain said document tray in said closed
position.
9. The rotating input tray of claim 8, said detent feature being
further configured to retain said document tray in said open
position.
10. The rotating input tray of claim 9, said detent feature
including a spring-loaded cam and follower arrangement having a
spring, a cam, and a follower, said spring acting against said cam
and said follower to retain said document tray in said open
position and in said closed position.
11. An imaging apparatus, comprising: a scanner; an automatic
document feeder having an input for receiving a document in a
document feed direction and an exit adjacent said input for
discharging said document, said automatic document feeder being
configured to provide said document to said scanner and remove said
document from said scanner; a discharge tray configured to receive
said document discharged from said exit; and a rotating input tray,
said rotating input tray including: a document tray configured to
hold said document and to supply said document to said input in
said document feed direction; and a pivot device coupling said
document tray to a component of said imaging apparatus, said pivot
device providing a document tray axis of rotation, wherein said
document tray and said pivot device are configured to permit said
document tray to rotate about said document tray axis of rotation
between a closed position and an open position, said closed
position being adjacent to said input for supplying said documents
to said automatic document feeder, and said open position being
away from and exposing both said input and said exit.
12. The imaging apparatus of claim 11, wherein said document tray
axis of rotation is substantially parallel to said document feed
direction.
13. The imaging apparatus of claim 11, said rotating input tray
further including a latch configured to secure said document tray
in said closed position.
14. The imaging apparatus of claim 13, said rotating input tray
further including a latch spring configured to spring load said
latch.
15. The imaging apparatus of claim 13, said rotating input tray
further including a bias spring configured to bias said document
tray to said open position.
16. The imaging apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a body,
wherein said component of said imaging apparatus is a scanner lid
pivotably attached to said body about a scanner lid axis of
rotation, said scanner lid being configured to rotate about said
scanner lid axis of rotation.
17. The imaging apparatus of claim 11, said document tray including
a document edge guide configured to center said document relative
to said automatic document feeder.
18. The imaging apparatus of claim 11, said rotating input tray
further including a detent feature configured to retain said
document tray in said closed position.
19. The imaging apparatus of claim 18, said detent feature being
further configured to retain said document tray in said open
position.
20. The imaging apparatus of claim 19, said detent feature
including a spring-loaded cam and follower arrangement having a
spring, a cam, and a follower, said spring acting against said cam
and said follower to retain said document tray in said open
position and in said closed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0002] None.
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS IN PATENT
[0003] None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to an imaging apparatus, and,
more particularly, to a rotating input tray for an automatic
document feeder of an imaging apparatus.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] Imaging apparatuses, such as ink jet and laser printers, are
employed by both home and commercial users for various purposes.
Some imaging apparatuses, referred to as all-in-one (AIO) units,
are capable of copying and faxing original documents such as text
documents and photographs using built-in scanners. High end AIO
devices typically include an automatic document feeder (ADF) that
is capable of scanning, copying and/or faxing single or multiple
documents. The ADF typically includes a paper input, paper pick,
paper feed, scan, and paper exit sub systems. The paper input
system typically includes a document tray, and the paper exit area
is typically located below the document tray. For larger documents,
it may be relatively easy for the user to remove the original
documents from below the document tray. However, for smaller
original documents, such as 4'' by 6'' photos, 3'' by 5'' cards,
envelopes, and the like, it may be difficult to remove the original
document from the exit area of the ADF.
[0008] Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a document tray
that allows easy access to the scanned original documents
discharged by the ADF into the exit area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a rotating input tray for an
automatic document feeder of an imaging apparatus.
[0010] The invention, in one form thereof, is directed to a
rotating input tray for an automatic document feeder of an imaging
apparatus, the automatic document feeder having an input for
receiving a document in a document feed direction and an exit
adjacent the input for discharging the document onto a discharge
tray, the imaging apparatus having a component mounting the
rotating input tray. The rotating input tray includes a document
tray configured to hold the document and to supply the document to
the input in the document feed direction; and a pivot device
coupling the document tray to the component of the imaging
apparatus, the pivot device providing a document tray axis of
rotation. The document tray and the pivot device are configured to
permit the document tray to rotate about the document tray axis of
rotation between a closed position and an open position, the closed
position being adjacent to the input for supplying the documents to
the automatic document feeder, and the open position being away
from and exposing both the input and the exit.
[0011] The invention, in another form thereof, is directed to an
imaging apparatus, comprising a scanner; an automatic document
feeder having an input for receiving a document in a document feed
direction and an exit adjacent the input for discharging the
document, the automatic document feeder being configured to provide
the document to the scanner and remove the document from the
scanner; a discharge tray configured to receive the document
discharged from the exit; and a rotating input tray. The rotating
input tray includes a document tray configured to hold the document
and to supply the document to the input in the document feed
direction; and a pivot device coupling the document tray to a
component of the imaging apparatus, the pivot device providing a
document tray axis of rotation. The document tray and the pivot
device are configured to permit the document tray to rotate about
the document tray axis of rotation between a closed position and an
open position, the closed position being adjacent to the input for
supplying the documents to the automatic document feeder, and the
open position being away from and exposing both the input and the
exit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more
apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference
to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIGS. 1A and 1B diagrammatically depict an imaging apparatus
having an automatic document feeder and a rotating input try in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2 depicts a scanner lid and an automatic document
feeder with a rotating input tray having a latch in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rotating input
tray is depicted in a closed position.
[0015] FIG. 3 depicts the scanner lid and automatic document feeder
with rotating input tray of the embodiment of FIG. 2, wherein the
rotating input tray is depicted in an open position.
[0016] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a rotating input tray having
a torsional bias spring in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5 depicts a scanner lid and an automatic document
feeder with a rotating input tray having a latch in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the rotating input
tray is depicted in a closed position.
[0018] FIG. 6 depicts the scanner lid and automatic document feeder
with rotating input tray of the embodiment of FIG. 5, wherein the
rotating input tray is depicted in an open position.
[0019] FIG. 7 depicts details of the rotating input tray latch
embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0020] FIG. 8 depicts a rotating input tray having a detent feature
configured to retain a document tray in an open position and in a
closed position in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 9 depicts another detent feature configured to retain a
document tray in an open position and in a closed position in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 10 depicts yet another detent feature configured to
retain a document tray in an open position and in a closed position
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out
herein illustrate embodiments of the invention, and such
exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of
the invention in any manner.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1A
and 1B, there is shown schematically depicted an imaging apparatus
20 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Imaging apparatus 20 is an imaging device that produces a printed
or scanned output of a patent or latent image. As used herein, an
image is a rendering such as may be obtained via a digital camera
or scanner, or which may be created or manipulated on a computer,
and which may be printed or displayed for viewing by the human eye.
Imaging apparatus 20 may be, for example, an ink jet printer and/or
copier, an electrophotographic printer and/or copier, a fax
machine, a dedicated scanner, or an all-in-one (AIO) unit that
includes a printer, a scanner, and possibly a fax unit. In the
present embodiment, imaging apparatus 20 is an AIO unit including
fax capability.
[0025] Imaging apparatus 20 includes a body 22 having a scanner 24,
a print engine 26, and a print media system 28 for supplying print
media to print engine 26 and supporting the print media that has
been printed. Imaging apparatus 20 also includes a scanner lid 30,
an automatic document feeder (ADF) 32 mounted on scanner lid 30, a
user interface 34 having a display 36 and control buttons 38 for
controlling and operating imaging apparatus 20, and a fax unit
40.
[0026] Scanner 24 may be, for example, a bed type scanner with a
movable scan bar, or a stationary scan bar, wherein a document is
scanned by moving the document past the activated scan bar, or a
combination of both. In the present embodiment, scanner 24 is a bed
type scanner, and includes a scanner platen 42 and a moveable scan
bar 44 that may be transported in a reciprocation manner along
scanner platen 42 by a scan bar transport mechanism (not shown).
Scan bar 44 is arranged perpendicular to the view depicted in FIG.
1A.
[0027] Scanner lid 30 is pivotably attached to body 22 about a
scanner lid axis of rotation 46 by a hinge 48, and scanner lid 30
is configured to rotate about scanner lid axis of rotation 46. That
is, scanner lid 30 may be rotated away from scanner 24, thereby
exposing scanner platen 42. Scanner lid axis of rotation 46 is
perpendicular to the view depicted in FIG. 1B.
[0028] In order to operate scanner 24 in one mode of operation,
scanner lid 30 may be rotated away from scanner platen 42, and a
document may be placed on scanner platen 42, which remains
stationary while being scanned by the moving scan bar.
[0029] In another mode of operation of scanner 24, a document, such
as document 50, may be supplied to scanner 24 by ADF 32, wherein
the scan bar remains stationary, and wherein document 50 is
transported along a portion of scanner platen 42 by ADF 32 for
scanning by the stationary scan bar.
[0030] The scanned document 50 may be faxed using fax unit 40, or
may be printed using print engine 26.
[0031] ADF 32 includes a rotating input tray 52, an input 54 for
receiving document 50 in a document feed direction 56, a feed unit
58 for feeding document 50 through ADF 32 and transporting document
50 past scan bar 44, and an exit 60 adjacent input 54 for
discharging document 50 into a discharge tray 62 located below
rotating input tray 52. In the present embodiment, discharge tray
62 is an upper surface of scanner lid 30.
[0032] During operation, one or more documents 50 are placed in
rotating input tray 52 and inserted into input 54. Once a desired
function of imaging apparatus 20 is selected and initiated, i.e.,
either scanning, copying, and/or faxing, feed unit 58 retrieves the
topmost sheet, transports it through ADF 32, where it is scanned by
scan bar 44, and discharges from exit 60 into discharge tray
62.
[0033] The scanned document 50 may then be retrieved by the user
from discharge tray 62.
[0034] However, in the case where document 50 is a small document,
such as a 4'' by 6'' photo, a 3'' by 5'' card, or an envelope, it
may be difficult for the user to reach in and remove the scanned
document 50 from discharge tray 62.
[0035] In order to improve the usability of imaging apparatus 20,
rotating input tray 52 is configured to swing away from discharge
tray 62, thereby permitting easy access to discharge tray 62. In
particular, rotating input tray 52 is configured to swing away from
discharge tray 62 in a manner that exposes both input 54 and exit
60 of ADF 32 at the same time, which thereby allows a user to
employ ADF 32 directly to repeatedly feed a small document and
immediately retrieve it from exit 60, without the interim step of
moving rotating input tray out of the way after each time the
document is fed to ADF 32.
[0036] Although it may be possible to employ a detachable input
tray, such an approach may not be desirable, since it may require a
storage area for the detachable input tray, and since the
detachable input tray may be readily misplaced or damaged when not
attached. Also, the exit jam clearance may be reduced, relative to
the rotating input tray of the present invention.
[0037] In addition, it may be possible to employ an input tray that
pivots upward to expose exit 60 of ADF 32, unless properly
configured, such an input tray may block input 54 of ADF 32,
thereby requiring that the input tray be moved each time a document
is fed into ADF 32 so as to allow the scanned document to be
retrieved.
[0038] Accordingly, rotating input tray 52 includes a document tray
64 configured to hold one or more document 50 and to supply
document 50 to input 54 in document feed direction 56, and a pivot
device 66 coupling document tray 64 to a component of imaging
apparatus 20, which in the present embodiment is scanner lid 30,
pivot device 66 providing a document tray axis of rotation 68.
[0039] Document tray 64 and pivot device 66 are configured to
permit document tray 64 to rotate about document tray axis of
rotation 68 between a closed position and an open position. The
closed position is adjacent to input 54 for supplying documents 50
to ADF 32, and the open position is away from and exposing both
input 54 and exit 60.
[0040] Thus, when in the closed position, documents 50 may be
loaded onto document tray 64 to be fed to scanner 24 by ADF 32,
whereas in the open position, even small documents may be easily
retrieved from discharge tray 62. Also, when in the open position,
a document may be placed directly into input 54 and retrieved from
discharge tray 62 without moving document tray 64 from the open
position. In the present embodiment, document tray axis of rotation
68 is substantially parallel to document feed direction 56. That
is, document tray axis of rotation 68 is aligned generally in
direction the paper is fed into ADF 32, notwithstanding that the
document feed direction 56 may be at some small downward angle,
e.g., relative to horizontal. It is alternatively considered that
in other embodiments, document tray axis of rotation 68 may be
exactly parallel to document feed direction 56, or may be any
desired angle relative to document feed direction 56, including an
axis of rotation that is perpendicular to document feed direction
56. In any event, document tray axis of rotation 68 in accordance
with the present invention permits document tray 64 to rotate away
from and expose both the input 54 and exit 60 of ADF 32.
[0041] In order to ensure that document 50 is positioned properly,
document tray 64 includes two document edge guides 70 configured to
center document relative to ADF 32. In the present embodiment,
document edge guides 70 are geared together via a rack and pinion
system 72 that retains each document edge guide 70 equidistant from
the center of ADF 32 (see FIG. 3).
[0042] The present embodiment includes a latch 74 configured to
secure document tray 64 in the closed position, e.g., so that when
scanner lid 30 is opened to expose scanner platen 42, document tray
64 does not accidentally move to the open position.
[0043] Referring now to FIG. 2, document tray 64 is depicted in the
closed position. In the present embodiment, latch 74 is molded as
part of document tray 64, and engages a catch 76, in the form of a
slot molded into scanner lid 30 adjacent to discharge tray 62, to
secure document tray 64. In order to operate latch 74, the user
simply pushes the molded latch 74 inward toward document tray 64,
wherein the deflection of latch 74 provides clearance for latch 74
to clear catch 76 and thereby allow document tray 64 to move to the
open position.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3, document tray 64 is depicted in the
open position, wherein both exit 60 and input 54 of ADF 32 are
exposed. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, pivot device 66 is in the
form of two pivot arms that extend from document tray 64 below the
surface of scanner lid 30 to two corresponding bosses molded into
scanner lid 30, against which the pivot arms may pivot.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 4, an embodiment of the present
invention includes a bias spring 78. One end of bias spring 78 is
connected to document tray 64, and the other end is connected to
scanner lid 30. Bias spring 78 is configured to bias document tray
64 to the open position, i.e., so that once the latch is released,
document tray 64 moves from the closed position to the open
position under the action of bias spring 78. In the present
embodiment, bias spring 78 takes the form of a torsional spring,
although it will be understood that other spring systems may be
employed without departing from the scope of the present invention,
e.g., a compression spring.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 5, another embodiment of document tray
64 is illustrated in the closed position, wherein latch 74 takes
the form of a button operated latch.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 6, the embodiment of FIG. 5 is
depicted with document tray 64 in the open position, and depicts
wherein catch 76 takes the form of a slot in the surface of scanner
lid 30.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 7, the button operated latch 74 of the
embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5 is depicted in greater detail. In the
embodiment of FIG. 7, latch 74 includes a latch spring 80
configured to spring load latch 74 into the latched position. In
order to open document tray 64, the user would push latch 74
against the action of latch spring 80, wherein the deflection of
latch spring 80 allows latch 74 to move and to clear catch 76,
thereby allowing document tray 64 to move to the open position.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, rather than
employing a latch to secure document tray 64 in the closed position
and a spring to bias document tray 64 to the open position,
rotating input tray 52 includes a detent feature 82 configured to
retain document tray 64 in the closed position, and configured to
retain document tray 64 in the open position. With this embodiment,
the user does not need to actuate a latch in order to open the
document tray, but rather, merely needs to move document tray 64 to
the desired position, where document tray 64 will be retained by
detent feature 82 until the user desires to move it again.
[0050] In the embodiment of FIG. 8, detent feature 82 is in the
form of a spring loaded cam and follower arrangement 84 having a
cam 86 molded as part of scanner lid 30 and a follower 88 molded as
part of document tray 64. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the spring
force is provided by the elasticity of material from which cam 86
and follower 88 are molded. Cam 86 includes a contoured surface 90
that interacts with follower 88 to thereby determine the positions
in which document tray 64 is retained, including the open and
closed positions.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of detent
feature 82 in the form of a spring loaded cam and follower
arrangement 92 is depicted. Spring loaded cam and follower
arrangement 92 includes a spring 94 located in scanner lid 30, a
cam 96 molded as part of document tray 64, and a follower 98
located in scanner lid 30. Cam 96 includes a cam surface portion
100 and a cam surface portion 102 that interacts with spring loaded
follower 98 to thereby determine the positions in which document
tray 64 is retained. Spring 94 acts against cam 96 and follower 98
to retain document tray 64 in the open position, e.g., once opened
by the user, and to retain document tray 64 in the in closed
position, e.g., once closed by the user. In the embodiment of FIG.
9, depicted in the open position, cam surface portion 100 is
engaged by follower 98 to retain document tray 64 in the open
position. When the user closes document tray 64, cam surface
portion 102 is rotated into contact with follower 98, whereby
document tray 64 is retained in the closed position by the action
of spring 94 pushing follower 98 against cam surface portion
102.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 10, yet another embodiment of detent
feature 82 in the form of a spring loaded cam and follower
arrangement 104 is depicted. Spring loaded cam and follower
arrangement 104 includes a spring follower 106 attached to scanner
lid 30, and a cam 108 molded as part of document tray 64. Cam 108
includes a cam surface portion 110 and a cam surface portion 112
that interacts with spring follower 106 to thereby determine the
positions in which document tray 64 is retained. In the embodiment
of FIG. 10, depicted in the open position, cam surface portion 110
is engaged by spring follower 106 to retain document tray 64 in the
open position. When the user closes document tray 64, cam surface
portion 112 is rotated into contact with spring follower 106,
whereby document tray 64 is retained in the closed position by the
action of spring follower 106 pressing against cam surface portion
112.
[0053] While this invention has been described with respect to
embodiments of the invention, the present invention may be further
modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This
application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or
adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further,
this application is intended to cover such departures from the
present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in
the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the
limits of the appended claims.
* * * * *