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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

None.

GOVERNMENT RIGHTS IN PATENT

None.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

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.

2. Description of the Related Art

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.

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

The present invention provides a rotating input tray for an automatic document feeder of an imaging apparatus.

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.

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

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:

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a rotating input tray having a torsional bias spring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

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.

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.

FIG. 7 depicts details of the rotating input tray latch embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The scanned document 50 may be faxed using fax unit 40, or may be printed using print engine 26.

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.

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.

The scanned document 50 may then be retrieved by the user from discharge tray 62.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.