AUTOMATIC DOCUMENT FEEDER HAVING DETACHABLE SHEET-PRESSING SLICE

Abstract

The present invention provides an automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice. The automatic document feeder is mounted on a scanning apparatus having a scanning window. By means of the automatic document feeder, multiple documents are successively transported across the scanning window of the scanning apparatus to perform the scanning operation. The automatic document feeder includes a casing and a sheet-feeding mechanism. The detachable sheet-pressing slice is disposed at a lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism. In a case that the detachable sheet-pressing slice is damaged, only the detachable sheet-pressing slice needs to be detached from the automatic document feeder and replaced with a new one. As a consequence, the maintenance of the detachable sheet-pressing slice is very easy and speedy.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder, and more particularly to an automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scanning apparatuses are commonly used for scanning for example paper sheets. The scanned images can be converted into digital electronic files, which are then stored in a computer. Conventionally, for scanning several paper sheets, the paper sheets should be manually fed into the scanning apparatus one by one. This means of manually feeding the paper sheets is time-consuming and laboring. Nowadays, the scanning apparatus usually has an automatic document feeder for successively and continuously feeding many paper sheets. After a stack of papers to be scanned are placed on the sheet input tray of the automatic document feeder, the sheet-feeding mechanism of the automatic document feeder will successively transport the paper sheets across the scanning window of the scanning apparatus to perform the scanning operation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic document feeder for use with a scanning apparatus. The automatic document feeder 1 principally includes a casing 10 and a sheet-feeding mechanism 11 inside the casing 10. In addition, the casing 10 includes a sheet input tray 101 and a sheet ejecting tray 102. The scanning apparatus 4 includes a scanning window 40 and a scanning module 41 under the scanning window 40.

Please refer to FIG. 1 again. In the automatic document feeder 1, the sheet input tray 101 is used for placing thereon the documents S to be scanned by the scanning apparatus 4. By means of the sheet-feeding mechanism 11, the documents S supported on the sheet input tray 101 are successively fed into the sheet transfer path of the automatic document feeder 1. When each of the documents S is transported across the scanning window 40 of the scanning apparatus 4, the image thereof is scanned by the scanning module 41 under the scanning window 40. After the scanning operation is implemented, the document S is ejected by the sheet-feeding mechanism 11 to the sheet ejecting tray 102.

Please refer to FIG. 1 again. Generally, the document S is readily bent upwardly when passing through the scanning window 40 of the scanning apparatus 4. The bent portion may adversely affect the scanning quality of the scanning apparatus 4. For preventing the bent portion of the document S from rising up, the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 11 of the automatic document feeder 1 further includes a sheet-pressing slice 12 at around the scanning window 40 of the scanning apparatus 4. Since the document S passing through the scanning window 40 is pressed by the sheet-pressing slice 12 to lie flat on the scanning window 40, the scanning quality of the scanning apparatus 4 is enhanced.

Since the sheet-pressing slice 12 is mounted and fixed on the lower part of the automatic document feeder 1, there are still some drawbacks. For example, if the sheet-pressing slice 12 is damaged, the whole sheet-feeding mechanism 11 should be detached from the automatic document feeder 1 to replace the sheet-pressing slice 12 with a new one. Therefore, the maintenance of the automatic document feeder 1 is complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice on a lower part of the automatic document feeder, in which the sheet-pressing slice is detachable and replaceable to be easily refreshed in order to overcome the problem of refreshing the fixed sheet-pressing slice in the prior art.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice. The automatic document feeder is mounted on a scanning apparatus having a scanning window. By means of the automatic document feeder, multiple documents are successively transported across the scanning window of the scanning apparatus to perform the scanning operation. The automatic document feeder includes a casing and a sheet-feeding mechanism. The detachable sheet-pressing slice is disposed at a lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism and around the scanning window for pressing the document passing through the scanning window.

In an embodiment, a retaining recess is further formed at the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism for receiving the detachable sheet-pressing slice therein.

In an embodiment, the detachable sheet-pressing slice includes a fixing member and a sheet-pressing member.

In an embodiment, a hook structure is protruded from an inner wall of the retaining recess, and a concave structure is formed in the fixing member, wherein the detachable sheet-pressing slice is fixed on the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism when the detachable sheet-pressing slice is inserted into the retaining recess and the hook structure and the concave structure are engaged with each other.

In an embodiment, an ejecting hole is further formed at the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism for allowing a sharp-pointed stick to penetrate therethrough and push the fixing member, thereby disengaging the hook structure from the concave structure.

In an embodiment, a concave structure is formed in an inner wall of the retaining recess, and a hook structure is protruded from the fixing member, wherein the detachable sheet-pressing slice is fixed on the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism when the detachable sheet-pressing slice is inserted into the retaining recess and the hook structure and the concave structure are engaged with each other.

In an embodiment, an ejecting hole is further formed at the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism for allowing a sharp-pointed stick to penetrate therethrough and push the fixing member, thereby disengaging the hook structure from the concave structure.

In an embodiment, the detachable sheet-pressing slice is a sheet-pressing member with a concave structure.

In an embodiment, a hook structure is protruded from an inner wall of the retaining recess, and the detachable sheet-pressing slice is fixed on the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism when the detachable sheet-pressing slice is inserted into the retaining recess and the hook structure and the concave structure are engaged with each other.

In an embodiment, an ejecting hole is further formed at the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism for allowing a sharp-pointed stick to penetrate therethrough and push the fixing member, thereby disengaging the hook structure from the concave structure.

In an embodiment, the detachable sheet-pressing slice further one or more salient structures to be sustained against an inner wall of the retaining recess.

The above objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic document feeder for use with a scanning apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the automatic document feeder of FIG. 2, in which the detachable sheet-pressing slice has been mounted on the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism;

FIG. 3B is a schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the automatic document feeder of FIG. 2, in which the detachable sheet-pressing slice is separated from the automatic document feeder;

FIG. 3C is a schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional view of the automatic document feeder of FIG. 2, in which a sharp-pointed stick is used to disengage the detachable sheet-pressing slice;

FIG. 3D is a schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating another engagement between the retaining recess and the fixing member of the detachable sheet-pressing slice;

FIG. 4A is a schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an automatic document feeder according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4B is a schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an automatic document feeder having another detachable sheet-pressing slice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The automatic document feeder 2 is mounted on a scanning apparatus 4. The automatic document feeder 2 principally includes a casing 20 and a sheet-feeding mechanism 21 inside the casing 20. In addition, the casing 20 includes a sheet input tray 201 and a sheet ejecting tray 202. The scanning apparatus 4 includes a scanning window 40 and a scanning module 41 under the scanning window 40.

Please refer to FIG. 2 again. In the automatic document feeder 2, the sheet input tray 201 is used for placing thereon the documents S to be scanned by the scanning apparatus 4. By means of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21, the documents S supported on the sheet input tray 201 are successively fed into the sheet transfer path of the automatic document feeder 2. When each of the documents S is transported across the scanning window 40 of the scanning apparatus 4, the image thereof is scanned by the scanning module 41 under the scanning window 40. After the scanning operation is implemented, the document S is ejected by the sheet-feeding mechanism 21 to the sheet ejecting tray 202.

Please refer to FIG. 2 again. For preventing the document S from rising up when passing through the scanning window 40 of the scanning apparatus 4 without impairing the scanning quality of the scanning apparatus 4, the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21 of the automatic document feeder 2 further includes a detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 at around the scanning window 40 of the scanning apparatus 4. Since the document S passing through the scanning window 40 is pressed by the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 to lie flat on the scanning window 40, the scanning quality of the scanning apparatus 4 is enhanced. Moreover, if the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 is damaged, only the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 needs to be detached from the automatic document feeder 2 and replaced with a new one. As a consequence, the maintenance of the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 is very easy and speedy.

Hereinafter, the operations of the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 will be illustrated with reference to the schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional views of FIGS. 3A˜3D according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3A, the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 has been mounted on the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21 of the automatic document feeder 2 for pressing the document S passing through the scanning window 40. As shown in FIG. 3B, the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 is separated from the automatic document feeder 2. The detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 includes a fixing member 220 and a sheet-pressing member 221. The fixing member 220 is fixed on the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21 and used to support the sheet-pressing member 221. The sheet-pressing member 221 imparts a downward pressing force to the document S, thereby preventing the document S from rising up when passing through the scanning window 40 of the scanning apparatus 4. As a consequence, the scanning quality of the scanning apparatus 4 will not be impaired. In an embodiment, the sheet-pressing member 221 is bonded to the fixing member 220 via a double sided tape or other connecting means. Furthermore, the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21 of the automatic document feeder 2 includes at least a retaining recess 210 for receiving the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 therein. Depending on the numbers of sheet-pressing members 221, the number of the retaining recesses 210 is varied. For facilitating securely fixing the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 in the retaining recess 210, the retaining recess 210 at the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21 and the fixing member 220 of the sheet-pressing slice 22 have complementary engaging elements. In this embodiment, a hook structure 2100 is protruded from an inner wall of the retaining recess 210 as a first engaging element. Corresponding to the hook structure 2100, a concave structure 2200 is formed in the fixing member 220 as a second engaging element. When the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 is inserted into the retaining recess 210 at the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21, the hook structure 2100 of the retaining recess 210 and the concave structure 2200 of the fixing member 220 are engaged with each other, as is shown in FIG. 3A. Under this circumstance, the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 is fixed at the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21 without detachment.

The process of refreshing the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 will be illustrated with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3C. As shown in FIG. 3A, the fixing member 220 of the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 is coupled with the retaining recess 210 at the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21. In FIG. 3C, a sharp-pointed stick 5 is used to disengage the fixing member 220 from the retaining recess 210 in order to refresh the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22. For facilitate the user or the maintenance worker to replace the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 without detaching the sheet-feeding mechanism 21, the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21 further includes at least an ejecting channel 211. Depending on the numbers of sheet-pressing members 221, the number of the ejecting channels 211 is varied. The ejecting channel 211 is communicated with the retaining recess 210 and aligned with the top end of the fixing member 220, which is received in the retaining recess 210. In a case that a sharp-pointed stick 5 is penetrated through the ejecting channel 211 and sustained against the fixing member 220, the top end of the fixing member 220 is deformed or shifted, as is shown in FIG. 3C. As a consequence, the hook structure 2100 is disengaged from the concave structure 2200. By exerting a downward pulling force on the sheet-pressing member 221, the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 will be withdrawn from the retaining recess 210.

In the first embodiment of the automatic document feeder 2, the complementary engaging elements include the hook structure 2100 protruded from an inner wall of the retaining recess 210 and the concave structure 2200 formed in the fixing member 220. It is noted that, however, those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 3D, a concave structure 2101 is formed in an inner wall of the retaining recess 210. Corresponding to the concave structure 2101, a hook structure 2201 is protruded from the fixing member 220. When the hook structure 2201 is engaged with the concave structure 2101, the detachable sheet-pressing slice 22 is fixed on the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 21.

FIG. 4A is a schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an automatic document feeder according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the detachable sheet-pressing slice may be directly fixed in the retaining recess without the assistance of the fixing member. As shown in FIG. 4A, the detachable sheet-pressing slice 32 includes a sheet-pressing member 320 with a concave structure 321. Corresponding to the concave structure 321, a hook structure 3100 is protruded from an inner wall of a retaining recess 310 of the sheet-feeding mechanism 31. When the sheet-pressing member 320 is inserted into the retaining recess 310, the hook structure 3100 and the concave structure 321 are engaged with each other, as is shown in FIG. 4A. Under this circumstance, the detachable sheet-pressing slice 32 is fixed at the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 31. Likewise, the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 31 further includes at least an ejecting channel 311, which is communicated with the retaining recess 310. In a case that a sharp-pointed stick (not shown) is penetrated through the ejecting channel 311 and sustained against the sheet-pressing member 320, the top end of the sheet-pressing member 320 will be deformed or shifted such that the hook structure 3100 is disengaged from the concave structure 321. By exerting a downward pulling force on the sheet-pressing member 320, the detachable sheet-pressing slice 32 may be withdrawn from the retaining recess 310. The process of withdrawing the detachable sheet-pressing slice 32 for maintenance is similar to that described in the first embodiment, and is not redundantly described herein.

In the second embodiment of the automatic document feeder, the complementary engaging elements include the hook structure 3100 protruded from an inner wall of the retaining recess 310 and the concave structure 321 of the sheet-pressing member 320. By engagement of these engaging elements, the detachable sheet-pressing slice 32 is fixed on the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 31. It is noted that, however, those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerous modifications and alterations may be made while retaining the teachings of the invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, one or more salient structures 322 are protruded from the sheet-pressing member 320. The salient structures 322 are sustained against the inner wall of the of the retaining recess 310, thereby further facilitating fixing the detachable sheet-pressing slice 32 on the lower part of the sheet-feeding mechanism 31.

In the above embodiments, the concave structures 2101, 2200 and 321 are indentations. Alternatively, the concave structures 2101, 2200 and 321 may be perforations for receiving corresponding hook structures therein.

While the invention has been described in terms of what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention needs not be limited to the disclosed embodiment. On the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims which are to be accorded with the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar structures.

Claims

1. An automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice, said automatic document feeder being mounted on a scanning apparatus having a scanning window, said automatic document feeder comprising:

a casing; and

a sheet-feeding mechanism inside said casing, wherein said detachable sheet-pressing slice is disposed at a lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism and around said scanning window for pressing a document passing through said scanning window.

2. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 1 wherein a retaining recess is further formed at said lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism for receiving said detachable sheet-pressing slice therein.

3. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 2 wherein said detachable sheet-pressing slice includes a fixing member and a sheet-pressing member.

4. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 3 wherein a hook structure is protruded from an inner wall of said retaining recess, and a concave structure is formed in said fixing member, wherein said detachable sheet-pressing slice is fixed on said lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism when said detachable sheet-pressing slice is inserted into said retaining recess and said hook structure and said concave structure are engaged with each other.

5. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 4 wherein an ejecting hole is further formed at said lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism for allowing a sharp-pointed stick to penetrate therethrough and push said fixing member, thereby disengaging said hook structure from said concave structure.

6. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 3 wherein a concave structure is formed in an inner wall of said retaining recess, and a hook structure is protruded from said fixing member, wherein said detachable sheet-pressing slice is fixed on said lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism when said detachable sheet-pressing slice is inserted into said retaining recess and said hook structure and said concave structure are engaged with each other.

7. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 6 wherein an ejecting hole is further formed at said lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism for allowing a sharp-pointed stick to penetrate therethrough and push said fixing member, thereby disengaging said hook structure from said concave structure.

8. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 2 wherein said detachable sheet-pressing slice is a sheet-pressing member with a concave structure.

9. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 8 wherein a hook structure is protruded from an inner wall of said retaining recess, and said detachable sheet-pressing slice is fixed on said lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism when said detachable sheet-pressing slice is inserted into said retaining recess and said hook structure and said concave structure are engaged with each other.

10. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 9 wherein an ejecting hole is further formed at said lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism for allowing a sharp-pointed stick to penetrate therethrough and push said fixing member, thereby disengaging said hook structure from said concave structure.

11. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 8 wherein said detachable sheet-pressing slice further one or more salient structures to be sustained against an inner wall of said retaining recess.

12. An automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice, said automatic document feeder comprising:

a casing; and

a sheet-feeding mechanism inside said casing, and including a retaining recess, a fixing member and a sheet-pressing member, wherein said retaining recess is disposed at a lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism, said fixing member is received in said retaining recess, and said sheet-pressing member is attached on said fixing member.

13. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 12 wherein a hook structure is protruded from an inner wall of said retaining recess, and a concave structure is formed in said fixing member.

14. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 12 wherein an ejecting hole is further formed at said lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism and communicated with said retaining recess.

15. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 12 wherein a concave structure is formed in an inner wall of said retaining recess, and a hook structure is protruded from said fixing member.

16. An automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice, said automatic document feeder comprising:

a casing; and

a sheet-feeding mechanism inside said casing, and including a retaining recess and a sheet-pressing member, wherein said retaining recess is disposed at a lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism and includes a hook structure protruded from an inner wall thereof, and said sheet-pressing member is fixed in said retaining recess and has a concave structure to be engaged with said hook structure.

17. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 16 wherein an ejecting hole is further formed at said lower part of said sheet-feeding mechanism and communicated with said retaining recess.

18. The automatic document feeder having a detachable sheet-pressing slice according to claim 16 wherein said detachable sheet-pressing slice further one or more salient structures to be sustained against an inner wall of said sheet-pressing member.