ADF With Automated Trays

Abstract

An automatic document feeder includes a media path to route media through the automatic document feeder, and automated media trays to supply the media to the media path and receive the media from the media path, with the automated media trays to be positioned based on a presence of a user at the automatic document feeder.

Description

BACKGROUND

An automatic document feeder may be used for automatically transporting a sheet of media to an imaging or scanning position for copying, scanning, faxing, displaying on a monitor, or other processing. Thereafter, the automatic document feeder may eject the media and process a next sheet of media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are block diagrams illustrating an example of an automatic document feeder including automated media trays in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an inkjet printing system including an example of an automatic document feeder.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views illustrating an example of an automatic document feeder including automated media trays in a closed position and an open position, respectively.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of the automatic document feeder of FIGS. 3A and 3B including automated media trays in a closed position and an open position, respectively. FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method of operating an automatic document feeder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific examples in which the disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in the example of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the present disclosure provides an automatic document feeder (ADF) 10. In one implementation, ADF 10 includes a media path 12 to route media 2 through ADF 10, and automated media trays 14 to supply media 2 to media path 12 and receive media 2 from media path 12, as represented by arrows 4. In examples, automated media trays 14 include an input tray 141 to supply media 2 to media path 12, and an output tray 142 to receive media 2 from media path 12.

In examples, automated media trays 14, including input tray 141 and output tray 142, are to be positioned based on a presence of a user 20 at ADF 10. For example, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1A, without the presence of user 20 at ADF 10, automated media trays 14 are in a closed positon, and, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1B, with the presence of user 20 at ADF 10, automated media trays 14 are in an open positon. As such, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1A, without the presence of user 20 at ADF 10, automated media trays 14 are non-communicated with media path 12, and, as illustrated in the example of FIG. 1B, with the presence of user 20 at ADF 10, automated media trays 14 are communicated with media path 12. In one implementation, ADF 10 includes a sensor 16 to sense the presence of user 20 at ADF 10, and provide input to control the position of automated media trays 14.

As disclosed herein, an automatic document feeder, such as ADF 10, may be used to automatically transport media (one sheet or multiple sheets sequentially) along a media path, such as media path 12, from an input tray, as an example of an automated media tray 14, to a scanning or imaging position, and then to an output tray, as another example of an automated media tray 14. At the scanning or imaging position, the media may be scanned or imaged for copying, scanning, faxing, displaying on a monitor, or other processing. In examples, ADF 10 may be part of a printer, a scanner, a photocopier, a fax machine, or a multi-function or all-in-one device providing printing, scanning, copying, and/or faxing capabilities.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of an inkjet printing system. Inkjet printing system 100 includes a printhead assembly 102, as an example of a fluid ejection assembly, a fluid (e.g., ink) supply assembly 104, a mounting assembly 106, a media transport assembly 108, an electronic controller 110, and a power supply 112 that provides power to electrical components of inkjet printing system 100. Printhead assembly 102 includes a printhead die 114, as an example of a fluid ejection die or fluid ejection device, that ejects drops of fluid through a plurality of orifices or nozzles 116 toward a print media 118 so as to print on print media 118.

Print media 118 can be any type of suitable sheet or roll material, such as paper, card stock, transparencies, Mylar, and the like, and may include rigid or semi-rigid material, such as cardboard or other panels. Nozzles 116 are arranged in columns or arrays such that properly sequenced ejection of fluid from nozzles 116 causes characters, symbols, and/or other graphics or images to be printed on print media 118 as printhead assembly 102 and print media 118 are moved relative to each other.

Fluid supply assembly 104 supplies fluid to printhead assembly 102 and, in one example, includes a reservoir 120 for storing fluid such that fluid flows from reservoir 120 to printhead assembly 102. In one example, printhead assembly 102 and fluid supply assembly 104 are housed together in an inkjet cartridge or pen. In another example, fluid supply assembly 104 is separate from printhead assembly 102 and supplies fluid to printhead assembly 102 through an interface connection, such as a supply tube.

Mounting assembly 106 positions printhead assembly 102 relative to media transport assembly 108, and media transport assembly 108 positions print media 118 relative to printhead assembly 102. Thus, a print zone 122 is defined adjacent to nozzles 116 in an area between printhead assembly 102 and print media 118. In one example, printhead assembly 102 is a scanning type printhead assembly. As such, mounting assembly 106 includes a carriage for moving printhead assembly 102 relative to media transport assembly 108 to scan print media 118. In another example, printhead assembly 102 is a non-scanning type printhead assembly. As such, mounting assembly 106 fixes printhead assembly 102 at a prescribed position relative to media transport assembly 108. Thus, media transport assembly 108 positions print media 118 relative to printhead assembly 102.

Electronic controller 110 includes a processor, firmware, software, memory components including volatile and non-volatile memory components, and other printer electronics for communicating with and controlling printhead assembly 102, mounting assembly 106, and media transport assembly 108. Electronic controller 110 receives data 124 from a host system, such as a computer, and temporarily stores data 124 in a memory. Data 124 is sent to inkjet printing system 100 along an electronic, infrared, optical, or other information transfer path. Data 124 represents, for example, a document and/or file to be printed. As such, data 124 forms a print job for inkjet printing system 100 and includes print job commands and/or command parameters.

In one example, electronic controller 110 controls printhead assembly 102 for ejection of fluid drops from nozzles 116. Thus, electronic controller 110 defines a pattern of ejected fluid drops which form characters, symbols, and/or other graphics or images on print media 118. The pattern of ejected fluid drops is determined by the print job commands and/or command parameters.

Printhead assembly 102 includes one (i.e., a single) printhead die 114 or more than one (i.e., multiple) printhead die 114. In one example, printhead assembly 102 is a wide-array or multi-head printhead assembly. In one implementation of a wide-array assembly, printhead assembly 102 includes a carrier that carries a plurality of printhead dies 114, provides electrical communication between printhead dies 114 and electronic controller 110, and provides fluidic communication between printhead dies 114 and fluid supply assembly 104.

In one example, inkjet printing system 100 is a drop-on-demand thermal inkjet printing system wherein printhead assembly 102 includes a thermal inkjet (TIJ) printhead that implements a thermal resistor as a drop ejecting element to vaporize fluid in a fluid chamber and create bubbles that force fluid drops out of nozzles 116. In another example, inkjet printing system 100 is a drop-on-demand piezoelectric inkjet printing system wherein printhead assembly 102 includes a piezoelectric inkjet (PIJ) printhead that implements a piezoelectric actuator as a drop ejecting element to generate pressure pulses that force fluid drops out of nozzles 116.

In examples, inkjet printing system 100 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 130, as an example of ADF 10, and an image reader 126 such that ADF 130 automatically transports media 128 along a media path 132, as an example of media path 12, to and/or past image reader 126. As such, image reader 126 may acquire and/or generate an image of a side or surface of media 128.

In one implementation, ADF 130 includes automated media trays 134, as an example of automated media trays 14, to support media 128 for input to media path 132 (e.g., an input tray) and to receive media 128 as output from media path 132 (e.g., an output tray). In examples, automated media trays 134 may be automatically positioned (for example, closed or opened, stowed or deployed, covered or uncovered, concealed or revealed, retracted or extended, non-communicated or communicated, accessible or inaccessible) based on a presence of a user of inkjet printing system 100, including based on a presence of a user at ADF 130.

In examples, a presence of a user is determined by a sensor 136. In one implementation, sensor 136 is communicated with electronic controller 110 and electronic controller 110 is communicated with ADF 130, including automated media trays 134. As such, electronic controller 110 controls a position of automated media trays 134 based on a presence of a user of inkjet printing system 100, including based on a presence of a user at ADF 130, as determined by sensor 136.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views illustrating an example of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 200, as an example of ADF 10, including automated media trays 210, as an example of automated media trays 14, in a closed position and an open position, respectively, and FIGS. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views illustrating an example of ADF 200 with automated media trays 210 in a closed position and an open position, respectively. In one implementation, as disclosed herein, automated media trays 210 may be automatically positioned (e.g., moved between a first position and a second position) based on a position of a user, for example, user 220, as an example of user 20, relative to ADF 200 including, more specifically, based on a presence of a user, for example, user 220, at ADF 200. In examples, automated media trays 210 may be automatically positioned based on a proximity of a user, for example, user 220, being within a predetermined distance of ADF 200.

As illustrated in the example of FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B, ADF 200 includes a housing 202, automated media trays 210 supported by housing 202, and a media path 204, as an example of media path 12, within housing 202. In examples, media path 204 includes a variety of guides, rollers, wheels, etc. to achieve handling and routing of media within and/or through ADF 200, as disclosed herein.

In one example, automated media trays 210 include an input tray 211 and an output tray 212 such that input tray 211 supports and supplies media for input to ADF 200, and output tray 212 receives and supports media as output from ADF 200. As illustrated in the example of FIGS. 3B and 4B, in an open position, as further described below, input tray 211 and output tray 212 are positioned such that input tray 211 communicates with one end of media path 204 (i.e., an input end), and output tray 212 communicates with an opposite end of media path 204 (i.e., an output end). As such, media may be routed from input tray 211 to output tray 212 along media path 204, as represented by broken line arrows 205 (FIG. 4B).

As disclosed herein, automated media trays 210, including both input tray 211 and output tray 212, may be automatically positioned (e.g., oriented, arranged, configured, operated, actuated) to selectively communicate with media path 204 or provide access to media path 204. For example, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 3A and 4A, automated media trays 210, including both input tray 211 and output tray 212, are positioned so as not to communicate with or provide access to media path 204. More specifically, in the position of FIGS. 3A and 4A, automated media trays 210 are in a closed, stowed, covered, concealed, or retracted position (collectively referred to herein as a “closed position” for simplicity) such that automated media trays 210 are not communicated with media path 204 (i.e., are non-communicated or uncommunicated with media path 204). In addition, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 3B and 4B, automated media trays 210, including both input tray 211 and output tray 212, are positioned to communicate with or provide access to media path 204. More specifically, in the position of FIGS. 3B and 4B, automated media trays 210 are in an open, deployed, uncovered, revealed, or extended position (collectively referred to herein as an “open position” for simplicity) such that automated media trays 210 are communicated with media path 204.

In one implementation, as disclosed herein, a position of automated media trays 210 including, more specifically, a position of input tray 211 and a position of output tray 212, may be established based on a presence of a user, for example, user 220, at ADF 200. More specifically, without a presence of a user at ADF 200, or with an absence of a user at ADF 200, automated media trays 210 may be in a closed position, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3A and 4A. As such, automated media trays 210 do not communicate with media path 204, and ADF 200 is not available for use. However, with a presence of a user, for example, user 220, at ADF 200, automated media trays 210 may be in an open position, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3B and 4B. As such, automated media trays 210 communicate with media path 204, and ADF 200 is available for use.

In one implementation, a presence (or absence) of a user at ADF 200 is based on a proximity of a user to ADF 200. More specifically, in examples, when a user is not within a proximity of ADF 200 (i.e., the proximity of the user is not less than a threshold), automated media trays 210 may be in a closed position, for example, automatically moved to or changed to a closed position, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3A and 4A. And, in examples, when a user, for example, user 220, is within a proximity of ADF 200 (i.e., the proximity of the user is less than a threshold), automated media trays 210 may be in an open position, for example, automatically moved to or changed to an open position, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3B and 4B.

In one example, a proximity of a user to ADF 200 may be determined by or based on a reading of a sensor 206, as an example of sensor 136. In one implementation, sensor 206 is supported by or mounted on housing 202 of ADF 200. In examples, sensor 206 is an optical or laser-based sensor such as a time-of-flight (TOF) laser sensor, including 2D or 3D laser scanning, such as LIDAR, or other scanning, sensing and/or detection capability.

In one implementation, sensor 206 is a proximity sensor and measures or determines a distance of an individual, for example, user 220, from ADF 200. In examples, if an individual is within a predetermined distance of ADF 200, as measured or determined, for example, by sensor 206, a presence of an individual at ADF 200 is established (such that automated media trays 210 are in or automatically moved to or changed to the open position). However, if an individual is not within a predetermined distance of ADF 200, as measured or determined, for example, by sensor 206, a presence of an individual at ADF 200 is not established and, correspondingly, an absence of an individual at ADF 200 is established (such that automated media trays 210 are in or automatically moved to or changed to the closed position).

For example, when a user is not at or is not approaching ADF 200 (i.e., is not within a predetermined distance of ADF 200), automated media trays 210 are in the closed position (e.g., FIGS. 3A and 4A). However, when a user, for example, user 220, is at or approaches ADF 200 (i.e., is within a predetermined distance of ADF 200) automated media trays 210 are automatically moved to or changed to the open position (e.g., FIGS. 3B and 4B). As such, the user may use ADF 200. Thereafter, when the user leaves or walks away from ADF 200 (and, therefore, is not within a predetermined distance of ADF 200), automated media trays 210 are automatically moved to or changed to the closed position (e.g., FIGS. 3A and 4A).

In one implementation, sensor 206 operates as a verification or authentication sensor for controlled access to ADF 200. Authorization to use ADF 200 may be established, for example, by a user credential, such as a badge or access card (e.g., employee badge or access card with RFID, bar code, magstripe, etc.) or a code (e.g., unique pin). For example, if a user is at or approaches ADF 200 (i.e., is within a predetermined distance of ADF 200), but is not authorized to use ADF 200, automated media trays 210 are in the closed position (e.g., FIGS. 3A and 4A). However, if a user is at or approaches ADF 200 (i.e., is within a predetermined distance of ADF 200), and is authorized to use ADF 200, automated media trays 210 are automatically moved to or changed to the open position (e.g., FIGS. 3B and 4B). As such, the user may use ADF 200. Thereafter, when the user leaves or walks away from ADF 200 (and, therefore, is not within a predetermined distance of ADF 200), automated media trays 210 are automatically moved to or changed to the closed position (e.g., FIGS. 3A and 4A).

In one implementation, a presence of a user at ADF 200 is based on physical interaction with ADF 200 by a user. In one example, when a user interacts with a control panel of ADF 200 (or a control panel of a printer including ADF 200), automated media trays 210 may be in an open position, for example, automatically moved to or changed to an open position, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 3B and 4B.

In one example, the closed position of automated media trays 210 and the open position of automated media trays 210 represent different operational modes of ADF 200. More specifically, in one implementation, a closed position of automated media trays 210 represents a standby mode of ADF 200, and an open position of automated media trays 210 represents a ready or use mode of ADF 200.

In one implementation, automated media trays 210, including input tray 211 and output tray 212, are pivoted relative to housing 202 to establish the open position and the closed position. More specifically, automated media trays 210 are pivotally mounted in or pivotally supported by housing 202. In one example, input tray 211 is pivotally mounted or pivotally supported about an axis 213, and output tray 212 is pivotally mounted or pivotally supported about an axis 214. As such, between the closed position of FIGS. 3A and 4A and the open position of FIGS. 3B and 4B, input tray 211 is pivoted about axis 213 and output tray 212 is pivoted about axis 214.

In examples, ADF 200 includes a drive system 216 (FIGS. 4A and 4B) to move input tray 211 and output tray 212 and establish the open position and the closed position. In implementations, drive system 216 may include, for example, a motor, solenoid or other mechanism and associated gears, guides or other components operatively connected to or coupled with input tray 211 and output tray 212 to move or change input tray 211 and output tray 212, collectively or individually, and establish the open position and the closed position of each.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a method 500 of operating an automatic document feeder, such as automatic document feeder 10, 130, 200, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIG. 2, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B, respectively.

At 502, method 500 includes sensing a presence or an absence of a user at the automatic document feeder, such as user 20, 220 at automatic document feeder 10, 200, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B, respectively.

At 504, method 500 includes, with sensing the presence of the user at the automatic document feeder, establishing an open position of both an input tray and an output tray of the automatic document feeder, such as an open position of input tray 141, 211 and output tray 142, 212 of automatic document feeder 10, 200, respectively, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B.

And, at 506, method 500 includes, with sensing the absence of the user at the automatic document feeder, establishing a closed position of both the input tray and the output tray of the automatic document feeder, such as a closed position of input tray 141, 211 and output tray 142, 212 of automatic document feeder 10, 200, respectively, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B.

In one example, establishing the open position of both the input tray and the output tray at 504, includes communicating both the input tray and the output tray with a media path of the automatic document feeder, such as communicating input tray 141, 211 and output tray 142, 212 with media path 12, 204 of automatic document feeder 10, 200, respectively, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B, and establishing the closed position of both the input tray and the output tray at 506, includes non-communicating both the input tray and the output tray with the media path of the automatic document feeder, such as non-communicating input tray 141, 211 and output tray 142, 212 with media path 12, 204 of automatic document feeder 10, 200, respectively, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B. In one example, sensing the presence or the absence of the user at the automatic document feeder at 502, includes sensing a proximity of the user to the automatic document feeder, such as sensing the presence or the absence of user 20 at automatic document feeder 10, 200, as illustrated in the examples of FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 3A and 3B, 4A and 4B, respectively. As disclosed herein, an automatic document feeder and method of operating an automatic document feeder includes automated opening and closing of media trays of the automatic document feeder, including automated opening and closing of an input tray and an output tray of the automatic document feeder, based on a presence or an absence of a user at the automatic document feeder. Automated opening and closing of media trays of the automatic document feeder, as disclosed herein, may improve user experience with the automatic document feeder, as the user will not have to manually open and/or close the media trays. When the automatic document feeder is not in use, automated closing of media trays of the automatic document feeder, as disclosed herein, may improve the aesthetic appearance of the automatic document feeder by providing a more “sleek” or “clean” visual appearance to the automatic document feeder. In addition, automated closing of media trays of the automatic document feeder when the automatic document feeder is not in use, may help to limit damage to the media trays, as the media trays (or portions thereof) may not protrude or extend from the automatic document feeder. Furthermore, automated opening and closing of media trays of the automatic document feeder, as disclosed herein, may be used to control access to the automatic document feeder (e.g., limit use of the automatic document feeder to authorized individuals).

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific examples discussed herein.

Claims

1. An automatic document feeder, comprising:

a media path to route media through the automatic document feeder; and

automated media trays to supply the media to the media path and receive the media from the media path,

the automated media trays to be positioned based on a presence of a user at the automatic document feeder.

2. The automatic document feeder of claim 1, wherein:

with the presence of the user at the automatic document feeder, the automated media trays to be in an open position, and

without the presence of the user at the automatic document feeder, the automated media trays to be in a closed position.

3. The automatic document feeder of claim 1, wherein:

with the presence of the user at the automatic document feeder, the automated media trays to be communicated with the media path, and

without the presence of the user at the automatic document feeder, the automated media trays to be non-communicated with the media path.

4. The automatic document feeder of claim 1, further comprising:

a sensor to sense the presence of the user at the automatic document feeder.

5. The automatic document feeder of claim 4, wherein the sensor comprises a proximity sensor to sense the presence of the user within a predetermined distance of the automatic document feeder,

the automated media trays to be positioned based on the presence of the user within the predetermined distance of the automatic document feeder.

6. The automatic document feeder of claim 1, wherein the automated media trays comprise an input tray to supply media to the media path, and an output tray to receive the media from the media path.

7. An automatic document feeder, comprising:

an input tray to support media input to the automatic document feeder;

an output tray to support media output from the automatic document feeder; and

a media path to route media from the input tray to the output tray,

both the input tray and the output tray to be stowed or deployed based on a proximity of a user to the automatic document feeder.

8. The automatic document feeder of claim 7, both the input tray and the output tray to be pivoted between stowed and deployed based on the proximity of the user to the automatic document feeder.

9. The automatic document feeder of claim 7, with the proximity of the user been less than a threshold, both the input tray and the output tray to be deployed.

10. The automatic document feeder of claim 9, without the proximity of the user been less than the threshold, both the input tray and the output tray to be stowed.

11. A method of operating an automatic document feeder, comprising:

sensing a presence or an absence of a user at the automatic document feeder;

with sensing the presence of the user at the automatic document feeder, establishing an open position of both an input tray and an output tray of the automatic document feeder; and

with sensing the absence of the user at the automatic document feeder, establishing a closed position of both the input tray and the output tray of the automatic document feeder.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein:

establishing the open position of both the input tray and the output tray includes communicating both the input tray and the output tray with a media path of the automatic document feeder, and

establishing the closed position of both the input tray and the output tray includes non-communicating both the input tray and the output tray with the media path of the automatic document feeder.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein sensing the presence or the absence of the user at the automatic document feeder comprises sensing a proximity of the user to the automatic document feeder.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein sensing the proximity of the user to the automatic document feeder within a predetermined distance establishes the presence of the user at the automatic document feeder.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein a lack of sensing the proximity of the user to the automatic document feeder within the predetermined distance establishes the absence of the user at the automatic document feeder.