Door closing mechanism and door closing device

Abstract

A door closing mechanism and door closing device. The door closing mechanism includes: a fixed chassis; a lever arm connected to the chassis and pivotable about a lever arm pivot axis from a first lever arm restrained state to a second lever arm restrained state. A first bearing surface and a second bearing surface are separated by a bearing surface distance. An energy storage element is integrated with the lever arm. A cam plate is capable of translating toward and away from the lever arm and pivotable about the cam plate pivot axis from a first cam restrained state to a second cam restrained state. The cam plate includes a first cam surface extending from the cam plate and a second cam surface extending from the cam plate, the first cam surface being oriented at a positive angle relative to the plane of the copier chassis and coplanar with the first bearing surface, and the second cam surface being oriented at a negative angle relative to the plane of the copier chassis and coplanar with the second bearing surface. The distance separating the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface is equal to the distance separating the distal end of the first cam surface and the proximal end of the second cam surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a closure mechanism for facilitating the closing of a drawer or door. More particularly, the present invention relates to a closure mechanism for facilitating the opening and closing of a drawer of a document processing device, such as a copier. Background Art

[0002] Document processing devices, including printers, copiers, scanners, and multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs), often support a supply of paper, such as a stack of paper, via a drawer or paper tray for use with the document processing device. To replenish the paper supply, the drawer can be opened, new paper can be supplied, and the door closed. Drawers are often opened and closed manually by the user, and difficulty opening or closing a drawer can lead to user frustration and / or cause unnecessary damage to the drawer or document processing device, such as banging the drawer due to excessive force. Summary of the Invention

[0003] 14. The door closing mechanism of claim 13, wherein the first and second cam surfaces of the second embodiment are configured to be rotatable relative to each other and to provide a plurality of cam elements for the door to be closed. The cam surface is configured to be rotatable relative to each other and to provide a plurality of cam elements for the door to be closed. The cam surface is configured to be rotatable relative to each other and to provide a plurality of cam elements for the door to be closed. The cam surface is configured to be rotatable relative to each other and to provide a plurality of cam elements for the door to be closed.

[0004] A door closing mechanism comprises: a fixed chassis defining a chassis plane; a lever arm connected to the fixed chassis and capable of pivoting at a proximal portion of the lever arm about a lever arm pivot axis from a first lever arm restrained state to a second lever arm restrained state, the lever arm including a first bearing surface at a first lever arm distance and a second bearing surface at a second lever arm distance, the first bearing surface being disposed a bearing surface distance from the second bearing surface; an energy storage element operably integrated with the lever arm; and a cam plate capable of translating toward the lever arm from a first cam position to a second cam position and capable of pivoting about the cam plate pivot axis from the first cam restrained state to the second cam restrained state, the cam plate including a first cam surface and a second cam surface, the first cam surface being oriented at a positive angle relative to the chassis plane and coplanarly aligned with the first bearing surface, and the second cam surface being oriented at a negative angle relative to the chassis plane and substantially coplanarly aligned with the second bearing surface, wherein the bearing surface distance is equal to a cam surface distance separating a distal end of the first cam surface from a proximal end of the second cam surface.

[0005] 14. The door closing device of claim 13, wherein the drawer is mounted on the document processing device chassis in a translatable manner at the chassis plane and is capable of translating from a first open state to a second intermediate state and a third closed state; a lever arm is connected to the document processing device chassis, and the lever arm is capable of pivoting from a first lever arm limit state to a second lever arm limit state around a lever arm pivot axis at a proximal portion, the lever arm comprising: a first bearing surface extending outward from the lever arm at a first lever arm distance; and a second bearing surface extending outward from the lever arm at a second lever arm distance, the first bearing surface being arranged to be a bearing surface distance away from the second bearing surface; an energy storage element being operably integrated with the lever arm; and a cam plate connected to the drawer and capable of pivoting from a first cam limit state to a second cam limit state around a cam plate pivot axis, the cam The wheel plate includes a first cam surface extending outward from the cam plate and a second cam surface extending outward from the cam plate, the first cam surface being oriented at a positive angle relative to the chassis plane and aligned coplanarly with the first bearing surface, and the second cam surface being oriented at a negative angle relative to the chassis plane and aligned coplanarly with the second bearing surface, wherein, when the drawer is translated from the first open state to the second intermediate state under the action of a first force, the first cam surface engages with the first bearing surface to cause the lever arm to pivot about the lever arm pivot axis and store energy in the energy storage element; and when the drawer is translated from the second intermediate state under the action of the first force, the first bearing surface disengages from the first cam surface, and the second bearing surface engages with the second cam surface and applies a second force released from the energy storage element to the second cam surface to push the drawer to the third closed state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Various embodiments will be better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is an example embodiment of a document processing apparatus;

[0008] Figure 2 An example embodiment that is part of a document processing apparatus;

[0009] Figure 3 is an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a document processing device showing an example of a closing mechanism;

[0010] Figure 4 is a side view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0011] Figure 5 is a top view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0012] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0013] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0014] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0015] Figure 9 is a schematic side view of a portion of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0016] Figure 10 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0017] Figure 11 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0018] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0019] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0020] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism;

[0021] Figure 15 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a closing mechanism; and

[0022] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a closure mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The systems and methods disclosed herein are described in detail by way of examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the disclosed and described examples, arrangements, configurations, components, elements, devices, apparatus methods, systems, etc. may be modified as appropriate, and such modifications may be desirable for specific applications. In this disclosure, any identification of specific techniques, arrangements, etc. may relate to the specific examples presented, or may simply be a general description of such techniques, arrangements, etc. Unless expressly specified, the identification of specific details or examples is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, mandatory or restrictive.

[0024] The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein relate to document processing devices, including printers, copiers, scanners, and multifunction peripherals (MFPs) or multifunction devices (MFDs), which utilize a sliding drawer or paper tray for supplying paper, such as a stack of paper. Herein, an MFP should be understood to include a copier or printer, either alone or in combination, with additional functionality beyond that of the aforementioned devices. It should also be understood that the MFP is applicable to any suitable document processing device.

[0025] As described above, users acting on the sliding drawer of a document processing device can be frustrated by the difficulty in correctly sliding the drawer in and out. Furthermore, the force applied by the user, whether unintentional or due to a perceived need, can cause the drawer to slam shut, resulting in unnecessary wear and / or damage to the document processing device. The example embodiments herein provide an apparatus, system, and method for closing and managing the drawer of a document processing device and facilitating both low-resistance soft closing and low-resistance opening of the drawer. These and other effects disclosed herein contribute to a more satisfying user experience and reduce damage to the document processing device.

[0026] According to this application, Figure 1 An example embodiment of a document processing device 10 is shown that includes one or more drawers 12 for supporting a supply of paper. The document processing device 10 is suitably a printer, a copier, a scanner, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or a multifunction device (MFD). The document processing device 10 can have a chassis including various slides, channels, etc., to which mating elements of the drawer 12 are suitably operatively engaged to allow the drawer to be pulled out and pushed into the document processing device 10. Generally, any of known slides, bearings, locks, latches, and handles are suitable for use with the example devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein.

[0027] Now go to Figure 2 , shows a portion of a document processing device 10, which illustrates the operating environment of an exemplary embodiment of a closing mechanism 100 for facilitating the opening and closing of a drawer 12 of the document processing device 10. As shown, the document processing device 10 may include a chassis 14 as a frame, and the drawer 12 is mounted on and / or within the chassis 14 in a sliding or rolling manner. The drawer 12 is suitably moved into and out of the document processing device 10, for example, in the direction of arrow 20. As an example, Figure 2 The portion of the document processing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the document processing device 10 is shown at the lower right side of the document processing device. For example, Figure 2 A portion of the right side of the drawer 12 is shown in the figure as being in operation with the Figure 1The closing mechanism 100 disclosed in the embodiment herein is integrated with the right side of the chassis 14 of the document processing device 10 shown in FIG. Figure 2 It is shown as being operatively integrated with the right side of the drawer 12. However, the closing mechanism 100 may also be operatively integrated with the left side of the drawer 12 or both sides of the drawer 12 in a similar manner.

[0028] Now go to Figure 3 , showing Figure 2 Another view of the document processing device 10 is shown with a portion of the chassis 14 removed from view to better illustrate the location of certain components of the closing mechanism 100 and their relationship to the drawer 12 and chassis 14. The portion of the chassis 14 is suitably a lower chassis member 16 to which a portion of the closing mechanism 100 is suitably secured, and as shown Figure 4 The upper surface thereof can be defined as an imaginary chassis plane 18. The imaginary chassis plane 18 is used as a reference to the other portions of the closure mechanism 100. However, the term "chassis plane" does not refer to an actually flat, planar surface, but rather is a reference to a portion of the chassis, which is suitably a generally horizontally disposed surface and is suitable for disclosing the other components of the closure mechanism 100 and performing their operation. Terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "upwardly," "downwardly," "upwardly," and "downwardly" are used herein for descriptive purposes to facilitate a better understanding of the drawings used herein. Therefore, these terms, as well as other position, direction, and orientation terms, are not limitations of the closure mechanism 100, which, for example, may be adapted for use in positions opposite to those disclosed.

[0029] The closing mechanism 100 may include a lever arm 112 and a cam plate 114 that operate together to facilitate low-resistance soft closing of the drawer 12 and relatively low-resistance opening of the drawer 12. Both or one of the lever arm 112 or the cam plate 114 are suitably made of a rigid material, such as plastic, metal, and composite materials. The lever arm 112 is suitably coupled to the chassis, for example, to the lower chassis member 16, and is suitably pivotable about a lever arm pivot axis 118 at a proximal portion 116. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the lever arm 112 is suitably mounted on the lower chassis member 16 via a lever arm bracket 120. An energy storage element 122 is suitably operatively connected to the lever arm 112 and / or the lever arm bracket 120, and the energy storage element 122 is suitably a spring, including a torsion spring as shown. As the lever arm pivots about the lever arm pivot axis 118, the energy storage element 122 stores potential energy and causes the distal end of the lever arm to move toward the lower chassis member 16, for example, in the direction indicated by arrow 132. As disclosed more fully below, the lever arm 112 has a plurality of bearing surfaces ( Figure 3 (not shown), when the drawer is pushed to close in the direction of arrow 130, the plurality of bearing surfaces cooperate with the cam plate during the drawer closing process. Generally, as disclosed herein, the closing mechanism 100 operates in a manner where the drawer 12 moves and the chassis 14 is stationary.

[0030] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the cam plate 114 is suitably mounted to a portion of the drawer such as Figure 3 The right side portion is indicated and is suitably pivotable about a cam plate pivot axis 128 at a proximal portion 124. As disclosed more fully below, the cam plate 114 has a plurality of cam surfaces that engage the lever arm 112 during drawer closing when the drawer is urged closed in the direction of arrow 130.

[0031] Now refer to Figure 4 , shows an embodiment of the closing mechanism 100 in more detail. The lever arm 112 can be pivoted downward (D) toward the lower chassis member 16 or upward (U) away from the lower chassis member 16 about the lever arm pivot axis 118 as shown by arrow 132. The energy storage element 122 can enable the lever arm to be fully upward (e.g., Figure 4 The lever arm 112 is biased to a first lever arm limited position (clockwise as shown) in which further rotation is prevented by the proximal extension 138 of the lever arm contacting the lower chassis member 16. The lever arm 112 may include a first bearing surface 134 and a second bearing surface 136 extending from the drawer side of the lever arm 112. In an embodiment, one or both bearing surfaces may include roller bearings, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in more detail, the roller bearing is coupled to and extends from the drawer side of the lever arm 112. Figure 4 As shown, when the lever arm 112 is in the first lever arm limit position, which is fully biased upward, the distance between the first bearing surface 134 and the imaginary chassis plane 18 is appropriately represented as a first bearing height FBH (which is appropriately measured between the upper surface of the lower chassis member 16 and the upper tangent surface of the roller bearing as shown in the figure).

[0032] The cam plate 114 can pivot downward (D) toward the lower chassis member 16 or upward (U) away from the lower chassis member 16 about the cam plate pivot axis 128 as shown by arrow 135. The cam plate biasing spring 144 can cause the cam plate 114 to be fully upward (eg, Figure 4The cam plate 114 is biased to a first cam limit position (counterclockwise as shown) in which further rotation can be prevented by, for example, a cam stop lug 147 extending from the drawer 12. The cam plate 114 can have a first cam surface 140 and a second cam surface 142 extending from a side thereof. The first cam surface 140 is suitably longer than the second cam surface 142. The first cam surface can be generally linear (straight line). When the cam plate 114 is in the fully upwardly biased first cam limit position, as shown Figure 4 As shown, the distance of at least a portion of the first cam surface 140 (which is suitably the first cam surface distal end 146) from the imaginary chassis plane 18 (which is suitably the upper surface of the lower chassis member 16) is suitably denoted as the first cam surface height FCSH. As will be understood from the description herein, in examples, the distance FCSH is suitably greater than the distance FBH.

[0033] Now go to Figure 5 , showing Figure 4 A top view of an embodiment of the closing mechanism 100 is shown. The first cam surface 140 and the second cam surface 142 are included (at Figure 5 At least a portion of the cam plate 114, including the drawer 12, is configured to be positioned in the same plane as the first bearing surface 134 and the second bearing surface 136, such as in an imaginary plane 148. Therefore, it can be understood that as the drawer 12 is closed in the direction of arrow 130, the first cam surface 140 is urged into contact with the first bearing surface 134, thereby forcing the lever arm 112 downwardly toward the lower chassis member 16 while storing energy in the energy storage element 122. Similarly, as described more fully below, with further movement in the direction of arrow 130, energy is released by the energy storage element 122, urging the second bearing surface 136 against the second cam surface 142 to pull the drawer to the fully closed position.

[0034] refer to Figures 6 to 14 , illustrates the operation of the closing mechanism 100 in a step-by-step process that facilitates a low-resistance soft closing and a relatively low-resistance opening of the drawer 12. Figure 6 As shown, the drawer 12 is opened far enough that both the lever arm 112 and the cam plate 114 are in their respective first, restricted positions, wherein they are each fully rotated upward and are not in contact with each other. That is, no portion of the cam plate 114 is in direct contact with any portion of the lever arm 112. By moving the drawer 12 with the cam plate 114 attached in the direction of arrow 130, the lever arm 112 is secured to the lower chassis member 16, and the user appropriately pushes the drawer 12 toward the closed position.

[0035] Now refer to Figure 7, the drawer 12 is pushed in the direction of arrow 130 and closed to a sufficient distance so that the first bearing surface 134 contacts the first cam surface 140. As the drawer 12 is pushed further toward the closed position, the first cam surface 140 tilts to an angle, and the lever arm pivots about the lever arm pivot axis 118 as shown by arrow 132, forcing the lever arm downward. As the lever arm 112 pivots, energy is stored in the energy storage element 122, which in the embodiment shown is a torsion spring, which is suitably a coil spring operatively connected, as shown. Figure 11 As shown in more detail in FIG, a first extended end 122A of the spring coil is secured to the lever arm, and a second extended end 122B of the spring coil is secured to the chassis 14.

[0036] Now go to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , showing the Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the operation of the closing mechanism 100 in the state described in , but the situation of observing from the drawer side can be said to better illustrate certain operational shapes, positions and relationships between the components of the closing mechanism 100. Figure 8 When the drawer is pushed to close, the cam plate 114 connected to the drawer 12 (not shown) moves in the direction of arrow 130. Figure 7 As shown, when the drawer is pushed closed, the first cam surface 140 of the cam plate 114 contacts the first bearing surface 134, thereby forcing the lever arm downward as shown by arrow 132. Figure 9 As more clearly shown in FIG, the first cam surface is inclined at a certain angle relative to the lower chassis member 16, more specifically relative to the imaginary chassis plane 18, and is referred to as the first cam angle FCA. The first cam angle FCA is relatively smaller than Figure 9 14. Furthermore, the first cam surface is relatively long (relative to the second cam surface), and the first cam extends sufficiently from distance FCD. This, combined with the first cam angle FCA, allows the lever arm 112 to rotate to the second limited position, where the second bearing surface 136 can pass below the second cam lug 143. That is, when the first bearing surface 134 is pushed from at or near the first cam surface distal end 146 in the direction of arrow 150 toward the first cam surface proximal end 152 and into contact with the first cam surface 140, the lever arm 112 is forced to rotate almost completely downward, exposing the second cam lug 143 and positioning the second cam lug 143 above the second bearing surface.

[0037] As will be appreciated from the description herein, certain relative dimensions, component positions, and orientations of components can aid in the operation of the closing mechanism 100. For example, with respect to the first bearing surface, it is appropriate to configure the first bearing lever arm distance FLD to be greater than the second bearing arm lever distance SLD, so that torque is transmitted with less force on the first bearing surface, and this torque is appropriately returned to the second cam surface 142 with a higher force through the second bearing surface 136. In addition, the distance BSD between the first bearing surface 134 and the second bearing surface 136 is appropriately substantially equal to the distance CSD between the start point of the second cam surface 142 and the proximal end 152 of the first cam surface. As described below, and as Figure 9 As shown, when the first bearing surface 134 is released from contact with the cam surface, the second bearing surface 136 contacts the second cam surface 142. Figure 9 The second cam surface angle SCA is shown to be suitably relatively greater than the first cam surface angle FCA. It should be noted that the various shapes and sizes of the bearing surfaces and the various shapes and sizes of the cam surfaces are shown as distances of FLD, SLD, BSD, FCD, and CSD, and that the measurement lines showing such distances are not precise but represent various sizing principles applicable to the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein.

[0038] Continue to refer Figure 8 As the drawer continues to move in the direction of arrow 130, the lever arm 112 rotates downward about the lever arm pivot axis 118 as indicated by arrow 132 until the first bearing surface reaches the first cam surface proximal end 152 and, optionally, the third cam surface 154. As the first bearing surface 134 wraps around the first cam surface proximal end 152 and moves at an upward angle onto the third cam surface 154 (which terminates at the third cam surface distal end 156), the third cam surface 154 continues to constrain the lever arm 112 by contacting the first bearing surface 134. At either the first cam surface proximal end 152 or the third cam surface distal end 156, the drawer's movement in the direction of arrow 130 eventually reaches a stage in the closing process where the first bearing surface 134 no longer contacts the first cam surface 140 or the third cam surface 154, and the release of energy stored in the energy storage element 122 is no longer constrained by the first bearing surface 134 contacting the cam surfaces.

[0039] By further observation Figure 8 and Figure 9As will be appreciated from the description of the drawer closing process, the first bearing surface 134 and the second bearing surface 136 are appropriately separated by a bearing separation distance BSD. In addition, the starting point of the second cam surface 142 (which forms an angle relative to the lower chassis member 16 and more specifically the imaginary chassis plane 18) and the first cam surface proximal end 152 or at the end of the third cam surface distal end 156 (as shown in FIG. Figure 8 142 ). In an embodiment, the bearing separation distance BSD and the cam separation distance CSD are suitably substantially equal, so that when the first bearing surface 134 disengages from the cam surface, the second bearing surface 136 actually "passes" under the second cam lug 143 and may pass under a portion of the second cam surface 142 to contact the second cam surface 142 and be urged by the torque supplied by the energy released from the energy storage element 122, causing the second cam surface 142 to move upward, thereby further urging the drawer 12 to move in the direction of arrow 130. The second bearing surface 136 applies the force generated by the torque to the second cam surface 142, causing the drawer 12 to softly close to the closed position in a positive and controlled manner.

[0040] refer to Figure 9 To further illustrate the operation of the closing mechanism 100, the figure shows in more detail Figure 8 As described above, the first cam surface 140 is oriented at a first cam angle FCA with reference to the imaginary chassis plane 18, which for descriptive purposes is appropriately described as a "positive" angle less than 90 degrees measured clockwise from the imaginary chassis plane 18 (e.g., Figure 9 The second cam surface is oriented at a second cam angle SCA with reference to the imaginary chassis plane 18, which for descriptive purposes is appropriately described as a "negative" angle less than 90 degrees measured counterclockwise from the imaginary chassis plane 18 (e.g., Figure 9 That is, regardless of whether they are described as "positive" or "negative", the first cam angle FCA and the second cam angle SCA are each defined as an acute angle with reference to the imaginary chassis plane 18, but with opposite inclinations. Figure 9As can be appreciated, as drawer 12 moves in the direction of arrow 130, first bearing surface 134 and second bearing surface 136 relatively "move" in the direction of arrow 160. Due to the downward pivoting of lever arm 112, second bearing surface 136 "moves" below second cam lug 143. During the phase of the closing process where first bearing surface 134 leaves contact with first cam surface 140 or third cam surface 154, lever arm 112, which is not constrained by the energy storage force against movement of the first bearing surface, can "bounce back" using torque, thereby applying force to lever arm 112 upward in the direction of arrow 158. However, because second bearing surface 136 is positioned at second cam surface 142, the release of energy stored in energy storage element 122 applies force to second bearing surface 136 against the angled second cam surface 142, thereby providing a force that further moves drawer 12 in the direction of arrow 130, causing drawer 12 to move to the closed position.

[0041] With the above description in mind, the closing process is further illustrated with reference to the following figures. Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the translucent view of the closing mechanism 100 shows a stage in the process in which, when the first bearing surface 134 reaches the proximal end 152 of the first cam surface, the drawer 12 has moved in the direction of arrow 130 a distance sufficient to rotate the lever arm 112 in the direction of arrow 132.

[0042] Now refer to Figure 12 , shows a view of closing mechanism 100 at a stage of the closing process in which drawer 12 has moved a sufficient distance in the direction of arrow 130 such that first bearing surface 134 has moved away from first cam surface proximal end 132 and onto third cam surface 154, and due to the orientation of the angled third bearing surface, some energy is allowed to be released from energy storage element 122 to rotate lever arm 112 upward as indicated by arrow 132, but is still constrained by third cam surface 154 and / or second cam lug 143. Second bearing surface 136 is positioned below second cam lug 143.

[0043] Now refer to Figure 13, shows a view of the closing mechanism 100 showing a stage in the process where the drawer 12 has moved a sufficient distance in the direction of arrow 130, wherein the first bearing surface 134 has moved away from the proximal end of the third cam surface 154 and is no longer in contact with any cam surface. At this stage, the energy stored in the energy storage element 122 provides a torque in the direction of arrow 132, pushing the second bearing surface 136 into contact with the angled second cam surface 142, thereby providing a force to move the drawer further in the direction of arrow 130 and into the closed position. In embodiments, at this stage in the process, a latch (not shown) can securely lock the drawer 12 closed.

[0044] Certain example stages of the closing process of the drawer 12 are described above. Of course, during the closing of the drawer, the closing of the drawer is not performed in discrete stages, but rather is performed in a steady and smooth motion, wherein the closing mechanism 100 also operates in a steady and smooth motion. The first bearing surface 134 and / or the second bearing surface 136 are suitably roller bearings, thereby providing a smooth minimum friction between the first cam surface 140 and / or the second cam surface 142, respectively. The benefits of the closing mechanism 100 are suitably understood by considering the relative sizes and characteristics of the various components and the mechanical advantages derived therefrom during use. Referring again to Figure 8 It will be helpful to understand the benefits and advantages described herein. For example, during the user's movement to close the drawer in the direction of arrow 130 (as described above), the first bearing surface 134 contacts the first cam surface 140, and the user's force provides energy to push the lever arm downward, thereby storing energy in the energy storage element 122. The first lever arm distance FLD from the lever arm pivot axis 118 to the first bearing surface 134 is relatively long, and the first cam distance FCD is relatively long, and the first cam surface angle FCA is relatively small, so during the movement to push the drawer into the appropriate position, the user feels minimal force resistance while energizing the energy storage element 122 by supplying potential energy caused by the torque. However, the second lever arm distance SLD from the lever arm pivot axis 118 to the second bearing surface 136 is relatively short, so the force of the torque generated by the released potential energy supplied to the second cam surface 142 is appropriately significantly greater than the force of the energizing torque and is sufficient to "automatically" pull the drawer into the fixed latched closed position. Therefore, the user feels minimal force resistance to closing the door until it reaches the almost closed position, at which time, as shown in FIG. Figure 14 As shown, the closing mechanism 100 completely closes the door smoothly, safely, and relatively forcefully.

[0045] Therefore, in the embodiment, the closing mechanism 100 is appropriately described when describing the drawer 12, which can translate (e.g., slide or roll) on the virtual chassis plane 18 and is mounted on the chassis 14, and can translate from a first open state to a second intermediate state and to a third closed state. When the drawer is translated from the first open state to the second intermediate state by a first force, the first cam surface engages the first bearing surface to pivot the lever arm about the lever arm pivot axis and store potential energy in the energy storage member. When the drawer is translated from the second intermediate state by the first force, the first bearing surface disengages the first cam surface and the second cam engages the second bearing surface to apply a second force from the stored potential energy to push the drawer to the third closed state.

[0046] The force of the first bearing surface 134 acting on the first cam surface 140 can apply a generally upward force to the drawer 12, so in an embodiment, a roller or other low resistance element (e.g., a sliding member) is appropriately provided on the drawer (e.g., at its top) to reduce the sliding friction between the top of the door and the chassis 14.

[0047] exist Figure 15 and Figure 16 An example drawer 12 opening process is depicted in FIG. In an embodiment, a user who desires to open the drawer 12 appropriately releases a latch (not shown) locking the drawer 12 closed. Figure 15 As depicted, as part of the opening process, the cam plate 114 is suitably rotated downwardly about the cam plate pivot axis 128 in the direction of arrow 162, overcoming the tension of the cam plate biasing spring 144 and away from the cam stop lug 147. This movement allows the second bearing surface 136 to disengage from the second cam surface 142 while the first bearing surface 134 disengages from the upper cam surface 164 and the energy storage element 122 returns the lever arm 112 in the direction of arrow 132 until it reaches its upper limit. The downward rotation of the cam plate is suitably achieved by a mechanical arrangement connected to the drawer latch arrangement so that when the drawer is unlocked for opening, the cam plate is rotated downwardly a sufficient distance to release the second bearing surface from the second cam surface. Figure 16 As shown, when the drawer 12 is opened, i.e., moved in the direction of arrow 166, the first bearing surface 134 can travel with minimal contact and little resistance on the upper cam surface 164, while the second bearing surface is free on any cam surface. As can be understood, during opening, the user feels little resistance from the closing mechanism 100.

[0048] Although certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Indeed, the novel embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in form may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A door closing mechanism comprising: a lever arm connected to the fixed surface at a proximal portion and pivotable about a lever arm pivot axis from a first lever arm restrained state to a second lever arm restrained state, the lever arm including a first bearing surface at a first lever arm distance and a second bearing surface at a second lever arm distance; an energy storage element operatively integrated with the lever arm; as well as a cam plate translatable toward the lever arm from a first cam position to a second cam position and pivotable about a cam plate pivot axis from a first cam limit state at the first cam position, the cam plate including a first cam surface and a second cam surface, the first cam surface oriented at a positive angle relative to the fixed surface and coplanarly aligned with the first bearing surface, the second cam surface oriented at a negative angle relative to the fixed surface and coplanarly aligned with the second bearing surface, wherein at least one of the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface is a roller bearing, The energy storage element has a first potential energy state at the first cam position and has a second potential energy state higher than the first potential energy at the second cam position.

2. The door closing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface are linearly aligned with the lever arm pivot axis.

3. The door closing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The energy storage element is a spring.

4. The door closing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The energy storage element is a torsion spring having a torsion spring axis parallel to the lever arm pivot axis.

5. The door closing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: At the second cam position, the second bearing surface is in contact with the second cam surface.

6. The door closing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first cam surface is linear.

7. A door closing mechanism comprising: Fix the chassis and define the chassis plane; a lever arm connected to the fixed chassis and pivotable at a proximal portion about a lever arm pivot axis from a first lever arm restrained state to a second lever arm restrained state, the lever arm including a first bearing surface at a first lever arm distance and a second bearing surface at a second lever arm distance, the first bearing surface being disposed a bearing surface distance from the second bearing surface; an energy storage element operatively integrated with the lever arm; as well as a cam plate translatable toward the lever arm from a first cam position to a second cam position and pivotable about a cam plate pivot axis from a first cam-restricted state to a second cam-restricted state, the cam plate including a first cam surface and a second cam surface, the first cam surface oriented at a positive angle relative to the plane of the chassis and coplanarly aligned with the first bearing surface, the second cam surface oriented at a negative angle relative to the plane of the chassis and substantially coplanarly aligned with the second bearing surface, wherein at least one of the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface is a roller bearing, The bearing surface distance is equal to the cam surface distance separating the distal end of the first cam surface and the proximal end of the second cam surface.

8. The door closing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface are linearly aligned with the lever arm pivot axis.

9. The door closing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The energy storage element is a spring.

10. The door closing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The energy storage element is a torsion spring having a torsion spring axis parallel to the lever arm pivot axis.

11. The door closing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The first cam surface is linear.

12. The door closing mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The energy storage element has a first potential energy state at the first cam position and has a second potential energy state higher than the first potential energy at the second cam position.

13. A door closing device for a document processing apparatus, comprising: a document processing device chassis defining a chassis plane; a drawer mounted to the document processing device chassis in a translationally movable manner at the chassis plane and capable of translationally moving from a first open state to a second intermediate state and a third closed state; a lever arm coupled to the document processing device chassis and pivotable at a proximal portion thereof about a lever arm pivot axis from a first lever arm restrained state to a second lever arm restrained state, the lever arm comprising: a first bearing surface extending outwardly from the lever arm at a first lever arm distance; and a second bearing surface extending outwardly from the lever arm at a second lever arm distance, the first bearing surface being disposed a bearing surface distance from the second bearing surface; an energy storage element operably integrated with the lever arm; and a cam plate connected to the drawer and capable of pivoting about a cam plate pivot axis from a first cam restricted state to a second cam restricted state, the cam plate including a first cam surface extending outwardly from the cam plate and a second cam surface extending outwardly from the cam plate, the first cam surface being oriented at a positive angle relative to the plane of the chassis and aligned coplanarly with the first bearing surface, the second cam surface being oriented at a negative angle relative to the plane of the chassis and aligned coplanarly with the second bearing surface, wherein at least one of the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface is a roller bearing, When the drawer is translated from the first open state to the second intermediate state under the action of a first force, the first cam surface engages the first bearing surface to pivot the lever arm about the lever arm pivot axis and store energy in the energy storage element; and When the drawer is translated from the second intermediate state under the action of the first force, the first bearing surface disengages from the first cam surface, and the second bearing surface engages with the second cam surface and applies a second force released from the energy storage element to the second cam surface to push the drawer to the third closed state.

14. The door closing device according to claim 13, wherein The first bearing surface and the second bearing surface are linearly aligned with the lever arm pivot axis.

15. The door closing device according to claim 13, wherein The energy storage element is a spring.

16. The door closing device according to claim 13, wherein The energy storage element is a torsion spring having a torsion spring axis parallel to the lever arm pivot axis.

17. The door closing device according to claim 13, wherein: The first cam surface is linear.

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