Automatic paper feeder

Abstract

To provide an automatic paper feeder having an upward scanning module. [Solution] An automatic paper feeder for use with documents, comprising an upper scanning module and a paper feed path, wherein the upper scanning module includes a scanning unit and a document tray, the paper feed path is located below the upper scanning module, the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path is used for feeding and inverting documents to the scanning unit. As a result, since the paper feed path is located below the upper scanning module, if a document passes through a portion of the paper feed path, it can pass through the scanning unit, eliminating the conventional problem where a document must pass through most of the paper feed path before passing through the scanning unit. Furthermore, by arranging the components of the paper feed path and designing the passage, the time it takes for a document to pass through the paper feed path is shortened, improving the operational efficiency of the automatic paper feeder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic document feeder having a scanning function, and more particularly to an automatic document feeder having an upper scanning module.

Background Art

[0002] In offices, an automatic document feeder (ADF) having a scanning function is usually provided. This automatic document feeder includes a paper feeding path and an image scanning unit. A conventional image scanning unit is mainly disposed below the paper feeding path. The paper feeding path is used to reverse the document and send it to the image scanning unit, and the image scanning unit is used to capture the image of the document.

[0003] However, since the above image scanning module is mostly disposed below the paper feeding path, the document has to pass through most of the paper feeding path before being scanned by the image scanning unit, which takes too much time for scanning. Also, after the back side of the document is scanned, the front side of the document becomes upward, so the document is sent into the device body three times to reverse it so that the front side of the document faces downward under the preset condition. Thus, the document has to enter and exit the device three times, and it takes too much time for double-sided scanning.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, when combining an automatic document feeder and a flatbed scanner, how to arrange the components and how to adjust the design of the paper feeding path to shorten the passing time of the paper feeding path has become the research subject of the present invention.

[0005] In view of this, the inventor of the present invention has intensively studied the above prior art and made efforts to solve the above problems by applying theory, which is the development purpose of the inventor of the present invention.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention provides an automatic paper feeder having an upper scanning module, and by providing the paper feed path below the scanning module, the original document can pass through the scanning unit after passing through a portion of the paper feed path, thus eliminating the conventional problem that the original document must pass through most of the paper feed path before passing through the scanning unit. Furthermore, by arranging the components of the paper feed path and designing the passage, the time it takes for the document to pass through the paper feed path is shortened, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the automatic paper feeder.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is an automatic paper feeder for use with documents, comprising: an upper scanning module including a scanning unit and a document tray; a group of document trays including an input tray, a first output tray and a second output tray; and a paper feed path provided below the upper scanning module, wherein the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path comprises: a work passage provided below the scanning unit; an input passage having one end communicating with the work passage and the other end positioned to correspond to the input tray; a first output passage having one end positioned to correspond to the first output tray; and a first output passage having one end communicating with the work passage and the other end communicating with the first output passage. The system includes a reversal passage, a return passage with one end communicating with the connection point between the first paper output passage and the reversal passage and the other end communicating with the connection point between the work passage and the paper input passage, a second paper output passage with one end communicating with the connection point between the work passage and the reversal passage and the other end positioned corresponding to the second paper output tray, a first switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point of the work passage, the reversal passage and the second paper output passage for guiding and sending the document from the work passage to the reversal passage or from the work passage to the second paper output passage, and a second switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point of the first paper output passage, the reversal passage and the return passage for guiding and sending the document from the first paper output passage to the return passage.

[0008] In embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is an automatic paper feeder for use with documents, comprising: an upper scanning module including a scanning unit and a document tray; a group of document trays including an input tray and an output tray; and a paper feed path provided below the upper scanning module, wherein the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path comprises: a work passage provided below the scanning unit; an input passage having one end communicating with the work passage and the other end positioned to correspond to the input tray; an output passage having one end positioned to correspond to the output tray; and a work passage having one end communicating with the work passage and the other end communicating with the output passage. The system includes: a reversing passage; a return passage having one end connected to the connection point between the reversing passage and the paper output passage and the other end connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper input passage; a reversing mechanism provided between the paper output passage and the paper output tray for reversing the document and sending it to the paper output tray; a first switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point between the reversing passage, the return passage, and the paper output passage for guiding and sending the document from the paper output passage to the return passage; and a second switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point between the paper output passage, the paper output tray, and the reversing mechanism for guiding and sending the document from the paper output passage to the paper output tray, or from the paper output passage to the reversing mechanism.

[0009] In embodiments of the present invention, the present invention provides an automatic paper feeder for use with documents, comprising: an upper scanning module including a scanning unit and a document tray; a group of document trays including an input tray and an output tray; and a paper feed path provided below the upper scanning module, wherein the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path comprises a work passage provided below the scanning unit, an input passage having one end communicating with the work passage and the other end positioned corresponding to the input tray, and one end positioned corresponding to the output tray. The system includes a paper output passage, a reversal passage having one end connected to the work passage and the other end connected to the paper output passage, a return passage having one end connected to the connection point between the reversal passage and the paper output passage and the other end connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper input passage, a reversal mechanism provided between the paper output passage and the paper output tray for reversing the document and sending it to the paper output tray, and a switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point between the paper output passage, the paper output tray and the reversal mechanism for guiding and sending the document from the paper output passage to the paper output tray, or from the paper output passage to the reversal mechanism.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is an automatic paper feeder for use with documents, comprising: an upper scanning module including a scanning unit and a document tray; a group of document trays including an input tray and an output tray; and a paper feed path provided below the upper scanning module, wherein the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path comprises a work passage provided below the scanning unit, an input passage having one end communicating with the work passage and the other end positioned corresponding to the input tray, and one end connected to the work passage The system includes: a paper output passage that is connected to the paper output tray and whose other end is positioned to correspond to the paper output tray; a reversal passage whose one end is connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper input passage and whose other end is connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper output passage; a reversal mechanism provided between the paper output passage and the paper output tray for reversing the document and sending it to the paper output tray; and a switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point between the paper output passage, the paper output tray and the reversal mechanism for guiding and sending the document from the paper output passage to the paper output tray, or from the paper output passage to the reversal mechanism.

[0011] In embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is an automatic paper feeder for use with documents, comprising: an upper scanning module including a scanning unit and a document tray; a group of document trays including an input tray, a first output tray and a second output tray; and a paper feed path provided below the upper scanning module, wherein the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path comprises: a work passage provided below the scanning unit; an input passage having one end communicating with the work passage and the other end positioned to correspond to the input tray; a first output passage having one end positioned to correspond to the first output tray; a first reversal passage having one end communicating with the work passage and the other end communicating with the first output passage; a second reversal passage having one end communicating with the connection point between the work passage and the input passage and the other end communicating with the connection point between the first output passage and the first reversal passage; a reciprocal passage; a first branch passage; and A second paper output passage including a second branch passage, wherein the reciprocating passage is arranged in correspondence with the second paper output tray, the first branch passage has one end communicating with the connection point between the work passage and the first reversing passage and the other end communicating with the reciprocating passage, the second branch passage has one end communicating with the connection point between the first reversing passage and the second reversing passage and the other end communicating with the connection point between the reciprocating passage and the first branch passage, and the work passage, the first The system includes a first switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point between the reversal passage and the first branch passage, which guides and sends the document from the work passage to the first reversal passage, or from the work passage to the first branch passage, and a second switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point between the first paper output passage, the first reversal passage, the second reversal passage, and the second branch passage, which guides and sends the document from the first reversal passage to the first paper output passage, or from the second branch passage to the second reversal mechanism.

[0012] As can be seen from the above, in conventional automatic paper feeders, the image scanning unit is located below the paper feed path. Therefore, when scanning a document with a conventional automatic paper feeder, the document must pass through most of the paper feed path before passing through the image scanning unit. This resulted in the problem that the process took too long. In contrast, in the automatic paper feeder of the present invention, the paper feed path is located below the upper scanning module. As a result, once the document has passed through a portion of the paper feed path, it can pass through the scanning unit. Furthermore, by shortening the time it takes for the document to pass through the paper feed path through the arrangement of the components and the design of the passage, the automatic paper feeder of the present invention has the advantages of quickly transporting documents, saving scanning time, and improving scanning efficiency.

[0013] As can be seen from the above, conventional automatic paper feeders cannot achieve the preset condition of discharging a double-sided scanned document with the front side facing downwards into the output tray without moving the document in and out of the machine body and flipping it three times. In contrast, the present invention, through the combination of the upward scanning module and the paper feed path, can achieve double-sided scanning without having to pass through the flipping passage twice completely. This saves the process and time of entering the machine body once, and therefore the automatic paper feeder of the present invention has the advantages of rapidly transporting documents, saving time for double-sided scanning, and improving the efficiency of double-sided scanning. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the first embodiment of the automatic paper feeder of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing another usage state of the first embodiment of the automatic paper feeder of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing yet another usage state of the first embodiment of the automatic paper feeder of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of a second embodiment of the automatic paper feeder of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing another usage state of the second embodiment of the automatic paper feeder of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing still another usage state of the second embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the third embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing another usage state of the third embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing still another usage state of the third embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the fourth embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram showing another usage state of the fourth embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram showing still another usage state of the fourth embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the fifth embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram showing another usage state of the fifth embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram showing still another usage state of the fifth embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram showing the usage state of the sixth embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram showing another usage state of the sixth embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram showing still another usage state of the sixth embodiment of the automatic paper feeding device of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] A detailed description and technical content regarding the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the attached drawings are for illustrative purposes and do not limit the present invention.

[0016] Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of an automatic document feeder having an upward scanning module provided by the present invention, which is used for documents (not shown). This automatic document feeder (ADF) 10 mainly comprises an upward scanning module 1, a group of document trays, and a paper feed path 5.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the upper scanning module 1 includes a scanning unit 11 and a document tray 12, the document tray group includes an input tray 2, a first output tray 31 and a second output tray 32, the paper feed path 5 is located below the upper scanning module 1 as a whole, the document tray 12 is positioned between the scanning unit 11 and the paper feed path 5, the scanning unit 11 is an imaging device or image reading device such as a camera for reading images, the document tray 12 is made of transparent glass and allows the user to manually set documents and perform flatbed scanning.

[0018] Here, the paper feed path 5 includes a work passage 51, an input passage 52, a first output passage 53, a reversal passage 54, a return passage 55, a second output passage 56, a first switching guide mechanism 571, and a second switching guide mechanism 572. The work passage 51 is located directly below the scanning unit 11, allowing the scanning unit 11 to move relative to the document tray 12 along the dotted arrow in the drawing and read the image of a document located on the work passage 51 or the document tray 12. The input passage 52 is located above the first output passage 53, and the reversal passage 54 is a C-shaped passage that automatically reverses the document as it passes through the C-shaped passage. In this embodiment, the document tray 12 is arranged in correspondence with the work passage 51 and the input passage 52, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0019] The following is a detailed explanation. The paper input passage 52 has one end connected to the work passage 51 and the other end positioned to correspond to the paper input tray 2. The first paper output passage 53 has one end positioned to correspond to the first paper output tray 31. The reversal passage 54 has one end connected to the work passage 51 and the other end connected to the first paper output passage 53. One end of the return passage 55 has one end connected to the connection point between the first paper output passage 53 and the reversal passage 54, and the other end of the return passage 55 has one end connected to the connection point between the work passage 51 and the paper input passage 52. The second paper output passage 56 has one end connected to the connection point between the work passage 51 and the reversal passage 54 and the other end positioned to correspond to the second paper output tray 32.

[0020] Furthermore, the first switching guide mechanism 571 is provided at the connection point of the work passage 51, the reversal passage 54, and the second paper output passage 56. The first switching guide mechanism 571 is a swinging block that automatically swings when driven by an actuator (not shown) and selectively closes either the reversal passage 54 or the second paper output passage 56. In this way, the first switching guide mechanism 571 guides and feeds the document from the work passage 51 to the reversal passage 54, or from the work passage 51 to the second paper output passage 56.

[0021] Furthermore, the second switching guide mechanism 572 is provided at the connection point of the first paper output passage 53, the reversal passage 54, and the return passage 55. The second switching guide mechanism 572 is another oscillating block that automatically oscillates when driven by an actuator (not shown) and selectively closes or opens the reversal passage 54. In this way, the second switching guide mechanism 572 guides and feeds the document from the first paper output passage 53 to the return passage 55.

[0022] Furthermore, the paper feed path 5 further includes a paper feed roller group 58, which includes a bidirectional paper feed roller 581 attached to the first paper discharge passage 53, a first unidirectional paper feed roller 582 and a pickup roller 584 attached to the paper input passage 52, and a second unidirectional paper feed roller 583 attached to the work passage 51. Of these, the pickup roller 584 is used to feed the original document from the paper input tray 2 to the paper input passage 52, the bidirectional paper feed roller 581 can feed the original document in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and the first unidirectional paper feed roller 582 and the second unidirectional paper feed roller 583 can feed the original document in only one direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0023] Figure 1 shows the usage state of single-sided scanning in a first embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. First, the first switching guide mechanism 571 closes the second paper output passage 56, and the second switching guide mechanism 572 opens the reversal passage 54. The original document in the paper input tray 2 is moved along the dotted line path shown in the figure, with its surface facing upwards, through the paper input passage 52, the work passage 51, the reversal passage 54, and the first paper output passage 53 to the first paper output tray 31. First, the original document passes through the work passage 51 with its surface facing upwards, and the scanning unit 11 performs a scan on its surface. Next, the reversal passage 54 reverses the surface so that it faces downwards. Finally, the original document that enters the first paper output tray 31 has its surface facing downwards, as shown by the hollow arrow in the figure, and single-sided scanning of the original document is completed.

[0024] Figures 2 and 3 show the usage state of double-sided scanning in the first embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. First, as shown in Figure 2, the first switching guide mechanism 571 closes the second paper output passage 56, and the second switching guide mechanism 572 opens the reversal passage 54. The original document in the paper input tray 2 is moved along the dotted line path, as shown by the hollow arrows in the figure, with the surface facing upwards, sequentially passing through the paper input passage 52, the work passage 51, and the reversal passage 54 to the first paper output passage 53. The original document first passes through the work passage 51, where the scanning unit 11 performs the first scan on the surface, then the reversal passage 54 reverses the surface downwards, and then, as shown in Figure 3, the first switching The guide mechanism 571 closes the reversal passage 54, and the second switching guide mechanism 572 also closes the reversal passage 54. The bidirectional paper feed roller 581 rewinds the document and moves it with the front side facing down, sequentially through the first paper output passage 53, return passage 55, work passage 51, and second paper output passage 56 to the second paper output tray 32, as shown in the figure. The document is then passed through the work passage 51 again, and the scanning unit 11 performs a second scan on the back side. Finally, the document that enters the second paper output tray 32 is facing down, as indicated by the hollow arrow in the figure, and the double-sided scanning of the document is completed.

[0025] As can be seen from the above, in conventional automatic paper feeders, the image scanning unit is located below the paper feed path. Therefore, when scanning a document with a conventional automatic paper feeder, the document must pass through most of the paper feed path before passing through the image scanning unit, resulting in the problem that the operation of conventional automatic paper feeders takes too long. In contrast, in the automatic paper feeder 10 of the present invention, the paper feed path 5 is located below the upper scanning module 1. As a result, once the document has passed through a portion of the paper feed path 5, it can pass through the scanning unit 11. Furthermore, the arrangement of components such as the first switching guide mechanism 571, the second switching guide mechanism 572, the first paper discharge passage 53, and the second paper discharge passage 56 of the paper feed path 5, as well as the design of the passages, shortens the time it takes for the document to pass through the paper feed path 5. Thus, the automatic paper feeder 10 of the present invention has the advantages of quickly transporting documents, saving scanning time, and improving scanning efficiency.

[0026] Furthermore, conventional automatic paper feeders require the document to be moved in and out of the machine body and flipped three times before it can be discharged into the output tray with the front surface of the double-sided scanned document facing downwards, as per the pre-set conditions. In contrast, the present invention, through the combination of the upward scanning module 1 and the paper feed path 5, enables double-sided scanning without having to pass through the flipping passage twice completely. This saves one entry process and time into the machine body, and therefore the automatic paper feeder 10 of the present invention has the advantages of rapidly transporting documents, saving time for double-sided scanning, and improving the efficiency of double-sided scanning.

[0027] Furthermore, since the document tray 12 allows the user to manually set the document and perform flatbed scanning, the scanning unit 11 can read the image of the document located on the work aisle 51 or on the document tray 12. As a result, the automatic paper feeder 10 of the present invention has both automatic paper feed scanning and flatbed scanning functions, and the same scanning unit 11 can be shared for both automatic paper feed scanning and flatbed scanning functions. The automatic paper feeder 10 is characterized by simplified parts and reduced costs.

[0028] Figures 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. The second embodiment in Figures 4 to 6 is substantially the same as the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3. The second embodiment in Figures 4 to 6 differs from the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3 in that the document tray 12 is arranged in correspondence with the work passage 51 and the second paper discharge passage 56, but it is not limited to this embodiment.

[0029] Figures 7 to 9 show a third embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. The third embodiment in Figures 7 to 9 is substantially the same as the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, and differs from the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3 in that the document tray group and the paper feed path 5 have different structures.

[0030] More specifically, the document tray group in this embodiment includes only an input tray 2 and an output tray 3. The output tray 3 has opposing first side 33 and second side 34. The paper feeding path 5 includes a work passage 51, an input passage 52, an output passage 59, a reversal passage 54, a return passage 55, a reversal mechanism 8, a first switching guide mechanism 571', and a second switching guide mechanism 572'. The reversal passage 54 is a C-shaped passage, and the input passage 52 is located above the output passage 59.

[0031] Of these, the work passage 51 is located below the scanning unit 11, the paper input passage 52 has one end connected to the work passage 51 and the other end positioned to correspond to the paper input tray 2, the paper output passage 59 has one end positioned to correspond to the paper output tray 3, the reversal passage 54 has one end connected to the work passage 51 and the other end connected to the paper output passage 59, one end of the return passage 55 is connected to the connection point between the reversal passage 54 and the paper output passage 59, the other end of the return passage 55 is connected to the connection point between the work passage 51 and the paper input passage 52, and the paper output passage 59 is located near the first side 33 of the paper output tray 3 and feeds the document from the first side 33 to the second side 34.

[0032] Furthermore, the inversion mechanism 8 is positioned between the paper output passage 59 and the paper output tray 3. The inversion mechanism 8 has a transport unit 83, which is located near the second side 34 of the paper output tray 3. The transport unit 83 feeds the document from the second side 34 towards the first side 33, thereby causing the inversion mechanism 8 to invert the document and send it to the paper output tray 3.

[0033] The following is a detailed explanation. The reversal mechanism 8 is provided above the output tray 3 and includes one or more negative pressure rollers 81 and a breathable belt 82 fitted onto the negative pressure rollers 81 and rotating in accordance with the negative pressure rollers 81. The transport section 83 consists of an arc-shaped outer surface 831 formed on the negative pressure roller 81, positioned near the second side 34 and rotating in the direction from the second side 34 to the first side 33, and a breathable belt 82 covering the outside of the arc-shaped outer surface 831. When the negative pressure roller 81 applies negative pressure to the breathable belt 82, the original document, as it passes over the arc-shaped outer surface 831, is first driven by the breathable belt 82 and reversed, and then sent to the output tray 3 in the direction from the second side 34 to the first side 33.

[0034] Furthermore, the first switching guide mechanism 571' is provided at the connection point between the reversal passage 54, the return passage 55, and the paper output passage 59. The first switching guide mechanism 571' is a swinging block that automatically swings when driven by an actuator (not shown), selectively closing or opening the reversal passage 54. In this way, the first switching guide mechanism 571' guides and feeds the document from the paper output passage 59 to the return passage 55.

[0035] Furthermore, the second switching guide mechanism 572' is provided at the connection point between the paper output passage 59, the paper output tray 3, and the reversing mechanism 8. The second switching guide mechanism 572' is another oscillating block that automatically oscillates when driven by an actuator (not shown) and selectively blocks the space between the paper output passage 59 and the reversing mechanism 8, or between the paper output passage 59 and the paper output tray 3. As a result, the second switching guide mechanism 572' guides and sends the document from the paper output passage 59 to the paper output tray 3, or from the paper output passage 59 to the reversing mechanism 8.

[0036] Furthermore, the paper feed path 5 further includes a paper feed roller group 58, the paper feed roller group 58 including a bidirectional paper feed roller 581 attached to the paper discharge passage 59, a first one-way paper feed roller 582 and a pickup roller 584 attached to the paper input passage 52, and a second one-way paper feed roller 583 attached to the work passage 51 or the reversal passage 54.

[0037] Figure 7 shows the usage state of single-sided scanning in a third embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. First, the second switching guide mechanism 572' blocks the space between the paper output passage 59 and the reversal mechanism 8, and the first switching guide mechanism 571' opens the reversal passage 54. The original document in the paper input tray 2 is moved along the dotted line path, as shown in the figure, with its surface facing upwards, passing through the paper input passage 52, work passage 51, reversal passage 54, and paper output passage 59 to the paper output tray 3. First, the original document passes through the work passage 51 with its surface facing upwards, and the scanning unit 11 performs a scan on the surface. Next, it is reversed by the reversal passage 54 so that the surface faces downwards. Finally, the original document that enters the paper output tray 3 has its surface facing downwards, as shown by the hollow arrow in the figure, and single-sided scanning of the original document is completed.

[0038] Figures 8 and 9 show the usage state of double-sided scanning in a third embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. First, as shown in Figure 8, the second switching guide mechanism 572' blocks the space between the paper output passage 59 and the reversal mechanism 8, and the first switching guide mechanism 571' opens the reversal passage 54. The original document in the paper input tray 2 is moved along the dotted line path, as shown by the hollow arrows in the figure, with the surface facing upwards, sequentially passing through the paper input passage 52, the work passage 51, and the reversal passage 54 onto the paper output passage 59 and the reversal mechanism 8. The original document first passes through the work passage 51, where the scanning unit 11 performs the first scan on the surface. Next, it is reversed by the reversal passage 54 so that the surface faces downwards. Then, as shown in Figure 9, the first switching guide mechanism 571' closes the reversal passage 54, and the bidirectional paper feed roller 581 rewinds the original document. When the document has fully entered the output passage 59 and return passage 55, the second switching guide mechanism 572' again blocks the space between the output passage 59 and the output tray 3, and moves the document with the front side facing down along the dotted line path as shown in the figure, passing through the output passage 59, return passage 55, work passage 51, reversal passage 54, output passage 59, and reversal mechanism 8 to the output tray 3. The document then passes through the work passage 51 again, and the scanning unit 11 performs a second scan on the back side. After that, the document is sequentially reversed by the reversal passage 54 so that the front side faces up, and then reversed by the reversal mechanism 8 so that the front side faces down. Finally, the document that has entered the output tray 3 has the front side facing down as shown by the hollow arrow in the figure, and the double-sided scanning of the document is completed.

[0039] Since the paper feed path 5 of the automatic paper feeder 10 of the present invention is located below the scanning unit 11, if a document passes through a portion of the paper feed path 5, it can then pass through the scanning unit 11. Furthermore, the arrangement of components such as the first switching guide mechanism 571', the second switching guide mechanism 572', and the reversing mechanism 8 of the paper feed path 5, as well as the design of the passage, shortens the time it takes for a document to pass through the paper feed path 5. As a result, the same effects as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be obtained.

[0040] Figures 10 to 12 show a fourth embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. The fourth embodiment in Figures 10 to 12 is substantially the same as the third embodiment in Figures 7 to 9, and differs from the third embodiment in Figures 7 to 9 in that the paper input passage 52 is located below the paper output passage 59, and the paper feed path 5 has a different structure.

[0041] More specifically, the paper feed path 5 in this embodiment includes a work passage 51, an input passage 52, an output passage 59, a reversal passage 54, a return passage 55, a reversal mechanism 8, and a switching guide mechanism 57.

[0042] Of these, the switching guide mechanism 57 is provided at the connection point between the paper output passage 59, the paper output tray 3, and the reversing mechanism 8. When driven by an actuator (not shown), the switching guide mechanism 57 automatically swings and is a swinging block that selectively blocks the space between the paper output passage 59 and the reversing mechanism 8, or between the paper output passage 59 and the paper output tray 3. As a result, the switching guide mechanism 57 guides and sends the document from the paper output passage 59 to the paper output tray 3, or from the paper output passage 59 to the reversing mechanism 8.

[0043] Figure 10 shows the usage state of single-sided scanning in a fourth embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. First, the switching guide mechanism 57 blocks the space between the paper output passage 59 and the paper output tray 3. The original document in the paper input tray 2 is moved along the dotted line path shown in the figure, sequentially passing through the paper input passage 52, inversion passage 54, work passage 51, paper output passage 59, and inversion mechanism 8 to the paper output tray 3, with the surface facing downwards as indicated by the hollow arrows in the figure. The original document is first inverted by the inversion passage 54 so that the surface faces upwards, then passes through the work passage 51 with the surface facing upwards, and the scanning unit 11 performs scanning on the surface. Next, the inversion mechanism 8 inverts the original document so that the surface faces downwards, and finally, the original document that enters the paper output tray 3 has its surface facing downwards as indicated by the hollow arrows in the figure, completing single-sided scanning of the original document.

[0044] Figures 11 and 12 show the usage state of double-sided scanning in the fourth embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. First, as shown in Figure 11, the switching guide mechanism 57 blocks the space between the paper output passage 59 and the reversal mechanism 8, and the document in the paper input tray 2 is moved along the dotted line path that sequentially passes through the paper input passage 52, the reversal passage 54, and the work passage 51, with the surface facing downwards as indicated by the hollow arrows in the figure, onto the paper output passage 59 and the reversal mechanism 8. First, the document is reversed by the reversal passage 54 so that the surface faces upwards, and the document passes through the work passage 51, where the scanning unit 11 performs the first scan on the surface. Next, as shown in Figure 12, the bidirectional paper feed roller 581 rewinds the document, and when the document has fully entered the paper output passage 59 and the return passage 55, the switching guide mechanism 57 again blocks the space between the paper output passage 5 The space between 9 and the output tray 3 is blocked, and since the return passage 55 is located below the work passage 51, the document located in the output passage 59 is automatically moved downward by gravity and sent to the return passage 55, and the document is moved along the dotted line path that passes through the output passage 59, return passage 55, inversion passage 54, work passage 51, and output passage 59 in sequence with the front side facing upwards as shown in the figure, and is sent to the output tray 3. The document is first inverted by the inversion passage 54 so that the front side faces downwards, and the document passes through the work passage 51 again, where the scanning unit 11 performs a second scan on the back side, and finally, the document that enters the output tray 3 has its front side facing downwards as shown by the hollow arrow in the figure, and the double-sided scanning of the document is completed.

[0045] Since the paper feed path 5 of the automatic paper feeder 10 of the present invention is located below the upper scanning module 1, once a document has passed through a portion of the paper feed path 5, it can pass through the scanning unit 11. Furthermore, the arrangement of components such as the switching guide mechanism 57 and the reversing mechanism 8 of the paper feed path 5, as well as the design of the passage, shortens the time it takes for a document to pass through the paper feed path 5. This provides the same effects as the third embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0046] Figures 13 to 15 show a fifth embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. The fifth embodiment in Figures 13 to 15 is substantially the same as the third embodiment in Figures 7 to 9, and differs from the third embodiment in Figures 7 to 9 in that the paper feed path 5 has a different structure.

[0047] The details are explained below. The paper feed path 5 includes a work passage 51, an input passage 52, an output passage 59', a reversal passage 54', a reversal mechanism 8, and a switching guide mechanism 57.

[0048] Of these, the work passage 51 is located below the upper scanning module 1, the paper input passage 52 has one end connected to the work passage 51 and the other end positioned to correspond to the paper input tray 2, the paper output passage 59' has one end connected to the work passage 51 and the other end positioned to correspond to the paper output tray 3, the reversal passage 54' is a C-shaped passage, one end of the reversal passage 54' is connected to the connection point between the work passage 51 and the paper input passage 52, and the other end of the reversal passage 54' is connected to the connection point between the work passage 51 and the paper output passage 59', the paper output passage 59' is located near the first side 33 of the paper output tray 3 and feeds the document from the first side 33 to the second side 34, and the document tray 12 in this embodiment is positioned to correspond to the work passage 51 and the paper output passage 59'.

[0049] Furthermore, the inversion mechanism 8 is provided between the paper output passage 59' and the paper output tray 3. The inversion mechanism 8 is for inverting the document and sending it to the paper output tray 3. The inversion mechanism 8 has a transport unit 83, which is provided near the second side 34 of the paper output tray 3. The transport unit 83 transports the document from the second side 34 towards the first side 33, thereby inverting the document and sending it to the paper output tray 3.

[0050] Furthermore, the switching guide mechanism 57 is provided at the connection point between the paper output passage 59', the paper output tray 3, and the reversing mechanism 8. When driven by an actuator (not shown), the switching guide mechanism 57 automatically swings and is a swinging block that selectively blocks the space between the paper output passage 59' and the reversing mechanism 8, or between the paper output passage 59' and the paper output tray 3. As a result, the switching guide mechanism 57 guides and sends the document from the paper output passage 59' to the paper output tray 3, or from the paper output passage 59' to the reversing mechanism 8.

[0051] Furthermore, the paper feed path 5 further includes a paper feed roller group 58, which includes a bidirectional paper feed roller 581 mounted on the paper output path 59' and a unidirectional paper feed roller 585 and a pickup roller 584 mounted on the paper input path 52, the unidirectional paper feed roller 585 being able to feed documents in only one direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0052] Figure 13 shows the usage state of single-sided scanning in a fifth embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. First, the switching guide mechanism 57 blocks the space between the paper output passage 59' and the paper output tray 3. The original document in the paper input tray 2 is moved along the dotted line path shown in the figure, sequentially passing through the paper input passage 52, the work passage 51, the paper output passage 59', and the reversal mechanism 8 to the paper output tray 3, with the surface facing upwards as indicated by the hollow arrows in the figure. First, the original document passes through the work passage 51 with the surface facing upwards, and the scanning unit 11 performs a scan on the surface. Next, the reversal mechanism 8 reverses the document so that the surface faces downwards. Finally, the original document that enters the paper output tray 3 has its surface facing downwards as indicated by the hollow arrows in the figure, and single-sided scanning of the original document is completed.

[0053] Figures 14 and 15 show the usage state of double-sided scanning in the fifth embodiment of the automatic paper feed device 10 according to the present invention. First, as shown in Figure 14, the switching guide mechanism 57 blocks the space between the paper output passage 59' and the paper output tray 3. The document in the paper input tray 2 is moved sequentially along the dotted line path shown in the figure, with the surface facing upwards as indicated by the hollow arrows, through the paper input passage 52 and the work passage 51 to the paper output passage 59' and onto the reversing mechanism 8. The document first passes through the work passage 51, and the scanning unit 11 performs the first scan on the surface. Then, as shown in Figure 15, the bidirectional paper feed roller 581 rewinds the document, and when the document has fully entered the paper output passage 59', the switching guide mechanism 57 blocks the space between the paper output passage 59' and the reversing mechanism 8 again. Here, since the reversal passage 54' is located below the work passage 51, the document located in the output passage 59' is automatically moved downward by gravity and sent to the reversal passage 54', and the document is moved along the dotted line path that passes through the output passage 59', reversal passage 54', work passage 51, and output passage 59' in sequence with the front side facing upwards, as shown in the figure, to the output tray 3. The document is first reversed by the reversal passage 54' so that the front side faces downwards, then passes through the work passage 51 again, and the scanning unit 11 performs a second scan on the back side. Finally, the document that enters the output tray 3 has its front side facing downwards as shown by the hollow arrow in the figure, and the double-sided scanning of the document is completed.

[0054] As can be seen from the above, since the paper feed path 5 of the automatic paper feeder 10 of the present invention is located below the upper scanning module 1, once the document has passed through a portion of the paper feed path 5, it can pass through the scanning unit 11. Furthermore, the arrangement of components such as the switching guide mechanism 57 and the reversing mechanism 8 of the paper feed path 5, as well as the design of the passage, shortens the time it takes for the document to pass through the paper feed path 5. This provides the same effects as the third embodiment shown in Figures 7 to 9.

[0055] Figures 16 to 18 show a sixth embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. The sixth embodiment in Figures 16 to 18 is substantially the same as the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3, and differs from the first embodiment in Figures 1 to 3 in that the paper feed path 5 has a different structure.

[0056] More specifically, the paper feed path 5 includes a work passage 51, an input passage 52, a first output passage 53, a first reversal passage 541, a second reversal passage 542, a second output passage 56', a first switching guide mechanism 571'', and a second switching guide mechanism 572''.

[0057] Of these, the work passage 51 is located below the upper scanning module 1, the paper input passage 52 has one end connected to the work passage 51 and the other end positioned to correspond to the paper input tray 2, the first paper output passage 53 has one end positioned to correspond to the first paper output tray 31, the first reversal passage 541 has one end connected to the work passage 51 and the other end connected to the first paper output passage 53, and one end of the second reversal passage 542 is connected to the connection point between the work passage 51 and the paper input passage 52, and the second reversal The other end of the turning passage 542 is connected to the connection point between the first paper output passage 53 and the first reversal passage 541. The first reversal passage 541 and the second reversal passage 542 are each C-shaped passages. The work passage 51, the first reversal passage 541, and the second reversal passage 542 are arranged in a ring-shaped passage that surrounds them. In this embodiment, the document tray 12 is arranged in correspondence with the work passage 51, the paper input passage 52, the reciprocal passage 561, and the first branch passage 562.

[0058] Furthermore, the second paper output passage 56' includes a reciprocating passage 561, a first branch passage 562, and a second branch passage 563. The reciprocating passage 561 is positioned corresponding to the second paper output tray 32. One end of the first branch passage 562 communicates with the connection point between the work passage 51 and the first reversing passage 541, and the other end communicates with the reciprocating passage 561. One end of the second branch passage 563 communicates with the connection point between the first reversing passage 541 and the second reversing passage 542, and the other end of the second branch passage 563 communicates with the connection point between the reciprocating passage 561 and the first branch passage 562.

[0059] Furthermore, the first switching guide mechanism 571" is provided at the connection point of the work passage 51, the first reversal passage 541, and the first branch passage 562. The first switching guide mechanism 571" is a swinging block that automatically swings when driven by an actuator (not shown) to selectively close either the first reversal passage 541 or the first branch passage 562. In this way, the first switching guide mechanism 571" guides and feeds the document from the work passage 51 to the first reversal passage 541, or from the work passage 51 to the first branch passage 562.

[0060] Furthermore, the second switching guide mechanism 572" is provided at the connection point of the first paper output passage 53, the first reversal passage 541, the second reversal passage 542, and the second branch passage 563. The second switching guide mechanism 572" is another oscillating block that automatically oscillates when driven by an actuator (not shown) to selectively close either the first paper output passage 53 or the second reversal passage 542. In this way, the second switching guide mechanism 572" guides and feeds the document from the first reversal passage 541 to the first paper output passage 53, or from the second branch passage 563 to the second reversal passage 542.

[0061] Furthermore, the paper feed path 5 further includes a paper feed roller group 58, which includes a bidirectional paper feed roller 581 mounted on the reciprocating passage 561, a first unidirectional paper feed roller 582 and a pickup roller 584 mounted on the paper inlet passage 52, a second unidirectional paper feed roller 583 mounted on the first paper outlet passage 53, and a third unidirectional paper feed roller 586 mounted in the first reversing passage 541 adjacent to the first paper outlet passage 53, the third unidirectional paper feed roller 586 being able to feed documents in only one direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0062] Figure 16 shows the usage state of single-sided scanning in the sixth embodiment of the automatic paper feeder 10 according to the present invention. First, the first switching guide mechanism 571" closes the first branching passage 562, and the second switching guide mechanism 572" closes the second reversal passage 542. The original document in the paper input tray 2 is moved along the dotted line path shown in the figure, sequentially passing through the paper input passage 52, the work passage 51, the first reversal passage 541, and the first paper output passage 53 to the first paper output tray 31, with the surface facing upwards as indicated by the hollow arrows in the figure. First, the original document passes through the work passage 51 with the surface facing upwards, and the scanning unit 11 performs a scan on the surface. Next, the original document is reversed by the first reversal passage 541 so that the surface faces downwards. Finally, the original document that enters the first paper output tray 31 has its surface facing downwards as indicated by the hollow arrows in the figure, and single-sided scanning of the original document is completed.

[0063] Figures 17 and 18 show the usage state of double-sided scanning in the sixth embodiment of the automatic paper feed device 10 according to the present invention. First, as shown in Figure 17, the first switching guide mechanism 571" closes the first reversal passage 541, and the document in the paper tray 2 is moved along the dotted line path, as shown in the figure, with the surface facing upwards as indicated by the hollow arrows in the figure, sequentially passing through the paper feed passage 52, the work passage 51, and the first branch passage 562 to the reciprocable passage 561. The document first passes through the work passage 51, and the scanning unit 11 performs the first scanning operation on the surface. Then, as shown in Figure 18, the second switching guide mechanism 572" closes the first paper output passage 53, and the first switching guide mechanism 571" closes the first reversal passage 541, and the bidirectional paper feed roller 581 rewinds the document. Here, the second branch passage 563 closes the first branch passage Because it is located below path 562, the document located in the reciprocating passage 561 is automatically moved downward by gravity and sent to the second branch passage 563. The document is then moved along the dotted line path that passes through the reciprocating passage 561, the second branch passage 563, the second reversing passage 542, the work passage 51, the first branch passage 562, and the reciprocating passage 561 in sequence with the front side facing upwards, as shown in the figure, and sent to the second output tray 32. The document is then reversed by the second reversing passage 542 so that the front side is facing downwards again. After that, the document passes through the work passage 51 again, and the scanning unit 11 performs a second scan on the back side. Finally, the document that enters the second output tray 32 has its front side facing downwards, as shown by the hollow arrow in the figure, and the double-sided scanning of the document is completed.

[0064] As can be seen from the above, since the paper feed path 5 of the automatic paper feeder 10 of the present invention is located below the upper scanning module 1, once the document has passed through a portion of the paper feed path 5, it can pass through the scanning unit 11. Furthermore, the arrangement of components such as the first paper output passage 53, the first reversal passage 541, the second reversal passage 542, the second paper output passage 56', the first switching guide mechanism 571'', and the second switching guide mechanism 572'', as well as the design of the passages, shortens the time it takes for the document to pass through the paper feed path 5. As a result, the same effects as in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 can be obtained.

[0065] Based on the above, the automatic paper feeder having the upward scanning module of the present invention is not found in similar products, is not in public use, possesses industrial applicability, novelty and inventiveness, and satisfies all the requirements for patent application. Therefore, in order to guarantee the inventor's rights, an application is filed under the Patent Law. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10 Automatic paper feeder 1. Upward scanning module 11 Scanning Unit 12 Manuscript stand 2 Paper Trays 3. Paper output tray 31. First paper output tray 32. Second paper output tray 33 1st side 34 Second side 5. Paper feed path 51 Work passage 52 Paper input passage 53 First paper output aisle 54, 54' Reversal passage 541 First Reversal Passage 542 Second Reversal Passage 55 Return passage 56, 56' Second paper output aisle 561 Round-trip passageway 562 First branch passage 563 Second branch passage 57 Switching guide mechanism 571, 571', 571” First switching guide mechanism 572, 572', 572” Second switching guide mechanism 58 Paper feed roller group 581 Bidirectional paper feed roller 582 First one-way paper feed roller 583 Second one-way paper feed roller 584 Pickup Roller 585 Unidirectional paper feed roller 586 Third one-way paper feed roller 59, 59' Paper output path 8. Reversal mechanism 81. Vacuum roller 82 Breathable belt 83 Conveying section 831 Arc-shaped outer surface

Claims

1. An automatic paper feeder used for documents, An upward scanning module including a scanning unit and document tray, A set of document trays including an input tray, a first output tray, and a second output tray, The document tray comprises a paper feed path located below the upper scanning module, and the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path is A work passage located below the scanning unit, An input passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is positioned corresponding to the input tray, A first paper output passage, one end of which is positioned to correspond to the first paper output tray, A reversing passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is connected to the first paper discharge passage, A return passage, one end of which is connected to the connection point between the first paper discharge passage and the reversal passage, and the other end of which is connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper input passage, A second paper output passage, one end of which is connected to the connection point between the work passage and the reversing passage, and the other end of which is positioned corresponding to the second paper output tray, A first switching guide mechanism is provided at the connection point between the work passage, the reversing passage, and the second paper output passage, and guides and feeds the document from the work passage to the reversing passage, or from the work passage to the second paper output passage. An automatic paper feeder, comprising: a second switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point of the first paper output passage, the reversal passage, and the return passage, which guides and feeds the original document from the first paper output passage to the return passage.

2. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 1, wherein the scanning unit can move relative to the document glass and capture an image of the document located in the work passage or on the document glass.

3. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 1, wherein the reversing passage is a C-shaped passage, the paper input passage is located above the first paper output passage, the first switching guide mechanism is a rocking block that closes the reversing passage or the second paper output passage, and the second switching guide mechanism is another rocking block that closes or opens the reversing passage.

4. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 1, wherein the paper feed path further includes a group of paper feed rollers, the group of paper feed rollers includes a bidirectional paper feed roller attached to the first paper discharge passage, a first unidirectional paper feed roller and a pickup roller attached to the paper input passage, and a second unidirectional paper feed roller attached to the work passage.

5. An automatic paper feeder used for documents, An upward scanning module including a scanning unit and document tray, A set of document trays including an input tray and an output tray, The document tray comprises a paper feed path located below the upper scanning module, and the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path is A work passage located below the scanning unit, An input passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is positioned corresponding to the input tray, A paper output passage, one end of which is positioned to correspond to the paper output tray, A reversing passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is connected to the paper discharge passage, A return passage, one end of which is connected to the connection point between the reversing passage and the paper discharge passage, and the other end of which is connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper input passage, A reversing mechanism is provided between the paper output passage and the paper output tray, which inverts the document and sends it to the paper output tray, A first switching guide mechanism is provided at the connection point of the reversal passage, the return passage, and the paper output passage, and guides and sends the document from the paper output passage to the return passage. An automatic paper feeder, comprising a second switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point between the paper output passage, the paper output tray, and the reversing mechanism, which guides and feeds the document from the paper output passage to the paper output tray, or from the paper output passage to the reversing mechanism.

6. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 5, wherein the scanning unit can move relative to the document glass and capture an image of the document located in the work passage or on the document glass.

7. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 5, wherein the output tray has opposing first and second sides, the output passage is provided near the first side of the output tray and feeds the document from the first side to the second side, and the reversing mechanism has a transport section, the transport section is provided near the second side of the output tray and feeds the document from the second side to the first side.

8. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 7, wherein the reversing mechanism is provided above the output tray, and the reversing mechanism includes at least one negative pressure roller and a breathable belt fitted to the at least one negative pressure roller and rotating in accordance with the at least one negative pressure roller, and the transport section comprises an arc-shaped outer surface formed on the at least one negative pressure roller and positioned adjacent to the second side and rotating from the second side toward the first side, and the breathable belt covering the outside of the arc-shaped outer surface.

9. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 5, wherein the reversing passage is a C-shaped passage, the paper input passage is located above the paper output passage, the first switching guide mechanism is a rocking block that closes or opens the reversing passage, and the second switching guide mechanism is another rocking block that blocks the space between the paper output passage and the reversing passage, or between the paper output passage and the paper output tray.

10. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 5, wherein the paper feed path further includes a group of paper feed rollers, the group of paper feed rollers includes a bidirectional paper feed roller attached to the paper discharge passage, a first unidirectional paper feed roller and a pickup roller attached to the paper input passage, and a second unidirectional paper feed roller attached to the work passage or the reversing passage.

11. An automatic paper feeder used for documents, An upward scanning module including a scanning unit and document tray, A set of document trays including an input tray and an output tray, The document tray comprises a paper feed path located below the upper scanning module, and the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path is A work passage located below the scanning unit, An input passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is positioned corresponding to the input tray, A paper output passage, one end of which is positioned to correspond to the paper output tray, A reversing passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is connected to the paper discharge passage, A return passage, one end of which is connected to the connection point between the reversing passage and the paper discharge passage, and the other end of which is connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper input passage, A reversing mechanism is provided between the paper output passage and the paper output tray, which inverts the document and sends it to the paper output tray, An automatic paper feeder, comprising a switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point between the paper output passage, the paper output tray, and the reversing mechanism, which guides and feeds the document from the paper output passage to the paper output tray, or from the paper output passage to the reversing mechanism.

12. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 11, wherein the scanning unit can move relative to the document glass and capture an image of the document located in the work passage or on the document glass.

13. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 11, wherein the output tray has opposing first and second sides, the output passage is provided near the first side of the output tray and feeds the document from the first side to the second side, and the reversing mechanism has a transport section, the transport section is provided near the second side of the output tray and feeds the document from the second side to the first side.

14. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 13, wherein the reversing mechanism is provided above the output tray, and the reversing mechanism includes at least one negative pressure roller and a breathable belt fitted to the at least one negative pressure roller and rotating in accordance with the at least one negative pressure roller, and the transport section comprises an arc-shaped outer surface formed on the at least one negative pressure roller and positioned adjacent to the second side and rotating from the second side toward the first side, and the breathable belt covering the outside of the arc-shaped outer surface.

15. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 11, wherein the reversing passage is a C-shaped passage, the paper input passage is located below the paper output passage, the return passage is located below the work passage, and the switching guide mechanism is a swing block that blocks the space between the paper output passage and the reversing mechanism, or between the paper output passage and the paper output tray.

16. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 11, wherein the paper feed path further includes a group of paper feed rollers, the group of paper feed rollers includes a bidirectional paper feed roller attached to the paper discharge passage, a first unidirectional paper feed roller and a pickup roller attached to the paper input passage, and a second unidirectional paper feed roller attached to the work passage or the reversing passage.

17. An automatic paper feeder used for documents, An upward scanning module including a scanning unit and document tray, A set of document trays including an input tray and an output tray, The document tray comprises a paper feed path located below the upper scanning module, and the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path is A work passage located below the scanning unit, An input passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is positioned corresponding to the input tray, A paper output passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is positioned corresponding to the paper output tray, A reversing passage, one end of which is connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper input passage, and the other end of which is connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper output passage, A reversing mechanism is provided between the paper output passage and the paper output tray, which inverts the document and sends it to the paper output tray, An automatic paper feeder, comprising a switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point between the paper output passage, the paper output tray, and the reversing mechanism, which guides and feeds the document from the paper output passage to the paper output tray, or from the paper output passage to the reversing mechanism.

18. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 17, wherein the scanning unit can move relative to the document glass and capture an image of the document located in the work passage or on the document glass.

19. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 17, wherein the output tray has opposing first and second sides, the output passage is provided near the first side of the output tray and feeds the document from the first side to the second side, and the reversing mechanism has a transport section, the transport section is provided near the second side of the output tray and feeds the document from the second side to the first side.

20. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 19, wherein the reversing mechanism is provided above the output tray, and the reversing mechanism includes at least one negative pressure roller and a breathable belt fitted to the at least one negative pressure roller and rotating in accordance with the at least one negative pressure roller, and the transport section comprises an arc-shaped outer surface formed on the at least one negative pressure roller and positioned adjacent to the second side and rotating from the second side toward the first side, and the breathable belt covering the outside of the arc-shaped outer surface.

21. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 17, wherein the reversing passage is a C-shaped passage, the paper input passage and the paper output passage are located on the left and right sides of the reversing passage, the reversing passage is located below the work passage, and the switching guide mechanism is a swing block that blocks the space between the paper output passage and the reversing mechanism, or between the paper output passage and the paper output tray.

22. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 17, wherein the paper feed path further includes a group of paper feed rollers, the group of paper feed rollers including a bidirectional paper feed roller attached to the paper discharge passage, and a unidirectional paper feed roller and a pickup roller attached to the paper input passage.

23. An automatic paper feeder used for documents, An upward scanning module including a scanning unit and document tray, A set of document trays including an input tray, a first output tray, and a second output tray, The document tray comprises a paper feed path located below the upper scanning module, and the document tray is positioned between the scanning unit and the paper feed path, and the paper feed path is A work passage located below the scanning unit, An input passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is positioned corresponding to the input tray, A first paper output passage, one end of which is positioned to correspond to the first paper output tray, A first reversing passage, one end of which is connected to the work passage and the other end of which is connected to the first paper discharge passage, A second reversing passage, one end of which is connected to the connection point between the work passage and the paper input passage, and the other end of which is connected to the connection point between the first paper output passage and the first reversing passage, A second paper output passage including a reciprocating passage, a first branching passage, and a second branching passage, wherein the reciprocating passage is arranged in correspondence with the second paper output tray, the first branching passage has one end communicating with the connection point between the work passage and the first reversing passage and the other end communicating with the reciprocating passage, the second branching passage has one end communicating with the connection point between the first reversing passage and the second reversing passage and the other end communicating with the connection point between the reciprocating passage and the first branching passage, A first switching guide mechanism is provided at the connection point of the work passage, the first reversal passage, and the first branch passage, and guides and sends the document from the work passage to the first reversal passage, or from the work passage to the first branch passage. An automatic paper feeder, comprising: a second switching guide mechanism provided at the connection point of the first paper output passage, the first reversal passage, the second reversal passage, and the second branch passage, which guides and feeds the document from the first reversal passage to the first paper output passage, or from the second branch passage to the second reversal passage.

24. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 23, wherein the scanning unit can move relative to the document glass and capture an image of the document located in the work passage or on the document glass.

25. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 23, wherein the first reversal passage and the second reversal passage are each C-shaped passages, the work passage, the first reversal passage and the second reversal passage are provided in a ring-shaped passage that joins and surrounds them, the first switching guide mechanism is a swing block that closes the first reversal passage or the first branch passage, the second switching guide mechanism is another swing block that closes the first paper discharge passage or the second reversal passage, and the second branch passage is located below the first branch passage.

26. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 23, wherein the paper feed path further includes a group of paper feed rollers, the group of paper feed rollers includes a bidirectional paper feed roller attached to the reciprocating passage, a first one-way paper feed roller and a pickup roller attached to the paper inlet passage, a second one-way paper feed roller attached to the first paper discharge passage, a third one-way paper feed roller attached to the first reversing passage, and a third one-way paper feed roller attached to a location in the first reversing passage adjacent to the first paper discharge passage.

Images