Automatic paper feeder with a tray and tray driver that rotates the tray based upon operating conditions of the feeder

摘要

An automatic document feeder 1 automatically operates a tray depending on the operating conditions of the automatic document feeder. The automatic document feeder 1 has a set surface 7 on which originals to be conveyed are to be set. An original receiving tray 11 for receiving discharged originals is provided in the vicinity of an original discharge port 10. A lower end of the original receiving tray 11 is rotatable, and a tray driving device is connected to the back of the original receiving tray 11. The tray driving device rotates and displaces the original receiving tray 11 around the lower end depending on the operating conditions of the automatic document feeder 1. The original receiving tray 11 is raised almost perpendicularly until the originals are set on the set surface 7 (see FIGS. 4A and 4D). When the originals are conveyed, the original receiving tray 11 is rotated to an obliquely laid state (see FIGS. 4B and 4C) in order to receive the paper sheets discharged from the discharge port 10. When the originals are set on the set surface 7, the original receiving tray 11 does not interfere with the setting. Further, the original receiving tray 11 is automatically driven, whereby the automatic document feeder 1 is convenient for use.