Paper-feeding device

Abstract

A paper-feeding device with functions of single-face/double-face scanning and printing. The paper-feeding device has a simplified structure and reduced height, whereby a paper can be more smoothly delivered through a scanning module and/or a printing module in a paper delivery path of the paper-feeding device. The paper delivery path includes: a first path having a front section and a rear section; a second path connected to the rear section of the first path, an angle contained between the rear section of the first path and a horizontal reference axis and an angle contained between the second path and the horizontal reference axis ranging from 0° to 30°; a return path positioned between the first and second paths; and a paper discharge path. The paper can be selectively moved between the first and second paths and the return path to complete the single-face/double-face scanning and printing operation.

1 . A paper-feeding device having a paper delivery path and a paper-feeding roller and several roller sets arranged in the paper delivery path, whereby a paper can pass through an image processing section, the paper delivery path including:
 a first path including a front section and a rear section provided with a paper discharge path;   a second path connected to the rear section of the first path, an angle contained between the rear section of the first path and a horizontal reference axis and an angle contained between the second path and the horizontal reference axis being smaller than 30°; and   a return path positioned between the first and second paths, the return path having a first end and a second end, whereby the paper can be selectively moved between the first and second paths and the return path, the first end of the return path being connected to the second path, the second end of the return path being connected to the front section of the first path, a junction between the second end of the return path and the front section of the first path being positioned in a position close to the paper-feeding roller, the return path having an inclination, which is an angle contained between the return path and a horizontal reference axis (x 1 ).   
     
     
         2 . The paper-feeding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the angle contained between the return path and the horizontal reference axis (x 1 ) ranges from 10° to 60°. 
     
     
         3 . The paper-feeding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the roller sets are respectively arranged on two sides of the paper delivery path in positions close to the front section of the first path and the second path. 
     
     
         4 . The paper-feeding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a reciprocally movable valve is disposed at a junction between the first end of the return path and the second path, under its own weight, the valve normally blocking the second path. 
     
     
         5 . The paper-feeding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a reciprocally movable valve is disposed at the junction between the second end of the return path and the front section of the first path, under its own weight, the valve normally blocking the second end of the return path. 
     
     
         6 . The paper-feeding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the rear section of the first path is connected to the paper discharge path, an angle contained between the rear section of the first path and the horizontal reference axis and an angle contained between the paper discharge path and the horizontal reference axis being smaller than 30°. 
     
     
         7 . The paper-feeding device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein a reciprocally movable guide member is disposed at a junction between the paper discharge path and the rear sect ion of the first path, the guide member normally blocking the paper discharge path. 
     
     
         8 . The paper-feeding device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein the roller sets are respectively arranged in positions close to the front section of the first path and the paper discharge path. 
     
     
         9 . The paper-feeding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the image processing section is a scanning module and/or a printing module.