Separation structure, separation device, and image forming apparatus

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a separation structure, a separation device and an image forming device. The separation structure comprises a base, a box movably arranged on the base, a separation module rotatably arranged on the box and having a plurality of working surfaces, a driving mechanism for driving the separation module to rotate, and a one-way clutch arranged on the separation module. When the box moves from a first position to a second position, the one-way clutch engages the driving mechanism with the separation module, so that the box drives the driving mechanism to drive the separation module to rotate, so that the working surface of the separation module is switched. When the box moves from the second position to the first position, the one-way clutch separates the driving mechanism from the separation module, so that the separation module maintains the switched working surface. By switching different working surfaces, the working life of the separation module can be effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed herein belong to the field of separation technology, specifically relating to a separation structure, a separation device, and an image forming device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, printers use single-sided separators, where the paper feed roller continuously rubs against one side of the separator during operation. Prolonged use can damage the contact surface of the single-sided separator, necessitating replacement. This results in a relatively short lifespan for the separator. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to at least address one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a separation structure, a separation device, and an image forming device.

[0004] On one hand, embodiments of this disclosure provide a separation structure, the separation structure including a base, a housing movably disposed on the base, a separation module rotatably disposed on the housing and having multiple working surfaces, a drive mechanism for driving the separation module to rotate, and a one-way clutch disposed on the separation module; wherein,

[0005] When the box moves from the first position to the second position, the one-way clutch engages the drive mechanism with the separation module, so that the box drives the drive mechanism to drive the separation module to rotate, thereby switching the working surface of the separation module;

[0006] When the housing moves from the second position to the first position, the one-way clutch separates the drive mechanism from the separation module, so that the separation module remains on the working surface after the switch.

[0007] Optionally, the separation module includes a cavity having multiple working surfaces, a separation friction pad disposed on each working surface, and a drive shaft disposed on the cavity, wherein the drive shaft is fitted with the one-way clutch.

[0008] Optionally, the cross-section of the cavity is polygonal.

[0009] Optionally, multiple of the separation friction pads are integrally formed.

[0010] Optionally, the separation structure further includes a blocking component, and the drive mechanism includes a driving gear, a driven gear, and a connecting swing arm;

[0011] The driving gear meshes with the driven gear, the driven gear is sleeved on the one-way clutch, and the connecting swing arm is rotatably mounted on the driving gear; wherein...

[0012] When the box moves, the connecting swing arm abuts against the blocking assembly, so that the box drives the drive gear or the connecting swing arm to rotate.

[0013] Optionally, the blocking assembly includes a first blocking member and a second blocking member;

[0014] The first blocking member is disposed on the drive gear and abuts against the first end of the connecting swing arm;

[0015] The second blocking member is disposed on the base and corresponds to the second end of the connecting swing arm.

[0016] Optionally, the drive gear is also fixedly provided with a pin;

[0017] The connecting swing arm is rotatably fitted onto the pin.

[0018] Optionally, the second blocking member is arranged in an arc shape on the side facing and / or away from the connecting swing arm.

[0019] On the other hand, embodiments of this disclosure provide a separation device, the separation device including a cover plate and a paper feeder, a paper feeder and the separation structure described above fixed to the cover plate;

[0020] The cover plate is placed over the box body, the paper feeding roller corresponds to any of the working surfaces of the separation structure, and the paper feeder is fixed to the bottom inner side of the box body.

[0021] On the other hand, embodiments of this disclosure provide an image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus including the separation structure described above; or

[0022] The separation device described above.

[0023] The separation structure, separation device, and image forming device of the present invention have a separation module in the separation structure that can switch working surfaces. By switching to different working surfaces, the service life of the separation module can be effectively improved. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a separation structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a separation device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a side view of a separation device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this disclosure, the disclosure will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, a separation structure 100 includes a base (not shown), a housing 200 movably disposed on the base, a separation module 110 rotatably disposed on the housing 200 and having multiple working surfaces, a drive mechanism 120 for driving the separation module 110 to rotate, and a one-way clutch 130 disposed on the separation module 110. When the housing 200 moves from a first position to a second position, the one-way clutch 130 engages the drive mechanism 120 with the separation module 110, causing the housing 200 to drive the drive mechanism 120 to drive the separation module 110 to rotate, thus switching the working surfaces of the separation module 110. When the housing 200 moves from the second position to the first position, the one-way clutch 130 disengages the drive mechanism 120 from the separation module 110, so that the separation module 110 remains on the switched working surface.

[0029] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the separation module 110, the drive mechanism 120, and the one-way clutch 130 are all disposed within the housing 200, which is movably mounted on the base. The separation module 110 has multiple working surfaces, and the separation module 110 can rotate within the housing 200 through the cooperation of the drive mechanism 120 and the one-way clutch 130.

[0030] Taking a printer as an example, when the printer is in the ready-to-work state, the cartridge 200 is in the first position. Moving the cartridge 200 from the first position to the second position (e.g., from the insertion / ready-to-work state to the pull-out / ready-to-paper-dispense state), the drive mechanism 120 provides driving force to the one-way clutch 130, which engages with the drive mechanism 120 and the separation module 110. Thus, during the movement of the cartridge 200 from the first position to the second position, the cartridge 200 drives the drive mechanism 120 to move, and the drive mechanism 120, through the one-way clutch 130, drives the separation module 110 to rotate, thereby switching the working surface of the separation module 110. Of course, the separation module 110 can also rotate to complete the switching of the working surface through the cooperation of the drive mechanism 120 and the blocking component described below; this embodiment will not be elaborated upon here.

[0031] Then, the cartridge 200 is moved from the second position to the first position (e.g., from the pull-out, ready-to-dispense-paper state to the insertion, ready-to-work state). As the cartridge 200 moves from the second position to the first position, the drive mechanism 120 provides driving force to the one-way clutch 130. Although the one-way clutch 130 is subjected to driving force, due to its own structural limitations, it cannot engage the drive mechanism 120 and the separation module 110; it can only separate the drive mechanism 120 and the separation module 110. Thus, during the movement of the cartridge 200 from the second position to the first position, the separation module 110 remains on the switched working surface. Of course, the separation module 110 can also remain on the switched working surface through the cooperation of the drive mechanism 120 and the blocking component described below; this will not be elaborated upon in this embodiment.

[0032] It should be noted that the movement of the box 200 can be accomplished by the user manually pushing or pulling to change its position, or by using an electric device to complete the movement of the box 200. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0033] The separation structure in this embodiment, through the cooperation of the one-way clutch and the drive mechanism, enables the separation module to switch working surfaces or maintain the working surface unchanged during the movement of the box. By switching different working surfaces, the service life of the separation module can be effectively improved.

[0034] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the separation module 110 includes a cavity 111 having multiple working surfaces, a separation friction pad 112 disposed on each working surface, and a drive shaft 113 disposed on the cavity 111, wherein the one-way clutch 130 is sleeved on the drive shaft 113.

[0035] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, the separation module 110 includes a cavity 111 with multiple switchable working surfaces, each with a separation friction pad 112. A drive shaft 113 is disposed in the cavity 111 and fitted with a one-way clutch 130. When the housing 200 moves from a first position to a second position, the drive mechanism 120 engages with the drive shaft 113 via the one-way clutch 130. The housing 200 drives the drive mechanism 120 to move, and the drive mechanism 120 drives the drive shaft 113 to rotate via the one-way clutch 130. The drive shaft 113 then drives the cavity 111 to rotate, thereby switching the working surfaces of the cavity 111. When the housing 200 moves from the second position to the first position, the drive mechanism 120 disengages from the drive shaft 113 via the one-way clutch 130, thus maintaining the working surface of the cavity 111 at the switched working surface. Of course, the separation friction pad 112 can be made of different materials according to actual needs to improve the service life of the separation structure 100.

[0036] For example, a plurality of the separation friction pads 112 are integrally formed. The integrally formed separation friction pads are more time-saving during installation. Of course, the separation friction pads can also be prepared separately and installed individually on each working surface during installation. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0037] The separation structure in this embodiment, through the cooperation of the transmission shaft and the one-way clutch, enables the cavity to switch working surfaces or maintain the working surface unchanged during the movement of the box. By switching different working surfaces, the service life of the separation structure can be effectively improved.

[0038] Preferred, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cross-section of the cavity 111 is polygonal. The specific number of sides of the polygon can be set according to actual needs, and this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0039] For example, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the separation structure 100 further includes a blocking assembly 140, and the drive mechanism 120 includes a driving gear 121, a driven gear 122, and a connecting swing arm 123. The driving gear 121 meshes with the driven gear 122, the driven gear 122 is sleeved on the one-way clutch 130, and the connecting swing arm 123 is rotatably disposed on the driving gear 121. When the housing 200 moves, the connecting swing arm 123 abuts against the blocking assembly 140, causing the housing 200 to drive the driving gear 121 or the connecting swing arm 123 to rotate.

[0040] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, during the movement of the housing 200 from the first position to the second position, the connecting swing arm 123 abuts against the blocking assembly 140. The blocking assembly 140 transmits a blocking force to the connecting swing arm 123. The blocking force transmitted by the blocking assembly 140 causes the connecting swing arm 123 to rotate the drive gear 121. The drive gear 121 drives the one-way clutch 130 to rotate, and the one-way clutch 130 drives the transmission shaft 113 to rotate. The transmission shaft 113 drives the cavity 111 to rotate, thereby switching the working surface of the cavity 111. After the housing 200 moves from the first position to the second position, the swing arm 123 naturally droops under the action of gravity. During the movement of the housing 200 from the second position to the first position, the connecting swing arm 123 abuts against the blocking assembly 140. The blocking assembly 140 transmits a blocking force to the connecting swing arm 123, which then transmits this blocking force sequentially to the driving gear 121, the driven gear 122, and the one-way clutch 130. The one-way clutch 130 remains stationary due to this blocking force, thus preventing the driving gear 121 and the driven gear 122 from rotating. Only the connecting swing arm 123 rotates under this blocking force, thereby maintaining the working surface of the cavity 111 at the changed working surface. After the housing 200 moves from the second position to the first position, the swing arm 123 naturally droops under gravity.

[0041] The separation structure in this embodiment, through the provided blocking components, driving gear, driven gear, and connecting swing arm, enables the separation module to perform transmission work more effectively.

[0042] As an example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the blocking assembly 140 includes a first blocking member 141 and a second blocking member 142. The first blocking member 141 is disposed on the drive gear 121 and abuts against the first end of the connecting swing arm 123. The second blocking member 142 is disposed on the base and corresponds to the second end of the connecting swing arm 123.

[0043] Furthermore, the drive gear 121 is also fixedly provided with a pin 124. The connecting swing arm 123 is rotatably sleeved on the pin 124.

[0044] Specifically, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, during the movement of the box 200 from the first position to the second position, the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 abuts against one side of the second blocking member 142. The second blocking member 142 transmits a blocking force to the second end of the connecting swing arm 123, causing the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 to rotate around the pin 124 under this blocking force. The first end of the connecting swing arm 123 abuts against the first blocking member 141 and transmits a rotational force to the first blocking member 141. The first blocking member 141 rotates with the drive gear 121, which in turn drives the one-way clutch 130 to rotate. The one-way clutch 130 drives the transmission shaft 113 to rotate, which in turn drives the cavity 111 to rotate, thereby switching the working surface of the cavity 111. After the box 200 moves from the first position to the second position, the connecting swing arm 123 naturally droops under the action of gravity.

[0045] During the movement of the housing 200 from the second position to the first position, the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 abuts against the other side of the second blocking member 142. The second blocking member 142 transmits a blocking force to the second end of the connecting swing arm 123, causing the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 to rotate around the pin 124 under this blocking force. The first end of the connecting swing arm 123 abuts against the first blocking member 141 and transmits a rotational force to the first blocking member 141. The first blocking member sequentially transmits this rotational force to the driving gear 121, the driven gear 122, and the one-way clutch 130. The one-way clutch 130 does not rotate under this rotational force, thus the driving gear 121 and the driven gear 122 do not rotate. Only the connecting swing arm 123 rotates around the pin 124 under this blocking force, thereby keeping the working surface of the cavity 111 at the working surface after the switch. After the housing 200 moves from the second position to the first position, the connecting swing arm 123 naturally droops under the action of gravity.

[0046] In this embodiment, the separation module, through the cooperation between the first blocking member, the second blocking member and the pin, enables the connecting swing arm to drive the separation module to rotate and switch the working surface as the box moves from the first position to the second position. This allows the connecting swing arm to rotate around the pin as the box moves from the second position to the first position, thereby maintaining the working surface of the separation module after switching.

[0047] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second blocking member 142 is arranged in an arc shape on the side facing and / or away from the connecting swing arm 123.

[0048] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the second blocking member 142 is configured with arc shapes on both sides facing and away from the connecting swing arm 123. This configuration facilitates the rotation of the connecting swing arm when it abuts against it and reduces wear on the connecting swing arm. Of course, both sides of the second blocking member facing and away from the connecting swing arm can be entirely arc-shaped, or only the portions facing and away from the connecting swing arm can be arc-shaped, such as only the portion of the second blocking member that abuts against the connecting swing arm.

[0049] It should be noted that, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the second blocking member 142 can be configured as a plate-like structure. During the movement of the box body 200 from the first position to the second position, the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 first abuts against one side of the plate-like second blocking member 142. Under the blocking force of the plate-like second blocking member 142, the connecting swing arm 123 rotates with the gear. Then, during the continued movement of the box body 200, the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 slides on the upper surface of the plate-like second blocking member 142 until the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 disengages from the plate-like second blocking member.

[0050] During the movement of the box body 200 from the second position to the first position, the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 first abuts against the other side of the plate-shaped second blocking member 142. Under the blocking force of the plate-shaped second blocking member 142, the connecting swing arm 123 rotates. Then, during the continued movement of the box body 200, the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 slides on the upper surface of the plate-shaped second blocking member 142 until the second end of the connecting swing arm 123 disengages from the plate-shaped second blocking member.

[0051] Of course, the second blocking member 142 can be configured as a plate-like structure or other structures, such as a rod-like structure. This embodiment does not impose any specific limitations on this.

[0052] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an embodiment of this disclosure provides a separation device, which includes a cover plate (not shown in the figure), a paper-taking roller 300, a paper feeder 400, and the separation structure described above, all fixed to the cover plate. The specific structure of the separation structure can be referred to the relevant description above and will not be repeated here. The cover plate covers the box body 200, the paper-taking roller 300 corresponds to any of the working surfaces of the separation structure, and the paper feeder 400 is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the box body 200.

[0053] The separation device in this embodiment includes a cover plate, a paper feeding roller, a paper feeder, and a separation structure. The separation structure has a long service life and does not require frequent replacement, thus extending the working life of the separation device.

[0054] On the other hand, embodiments of this disclosure provide an image forming apparatus, which includes the separation structure or separation device described above. The specific structure of the separation structure or separation device can be referred to the relevant description above, and will not be repeated here.

[0055] It is understood that the above embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments used to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and substance of this disclosure, and these modifications and improvements are also considered to be within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A separation structure, characterized in that, The separation structure includes a base, a housing movably disposed on the base, a separation module rotatably disposed on the housing and having multiple working surfaces, a drive mechanism for driving the separation module to rotate, and a one-way clutch disposed on the separation module; wherein, When the box moves from the first position to the second position, the one-way clutch engages the drive mechanism with the separation module, so that the box drives the drive mechanism to drive the separation module to rotate, thereby switching the working surface of the separation module; When the housing moves from the second position to the first position, the one-way clutch separates the drive mechanism from the separation module, so that the separation module remains on the working surface after the switch. The separation structure also includes a blocking component, and the drive mechanism includes a driving gear, a driven gear, and a connecting swing arm; The driving gear meshes with the driven gear, the driven gear is sleeved on the one-way clutch, and the connecting swing arm is rotatably mounted on the driving gear; wherein... When the box moves, the connecting swing arm abuts against the blocking assembly, so that the box drives the drive gear or the connecting swing arm to rotate.

2. The separation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation module includes a cavity having multiple working surfaces, a separation friction pad disposed on each working surface, and a drive shaft disposed on the cavity, wherein the drive shaft is fitted with the one-way clutch.

3. The separation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cavity has a polygonal cross-section.

4. The separation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, Multiple of the aforementioned separation friction pads are integrally formed.

5. The separation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blocking assembly includes a first blocking element and a second blocking element; The first blocking member is disposed on the drive gear and abuts against the first end of the connecting swing arm; The second blocking member is disposed on the base and corresponds to the second end of the connecting swing arm.

6. The separation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive gear is also fixedly provided with a pin shaft; The connecting swing arm is rotatably fitted onto the pin.

7. The separation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second blocking member is arranged in an arc shape on the side facing and / or away from the connecting swing arm.

8. A separation device, characterized in that, The separation device includes a cover plate, a paper feeder, and a separation structure as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, all fixed to the cover plate. The cover plate is placed over the box body, the paper feeding roller corresponds to any of the working surfaces of the separation structure, and the paper feeder is fixed to the bottom surface inside the box body.

9. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus includes the separation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7; or The separation device according to claim 8.

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