Pivot structure module and image forming equipment
By introducing a reverse torque design between the torsion spring component and the cam component in the pivot module, the problem of slider and cam wear is solved, achieving higher angular stability and operational safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520657054.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing pivot modules suffer from poor angular stability due to wear and tear on the slider and cam during long-term use, which affects service life and increases the risk of finger injury.
The structure adopts a combination of torsion spring and cam components. The torsion spring component provides a reverse torque force, which interacts with the elastic support force of the elastic element to disperse the stress and friction between the cam and the slider, thereby reducing wear.
It extends the service life of the pivot module, improves angular stability, reduces the risk of slippage, and enhances safety during use.
Smart Images
Figure CN223825438U_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present application relates to office equipment, and more particularly, to a hinge module and an image forming apparatus. BACKGROUND
[0002] Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is widely configured in multifunctional office device, Multi Function Product / Printer / Peripheral (MFP), facsimile machine, scanner or printer, etc. office equipment in the market. The ADF usually configures a hinge module with a free stop angle function to ensure that the upper cover of the hinge module can stay at any angle without being closed by external force or gravity, thereby improving the convenience and safety of use.
[0003] The existing hinge module generally includes a frame, a cam pivotally connected to the side edge of the frame, a slider mounted in the frame, and a spring arranged at the bottom of the slider. The cam abuts against the slider, and when the cam rotates, it exerts force on the slider, causing the slider to move relatively in the vertical direction and exert force on the spring. The spring then provides an elastic support force after being stressed, so that the hinge module is maintained at a specific angle, achieving the effect of multi-angle support.
[0004] However, the slider and the cam only abut against each other through a small contact area, which is prone to wear due to friction and stress accumulation during long-term use. In particular, when the hinge module is maintained at a low angle, the spring is subjected to a large compression, generating a large spring support force to the slider, further exacerbating the wear between the slider and the cam, affecting the open angle of the hinge module.
[0005] In addition, in order to ensure that the upper cover of the ADF can be stably stopped within a certain angle range, the prior art usually uses a spring with a large elastic coefficient in the hinge module. However, this in turn increases the wear between the slider and the cam, shortens the product life, and causes the multi-angle support function of the hinge module to gradually fail. When the upper cover of the ADF is at a low angle, it is easy to slide down due to insufficient support force of the hinge module, thereby increasing the risk of finger injury to the user.
[0006] Therefore, how to improve the angle stability of the hinge module and the product life is one of the problems to be improved in the related field. Utility model content
[0007] The application provides a pivot structure module, which is suitable for being arranged in office equipment such as multifunctional office equipment, a facsimile machine, a scanner, a printer or a transaction machine, and when the pivot structure module is in a low-angle state, stress and friction force borne by a cam and a sliding block are reduced through structural design of a torsional spring member and the cam member, so that wear is slowed down and product service life is prolonged.
[0008] In a first aspect, the application provides a pivot structure module, which comprises a shell, a sliding block member, a cam member and a torsional spring member.
[0009] The shell comprises a shell body, which defines a containing space and an opening. The sliding block member is arranged in the containing space and comprises a sliding block and at least one elastic piece. One end of the elastic piece is arranged at the bottom of the shell body, and the sliding block is arranged at the other end of the elastic piece. The cam member comprises a pivot, a plate body and a cam. The plate body is pivotally connected to one side of the shell body through the pivot. The cam is arranged on the side of the plate body facing the containing space and abuts against the sliding block. The torsional spring member comprises an abutting section, an extension section and a torsional spring. The abutting section extends in the same direction as the pivot. The extension section extends from one end of the abutting section towards the pivot. The torsional spring is arranged at the end of the extension section away from the abutting section. The torsional spring is pivotally connected to the pivot and located at the side of the plate body.
[0010] The extension section and a plane direction jointly define a first angle, and the extension direction of the plate body and the plane direction jointly define a second angle. The first angle is equal to or smaller than the second angle. When the first angle is smaller than the second angle, the elastic piece is stressed by the cam of the cam member. When the first angle is equal to the second angle, the side of the plate body away from the pivot abuts against the abutting section. The elastic piece and the torsional spring member are both stressed by the cam member.
[0011] In some embodiments of the application, the shell comprises two engaging members, which are respectively arranged at opposite sides of the shell body adjacent to the opening. The pivot is arranged in the engaging members, and the cam member is located between the engaging members.
[0012] In some embodiments of the application, the two ends of the pivot are respectively concavely provided with fixing ring grooves. The pivot structure module further comprises a fixing assembly, which has a plurality of clasp rings arranged in the fixing ring grooves and abutting against the engaging members or the cam.
[0013] In some embodiments of the application, the torsional spring is located between the cam member and the engaging members.
[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the torsion spring is located outside the engaging member.
[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, each of the outside of the engaging member is provided with a fastening part, and the torsion spring is provided with a hook part at one end thereof away from the extension part, and the hook part is hooked on the fastening part.
[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, the torsion spring member comprises two extension parts and two torsion springs, the two extension parts are respectively extended from two ends of the abutting part towards the direction of the pivot, and the two torsion springs are respectively arranged at one end of the two extension parts away from the abutting part and located at two sides of the plate body.
[0017] In some embodiments of the present application, the first angle is equal to or less than 15 degrees.
[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the second angle is between 0 degree and 70 degrees.
[0019] In some embodiments of the present application, the slider comprises a convex part, and the cam abuts against the convex part.
[0020] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide an image forming device comprising the pivot structure module as described above.
[0021] The present application has at least the following beneficial effects: the present application provides a torque force opposite to the cam through the configuration of the torsion spring member, and interacts with the elastic support force of the elastic member, effectively disperses the stress and friction force between the cam and the slider, reduces the wear of the pivot structure module caused by long-term use, prolongs the product life. Further, through the configuration of the torsion spring member, higher torque force can be provided when the pivot structure module is in a low angle state, preventing the cam member from sliding down due to insufficient support force, ensuring that it can stay stably in a low angle position, improving the use safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certain embodiments of the present application will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pivot structure module according to a first embodiment of the present application;
[0024] Figure 2 FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic view of the pivot structure module according to the first embodiment of the present application;
[0025] Figure 3This is a partial enlarged view of the pivot structure module of the first embodiment of this application, illustrating the relative positional relationship between its fixing component and other components.
[0026] Figure 4 This is a top view of the outer casing of the pivot structure module according to the first embodiment of this application.
[0027] Figure 5A and 5B These are side views and cross-sectional views of the pivot structure module of the first embodiment of this application, respectively, to illustrate the implementation state of the pivot structure module with its cam member at the maximum holding angle.
[0028] Figure 6A and 6B These are side views and cross-sectional views of the pivot structure module of the first embodiment of this application, respectively, to illustrate the implementation state of the pivot structure module during the closing process of its cam member.
[0029] Figure 7A and 7B These are side views and cross-sectional views of the pivot structure module of the first embodiment of this application, respectively, to illustrate the implementation state of the pivot structure module when its cam member is fully closed.
[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a pivot structure module configured in a paper feed device according to the first embodiment of this application.
[0031] Figure 9 This is a graph of the pivot structure module of the first embodiment of this application, used to illustrate the relationship between the opening and closing angle of its cam component and the torque force.
[0032] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the pivot structure module of the second embodiment of this application.
[0033] Figure 11 This is an exploded view of the pivot structure module of the second embodiment of this application.
[0034] Figure 12 This is a partial enlarged view of the pivot structure module of the second embodiment of this application, illustrating different implementations of its fixing components.
[0035] The following are explanations of some of the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings:
[0036] 100: Pivot structure module; 311: Fixing ring groove;
[0037] 10: Outer shell; 32: Plate;
[0038] 11: Housing; 33: Cam;
[0039] 12: Accommodation space; 40: Torsion spring component;
[0040] 13: Opening; 41: Abutting section;
[0041] 14: Connecting component; 42: Extension section;
[0042] 141: Pivot hole; 43: Torsion spring;
[0043] 142: Fastening part; 431: Hook part;
[0044] 15: Limiting structure; 50: Fixing component;
[0045] 20: Sliding block component; 51: Buckle;
[0046] 21: Slider; 200: Paper feed device;
[0047] 211: convex part; X: plane direction;
[0048] 22: Elastic element; Y: Vertical direction;
[0049] 30: Cam component; θ1: First angle;
[0050] 31: Pivot; θ2: Second angle. Detailed Implementation
[0051] In the following description, embodiments of this application will be explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to make the application more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the application to those skilled in the art. In the various drawings, all figures are exemplary illustrations of this application for clarity and ease of explanation and do not represent the actual size of the product. Furthermore, the dimensional proportions between components in the drawings are not intended to limit the actual product of this application.
[0052] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other, and any combination of features in different embodiments is also within the protection scope of this application. That is to say, the multiple embodiments described above can also be arbitrarily combined according to actual needs.
[0053] The above are merely some embodiments and implementation methods of this application. The scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.
[0054] This application provides a pivot structure module 100, suitable for configuration in, for example, Figure 8 The image forming device 200 shown is illustrated. In one embodiment of this application, the image forming device 200 includes a pivot structure module 100 disposed on the paper feed device of the image forming device 200, for providing a multi-angle support (free stop angle) function for the top cover of the image forming device 200. The image forming device 200 may be, for example, a multi-function office device, fax machine, scanner, printer, or office machine, but is not limited thereto.
[0055] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pivot structure module 100 of the first embodiment of this application includes: a housing 10, a slider component 20, a cam component 30, a torsion spring component 40, and a fixing component 50.
[0056] See also Figure 4 The outer casing 10 includes a housing 11, two connecting members 14, and a plurality of limiting structures 15. In the first embodiment, the outer casing 10 is made of plastic, but is not limited thereto. The housing 11 defines an accommodating space 12 and an opening 13. The two connecting members 14 are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the housing 11 adjacent to the opening 13, and each of the two connecting members 14 forms a pivot hole 141 and a fastening portion 142 disposed on the outer side. The limiting structures 15 are disposed at the bottom of the housing 11 and located in the accommodating space 12.
[0057] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The slider component 20 is disposed in the accommodating space 12 and includes a slider 21 and a plurality of elastic members 22. One end of each elastic member 22 is disposed at the bottom of the housing 11 and is respectively connected to the limiting structure 15 (see Figure 4 The slider 21 is disposed at the other end of the elastic member 22 and includes a protrusion 211 formed on the side of the slider 21 facing the opening 13. In the first embodiment, taking the slider member 20 having two elastic members 22 as an example, they are used to jointly provide elastic support force to the slider 21, so that the slider 21 remains balanced during operation and is not easily tilted. The two elastic members 22 are, for example, extension springs.
[0058] The cam component 30 is located between the two connecting members 14 and includes a pivot 31, a plate 32, and a cam 33. The pivot 31 passes through the pivot hole 141 into the two connecting members 14, and each end of the pivot 31 is respectively provided with a fixing annular groove 311. The plate 32 is pivotally connected to one side of the outer casing 10 via the pivot 31. The cam 33 is disposed on the side of the plate 32 facing the accommodating space 12 and abuts against the protrusion 211 of the slider 21.
[0059] The torsion spring member 40 includes abutment section 41, two extension sections 42, and two torsion springs 43. The abutment section 41 extends in the same direction as the pivot 31. The two extension sections 42 extend from both ends of the abutment section 41 toward the pivot 31. The two torsion springs 43 are respectively disposed at the ends of the two extension sections 42 away from the abutment section 41, pivotally connected to the pivot 31, and located on opposite sides of the plate 32. In the first embodiment, the two torsion springs 43 are respectively located outside the two connecting members 14, and the end of each torsion spring 43 away from the extension section 42 forms a hook portion 431, which hooks onto the corresponding fastening portion 142 for fixation, preventing the torsion spring member 40 from detaching from the pivot structure module 100.
[0060] See also Figure 6A and Figure 6B Specifically, the torsion spring member 40 is coaxially arranged with the plate 32 to provide a torque opposite to that of the cam 33, thereby reducing the stress exerted by the cam 33 on the slider 21. Furthermore, the abutment section 41 can also be considered another fulcrum, cooperating with the two extension sections 42 to provide a torque opposite to that of the cam 33. When the cam member 30 is maintained at a low angle (e.g., less than 15 degrees) or closed relative to the housing 10, the plate 32 abuts against the abutment section 41. At this time, although the stress of the cam 33 pressing against the slider 21 increases, the torque force opposite to that of the cam 33 provided by the abutment section 41 and the two extension sections 42 also increases, effectively reducing the stress and friction experienced by the slider 21 in the low-angle state or when closed.
[0061] See Figure 1 and Figure 3 The fixing component 50 has a plurality of retaining rings 51, each disposed in the retaining ring groove 311 of the pivot 31, to prevent the pivot 31 from shifting during rotation. The retaining rings 51 can be selected from C-rings, E-rings, or other shaped retaining rings. In the first embodiment, the retaining ring 51 is an E-ring, and as shown... Figure 3 The two connectors are positioned on the outside of the two connecting members 14, and are located between the respective connecting members 14 and the torsion spring 43.
[0062] It should be noted that, Figure 3 The diagram is only used to indicate the relative positional relationship of the coupling 14, the buckle 51 and the pivot 31, and does not show the torsion spring located on the outermost side of the pivot 31.
[0063] It should be noted that the structural design of the torsion spring component 40, such as the length and number of the extension section 42 or the configuration number, elastic coefficient or number of coils of the torsion spring 43, may vary depending on product requirements and is not limited to the examples or diagrams mentioned above.
[0064] In other embodiments, the torsion spring member 40 of the pivot structure module 100 of the first embodiment may also be configured with only a single extension section 42 extending from one end of the abutment section 41 and a single torsion spring 43, and only one of the connecting members 14 has a corresponding fastening part 142 on its outer side for engaging with the hook part 431 of the torsion spring 43.
[0065] See Figure 5A and Figure 5B The extension segment 42 and the planar direction X jointly define a first angle θ1, and the extension direction of the plate 32 and the planar direction X jointly define a second angle θ2, wherein the first angle θ1 is equal to or less than the second angle θ2. The second angle θ2 is the range within which the pivot structure module 100 can maintain multi-angle support functions.
[0066] In the first embodiment, the first angle θ1 is equal to or less than 15 degrees and the second angle θ2 is between 0 degrees and 70 degrees. However, in actual implementation, the setting of the first angle θ1 and the second angle θ2 can vary according to product requirements and is not limited to the above example, as long as the first angle θ1 is not greater than the second angle θ2.
[0067] When the pivot structure module 100 is in operation, when the pivot structure module 100 is at its maximum holding angle (e.g.) Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown in the diagram, when the second angle θ2 is maintained at its maximum angle, and the first angle θ1 is less than the second angle θ2, the elastic member 22 is subjected to force on the cam 33 abutting against the protrusion 211, and provides an elastic support force to the slider 21 and the cam 33, so that the cam member 30 can remain at the maximum holding angle, while the torsion spring member 40 is not subjected to force. At this time, the two torsion springs 43 of the torsion spring member 40 provide the cam member 30 with a torque force opposite to the weight of the cam 33 itself, so as to disperse the stress borne by the slider 21, which is conducive to the cam member 30 remaining stably at the maximum holding angle.
[0068] SeeFigure 6A and Figure 6B During the closing process of the pivot structure module 100, the second angle θ2 gradually decreases. When the first angle θ1 equals the second angle θ2, the side of the plate 32 away from the pivot 31 abuts against the abutting section 41 of the torsion spring member 40. At this time, the elastic element 22 and the torsion spring member 40 are respectively subjected to the cam 33 of the cam member 30 and the plate 31. At this time, the slider 21 is subjected to the force of the cam 33 and begins to move along the vertical direction Y towards the bottom of the housing 11, thereby compressing the elastic element 22. Therefore, the elastic support force fed back to the slider 21 by the elastic element 22 is also increased. The abutting section 41 and the extension section 42 cooperate with each other to generate a torque opposite to that of the cam member 30, which, together with the two torsion springs 43, provides a torque force opposite to that of the cam 33. This can reduce the stress and friction on the contact surface between the cam 33 and the slider 21 when the pivot structure module 100 is at a low angle, which is beneficial for the cam component 30 to remain stably in a low angle state (for example, the second angle θ2 is equal to or less than 15 degrees).
[0069] See Figure 7A and Figure 7B When the pivot structure module 100 is fully closed, the plate 32 drives the abutment section 41 to press down. At this time, both the second angle θ2 and the first angle θ1 are 0 degrees. As the compression of the elastic element 22 further increases, the elastic support force it provides to the slider 21 reaches its maximum. At the same time, the reverse torque force provided by the torsion spring component 40 also increases synchronously, further reducing the stress and friction between the cam 33 and the slider 21, thereby reducing the wear of the pivot structure module 100 caused by long-term use and extending the product's service life.
[0070] See also Figure 9 , Figure 9 This is a graph showing the opening angle (θ) and torque (kg·mm) of the pivot structure module 100 in the first embodiment of this application. The curve of the first embodiment represents the pivot structure module 100 of the first embodiment; the curve of the conventional pivot module represents an existing pivot module without the torsion spring member; the average value curve represents the average torque required to maintain the pivot module at a specific opening angle; and the lower limit curve represents the lower limit of the torque required to maintain the pivot module at a specific opening angle. The opening angle (θ) corresponds to the second angle θ2 of the pivot structure module 100 in this application (i.e., the angle between the plate 32 and the planar direction X).
[0071] When the second angle θ2 is at a low angle, that is, equal to or less than 15 degrees, if the torque force of the pivot structure module 100 is lower than the lower limit curve, the cam component 30 may slip due to insufficient support force. Figure 9 It is understood that, compared to traditional pivot modules without the aforementioned torsion spring component, the pivot structure module 100 of the first embodiment of this application provides higher torque force at low angles, thereby improving multi-angle support, reducing the risk of the plate 32 slipping, and preventing injury to the user's hand. Therefore, the pivot structure module 100 of this application helps to improve the image forming device 200 (see...). Figure 8 Safety of use.
[0072] See Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a second embodiment of the pivot structure module 100 of this application. The second embodiment is similar to the pivot structure module 100 of the first embodiment, except that the two torsion springs 43 and two extension sections 42 of the second embodiment are disposed inside the two connecting members 14, and are respectively located between the cam member 30 and the two connecting members 14. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the two connecting members 14 do not have a fastening portion 142; their retaining ring 51 abuts against the cam 33 and is sandwiched between the cam 33 and the two torsion springs 43. Because the two torsion springs 43 are disposed inside the two connecting members 14, the risk of scratches to the user is reduced, further improving the safety of the pivot structure module 100.
[0073] See Figure 12 In other embodiments of the second embodiment, the retaining ring 51 may also be placed against the outer side of the two connecting members 14 to accommodate different design requirements. Since the retaining ring 51 is located on the outer side of the two connecting members 14, it is used to prevent the pivot from shifting during rotation and disengaging from its predetermined position.
[0074] In summary, the pivot structure module 100 of this application, through the configuration of the torsion spring member 40, provides a torque force opposite to that of the cam 33. This torque force interacts with the elastic support force of the elastic member 22, effectively dispersing the stress and friction between the cam 33 and the slider 21, reducing wear caused by long-term use, and extending product life. Compared to traditional pivot modules without the torsion spring member, this application, through the configuration of the torsion spring member 40, provides a higher torque force when the pivot structure module 100 is in a low-angle state, preventing increased wear between the slider 21 and the cam 33, ensuring its stable residence in the low-angle position, preventing the cam member 30 from slipping due to insufficient support, and improving safety. Therefore, it effectively achieves the desired effect of this application.
Claims
1. A pivot structure module, characterized in that, Include: The outer casing includes a housing that defines an accommodating space and an opening; A slider component is disposed in the accommodating space, including a slider and at least one elastic element, one end of the elastic element is disposed at the bottom of the housing, and the slider is disposed at the other end of the elastic element; A cam component includes a pivot, a plate, and a cam. The plate is pivotally connected to one side of the housing via the pivot. The cam is disposed on the side of the plate facing the receiving space and abuts against the slider. as well as A torsion spring component includes a stop section, an extension section, and a torsion spring. The stop section extends in the same direction as the pivot. The extension section extends from one end of the stop section toward the pivot. The torsion spring is disposed at the end of the extension section away from the stop section. The torsion spring is pivotally connected to the pivot and located on the side of the plate. Wherein, the extension segment and the planar direction jointly define a first angle, the extension direction of the plate and the planar direction jointly define a second angle, and the first angle is equal to or less than the second angle. When the first angle is less than the second angle, the elastic element is subjected to the cam of the cam member. When the first angle is equal to the second angle, the side of the plate away from the pivot abuts against the abutting segment, and both the elastic element and the torsion spring member are subjected to the cam member.
2. The pivot structure module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes two connecting members, respectively disposed on opposite sides of the housing and adjacent to the opening, the pivot passing through the connecting members, and the cam member located between the connecting members.
3. The pivot structure module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The pivot has a fixing ring groove recessed at both ends. The pivot structure module also includes a fixing component. The fixing component has a plurality of buckles, which are respectively disposed in the fixing ring groove and abut against the connecting member or the cam.
4. The pivot structure module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The torsion spring is located between the cam member and the coupling member.
5. The pivot structure module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The torsion spring is located on the outside of the coupling.
6. The pivot structure module as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each of the connecting parts has a fastening part on its outer side, and the end of the torsion spring away from the extension section forms a hook part, which is hooked onto the fastening part.
7. The pivot structure module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The torsion spring component includes two extension sections and two torsion springs. The two extension sections extend from both ends of the abutment section toward the pivot. The two torsion springs are respectively disposed at the ends of the two extension sections away from the abutment section and located on both sides of the plate.
8. The pivot structure module as described in claim 1, wherein the first angle is equal to or less than 15 degrees.
9. The pivot structure module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second angle is between 0 degrees and 70 degrees.
10. The pivot structure module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The slider includes a protrusion, and the cam abuts against the protrusion.
11. An image forming apparatus, configured with a pivot structure module as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.