An adsorption type transfer mechanism, a transfer device and a printing equipment production line

Abstract

This application provides an adsorption-type transfer mechanism, a transfer device, and a printing equipment production line. The transfer mechanism includes a hollow chamber located inside, which contains air holes and a piston structure that reciprocates along the inner wall of the hollow chamber. A return structure is provided at the end of the piston structure away from the air holes, causing the piston structure to move away from the air holes. A sealing element is provided at the contact point between the piston structure and the inner wall of the hollow chamber. The transfer device in this application includes at least two of the above-mentioned transfer mechanisms, and the printing equipment production line uses either a transfer device or a transfer mechanism. The transfer mechanism provided in this application has low energy consumption and low noise, making it suitable for transferring lightweight items.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of printing equipment manufacturing, specifically to an adsorption-type transfer mechanism, a transfer device, and a printing equipment production line. Background Technology

[0002] Portable printers are widely used in various fields due to their convenience. Their casings and components are typically designed to be lightweight, using materials such as plastic for easy carrying and handling. In the production process of portable printers and their consumables, vacuum pumps are commonly used for handling. The vacuum pump generates suction to pick up the printer casing or consumables wrapped in plastic packaging and move them. However, vacuum pumps produce considerable noise during operation, typically between 75 and 85 dB(A), which can damage the hearing of operators. Furthermore, vacuum pumps require continuous electrical energy to maintain suction, resulting in high energy consumption and increased production costs. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of this, this application aims to provide an adsorption-type transfer mechanism, which creates negative pressure in the cavity through the movement of a piston structure to adsorb items and achieve the effect of handling lightweight items.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides an adsorption-type transfer mechanism, comprising:

[0005] A hollow chamber is located inside the transfer mechanism, and an air hole is provided at one end of the hollow chamber, which communicates with the outside of the transfer mechanism.

[0006] The hollow chamber is provided with a piston structure, which is configured to reciprocate along the inner wall of the hollow chamber so that one end of the piston structure approaches or moves away from the air hole.

[0007] The piston structure is provided with a return structure at the end away from the air hole. The return structure is configured to move the piston structure away from the air hole. A sealing element is provided at the contact position between the piston structure and the inner wall of the hollow cavity.

[0008] When the transfer mechanism transfers items, the piston structure moves away from the air hole, and at least part of the hollow chamber forms a negative pressure chamber.

[0009] According to the adsorption-type transfer mechanism provided in the first aspect of this application, a negative pressure chamber is intermittently formed in the hollow cavity through the reciprocating motion of the piston structure. Specifically, when the piston structure with good sealing performance moves towards the air hole, the piston structure pushes some of the air in the hollow cavity outward from the air hole. After the transported object comes into contact with the air hole, the return structure pulls the piston structure away from the air hole, thus forming a negative pressure chamber between the piston structure and the air hole, thereby causing the transported object to be adsorbed at the air hole. The adsorption-type transfer mechanism of this application can achieve the transport function without the use of a vacuum pump when handling lighter transported objects with smooth surfaces (such as printer housings, plastic-packaged ribbon cartridges, etc.), with low noise and energy saving, while reducing production costs.

[0010] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the return structure is disposed in the hollow cavity.

[0011] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the hollow cavity is provided with a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity, and a spacer is provided between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity;

[0012] The first sub-chamber is provided with the piston structure and the air hole. The piston structure can reciprocate along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber. The air hole is located at the end of the first sub-chamber away from the isolation member, and the first sub-chamber communicates with the outside through the air hole.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the return structure includes:

[0014] A connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the piston structure, and the other end of the connecting rod away from the piston structure is provided with an abutment member, which is slidable along the second sub-chamber, and the abutment member is provided with a flow channel; and

[0015] A force-applying spring is sleeved on the portion of the connecting rod located in the second sub-chamber; one end of the force-applying spring is connected to the abutment member, and the other end of the force-applying spring is connected to the isolation member; when the piston structure moves toward the air hole, the force-applying spring is compressed; when the piston structure moves away from the air hole, the force-applying spring recovers from the compressed state.

[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect of this application, the return structure includes:

[0017] A connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the piston structure, and the other end of the connecting rod away from the piston structure is provided with an abutment member, which is slidable along the second sub-chamber, and the abutment member is provided with a flow channel; and

[0018] A force-applying spring is sleeved on the portion of the connecting rod located in the first sub-chamber; one end of the force-applying spring is connected to the piston structure, and the other end of the force-applying spring is connected to the isolator; when the piston structure moves toward the air hole, the force-applying spring is stretched; when the piston structure moves away from the air hole, the force-applying spring returns to its stretched state.

[0019] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect of this application, a power source is further included, the power source being configured to drive the piston structure toward the direction of the air hole.

[0020] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the power source is compressed air, and the second sub-chamber is provided with an air inlet;

[0021] The air inlet is equipped with a solenoid valve, which is configured to selectively connect the air inlet to either a compressed air source or an air outlet.

[0022] In one possible embodiment of the first aspect of this application, the transfer mechanism is provided with an adsorption connector configured to contact the transfer material; the adsorption connector includes:

[0023] The mounting part is configured to fix the adsorption connector to the air hole;

[0024] A through hole, wherein the through hole communicates with the vent; and

[0025] An adsorption section, which is configured to contact the transported material, is at least partially composed of a non-rigid material.

[0026] Secondly, this application also provides a transfer device, comprising at least two of the aforementioned adsorption-type transfer mechanisms; and

[0027] The air outlet pipe is provided with an adsorption connector mounting port and an air vent. The air vent is provided in correspondence with the air hole of the transfer mechanism. The air outlet pipe is provided with an air outlet valve, which is configured to selectively allow any air hole of the transfer mechanism to communicate with the outside through the adsorption connector mounting port.

[0028] Thirdly, this application also provides a printing equipment production line, including the above-mentioned adsorption transfer mechanism or the above-mentioned transfer device, wherein the printing equipment production line is used to produce portable printers or printer consumables. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the transfer mechanism from a first angle in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 2 The figure shown is a schematic diagram of the AA section of the transfer mechanism in an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the transfer mechanism from a first angle in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 ;

[0032] Figure 4A The diagram shown is a structural schematic of one method of setting the abutment in an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 4B The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the second configuration of the abutment in this application embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the transfer mechanism from a first angle in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 ;

[0035] Figure 6 The figure shown is a first-angle schematic diagram of a transfer mechanism provided with an adsorption connector in an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a first-angle schematic diagram of the transfer device in an embodiment of this application.

[0037] in:

[0038] 100. Transfer mechanism; 110. Return structure; 120. Piston structure; 130. Air vent; 140. Hollow chamber; 150. Air inlet; 160. Adsorption connector; 161. Through hole; 162. Mounting part; 163. Adsorption part;

[0039] 210. First sub-chamber; 2111. Force-applying spring; 2112. Connecting rod;

[0040] 220. Second sub-chamber; 221. Abutment component; 2211. Abutment body; 2212. Flow channel; 230. Isolation component;

[0041] 300. Goods being transferred;

[0042] 400. Transfer device; 410. Air outlet valve; 420. Main chamber; 421. First piston; 430. Backup chamber; 431. Second piston; 440. Connecting rod; 450. Air outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] In this application, the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and local features may be enlarged or reduced to more clearly show the details of the local features.

[0045] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The singular forms "a," "the," and "the" as used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features.

[0047] In the description of this application, the terms "inner" and "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the purpose of simplifying the description of this application and do not indicate that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. That is, they should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0048] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," "setting," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can also refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, the terms "above," "over," "on top of," "below," "below," "under," or "below" for "first feature over second feature" can refer to the first and second features being in direct contact, or to the first and second features being in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "below," and "over" for "first feature over second feature" can mean the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than the horizontal height of the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "below" for "first feature over second feature" can mean the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than the horizontal height of the second feature.

[0050] In related technologies, automated production lines for printers and their consumables typically include conveying systems, inspection systems, and assembly systems. The transfer units within the conveying system are a crucial component of the automated production line. On an automated printer production line, printer components and assembled printers rely on transfer units to be moved to designated locations for the next step. Similarly, on an automated production line for printer consumables, consumable components (such as the upper and lower housings of ribbon cartridges) and assembled consumables also rely on transfer units to be moved to the next production stage.

[0051] Portable printer parts and consumables are lightweight and small, typically handled using suction structures or small robotic arms. The printer casing and packaged consumables, due to their smooth surfaces, are usually transferred using vacuum suction structures. However, vacuum pumps generate significant noise during operation, typically between 75 and 85 dB(A), which can damage the operator's hearing. Furthermore, vacuum pumps require continuous electrical energy to maintain suction, resulting in high energy consumption and increased production costs.

[0052] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides an adsorption-type transfer mechanism 100, which adsorbs the transfer object 300 by generating negative pressure, and can achieve the effect of handling lightweight items without the need for a vacuum pump.

[0053] The following will be combined with the appendix Figures 1-7This application is described below.

[0054] The transfer mechanism 100 has a hollow chamber 140 inside, and one end of the hollow chamber 140 has an air hole 130 communicating with the outside of the transfer mechanism 100. At the same time, the hollow chamber 140 is provided with a piston structure 120, which is configured to reciprocate along the inner wall of the hollow chamber 140, so that one end of the piston structure 120 moves closer to or further away from the air hole 130.

[0055] To further explain, the vent 130 is used to discharge the gas from the hollow chamber 140. When an object needs to be adsorbed, the piston structure 120 slides along the inner wall of the hollow chamber 140 and moves along the length of the hollow chamber 140 toward the vent 130. The air between the piston structure 120 and the vent 130 is discharged from the vent 130 to the outside of the transfer mechanism 100 until the piston structure 120 is close to the vent 130, at which point the exhaust is completed. At this time, the vent 130 of the transfer mechanism 100 is brought close to or attached to the smooth surface side of the transfer object 300.

[0056] A return structure 110 is provided at the end of the piston structure 120 away from the vent 130. The return structure 110 is configured to move the piston structure 120 away from the vent 130. A sealing element is provided at the contact position between the piston structure 120 and the inner wall of the hollow chamber 140 to improve the sealing performance. When the transfer mechanism 100 transfers items, the piston structure 120 moves away from the vent 130, and the portion of the hollow chamber 140 between the piston structure 120 and the vent 130 forms a negative pressure chamber.

[0057] To further explain, when the vent 130 of the transfer mechanism 100 approaches or adheres to the smooth surface of the transfer object 300, the vent 130 is relatively closed off from the outside. The return structure 110 uses tension to move the piston structure 120 away from the vent 130, forming a negative pressure chamber between the vent 130 and the piston structure 120. This chamber adsorbs the transfer object 300 onto or around the vent 130, thereby achieving the purpose of fixing the transfer object 300. A sealing element, such as an elastomer like a rubber ring, is provided at the contact position between the piston structure 120 and the inner wall of the hollow chamber 140 to improve the sealing performance between the piston structure 120 and the inner wall.

[0058] In summary, the reciprocating motion of the piston structure 120 intermittently creates a negative pressure chamber in the hollow cavity 140. Specifically, when the piston structure 120, with its good sealing performance, moves towards the vent 130, it pushes some of the air in the hollow cavity 140 outward through the vent 130. After the transported object 300 comes into contact with the vent 130, the return structure 110 pulls the piston structure 120 away from the vent 130, creating a negative pressure chamber between the piston structure 120 and the vent 130, thus causing the transported object 300 to adhere to the vent 130. The adsorption-type transport mechanism 100 of this application can achieve the transport function without the need for a vacuum pump when handling lightweight transported objects with smooth surfaces (such as printer housings, plastic-packaged ribbon cartridges, etc.), resulting in low noise, energy saving, and reduced production costs.

[0059] For example, the main body of the transfer mechanism 100 of this application is made of plastic or stainless steel. Plastic is low cost, while stainless steel has a long service life.

[0060] As another specific embodiment of this application, such as Figure 2 As shown, the return structure 110 is disposed in the hollow cavity 140, which can prevent the return structure 110 from getting dirty or rusted and improve the service life of the return structure 110.

[0061] To further explain, the hollow chamber 140 is provided with a first sub-chamber 210 and a second sub-chamber 220, with a spacer 230 disposed between the first sub-chamber 210 and the second sub-chamber 220. The first sub-chamber 210 is provided with a piston structure 120 and an air vent 130. The piston structure 120 can reciprocate along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber 210. The air vent 130 is located at the end of the first sub-chamber 210 away from the spacer 230, and the first sub-chamber 210 communicates with the outside through the air vent 130.

[0062] For example, the return structure 110 includes a connecting rod 2112 and a force-applying spring 2111. A portion of the connecting rod 2112 is located in the first sub-chamber 210, and a portion is located in the second sub-chamber 220. One end of the connecting rod 2112 is connected to the piston structure 120 of the first sub-chamber 210. The other end of the connecting rod 2112, away from the piston structure 120, is provided with an abutment 221, which can slide along the inner wall of the second sub-chamber 220. The abutment 221 has a flow channel 2212. The force-applying spring 2111 is sleeved on the portion of the connecting rod 2112 located in the second sub-chamber 220. One end of the force-applying spring 2111 is connected to the abutment 221, and the other end is connected to the isolator 230. When the piston structure 120 moves toward the vent 130, the force spring 2111 is compressed; when the piston structure 120 moves away from the vent 130, the force spring 2111 recovers from the compressed state.

[0063] In another possible implementation, the return structure 110 includes a connecting rod 2112 and a force-applying spring 2111. A portion of the connecting rod 2112 is located in the first sub-chamber 210, and a portion is located in the second sub-chamber 220. One end of the connecting rod 2112 is connected to the piston structure 120 of the first sub-chamber 210, and the other end of the connecting rod 2112 away from the piston structure 120 is provided with an abutment 221. The abutment 221 can slide along the inner wall of the second sub-chamber 220 and has a flow channel 2212. The force-applying spring 2111 is sleeved on the portion of the connecting rod 2112 located in the first sub-chamber 210. One end of the force-applying spring 2111 is connected to the piston structure 120, and the other end is connected to the isolator 230. When the piston structure 120 moves toward the vent 130, the force spring 2111 is stretched; when the piston structure 120 moves away from the vent 130, the force spring 2111 returns to its stretched state.

[0064] The transfer mechanism 100 also includes a power source configured to drive the piston structure 120 toward the air port 130. Exemplarily, the power source is compressed air, a cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the power source is compressed air, and the second sub-chamber 220 is provided with an air inlet 150; the air inlet 150 is provided with a solenoid valve, which is configured such that the air inlet 150 is selectively connected to either the compressed air source or the air outlet.

[0066] The transfer mechanism 100 may also be provided with an adsorption connector 160, which is configured to contact the transfer object 300. The adsorption connector 160 includes a mounting portion 162, a through hole 161, and an adsorption portion 163. The mounting portion 162 is configured to allow the adsorption connector 160 to be detachably or non-detachably fixed to the air hole 130. The through hole 161 communicates with the air hole 130. The adsorption portion 163 is configured to contact the transfer object 300, and at least part of the adsorption portion 163 is made of a non-rigid material, such as rubber or elastic plastic, which helps to improve the reliability of the connection between the adsorption portion 163 and the transfer object 300 under negative pressure.

[0067] Secondly, this application also provides a transfer device 400, including at least two of the aforementioned adsorption-type transfer mechanisms 100 and an outlet pipe 450. The outlet pipe 450 is provided with an adsorption connector mounting port and an air vent. The air vent is correspondingly provided with the air hole 130 of the transfer mechanism 100. The outlet pipe 450 is provided with an outlet valve 412, which is configured to selectively allow the air hole 130 of any transfer mechanism 100 to communicate with the outside through the adsorption connector mounting port. By providing multiple transfer mechanisms 100, it can be ensured that if one transfer mechanism 100 fails, it can be switched to another transfer mechanism 100 in a timely manner, ensuring the normal operation of the transfer device 400.

[0068] Thirdly, this application also provides a printing equipment production line, including the aforementioned adsorption-type transfer mechanism 100 or the aforementioned transfer device 400, wherein the printing equipment production line is used to produce portable printers or printer consumables. Since the printing equipment production line has the adsorption-type transfer mechanism 100 or the transfer device 400, it has the same technical effects as described above, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0069] The above is a brief description of the main structure of the transfer mechanism 100, the transfer device 400, and the printing equipment production line. The structure of this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0070] The following is an example of a specific implementation method, such as... Figures 1-2 As shown, the main body of the transfer device in this embodiment is cylindrical, and its cross-section AA is approximately circular. It is understood that the transfer device in this embodiment can also be of other shapes; for example, the cross-section AA can be elliptical, rectangular, semi-circular, parallelogram, etc. In this embodiment, the main body of the transfer device is made of stainless steel, but materials such as plastic can also be used.

[0071] The transfer mechanism 100 has a hollow chamber 140 inside. In this embodiment, the volume of the hollow chamber 140 is approximately 100 mL to ensure sufficient negative pressure. The hollow chamber 140 is equipped with a piston structure 120, which is configured to reciprocate along the inner wall of the hollow chamber 140, dividing the hollow chamber 140 into two non-communicating spaces. The piston structure 120 is a circular rubber stopper, entirely made of rubber, and its contact point with the inner wall of the hollow chamber 140 naturally forms a seal. It is understood that the piston structure 120 can also be a plate, block, or sheet structure made of rigid material, with rubber at its edges as a seal.

[0072] The lower part of the transfer mechanism 100 is provided with an air hole 130, through which air is discharged from the hollow chamber 140. In this embodiment, when transferring an object, the air hole 130 is in direct contact with the object being transferred 300. It can be understood that the air hole 130 can be provided at the end of the transfer mechanism 100 or on the side near the end of the transfer mechanism 100. When the air hole 130 is provided on the side near one end of the transfer mechanism 100, the piston structure 120 always reciprocates between the other end and the air hole 130.

[0073] A return structure 110 is provided on the side of the piston structure 120 away from the vent 130. Further, the hollow chamber 140 is divided into two non-communicating parts by the piston structure 120. The first part communicates with the outside through the vent 130, and the second part has the return structure 110. In this embodiment, the return structure 110 is a stainless steel spring. One end of the stainless steel spring is fixedly connected to the end of the hollow chamber 140 without the vent 130, and the other end is fixedly connected to the piston structure 120. Preferably, the stainless steel spring is fixed at the center of one end of the piston structure 120 or the hollow chamber 140, making the sliding of the piston structure 120 smoother.

[0074] In this embodiment, the power source is compressed air. The portion of the hollow chamber 140 with the return structure 110 has an air inlet 150. The air inlet 150 is used to introduce compressed air into the chamber, causing the piston structure 120 to move towards the air hole 130 to expel air. Furthermore, the air inlet 150 can also expel gas from the hollow chamber 140 when the piston structure 120 moves away from the air hole 130. In this embodiment, intermittent intake / exhaust (not shown in the figure) is achieved by using a three-way solenoid valve at the air inlet 150.

[0075] The following is an example of the working process of this embodiment when transporting portable printer housing parts:

[0076] When it is necessary to adsorb the outer shell parts, the air inlet 150 introduces compressed air into the hollow chamber 140, the piston structure 120 moves along the inner wall of the hollow chamber 140 toward the air hole 130, the spring is stretched, and the air between the piston structure 120 and the air hole 130 is discharged from the air hole 130 to the outside of the transfer mechanism 100 until the piston structure 120 is close to the air hole 130, at which point the exhaust is completed, and the air hole 130 of the transfer mechanism 100 is attached to the smooth surface side of the outer shell parts.

[0077] After the air hole 130 of the transfer mechanism 100 is in contact with the smooth surface of the outer shell part, the solenoid valve switches to exhaust, the spring pulls the piston structure 120 back, and the piston structure 120 moves away from the air hole 130, so that a negative pressure chamber is formed between the piston structure 120 and the air hole 130, thereby causing the outer shell part to be adsorbed at the air hole 130.

[0078] After the outer casing parts are transferred to the designated position, compressed air is introduced into the hollow chamber 140 through the air inlet 150. The piston structure 120 moves along the inner wall of the hollow chamber 140 towards the air hole 130, the negative pressure state in the chamber disappears, and the outer casing parts are released.

[0079] The following provides a specific implementation method two, as exemplarily. Figure 3 As shown, the main body shape of the transfer mechanism 100 in this embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0080] In this embodiment, the hollow cavity 140 is provided with a first sub-cavity 210 and a second sub-cavity 220, and a spacer 230 is provided between the first sub-cavity 210 and the second sub-cavity 220. In this embodiment, the spacer 230 is a non-sealed structure, such as a perforated partition, etc., and the gas in the second sub-cavity 220 can communicate with part of the gas in the first sub-cavity 210.

[0081] The first sub-chamber 210 is provided with a piston structure 120 and an air vent 130. The piston structure 120 can reciprocate along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber 210. The air vent 130 is located at the end of the first sub-chamber 210 away from the isolator 230, and the first sub-chamber 210 communicates with the outside through the air vent 130. The second sub-chamber 220 is provided with a return structure 110, one end of which extends into the first sub-chamber 210 and connects with the piston structure 120. The arrangement of the air vent 130 and the piston structure 120 is basically the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0082] The return structure 110 includes a connecting rod 2112 and a force-applying spring 2111. A portion of the connecting rod 2112 is located in the first sub-chamber 210, and a portion is located in the second sub-chamber 220. One end of the connecting rod 2112 is connected to the piston structure 120 of the first sub-chamber 210. The length of the connecting rod 2112 can be adjusted according to actual conditions, and is typically set to half the length of the hollow chamber 140.

[0083] The connecting rod 2112, away from the piston structure 120, has an abutment 221 at its other end. The abutment 221 can slide along the inner wall of the second sub-chamber 220. The abutment 221 has a flow channel 2212, which is used to maintain air pressure balance on both sides of the abutment 221. Specifically, the abutment 221 includes an abutment body 2211, which has a flow channel 2212. The flow channel 2212 can be located at the edge of the abutment body 2211. Figure 4A ), or it can be set at a position close to the middle of the main body 2211 ( Figure 4B Alternatively, it can be positioned both at the edge and near the center (not shown in the figure). The abutment 221 is used to fix one end of the connecting rod 2112 and to limit its movement, preventing the end of the connecting rod 2112 located in the second sub-cavity 220 from entering the first sub-cavity 210. The abutment 221 can be made of plastic or metal. The contact area between the abutment 221 and the inner wall can be lubricated with lubricating oil to ensure smooth sliding.

[0084] A force-applying spring 2111 is sleeved on the portion of the connecting rod 2112 located in the second sub-chamber 220. One end of the force-applying spring 2111 is connected to the abutment member 221, and the other end is connected to the isolation member 230. When the piston structure 120 moves toward the vent 130, the force-applying spring 2111 is compressed; when the piston structure 120 moves away from the vent 130, the force-applying spring 2111 returns to its compressed state.

[0085] In this embodiment, the power source is compressed air. The second sub-chamber 220 is provided with an air inlet 150, which is used to introduce compressed air into the second sub-chamber 220. The gas can enter the first sub-chamber 210 through the separator 230, causing the piston structure 120 to move towards the air hole 130 to discharge air. Furthermore, the air inlet 150 can also discharge some gas from the first sub-chamber 210 when the piston structure 120 moves away from the air hole 130. In this embodiment, intermittent intake / exhaust is also achieved by providing a three-way solenoid valve at the air inlet 150 (not shown in the figure). Compared to Embodiment 1, the piston structure 120 in this embodiment slides more stably.

[0086] The following is an example of the working process of this embodiment when transferring ribbon cartridges (portable printer consumables) with plastic packaging:

[0087] When it is necessary to adsorb the ribbon cartridge, the air inlet 150 introduces compressed air into the second sub-chamber 220. The piston structure 120 moves along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber 210 toward the air hole 130. The force spring 2111 in the second sub-chamber 220 is compressed. The air between the piston structure 120 and the air hole 130 is discharged from the air hole 130 to the outside of the transfer mechanism 100 until the piston structure 120 is close to the air hole 130, at which point the exhaust is completed. At this time, the air hole 130 of the transfer mechanism 100 is attached to the smooth surface side of the plastic packaging of the ribbon cartridge.

[0088] After the air hole 130 of the transfer mechanism 100 is in contact with the smooth surface of the plastic packaging of the ribbon box, the solenoid valve switches to exhaust, and the force spring 2111 drives the connecting rod 2112 to pull the piston structure 120 back. The piston structure 120 moves away from the air hole 130, so that a negative pressure chamber is formed between the piston structure 120 and the air hole 130, thereby causing the ribbon box to be adsorbed at the air hole 130.

[0089] After the ribbon cartridge is transferred to the designated position, compressed air is introduced into the second sub-chamber 220 through the air inlet 150. The piston structure 120 moves along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber 210 toward the air hole 130, the negative pressure state in the chamber disappears, and the ribbon cartridge is released.

[0090] The following provides a specific implementation method three, as exemplarily. Figure 5 As shown, the basic content of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 2, except that a force-applying spring 2111 is arranged around the portion of the connecting rod 2112 located in the first sub-chamber 210. One end of the force-applying spring 2111 is connected to the piston structure 120, and the other end is connected to the spacer 230. When the piston structure 120 moves towards the vent 130, the force-applying spring 2111 is stretched; when the piston structure 120 moves away from the vent 130, the force-applying spring 2111 returns to its stretched state. Compared with Embodiment 1, the piston structure 120 in this embodiment slides more stably.

[0091] The following is an example of the working process of this embodiment when transferring ribbon cartridges (portable printer consumables) with plastic packaging:

[0092] When it is necessary to adsorb the ribbon box, the air inlet 150 introduces compressed air into the second sub-chamber 220. The piston structure 120 moves along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber 210 toward the air hole 130. The force spring 2111 in the first sub-chamber 210 is stretched. The air between the piston structure 120 and the air hole 130 is discharged from the air hole 130 to the outside of the transfer mechanism 100 until the piston structure 120 is close to the air hole 130, at which point the exhaust is completed. At this time, the air hole 130 of the transfer mechanism 100 is attached to the smooth surface side of the plastic packaging of the ribbon box.

[0093] After the air hole 130 of the transfer mechanism 100 is in contact with the smooth surface of the plastic packaging of the ribbon box, the solenoid valve switches to exhaust, and the force spring 2111 drives the connecting rod 2112 to pull the piston structure 120 back. The piston structure 120 moves away from the air hole 130, so that a negative pressure chamber is formed between the piston structure 120 and the air hole 130, thereby causing the ribbon box to be adsorbed at the air hole 130.

[0094] After the ribbon cartridge is transferred to the designated position, compressed air is introduced into the second sub-chamber 220 through the air inlet 150. The piston structure 120 moves along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber 210 toward the air hole 130, the negative pressure state in the chamber disappears, and the ribbon cartridge is released.

[0095] The following provides a specific implementation method four, as exemplarily. Figure 6 As shown, the basic content of this embodiment is the same as that of Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2, or Embodiment 3. The difference is that the transfer mechanism 100 in this embodiment may also be provided with an adsorption connector 160. The adsorption connector 160 is configured to contact the transfer object 300. The adsorption connector 160 includes a mounting part 162, a through hole 161, and an adsorption part 163. In this embodiment, the adsorption connector 160 is a suction cup structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

[0096] The mounting part 162 is configured to connect the adsorption connector 160 to the vent 130, with the through hole 161 communicating with the vent 130. Threaded installation, snap-fit, or other methods can be used, and a sealing structure such as a rubber ring is provided at the connection point to ensure airtightness. The adsorption part 163 is configured to contact the transported object 300, and at least part of the adsorption part 163 is made of a non-rigid material, such as rubber or elastic plastic, which helps to improve the reliability of the connection between the adsorption part 163 and the transported object 300 under negative pressure.

[0097] The following is an example of one working process of this embodiment when transporting portable printer housing parts:

[0098] When it is necessary to adsorb the outer shell parts, the air inlet 150 introduces compressed air into the second sub-chamber 220, the piston structure 120 moves along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber 210 toward the air hole 130, the force spring 2111 in the first sub-chamber 210 is stretched, and the air between the piston structure 120 and the air hole 130 is discharged from the air hole 130 to the outside of the transfer mechanism 100 until the piston structure 120 is close to the air hole 130, at which point the exhaust is completed, and the adsorption part 163 is attached to the smooth surface side of the outer shell parts.

[0099] After the adsorption part 163 is in contact with the smooth surface of the outer shell part, the solenoid valve switches to exhaust, and the force spring 2111 drives the connecting rod 2112 to pull the piston structure 120 back. The piston structure 120 moves away from the air hole 130, so that a negative pressure chamber is formed between the piston structure 120 and the air hole 130, thereby causing the outer shell part to be adsorbed at the adsorption part 163.

[0100] After the outer casing is transferred to the designated position, compressed air is introduced into the second sub-chamber 220 through the air inlet 150. The piston structure 120 moves along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber 210 toward the air hole 130, the negative pressure state in the chamber disappears, and the outer casing is released.

[0101] Secondly, this application also provides a transfer device 400, including at least two of the above-mentioned adsorption transfer mechanisms 100; and an exhaust pipe 450, the exhaust pipe 450 being provided with an adsorption connector mounting port and an air vent, the air vent being correspondingly provided with the air hole 130 of the transfer mechanism 100, the exhaust pipe 450 being provided with an exhaust valve 410, the exhaust valve 410 being configured to selectively allow the air hole 130 of any transfer mechanism 100 to communicate with the outside through the adsorption connector mounting port.

[0102] The following provides a specific implementation method five, as exemplarily. Figure 7 As shown, the transfer device 400 in this embodiment includes a first transfer mechanism and a second transfer mechanism. The first transfer mechanism is the main mechanism and is used as the main working unit. The second transfer mechanism is an auxiliary mechanism. When the first transfer mechanism fails, the system can automatically switch to the second transfer mechanism. The basic structure of the transfer mechanism 100 used in this fifth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0103] In this embodiment, the first transfer mechanism includes a main chamber 420 and a first piston 421. The first piston 421 can slide along the inner wall of the main chamber 420, and an air hole 130 is provided on the end or side wall near the end of the main chamber 420. The second transfer mechanism includes a spare chamber 430 and a second piston 431. The second piston 431 can slide along the inner wall of the spare chamber 430, and an air hole 130 is provided on the end or side wall near the end of the spare chamber 430. The first piston 421 and the second piston 431 are connected by a connecting rod 440. One end of the connecting rod 440 is connected to the side of the first piston 421 away from the air hole 130, and the other end is connected to the side of the second piston 431 away from the air hole 130.

[0104] The vents 130 of the first transfer mechanism and the vents 130 of the second transfer mechanism are selectively connected to the outside through the vent pipe 450. Specifically, the vent pipe 450 is a three-way pipe, with the first end connected to the vent 130 of the first transfer mechanism, the second end connected to the vent 130 of the second transfer mechanism, and the third end used to adsorb the transported material 300. Vent valves 410 are provided at the confluence points of the branches of the vent pipe 450. When the first transfer mechanism is working normally, the vent valve 410 allows the vent 130 of the first transfer mechanism to be connected to the outside; when the first transfer mechanism malfunctions and switches to the second transfer mechanism, the vent valve 410 switches to allow the vent 130 of the second transfer mechanism to be connected to the outside. In this embodiment, the malfunction refers to a situation where the part of the first transfer mechanism forming the negative pressure chamber experiences air leakage, leading to abnormal operation. This can be identified by setting up sensors such as air pressure detectors, and warnings can be issued through alarms such as lights and sounds. Related fault detection or warning technologies are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0105] The following is an example of the working process of this embodiment when transporting portable printer housing parts:

[0106] When it is necessary to adsorb the outer casing part, compressed air is introduced into the main chamber 420 through the air inlet 150 of the first transfer mechanism. The first piston 421 moves along the inner wall of the main chamber 420 toward the air hole 130. The air between the first piston 421 and the air hole 130 is discharged to the outside of the transfer mechanism 100 through the air outlet pipe 450 until the first piston 421 is close to the air hole 130, at which point the exhaust is completed. The third end of the air outlet pipe 450 is then placed against the smooth surface side of the outer casing part. If an adsorption connector 160 is installed at the third end of the air outlet pipe 450, the adsorption part 163 of the adsorption connector 160 is then placed against the smooth surface side of the outer casing part. At this time, the air outlet valve 410 on the air outlet pipe 450 only allows the air hole 130 of the first transfer mechanism to communicate with the outside.

[0107] After the third end of the adsorption part 163 or the air outlet pipe 450 is in contact with the smooth surface of the outer shell part, the solenoid valve of the air inlet 150 of the first transfer mechanism switches to exhaust, and the air inlet 150 of the second transfer mechanism introduces compressed air into the spare chamber 430. The second piston 431 moves towards the air hole 130 of the second transfer mechanism, and through the connecting rod 440 drives the first piston 421 to move away from the air hole 130 of the second transfer mechanism, so that a negative pressure chamber is formed between the first piston 421 and the air hole 130, thereby causing the outer shell part to be adsorbed at the third end of the adsorption part 163 or the air outlet pipe 450.

[0108] After the outer casing part is transferred to the designated position, compressed air is introduced into the main chamber 420 through the air inlet 150. The first piston 421 moves along the inner wall of the main chamber 420 toward the air hole 130 of the first transfer mechanism. The negative pressure state in the chamber disappears and the outer casing part is released.

[0109] When the first transfer mechanism fails, the second transfer mechanism is activated, and its operation process is as follows:

[0110] When it is necessary to adsorb the outer casing part, compressed air is introduced into the spare chamber 430 through the air inlet 150 of the second transfer mechanism. The second piston 431 moves along the inner wall of the spare chamber 430 toward the air hole 130. The air between the second piston 431 and the air hole 130 is discharged to the outside of the transfer mechanism 100 through the air outlet pipe 450 until the second piston 431 is close to the air hole 130, at which point the exhaust is completed. The third end of the air outlet pipe 450 is then placed against the smooth surface side of the outer casing part. If an adsorption connector 160 is installed at the third end of the air outlet pipe 450, the adsorption part 163 of the adsorption connector 160 is then placed against the smooth surface side of the outer casing part. At this time, the air outlet valve 410 on the air outlet pipe 450 only allows the air hole 130 of the second transfer mechanism to communicate with the outside.

[0111] After the third end of the adsorption part 163 or the exhaust pipe 450 is in contact with the smooth surface of the outer shell part, the solenoid valve of the air inlet 150 of the second transfer mechanism switches to exhaust, and the air inlet 150 of the first transfer mechanism introduces compressed air into the main chamber 420. The first piston 421 moves toward the air hole 130 of the first transfer mechanism, and through the connecting rod 440 drives the second piston 431 to move away from the air hole 130 of the second transfer mechanism, so that a negative pressure chamber is formed between the second piston 431 and the air hole 130, thereby causing the outer shell part to be adsorbed at the third end of the adsorption part 163 or the exhaust pipe 450.

[0112] After the outer casing part is transferred to the designated position, the air inlet 150 introduces compressed air into the spare chamber 430, and the second piston 431 moves along the inner wall of the spare chamber 430 toward the air hole 130 of the second transfer mechanism. The negative pressure state in the chamber disappears, and the outer casing part is released.

[0113] Thirdly, this application also provides a printing equipment production line, including the aforementioned adsorption-type transfer mechanism 100 or the aforementioned transfer device 400. Other necessary equipment, production processes, and working principles of the printing equipment production line are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0114] The basic principles of this application have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. However, it should be noted that the advantages, benefits, and effects mentioned in this application are merely examples and not limitations, and should not be considered as essential features of each embodiment of this application. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for illustrative and facilitative purposes only, and are not limitations. These details do not limit the application to the necessity of employing the aforementioned specific details for implementation.

[0115] The components and devices described in this application are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that they must be connected, arranged, or configured in the manner shown in the accompanying drawings. As those skilled in the art will recognize, these components and devices can be connected, arranged, and configured in any manner. Words such as “comprising,” “including,” “having,” etc., are open-ended terms meaning “including but not limited to,” and are used interchangeably with them. The terms “or” and “and” as used herein refer to the words “and / or,” and are used interchangeably with them unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “such as” as used herein refers to the phrase “such as but not limited to,” and is used interchangeably with it.

[0116] It should also be noted that in the apparatus and equipment of this application, the components can be disassembled and / or reassembled. These disassemblies and / or reassemblies should be considered as equivalent solutions of this application.

[0117] The above description of the disclosed aspects is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use this application. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0118] It should be understood that the qualifying terms "first" and "second" used in the description of the embodiments of this application are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0119] The above description has been given for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, this description is not intended to limit the embodiments of this application to the forms disclosed herein. Although numerous exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those skilled in the art will recognize certain variations, modifications, alterations, additions, and sub-combinations thereof.

[0120] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications or equivalent substitutions made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An adsorption-type transfer mechanism, comprising: A hollow chamber is located inside the transfer mechanism, and an air hole is provided at one end of the hollow chamber, which communicates with the outside of the transfer mechanism. Its features are: The hollow chamber is provided with a piston structure, which is configured to reciprocate along the inner wall of the hollow chamber so that one end of the piston structure approaches or moves away from the air hole. The piston structure is provided with a return structure at the end away from the air hole. The return structure is configured to move the piston structure away from the air hole. A sealing element is provided at the contact position between the piston structure and the inner wall of the hollow cavity. When the transfer mechanism transfers items, the piston structure moves away from the air hole, and at least part of the hollow chamber forms a negative pressure chamber.

2. The adsorption-type transfer mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The return structure is located in the hollow cavity.

3. The adsorption-type transfer mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hollow cavity is provided with a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity, and a spacer is provided between the first sub-cavity and the second sub-cavity; The first sub-chamber is provided with the piston structure and the air hole. The piston structure can reciprocate along the inner wall of the first sub-chamber. The air hole is located at the end of the first sub-chamber away from the isolation member, and the first sub-chamber communicates with the outside through the air hole.

4. The adsorption-type transfer mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The return structure includes: A connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the piston structure, and the other end of the connecting rod away from the piston structure, having an abutment member that can slide along the second sub-chamber, and having a flow channel on the abutment member; and A force-applying spring is sleeved on the portion of the connecting rod located in the second sub-chamber; one end of the force-applying spring is connected to the abutment member, and the other end of the force-applying spring is connected to the isolation member; when the piston structure moves toward the air hole, the force-applying spring is compressed; when the piston structure moves away from the air hole, the force-applying spring recovers from the compressed state.

5. The adsorption-type transfer mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The return structure includes: A connecting rod, one end of which is connected to the piston structure, and the other end of the connecting rod away from the piston structure, having an abutment member that can slide along the second sub-chamber, and having a flow channel on the abutment member; and A force-applying spring is sleeved on the portion of the connecting rod located in the first sub-chamber; one end of the force-applying spring is connected to the piston structure, and the other end of the force-applying spring is connected to the isolator; when the piston structure moves toward the air hole, the force-applying spring is stretched; when the piston structure moves away from the air hole, the force-applying spring returns to its stretched state.

6. An adsorption-type transfer mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that: It also includes a power source configured to drive the piston structure toward the direction of the air hole.

7. The adsorption-type transfer mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The power source is compressed air, and the second sub-chamber is provided with an air inlet; The air inlet is equipped with a solenoid valve, which is configured to selectively connect the air inlet to either a compressed air source or an air outlet.

8. An adsorption-type transfer mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The transfer mechanism is provided with an adsorption connector, which is configured to contact the transfer material; the adsorption connector includes: The mounting part is configured to fix the adsorption connector to the air hole; A through hole, wherein the through hole communicates with the vent; and An adsorption section, which is configured to contact the transported material, is at least partially composed of a non-rigid material.

9. A transfer device, characterized in that, Includes at least two of the adsorption-type transfer mechanisms as described in claim 1; and The air outlet pipe is provided with an adsorption connector mounting port and an air vent. The air vent is provided in correspondence with the air hole of the transfer mechanism. The air outlet pipe is provided with an air outlet valve, which is configured to selectively allow any air hole of the transfer mechanism to communicate with the outside through the adsorption connector mounting port.

10. A printing equipment production line, characterized in that, Includes the adsorption-type transfer mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, or the transfer device according to claim 9; The printing equipment production line is used to produce portable printers or printer consumables.

Images