Spring members

In some examples, an apparatus can include a dial having a central axis and an inner channel defined by a first surface and a second surface, and a middle cover having a central axis, where the middle cover includes a first spring member and a second spring member, the first spring member and the second spring member are biased away from the central axis, and where when the dial is interfaced with the middle cover, the first spring member and the second spring member are to interface with the first surface and the second surface of the dial.

BACKGROUND

Imaging/printing systems, such as printers, copiers, etc., may be used to form markings on a physical medium, such as text, images, etc. In some examples, imaging systems may form markings on the physical medium by performing a print job. A print job can include forming markings such as text and/or images by transferring a print material (e.g., ink, toner, etc.) to the physical medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Imaging/printing devices may include a supply of a print material. As used herein, the term “print material” refers to a substance which can be transported through and/or utilized by an imaging device. In some examples, print material can be, for instance, a material that when applied to a medium, can form representation(s) (e.g., text, images, models, etc.) on the medium during a print job. Print material may include ink, toner, polymers, metals, colorants, etc.

The print material can be deposited onto a physical medium. As used herein, the term “printing device” refers to any hardware device with functionalities to physically produce representation(s) (e.g., text, images, models, etc.) on the medium. In some examples, a “medium” may include paper, photopolymers, plastics, composite, metal, wood, fabric, or the like. A printing device can further include other functionalities such as scanning, faxing, and/or other printing device functionalities, and can perform print jobs when in receipt of a print job request from a computing device or other network (e.g., Internet) connected device.

User inputs to a printing device may be made through various input mechanisms. For example, input mechanisms for a printing device may include utilizing buttons on the printing device, a touch screen display on the printing device, transmitting wireless signals to the printing device, among other types of input mechanisms.

In some examples, a dial control panel can be utilized as an input mechanism for a printing device. A dial control panel can include, for instance, a wheel that can be rotated (e.g., by a user) to navigate menus, select printing functions, etc. Such menus, printing functions, and other information may be displayed on a display that can be included on the printing device, integrated within the dial control panel, etc. The dial control panel can be depressed by a user in order to make a menu selection, select a print function, etc. In some examples, the user may make a selection by interacting with the display, which may be a touch screen display.

The dial control panel can allow for a more streamlined and efficient input mechanism relative to previous approaches. For example, a dial control panel may allow a user to more quickly navigate different printing device functions, input information such as number of copies (e.g., for a print job), email addresses, shared folders, usernames/passwords, etc., as compared with previous approaches.

In some instances, certain dial control panel designs may result in a poor user experience with the printing device. For example, a dial control panel that jitters (e.g., wobbles) when rotated may cause a user to dislike the printing device, as the user may think the build quality of the printing device is low. As a result, the printing device may not be as desirable to consumers.

Spring members according to the disclosure can allow for a solid, smooth spinning dial control panel without horizontal or vertical wobble when rotated, as is further described herein. Such a dial control panel can ensure a positive user experience for a user, and as a result, be a desirable product to consumers.

FIG. 1is an exploded perspective view of an example of an apparatus100including a dial102and a middle cover110consistent with the disclosure. The dial102can include a central axis103and the middle cover110can include a central axis112.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the apparatus100can include a dial102. As used herein, the term “dial” refers to a rotatable knob. The dial102can be rotatable about the central axis103of the dial102. For example, the dial102can be a portion of the dial control panel such that a user may utilize the dial102by rotating the dial102in order to navigate menus, select printing functions, etc. Such menus and other printing functions may be displayed via a display (e.g., not illustrated inFIG. 1), connected to the middle cover110via other sub-assemblies (e.g., not illustrated inFIG. 1). The dial102may be rotated relative to the middle cover110. That is, the dial102can rotate about the central axis103while the middle cover110is stationary and connected to an outer cover of a printing device, as is further described in connection withFIG. 5. A user may rotate the dial102by gripping the “outer” side of the dial102(e.g., as oriented inFIG. 1) and rotating the dial102via the user's hand/fingers, in some examples.

The dial102can be a plastic material. However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, the dial102can be metal, carbon fiber, and/or any other type of material. Further, the dial102may be molded (e.g., by insert molding, injection molding, overmolding, or other molding techniques), three-dimensional (3D) printed, machined, or manufactured via any other manufacturing technique.

The dial102can include an inner channel104. As used herein, the term “channel” refers to an opening in a portion of material. For example, the inner channel104can be an opening in an “inner” side of the dial102(e.g., as oriented inFIG. 1).

The inner channel104can be defined by a first surface106and a second surface108. For example, the inner channel104can be an “L” shaped channel defined by a first surface106that is located relative to a second surface108on the “inner” side of the dial102, as is further described in connection withFIG. 3.

The apparatus100can further include the middle cover110. As used herein, the term “cover” refers to an object which is located on, over, or around other object(s). For example, the middle cover110can be a portion of an assembly of a dial control panel and can be located on, over, and/or around other components of the printing device and/or the dial control panel. The middle cover10can include a central axis112.

The middle cover110can be a plastic material. For example, the middle cover110can be an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic material with Teflon. However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, the middle cover110can be any other plastic material, can be metal, carbon fiber, etc. Further, the middle cover110may be molded (e.g., by insert molding, injection molding, overmolding, or other molding techniques), three-dimensional (3D) printed, machined, or manufactured via any other manufacturing technique.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the middle cover110can include a first spring member114and a second spring member120. As used herein, the term “spring member” refers to a constituent elastic part of a structural whole that stores mechanical energy. For example, the first spring member114and the second spring member120can store potential energy when in an engaged orientation, as is further described herein.

The first spring member114and the second spring member120can be biased away from the central axis112. For example, when the first spring member114and the second spring member120are in a disengaged orientation (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1), the first spring member114and the second spring member120can be oriented in a direction away from the central axis112. When the dial102is not interfaced with the middle cover110(e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 1), the first spring member114and the second spring member120can be in a disengaged orientation. As used herein, the term “disengaged orientation” refers to an orientation of the first spring member114and the second spring member120such that the first spring member114and the second spring member120are in a free-hanging state and not receiving a force.

When the dial102is interfaced with the middle cover110, the first spring member114and the second spring member120are to interface with the first surface106and the second surface108, respectively, of the dial102. For example, the first spring member114can interface with the first surface106and the second spring member120can interface with the second surface108. In such an orientation, the first spring member114and the second spring member120can be in an engaged orientation. As used herein, the term “engaged orientation” refers to an orientation of the first spring member114and the second spring member120such that the first spring member114and the second spring member120are experiencing a force. The force can be caused by the dial102and can cause the first spring member114and the second spring member120to be rotated towards the central axis112and provide a constant force on the first surface106and the second surface108of the channel104which can provide a smooth spinning dial102, as is further described herein.

Although a single pair of spring members114and120are illustrated inFIG. 1, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, the middle cover110can include more than one pair of spring members114and120, as is further described in connection withFIG. 2B.

FIG. 2Ais a perspective view of an example of a middle cover210having spring members214,220consistent with the disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 2A, the middle cover210is not interfaced with a dial.

The first spring member214can include a first lateral protrusion216. As used herein, the term “lateral protrusion” refers to a projection of material. The first lateral protrusion216can, accordingly, be a projection of material from the first spring member214in a same direction as the bias of the first spring member214. That is, the first lateral protrusion216can be a projection of material from the first spring member214in a direction away from the central axis (e.g., not illustrated inFIG. 2A) of the middle cover210. The first lateral protrusion216can interface with the first surface of the channel of the dial (e.g., previously described in connection withFIG. 1).

As illustrated inFIG. 2A, the first spring member214can additionally include a vertical protrusion218. As used herein, the term “vertical protrusion” refers to a projection of material. The vertical protrusion218can, accordingly, be a projection of material from the first spring member214in a direction normal or substantially normal to the first lateral protrusion216. That is, the vertical protrusion218can be a projection of material from the first spring member214in a substantially upwards direction (e.g., as oriented inFIG. 2A). The vertical protrusion218can interface with the second surface of the channel of the dial (e.g., previously described in connection withFIG. 1).

The second spring member220can include a second lateral protrusion222. The second lateral protrusion222can, accordingly, be a projection of material from the second spring member220in a same direction as the bias of the second lateral protrusion222. That is, the second lateral protrusion222can be a projection of material from the second spring member220in a direction away from the central axis (e.g., not illustrated inFIG. 2A) of the middle cover210. The second lateral protrusion222can interface with the first surface of the channel of the dial (e.g., previously described in connection withFIG. 1).

FIG. 2Bis a top view of an example of a middle cover210having spring members214,220consistent with the disclosure. The middle cover210can include the central axis212.

As illustrated inFIG. 2B, the middle cover210can include the first spring member214and the second spring member220. The first spring member214can include a first lateral protrusion216and a vertical protrusion218. The second spring member220can include a second lateral protrusion222.

The first spring member214and the second spring member220can be a pair of spring members224-1. As illustrated inFIG. 2B, the pair of spring members224-1can be included in a plurality of pairs of spring members224-1,224-2,224-N (referred to collectively herein as pairs of spring members224). For example, the middle cover210can include three pairs of spring members224. However, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For instance, the middle cover210can include less than three pairs of spring members224or more than three pairs of spring members224.

The pairs of spring members224can be radially spaced apart from the central axis212of the middle cover210. For example, the pairs of spring members224can be located radially outwards from the central axis212and around a perimeter of the middle cover210.

FIG. 3is a perspective section view of an example of a dial302having an inner channel304consistent with the disclosure. The channel304can include a first surface306and a second surface308.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the channel304can include the first surface306and the second surface308. The second surface308can be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the first surface306. For example, the second surface308can be at a right angle or substantially right angle relative to the first surface306.

The first surface306can be a polished surface. As used herein, the term “polished” refers to a smooth surface. For example, the polished surface of the first surface306can allow for smooth motion of the dial302when the first lateral protrusion of the first spring member and the second lateral protrusion of the second spring member are in contact with the first surface306. The polished surface of the first surface306may be created during manufacturing of the dial302(e.g., during molding), or may be created after manufacturing of the dial302by polishing (e.g., via rubbing, application of a chemical treatment, etc. or combinations thereof).

Additionally, although not illustrated inFIG. 3, in some examples, the first surface306may include a race. The race may be, for example, a metal, plastic, or other smooth material that can allow for smooth motion of the dial302when the first lateral protrusion of the first spring member and the second lateral protrusion of the second spring member are in contact with the first surface306.

FIG. 4Ais a bottom perspective view of an example of an apparatus400including a dial402and a middle cover410consistent with the disclosure. The dial402can include a first spring member414and a second spring member420.

The dial402can include the first surface406and the second surface408. The middle cover410can include the first spring member414and the second spring member420.

The first spring member414can include the first lateral protrusion416and a vertical protrusion (e.g., not visible in the bottom perspective view ofFIG. 4A. The second spring member420can include the second lateral protrusion422.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the dial402can be interfaced with the middle cover410. As a result, the first spring member414and the second spring member420are to interface with the first surface406and the second surface408of the dial402. For example, the first lateral protrusion416and the second lateral protrusion422can be interfaced with the first surface406of the dial, and the vertical protrusion (e.g., not illustrated inFIG. 4A) can interface with the second surface408of the dial402.

As previously described in connection withFIG. 1, the first spring member414and the second spring member420can be biased away from the central axis of the middle cover410and in a disengaged position when the middle cover410and the dial402are not interfaced. When the middle cover410and the dial402are interfaced as inFIG. 4A, the first spring member414and the second spring member420can be in an engaged orientation. That is, when the dial402is interfaced with the middle cover410, the first surface406is to cause the first spring member414and the second spring member420to rotate towards the central axis of the middle cover410. When the first spring member414and the second spring member420are in the engaged orientation, the first lateral protrusion416and the second lateral protrusion422can provide a constant force against the first surface406and the vertical protrusion of the first spring member414can provide a constant force against the second surface408, as is further described in connection withFIG. 5.

FIG. 4Bis a bottom section view of an example of an apparatus400including a dial402and a middle cover410consistent with the disclosure. The dial402can include a first spring member414and a second spring member420.

The first spring member414can include the first lateral protrusion416and a vertical protrusion (e.g., not visible in the bottom perspective view ofFIG. 4A. The second spring member420can include the second lateral protrusion422.

As previously described in connection withFIG. 4A, when the dial402is interfaced with the middle cover410, the first surface406can cause the first spring member414and the second spring member420to rotate towards the central axis412of the middle cover410such that the first lateral protrusion416and the second lateral protrusion422provide a constant force against the first surface406. Such a constant force against the first surface406can allow for a smooth spinning dial control panel when rotated, as is further described in connection withFIG. 5.

FIG. 4Cis a side section perspective view of an example of an apparatus including a dial and a middle cover consistent with the disclosure. The dial402can include a first spring member414and a second spring member420.

The dial402can include the first surface406and the second surface408. The middle cover410can include the first spring member414and the second spring member420. Although not illustrated inFIG. 4C, the first spring member414can include a first lateral protrusion to interface with the first surface406and the second spring member420can include a second lateral protrusion to interface with the first surface406, as previously described in connection withFIGS. 4A and 4B.

The first spring member414can include the vertical protrusion418. When the middle cover410and the dial402are interfaced as inFIG. 4C, the first spring member414and the second spring member420can be in an engaged orientation such that the first spring member414can rotate towards the central axis of the middle cover410(e.g., not illustrated inFIG. 4C, but previously described in connection withFIGS. 4A and 4B), as well as rotate downwards (e.g., as illustrated inFIG. 4C) as a result of the vertical protrusion418interfacing with the second surface408. When the first spring member414and the second spring member420are in the engaged orientation, the vertical protrusion418of the first spring member414can provide a constant force against the second surface408.

While the first spring member414is illustrated inFIG. 4Cand previously described herein as including a vertical protrusion418but the second spring member420does not include a vertical protrusion, examples of the disclosure are not so limited. For example, both the first spring member414and the second spring member420may include vertical protrusions.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of an example of a printing device526including a dial502, a middle cover510, and an outer cover528consistent with the disclosure. The dial502can include a central axis503and the middle cover510can include a central axis512.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the printing device526can include an outer cover528of the printing device526. For example, the outer cover528can be a portion of a housing of the printing device526, and can be located on, over, and/or around other components of the printing device526and/or the dial control panel.

The dial502can be interfaced with the middle cover510. The dial502can include the central axis503. As previously described in connection withFIGS. 1, 3, and 4A, the dial502can include an inner channel (e.g., not illustrated inFIG. 5) defined by a first surface (e.g., not illustrated inFIG. 5) and a second surface (e.g., not illustrated inFIG. 5).

The middle cover510can include the central axis512and be connected to the outer cover528. For example, the middle cover510can be connected to the outer cover528such that when the dial502is rotated (e.g., about the central axis503of the dial502), the middle cover510is stationary. That is, the dial502can be rotated about the middle cover510.

Although not illustrated inFIG. 5, the middle cover510can include other portions of the dial control panel. For example, a display and/or other parts of the dial control panel may be connected to the middle cover510, may make electrical connections through the middle cover510, etc. Accordingly, the dial502can be rotated about the middle cover510, display, and/or other parts of the dial control panel.

As previously described in connection withFIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 4A, and 4B, the middle cover510can include a first spring member and a second spring member. The first spring member can include a first lateral protrusion to interface with the first surface of the dial502and a vertical protrusion to interface with the second surface of the dial502. The second spring member can include a second lateral protrusion to interface with the second surface of the dial502. When the dial502is not interfaced with the middle cover510, the first spring member and the second spring member can be biased away from the central axis512of the middle cover510(e.g., as previously described in connection withFIGS. 2A, 4A, and 4B.

When the dial502is interfaced with the middle cover510as illustrated inFIG. 5, the first spring member and the second spring member are to interface with the first surface and the second surface of the dial502. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the dial502can be coaxially interfaced with the middle cover510.

Because the first lateral protrusion, the second lateral protrusion, and the vertical protrusion (e.g., of the first and second spring members) interface with the first surface and second surface of the dial502, the first lateral protrusion and the second lateral protrusion can provide a constant force against the first surface and the vertical protrusion can provide a constant force against the second surface.

As such, when the dial502is rotated relative to the middle cover510, the constant force against the first surface can be a friction force to prevent horizontal jitter and/or free rotation of the dial502. As used herein, the term “horizontal jitter” refers to lateral movement during rotation of an object. For example, the constant force against the first surface (e.g., by the first lateral protrusion of the first spring member and the second lateral protrusion of the second spring member) can provide friction force when the dial502is rotated by a user such that the dial502resists horizontal jitter. Further, the dial502does not freely spin as a result of the friction force.

Additionally, when the dial502is rotated relative to the middle cover510, the constant force against the second surface can be a friction force to prevent vertical jitter and/or free rotation of the dial502. As used herein, the term “vertical jitter” refers to vertical movement during rotation of an object. For example, the constant force against the second surface (e.g., by vertical protrusion of the first spring member) can provide friction force when the dial502is rotated by a user such that the dial502resists vertical jitter. Further, the dial502does not freely spin as a result of the friction force.

As a result, spring members according to the disclosure can provide a friction force against a dial such that when the dial is rotated (e.g., by a user), the dial does not produce any jitter (horizontal or vertical) and does not spin freely. Additionally, the friction provided against the dial rotation can provide for a smooth, quality rotation when the dial is rotated, providing a solid and connected feel. Further, molding the spring members as part of the middle cover can reduce manufacturing costs as less parts are utilized. Accordingly, such an approach can provide a positive user experience and result in a desirable product for consumers, as compared with previous approaches.

In the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration how examples of the disclosure may be practiced. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the examples of this disclosure, and it is to be understood that other examples may be utilized and that process, electrical, and/or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Further, as used herein, “a” can refer to one such thing or more than one such thing.

The figures herein follow a numbering convention in which the first digit corresponds to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an element or component in the drawing. For example, reference numeral106may refer to element110inFIG. 1and an analogous element may be identified by reference numeral210inFIG. 2A. Elements shown in the various figures herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated to provide additional examples of the disclosure. In addition, the proportion and the relative scale of the elements provided in the figures are intended to illustrate the examples of the disclosure, and should not be taken in a limiting sense.

It can be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “connected to”, “coupled to”, or “coupled with” another element, it can be directly on, connected, or coupled with the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an object is “directly coupled to” or “directly coupled with” another element it is understood that are no intervening elements (adhesives, screws, other elements) etc.