Patent Abstract:
A diverter and an image printing apparatus utilizing the same. The diverter directs media within an image printing apparatus along one of media paths. The image printing apparatus includes a first separating unit, a second separating unit, and a shaft. The shaft is disposed at one side of the first separating unit and on the same side of the second separating unit. The shaft abuts the first and second separating units simultaneously to control directions of movement thereof.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     The invention relates to image printing apparatuses, and in particular to diverters and image printing apparatuses utilizing the same.  
         [0002]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a conventional diverter used in multi-function devices such as printers, facsimile machines, copy machines, and the like, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,572,105. The diverter  10 ′ includes a pair of shafts (not shown), an inlet  12 ′, an upper gate  13 ′, a lower gate  14 ′, and a plurality of outlets  17 ′, 18 ′, and  19 ′. The upper gate  13 ′ and the lower gate  14 ′ comprise an upper cam  15 ′ and a lower cam  16 ′, respectively. The upper cam  15 ′ of the upper gate  13 ′ is disposed on a side of the diverter  10 ′. The lower cam  16 ′ of the lower gate  14 ′ is disposed on a side opposite to the upper cam  15 ′.  
         [0003]     A media sheet X enters the inlet  12 ′ of the diverter  10 ′ in a direction P. The diverter  10 ′ provides three outlets  17 ′,  18 ′,  19 ′ for processed media sheet X, as shown by arrows A, B, C. Thus, the diverter  10 ′ can direct the media sheet X in directions A, B, or C.  
         [0004]     The multi-function device allows media sheets to move through first, second and third media paths A, B, and C. The first media path A is a default direction. The media sheet X passes over the upper gate  13 ′ along the first media path A to a paper cassette (not shown) The second media path B is a path to a finisher (not shown). After processing, each media sheet is delivered to a different tray for further processing such as binding, punching, or distribution, and categorization into groups. The third media path C is a path to a duplexer (not shown) to print an image on the second side of the media sheet X. The media sheet X delivered to the third media path C is flipped over and returned to the multi-function device for printing or copying the other side.  
         [0005]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the conventional diverter  10 ′ comprises, a pair of shafts  11 ′ located at two sides thereof. The shafts  11 ′ move the upper gate  13 ′ or lower gates  14 ′ between the up and down positions. The direction of the force exerted by the shafts  11 ′ is shown by arrows F. One force is exerted downward, and another force is exerted upward. The direction of movement of the shafts  11 ′ depends on printing commands. Each shaft  11 ′ comprises an ejector pin  21 ′ and a cam (not shown). The shafts  11 ′ are symmetrically arranged, and thus, only one shaft  11 ′ is shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0006]     As shown in  FIG. 3A , in a default printing mode, both shafts  11 ′ remain stationary and the upper and lower gates  13 ′ and  14 ′ are in the down position without moving. The media sheet X can pass above the upper gate  13 ′ along the first media path A.  
         [0007]     As shown in  FIG. 3B , the shafts  11 ′ move both the upper and lower gates  13 ′ and  14 ′ to the up position by rotating the cam  22 ′ to divert the media sheets to the second media path B. Thus, the media sheet X can pass under the lower gate  14 ′ along the second media path B.  
         [0008]     When the shaft  11 ′ at the right-side is moved to contact another cam (not shown) thereon, the upper gate  13 ′ is elevated such that the upper gate  13 ′ and the lower gate  14 ′ are separated, and the media sheet X can pass therebetween, as shown by the arrow C in  FIG. 3C . Thus, the diverter  10 ′ requires one shaft at each side thereof to provide different media paths.  
         [0009]     Since the conventional diverter  10 ′ requires a shaft  11 ′ at each side thereof, the image printing apparatus requires two moving devices (not shown) to drive shafts  11 ′, respectively. Thus, a moving device is connected to a cam of one shaft to move upward, and the other moving device is connected to a cam of the other shaft to move downward, providing opposing pushing forces. The structure of conventional diverters is complicated and difficult to assemble, thus, manufacturing costs cannot be reduced.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0010]     Diverters and image printing apparatuses are provided. An exemplary embodiment of an image printing apparatus for diverting media comprises a first separating unit, and a second separating unit. A shaft is further disposed on one side of the first separating unit and on the same side of the second separating unit. The shaft abuts the first and second separating units simultaneously to control directions of movement thereof.  
         [0011]     The first separating unit comprises a first arm. The second separating unit comprises a second arm, disposed on the same side as the first arm and the shaft, and the shaft abuts at the first arm.  
         [0012]     The shaft further comprises a hole, and the second arm is partially disposed in the hole with the first arm contacting a top portion of the shaft.  
         [0013]     The image printing apparatus further comprises a cam, contacting a bottom portion of the shaft. The shaft is movable between a first position, a second position, and a third position by rotating the cam. The second position is between the first position and the third position, and when the shaft is at the first position, the shaft is at a lowest position.  
         [0014]     The first separating unit is movable between a first up position and a first down position. The second separating unit is movable between a second up position and a second down position. When the shaft is at the first position, the first separating unit is at the first down position and the second separating unit is at the second down position such that the media passes by an upper surface of the first separating unit. When the shaft is at the second position, the first separating unit is at the first up position and the second separating unit is at the second up position such that the media passes under the second separating unit. When the shaft is at the third position, the first separating unit is at the first up position and the second separating unit is at the second down position such that the media passes between the first separating unit and the second separating unit.  
         [0015]     The first arm comprises a first protrusion, contacting a top portion of the shaft. The second arm comprises a second protrusion, penetrating the hole, and the cam is abutted at the first protrusion and the second protrusion by the shaft. When the shaft is at the first position, the first protrusion is abutted at the top portion of the shaft. When the cam rotates to move the shaft upward to the second position, the second protrusion remains horizontal in the hole. When the cam rotates to move the shaft upward to the third position, the second protrusion is located at a lower end of the hole.  
         [0016]     The image printing apparatus further comprises a cover, and the shaft further comprises a slot and a positioning element. The cover comprises an extended portion, extending to the cover. The positioning element penetrates the slot to connect the shaft and the extended portion such that movement of the shaft is restricted by the slot.  
         [0017]     The image printing apparatus further comprises a moving device, connected to the cam.  
         [0018]     The image printing apparatus is an ink-jet printer or a laser-printer.  
         [0019]     Diverters for directing media are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a diverter comprises a first separating unit, a second separating unit, and a shaft, disposed on one side of the first separating unit and on the same side of the second separating unit and contacting the first and second separating units simultaneously to control moving directions thereof. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]     Image printing apparatuses and diverters thereof can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description in conjunction with the examples and references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a schematic side view of a conventional diverter;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a conventional diverter;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3A  is a schematic side view illustrating the upper and lower gates of a conventional diverter in a down position for directing media to a first path A;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3B  is a schematic side view illustrating the upper and lower gates in an up position for directing media to a second path B;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3C  is a schematic side view illustrating the upper gate in the up position and the lower gate in a down position for directing media to a third path C;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an embodiment of an image printing apparatus;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a diverter after assembly;  
         [0028]      FIG. 5B  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the diverter;  
         [0029]      FIG. 6A-1  is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a first position;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6A-2  is a side view of an embodiment of the diverter in a first position;  
         [0031]      FIG. 6B-1  is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a second position;  
         [0032]      FIG. 6B-2  is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a second position;  
         [0033]      FIG. 6C-1  is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a third position;  
         [0034]      FIG. 6C-2  is a schematic view of an embodiment of the diverter in a third position;  
         [0035]      FIG. 7  is a local enlarged view of an embodiment of the image printing apparatus. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0036]     An image printing apparatus is provided. The image printing apparatus can be an ink-jet printer or a laser-printer. An exemplary embodiment of an image printing apparatus comprises a diverter applicable in copy-machines, fax machines, and other multi-function devices. Here, a printer is given as an example.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an embodiment of an image printing apparatus or a printer  100 . The printer  100  comprises a cover  30 , a diverter  1   b , and a moving device (not shown). The diverter  10  and the moving device are disposed under the cover  30 . The diverter  10  is used to divert media in different directions. Note that other elements are omitted to clearly show the details of the diverter  10 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the diverter  10  after assembly.  FIG. 5B  is an exploded view of the diverter  10 .  
         [0039]     As shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the diverter  10  comprises a frame  25 , a shaft  11 , a first separating unit  13 , and a second separating unit  14 .  
         [0040]     The first and second separating units  13  and  14  comprise a first arm  15  and a second arm  16 , respectively. The frame  25  comprises at least two openings  251  and  252 , corresponding to the first and second arms  15  and  16 , respectively.  
         [0041]     During assembly, the first and second arms  15  and  16  are rotatably disposed in the openings  251  and  252  such that the first and second separating units  13  and  14  are disposed on the frame  25 . The shaft  11  comprises a lever  21  and a cam  22 . The first and second arms  15  and  16  are positioned on the same side  255  of the frame  25 .  
         [0042]     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 5A , the first arm  15  is abutted at a top portion  214  of the lever  21  of the shaft  11 . The lever  21  comprises a hole  211  and at least a slot  212 . The second arm  16  of the second separating unit  14  is disposed in the hole  211 . The first and second separating units  13  and  14  are movably disposed on the frame  25  by the first and second arms  15  and  16  and the shaft  11 . Thus, the image printing apparatus  100  comprises an inlet  12  and three outlets  17 ,  18 , and  19  in three directions.  
         [0043]     As mentioned, the media enter the diverter  10  through the inlet  12 . After printing, the media are directed to the outlets  17 ,  18 , and  19 , as shown in FIGS.  6 A- 1  to  6 C- 2 . The cam  22  is connected to a bottom portion  215  of the shaft  11 . The cam  22  comprises a connecting portion  221 , connected to the moving device (no shown). The lever  21  of the shaft  11  can be positioned at three different levels by rotating the cam  22  by the moving device.  
         [0044]     The lever  21  of the shaft  11  can move between a first position, as shown in  FIGS. 6A-1  and  6 A- 2 , a second position, as shown in  FIGS. 6B-1  and  6 B- 2 , and a third position, as shown in  FIGS. 6C-1  and  6 C- 2 . The second position is between the first and third positions. The first position is the lowest position with respect to the second and the third positions. Namely, the cam  22  and the lever  21  are at the lowest position when the shaft  11  is at the first location. Note that the first position may not be the beginning position. The second position can be changed to the first position or the third position. Thus, the sequence of the first, second, and third positions is not restricted.  
         [0045]     As shown in  FIGS. 6A-1  and  6 A- 2 , when the lever  21  is at the first position, the second arm  16  comprises a second protrusion  161  disposed in the upper portion of the hole  211 . The first arm  16  comprises first protrusion  151  contacting the top portion  214  of the lever  21  such that the first and the second separating units  13  and  14  are at a first and second down position, respectively. Thus, the media can pass by an upper surface of the first separating unit  13 , in the direction A as shown by the arrow.  
         [0046]     As shown in  FIGS. 6B-1  and  6 B- 2 , when the cam  22  rotates to move the lever  21  upward to the second position, the lever  21  pushes the first protrusion  151  of the first arm  15 . The first arm  15  is moved such that the first separating unit  13  is at the first up portion such that the second protrusion  161  of the second arm  16  remains horizontal in the hole  211 . The second separating unit  14  is at the second up position, contacting the first separating unit  13  such that the media passes under the second separating unit  14  in the direction B.  
         [0047]     As shown in  FIGS. 6C-1  and  6 C- 2 , the cam  22  is rotated again to move the lever  21  upward to the third position. The second protrusion  161  of the second arm  16  is located at the lowest portion of the hole  211 . The first separating unit  13  is at the first up position and the second separating unit  14  is at the second down position such that the media passes between the first separating unit  13  and the second separating unit  14  in the direction C.  
         [0048]     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the cover  30  comprises an extended portion  31 , extending to an interior of the cover  30 , and the shaft  11  further comprises a positioning element  40  such as screws. The positioning element  40  penetrates the slot  212  to connect the lever  21  of the shaft  11  and the extended portion  31  of the cover  30  such that movement of the shaft  11  is restricted by the slot  212 . Thus, the movement of the lever  21  is restricted in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the cams  15  and  16 , preventing deviation of the lever  21 .  
         [0049]     In conclusion, the cam  22  is moved by the moving device in the image printing apparatus such that the lever  21  connected to the cam  22  can push and rotate the first and second separating units  13  and  14  at a predetermined angle by the protrusions  151  and  161  of the cams  15  and  16 . The first and second separating units  13  and  14  remain at up or down positions, providing three output directions.  
         [0050]     The image printing apparatus only requires one shaft to have three output directions. The structure is simplified offering lower manufacturing costs and easier assembly.  
         [0051]     Moreover, the elevation distance of the lever  21  depends on the size of the hole and the angle and length of the cams, and thus, the invention does not limit the size thereof.  
         [0052]     While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1