Low effort, high reliability quick coupling mechanism

US6984144B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Xerox Corporation · US

Inventors

• Aaron Nelson · Asheville, US
• Wai Ki Kong · Singapore, SG
• Brent R. Jones · Sherwood, US
• Yin Mei (Regina) Sia · Singapore, SG

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 22, 2004
• Grant date: Jan 10, 2006
• Expiry date: Dec 22, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G03G2221/1651
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Module components are packaged individually and delivered in a non-integrated state. These separate modules may be assembled readily without the use of specialized tools. A preferred configuration is a solid ink printer base module and a second module mounted to the base module through a quick coupling, quick release mechanism. The coupling mechanism may include a hinge and a self-actuating catch. A module coupling system with complementary parts on each module comprises: a first module having a coupling housing and a catch engagement surface, and a second module having a physical, three-dimensional guide surface, a biased retractable catch, a catch decoupling device, and a catch reset mechanism.