Magnetic coupling structure for an image forming apparatus
US11927909B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 28, 2020 |
| Grant date | Mar 12, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03G2221/1657
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes a development cartridge having a developing roller. A coupler for the image forming apparatus includes a shaft and a coupling structure to rotate the developing roller. The coupling structure is disposed at an end part of the shaft, is movable along an axial direction of the shaft and coupleable with another coupling structure of a print engine of the image forming apparatus. The coupling structure includes a body, a magnet disposed in the body to cause the coupling structure to be attracted to the another coupling structure so that the coupling structure is aligned with the another coupling structure, and a plurality of protrusions which protrude from the body in the axial direction to engage with the another coupling structure, the plurality of protrusions having at least one side with an inclined face.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.