Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal frame of an image forming apparatus that is provided with a first support, a second support that is spaced apart from the first support and that supports an image forming unit together with the first support, and a connecting member that connects the first support and the second support, the method including: a first step of erecting the first support on a base portion, which is a first step of provisionally assembling the first support on a jig that has a base portion and a support portion erected on the base portion; a second step of achieving provisional assembly by placing the connecting member on the support portion of the jig and, through engagement between the first support and the connecting member, causing the connecting member to be supported by the first support and the support portion; a third step of engaging the connecting member and the second support; and a fixing step of fixing the first support and the connecting member and fixing the second support and the

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a metal frame of an image forming apparatus that is provided with a first support, a second support that is spaced apart from the first support and that supports an image forming unit together with the first support, and a connecting member that connects the first support and the second support, the method including: a first step of erecting the first support on a base portion, which is a first step of provisionally assembling the first support on a jig that has a base portion and a support portion erected on the base portion; a second step of achieving provisional assembly by placing the connecting member on the support portion of the jig and, through engagement between the first support and the connecting member, causing the connecting member to be supported by the first support and the support portion; a third step of engaging the connecting member and the second support; and a fixing step of fixing the first support and the connecting member and fixing the second support and the

Abstract: A holding mechanism to be used in an image forming apparatus includes a first metal plate provided with a through-hole communicating a first side and a second side, and a second metal plate including a first protruding portion, a second protruding portion, and a third protruding portion being inserted into the through-hole from the first side of the first metal plate, a rim of the through-hole being provided with a first end face and a second end face for regulating movement of the second metal plate in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction and a through-thickness direction, regulation portions for regulating movement of the second metal plate in the through-thickness direction, and a slope which elastically deforms the first protruding portion to rotate the first protruding portion with the insertion direction as a rotation axis to engage an engagement portion with the second side of the first metal plate.

Abstract: A holding mechanism to be used in an image forming apparatus includes a first metal plate provided with a through-hole communicating a first side and a second side, and a second metal plate including a first protruding portion, a second protruding portion, and a third protruding portion being inserted into the through-hole from the first side of the first metal plate, a rim of the through-hole being provided with a first end face and a second end face for regulating movement of the second metal plate in a direction orthogonal to an insertion direction and a through-thickness direction, regulation portions for regulating movement of the second metal plate in the through-thickness direction, and a slope which elastically deforms the first protruding portion to rotate the first protruding portion with the insertion direction as a rotation axis to engage an engagement portion with the second side of the first metal plate.

Abstract: The sheet conveying roller includes a shaft member and a sliding portion arranged in the circumferential direction of the shaft member. The sliding portion is adapted to make sliding contact with the shaft member. The sheet conveying roller also includes an elastic member configured to fasten the sliding portion to the shaft member and makes contact with a conveyed sheet at an outer circumference thereof. The elastic member generates a frictional resistance between the shaft member and the sliding portion by a clamping force of the elastic member.

Abstract: The sheet conveying roller includes a shaft member and a sliding portion arranged in the circumferential direction of the shaft member. The sliding portion is adapted to make sliding contact with the shaft member. The sheet conveying roller also includes an elastic member configured to fasten the sliding portion to the shaft member and makes contact with a conveyed sheet at an outer circumference thereof. The elastic member generates a frictional resistance between the shaft member and the sliding portion by a clamping force of the elastic member.