Abstract: A sensor includes a structure and a detector. The detector is arranged to detect a deformation of the structure. The structure has at least four elastic sections. The at least four elastic sections are discretely disposed in an imaginary plane.

Abstract: A metal plate includes: a recessed portion provided at one end surface by cutting out the metal plate in a planar direction of the metal plate, the recessed portion having an engaging portion inside the recessed portion; and a protruding portion provided at a position on another end surface, the position corresponding to that of the recessed portion, the protruding portion protruding in the planar direction, the protruding portion being engaged with the engaging portion by applying a bending process such that the engaging portion is hooked by the protruding portion, wherein a length from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the protruding portion before the bending process is applied is equal to or less than a depth of the recessed portion at a position of the recessed portion, the position facing an end surface of the proximal end portion of the protruding portion.

Abstract: A vibrator of a vibration-type driving device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first vibrating member that includes first protrusions protruding in a first direction, a second vibrating member that includes second protrusions protruding in a direction that is opposite to the first direction, and an electric-mechanical energy conversion element that is fixed to the first vibrating member. The first protrusions and the second protrusions each have a hollow structure, and the first vibrating member and the second vibrating member are disposed in such a manner that a surface of the first vibrating member on which the first protrusions are not formed and a surface of the second vibrating member on which the second protrusions are not formed face each other.

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 metal plate includes: a recessed portion provided at one end surface by cutting out the metal plate in a planar direction of the metal plate, the recessed portion having an engaging portion inside the recessed portion; and a protruding portion provided at a position on another end surface, the position corresponding to that of the recessed portion, the protruding portion protruding in the planar direction, the protruding portion being engaged with the engaging portion by applying a bending process such that the engaging portion is hooked by the protruding portion, wherein a length from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion of the protruding portion before the bending process is applied is equal to or less than a depth of the recessed portion at a position of the recessed portion, the position facing an end surface of the proximal end portion of the protruding portion.

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 structure includes a first frame including a slit portion; and a second frame including a plate portion configured to enter the slit portion. The slit portion includes an introducing portion, a first positioning portion, and a first tapered portion connecting the introducing portion and the first positioning portion. The plate portion includes a free end portion capable of entering the introducing portion, a second positioning portion determining a position of the plate portion with respect to a longitudinal direction of the slit portion, a third positioning portion determining a position of the plate portion with respect to an inserting direction into the slit portion, and a second tapered portion contactable to the first tapered portion and connecting the free end portion and the second positioning portion.

Abstract: A vibrator of a vibration-type driving device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first vibrating member that includes first protrusions protruding in a first direction, a second vibrating member that includes second protrusions protruding in a direction that is opposite to the first direction, and an electric-mechanical energy conversion element that is fixed to the first vibrating member. The first protrusions and the second protrusions each have a hollow structure, and the first vibrating member and the second vibrating member are disposed in such a manner that a surface of the first vibrating member on which the first protrusions are not formed and a surface of the second vibrating member on which the second protrusions are not formed face each other.

Abstract: A structure includes a first frame including a slit portion; and a second frame including a plate portion configured to enter the slit portion. The slit portion includes an introducing portion, a first positioning portion, and a first tapered portion connecting the introducing portion and the first positioning portion. The plate portion includes a free end portion capable of entering the introducing portion, a second positioning portion determining a position of the plate portion with respect to a longitudinal direction of the slit portion, a third positioning portion determining a position of the plate portion with respect to an inserting direction into the slit portion, and a second tapered portion contactable to the first tapered portion and connecting the free end portion and the second positioning portion.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a plurality of image bearing components and a plurality of image writing units for writing an image on each of the image bearing components. The apparatus also includes a frame for supporting the plurality of the image bearing components and the plurality of image writing units. The frame has a plurality a of first holding parts for holding both ends of each of the image bearing components and a plurality of second holding parts for holding both ends of each of the image writing units.

Abstract: In a conventional color printer, especially an in-line type full color image forming apparatus, an aberration of optical axes caused by distortions of structures affect a performance of an image forming as a tilt aberration in a printed image. Accordingly, in a conventional color printer, distortions have to be prevented by strengthening rigidity of machine structures or parts of the machine. However, fine adjustment or assembling to strengthen rigidity generally causes an increase in cost and requires time-consuming adjustment. An apparatus in the present invention provides advantages of high accuracy and strengthened structure without increasing cost.