Conveyance device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

A conveyance device and an image forming apparatus. The conveyance device includes a device main body, an opening and closing section installed to the device main body and having a conveyance path of a conveyance target material inside, a conveyance path member having a conveyance path surface constituting a part of the conveyance path, one end portion side of which is rotatably supported to the opening and closing section, and when the other end portion side is moved downward from the opening and closing section, the conveyance path is opened, and a locking section installed to the other end portion side of the conveyance path member, which, based on a force of the locked section locked to the locking section, maintains the conveyance path member in a state of closing the conveyance path in a locked state to the locking section, and in a non-locked state to the locking section, when the opening and closing section is moved from the opening position to the closing position, the locking section itself contacts the locking section while the conveyance path member is pushed upward by the upper surface of the device main body, thereby rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to a first rotation direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveying device and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic manuscript feeding device, characterized by comprising: a transport path component including a transport path surface forming a transport path for transporting manuscripts within a device body, one end of the transport path component being rotatable and supported by the device body, and the transport path being opened when the other end of the transport path component moves in a direction separating from the device body; and a locking component mounted on a rotational shaft provided at the other end of the transport path component, the locking component being forceped in a first rotational direction to be locked to the locking portion of the device body, and being locked to the original manuscript. The device includes a locked portion, which keeps the conveying path component in a closed state; and an operating component, which rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction by its own weight or force to an operating position when the device body moves toward the exposed position where the conveying path component is exposed. The operating component is tolerantly mounted in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis, so that the locking component rotates in the second rotational direction from the operating position with further rotational operation in the second rotational direction to disengage the locking component from the locked portion.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-81147 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] As a conveying device, consider a conveying device comprising: a device body; an opening / closing part mounted on the device body in such a way that it can be opened and closed between a closed position covering the upper surface of the device body and an open position exposing the upper surface, and having a conveying path for conveying a target material therein; and a conveying path member having a conveying path surface forming part of the conveying path, one end of the conveying path member being rotatably supported on the opening / closing part, and the conveying path being opened when the other end of the conveying path member moves downward from the opening / closing part.

[0008] As a conveying device, consider a conveying device comprising: a locking part rotatably mounted on the other end of the conveying path member, wherein the locking part, in a locked state locked to the locked part of the opening and closing part, i.e., a force applied in a first rotation direction, holds the conveying path member in a closed state.

[0009] In this conveying device, when the locking part is not locked to the locked part (unlocked state), the operator directly pushes the conveying path component from below, causing the locking part to contact the locked part, thereby rotating the locking part in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. In such a conveying device, if the operator does not directly push the conveying path component, the locking part cannot be rotated in the second rotational direction. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the operation of closing the opening / closing part and the operation of rotating the locking part in the second rotational direction separately.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to enable the movement of the opening and closing part from the open position to the closed position and the rotation of the locking part in the second rotation direction by a single operation.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention is a conveying device comprising: a device body; an opening / closing portion mounted on the device body in a manner capable of opening and closing between a closed position covering an upper surface of the device body and an open position exposing the upper surface, the opening / closing portion having a conveying path for conveying a target material therein; a conveying path member having a conveying path surface forming part of the conveying path, one end of the conveying path member being rotatably supported on the opening / closing portion, and the conveying path being opened when the other end of the conveying path member moves downward from the opening / closing portion; and a locking portion capable of being rotated... The locking part is mounted on the other end of the conveying path component in a rotating manner. Based on the force that locks the locking part to the locked part of the opening and closing part, i.e., the force applied along the first rotation direction, the locking part keeps the conveying path component in a closed state when locked to the locked part. When the opening and closing part moves from the open position to the closed position, the locking part itself contacts the locked part while the conveying path component is pushed upward by the upper surface of the device body, thereby rotating in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.

[0013] In the second aspect, when the opening and closing part moves from the open position to the closed position, the conveying path component is pushed upward by the upper surface of the device body, and at the same time, the locking part itself contacts the locked part, thereby rotating in the second rotation direction, and then the front end of the locking part itself hooks onto the locked part.

[0014] In the third aspect, when the opening and closing part moves from the open position to the closed position, the locking part itself contacts the locked part while the conveying path component is pushed upward by the upper surface of the device body, thereby rotating in the second rotation direction. Then, in the closed position of the opening and closing part, the front end of the locking part hooks onto the locked part, and the conveying path component rises by the force, while the locking part becomes locked in the locked state.

[0015] In the fourth aspect, in the locked state of the locked part, the bottom surface of the locking part that contacts the locked part is inclined relative to the upper surface of the device body with an upward slope toward the first rotation direction.

[0016] In the fifth aspect, the locking portions are respectively disposed at one end and the other end of the conveying path component in the direction intersecting the conveying direction, each locking portion is fixed to a shaft portion extending in the direction intersecting the conveying direction, and the length of one locking portion from the shaft portion to the radially outermost end is greater than the length of the other locking portion from the shaft portion to the radially outermost end.

[0017] In the sixth aspect, one end of the opening / closing part is mounted on the device body in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveying path, so that it can be closed in the closed position and opened in the open position, and one of the locking parts is disposed at the other end of the conveying path component in a direction intersecting the conveying direction.

[0018] In the seventh aspect, the opening and closing part is mounted on the device body at one end in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveying path, so that it can be closed in the closed position and opened in the open position. The conveying path component is provided with an elastic member at one end in a direction intersecting the conveying direction, which causes the force to act on the locking part by elasticity.

[0019] In the eighth aspect, the opening / closing part is mounted on the device body at one end in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveying path, so that it can be closed in the closed position and opened in the open position. On the device body, an edge protruding from the upper surface of the device body is formed at one end side in the direction intersecting the conveying direction. The conveying path component is provided with an extension at one end in the direction intersecting the conveying direction, which extends from the conveying path component in the direction intersecting the conveying direction and contacts the edge.

[0020] The ninth aspect of the conveying device includes: a reading unit disposed on the main body of the device, which reads an image of a manuscript, which is the target material, being conveyed along the conveying path of the opening and closing unit when the opening and closing unit is in the closed position.

[0021] The tenth aspect is an image forming apparatus comprising: a transport device according to the ninth aspect; and an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium that is read by the reading unit.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the structure of the first aspect, the opening and closing parts can be moved from the open position to the closed position and the locking part can be rotated in the second rotation direction through a common operation.

[0024] According to the structure of the second aspect, the movement of the opening and closing part from the open position to the closed position and the hooking of the front end of the locking part to the locked part can be performed through a common operation.

[0025] According to the structure of the third aspect, the movement of the opening and closing parts from the open position to the closed position and the locking of the locking part to the locked part can be performed through a common operation.

[0026] According to the structure of aspect 4, compared with the structure in which the bottom surface of the locking part that contacts the locked part is parallel to the upper surface, after the front end of the locking part is hooked onto the locked part, the locking part can easily lock itself onto the locked part.

[0027] According to the structure of aspect 5, compared with a structure in which one locking part and another locking part have the same length, the locking part contacts the locked part, thereby reducing the frictional resistance when rotating in the second rotation direction.

[0028] According to the structure of the sixth aspect, when the opening and closing part is in the open position, if the operator pushes the conveying path member upward to rotate a locking part in the second rotation direction, the operation of rotating a locking part in the second rotation direction is more convenient than the structure in which a locking part is arranged on one end side in the cross direction.

[0029] According to the structure of aspect 7, compared with the structure in which the elastic member is disposed at the other end side in the cross direction, the operator can be prevented from contacting the elastic member when the opening and closing part is in the open position.

[0030] According to the structure of aspect 8, compared with the structure of a conveying path component without a protrusion, it is possible to prevent the conveying path component from getting caught on the edge.

[0031] According to the structure of aspect 9, by moving the opening and closing part from the open position to the closed position when the reading part reads the image of the original, the locking part can be rotated in the second rotation direction.

[0032] According to the structure of aspect 10, by moving the opening and closing part from the open position to the closed position when copying the image of the original, the locking part can be rotated in the second rotation direction. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the image forming apparatus of this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the image reading device of this embodiment, showing the opening and closing body in the open position.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an image reading device, showing... Figure 2 The conveyor path in the structure shown is open.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the image reading device according to this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged portion of the opening and closing body including the conveying path component of this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic of the state in which the transport path is open.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the transport path components of this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the transport path components of this embodiment as viewed from the rear side.

[0042] Figure 9This is a perspective view showing a portion of the transport path component of this embodiment.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a side view showing a portion of the transport path component of this embodiment.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a front view showing the locking component of this embodiment.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the upper surface of the locking member of this embodiment is in contact with the shaft.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the front end of the locking member of this embodiment is hooked onto the shaft.

[0047] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the locking state of the locking component of this embodiment locked to the shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] (Image forming apparatus 10)

[0050] The image forming apparatus 10 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the image forming apparatus 10.

[0051] In addition, including Figure 1 The arrow UP in the diagrams indicates the top (vertically upward) of the device. Therefore, the opposite direction of arrow UP is the bottom (vertically downward) of the device. Furthermore, it includes... Figure 1 In the diagrams shown, arrow FR indicates the front of the device. Therefore, the opposite direction of arrow FR is the rear of the device. Furthermore, including... Figure 1 The arrow RH in the figures indicates the right side of the device. Therefore, the opposite direction of arrow RH is the left side of the device. These directions are determined for ease of explanation, and the device structure is not limited to these directions.

[0052] Furthermore, the front-back and left-right directions can be described as horizontal, lateral, and level directions. Additionally, the term "device" is sometimes omitted to indicate direction for different orientations of the device. For example, sometimes "above the device" is simply referred to as "above". Furthermore, the symbol "×" within the "○" in the diagram indicates an arrow pointing from the front of the paper to the back. Conversely, the symbol "·" within the "○" in the diagram indicates an arrow pointing from the back of the paper to the front.

[0053] Figure 1The image forming apparatus 10 shown is an apparatus for forming an image. Specifically, as... Figure 1 As shown, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming apparatus main body 11, a medium receiving section 12, a medium discharging section 13, an image forming section 14, a transport mechanism 16, and an image reading device 20. The following describes each part of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0054] (Image forming apparatus main body 11)

[0055] Figure 1 The image forming apparatus main body 11 shown is the part in which the various components of the image forming apparatus 10 are provided. Specifically, the image forming apparatus main body 11 is composed of a housing formed in a box shape (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0056] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, for example, the media receiving section 12, the image forming section 14, and the transport mechanism 16 are disposed inside the image forming apparatus body 11. The image reading device 20 is disposed at the upper end of the image forming apparatus body 11. The media discharge section 13 is disposed outside the image forming apparatus body 11 and is disposed between the image reading device 20 and the image forming section 14.

[0057] (Media storage section 12)

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the media storage section 12 is a part of the image forming apparatus 10 used to store the recording medium P. The recording medium P stored in the media storage section 12 is supplied to the image forming section 14. Alternatively, as an example, paper P can be used as the recording medium P.

[0059] (Media discharge section 13)

[0060] Figure 1 The media discharge section 13 shown is the part from which the recording medium P in the image forming apparatus 10 is discharged. The recording medium P, whose image has been formed by the image forming section 14, is discharged to this media discharge section 13.

[0061] (Image forming unit 14)

[0062] Figure 1 The image forming unit 14 shown has the function of forming an image on the recording medium P delivered from the medium receiving unit 12. Examples of image forming units 14 include inkjet image forming units that form images on the recording medium P using ink and electrophotographic image forming units that form images on the recording medium P using toner.

[0063] In an inkjet image forming unit, for example, ink droplets are ejected from an ejection section onto a recording medium P to form an image on the recording medium P. Alternatively, an inkjet image forming unit may eject ink droplets from an ejection section onto a transfer body, and then transfer the ink droplets from the transfer body onto the recording medium P, thereby forming an image on the recording medium P.

[0064] In an electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing processes are performed to form an image on a recording medium P. Alternatively, the electrophotographic image forming unit may perform charging, exposure, development, and transfer processes to form an image on a transfer medium, transfer the image from the transfer medium to the recording medium P, and then fix the image on the recording medium P, thereby forming an image on the recording medium P.

[0065] In the image forming apparatus 10, when copying the original document G (reference) Figure 4 In the case of an image, the image forming unit 14 forms on the recording medium P the reading units 40 and 54 (described later by the image reading device 20) on the recording medium P. Figure 4 The image read.

[0066] Furthermore, as an example of an image forming unit, it is not limited to the inkjet image forming unit or the electrophotographic image forming unit described above; various image forming units can be used.

[0067] (Conveying mechanism 16)

[0068] Figure 1 The conveying mechanism 16 shown is a mechanism for conveying the recording medium P. As an example, the conveying mechanism 16 conveys the recording medium P via a conveying component 17 such as a conveying roller. Alternatively, the conveying component 17 can be a conveyor belt or the like, as long as it is a component capable of applying a conveying force to the recording medium P to convey it.

[0069] The transport mechanism 16 transports the recording medium P from the medium receiving section 12 to the image forming section 14. Furthermore, the transport mechanism 16 transports the recording medium P, in which an image has been formed in the image forming section 14, from the image forming section 14 to the medium discharge section 13.

[0070] (Image reading device 20)

[0071] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the state in which the opening / closing body 50, described later in the image reading device 20, is in the open position. Figure 3 It is shown in Figure 2 The structure shown has a 3D view of the state of the conveyor path 56A. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the image reading device 20.

[0072] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image reading device 20 shown is a device for reading an image of the original document G. The image reading device 20 is an example of a "transport device". Specifically, as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the image reading device 20 includes: an image reading device main body 23, a reading unit 40, an opening / closing body 50, and a transport path component 60 (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ), shaft 80 (reference) Figure 4 ), locking component 70 (refer to) Figure 4 ) and operating unit 86 (refer to Figure 4 ). And, as Figure 8 As shown, the image reading device 20 has a tension helical spring 82 and a limiting part 84.

[0073] (Image reading device main body 23)

[0074] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image reading device body 23 shown is a part that includes the various components of the image reading device 20. The image reading device body 23 is an example of a "device body". Specifically, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the main body 23 of the image reading device has a housing 34, a first plate glass 31, a second plate glass 32, and a support 58.

[0075] The housing 34 is formed as a box with an opening at the top. A first platen glass 31 is disposed at the opening of the housing 34. The first platen glass 31 is a component that holds the original document containing the readable image in a stationary state and allows light illuminating the original document to pass through. A second platen glass 32 is a component that allows light illuminating the transported original document to pass through.

[0076] The support portion 58 (specifically, a hinge) functions to support the opening / closing body 50 in an openable / closeable manner. The support portion 58 is located on the rear side of the upper part of the housing 34 of the image reading device main body 23.

[0077] Furthermore, an edge 33 is formed on the main body 23 of the image reading device, surrounding the first plate glass 31. The edge 33 protrudes upward relative to the rear end, front end, left end, and right end of the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31. Therefore, a step is formed between the edge 33 and the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31.

[0078] (Reading Section 40)

[0079] Figure 4 The reading unit 40 shown has the function of reading the image of the original document G. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the reading unit 40 includes a light source 42, a photoelectric conversion element 44, and an optical system 46 including a mirror 46A and a lens 46B. In the reading unit 40, the light source 42 illuminates one surface of the original document G. The optical system 46 causes the reflected light from the original document G to form an image on the photoelectric conversion element 44. The photoelectric conversion element 44 converts the imaged light into an electrical signal.

[0080] As the photoelectric conversion element 44, image sensors such as CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) can be used, for example. As described above, the reading unit 40 reads an image of one surface of the original document G. In addition, an electrical signal with image information generated by the reading unit 40 is sent to the image forming unit 14, and the image forming unit 14 forms an image based on the electrical signal.

[0081] (Open / Closed Body 50)

[0082] Figures 1 to 4 The opening / closing body 50 shown is a structure that can be opened and closed relative to the image reading device body 23. This opening / closing body 50 is an example of an "opening / closing section". Specifically, the opening / closing body 50 is positioned in a closed position (covering the upper surface 31A of the first base glass 31 of the image reading device body 23). Figure 1 and Figure 4 The position shown is the same as the open position that exposes the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 of the image reading device body 23. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The image reading device body 23 is installed in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed between the positions shown.

[0083] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rear end of the opening / closing body 50 is supported by a support portion 58 located on the rear side of the image reading device body 23, and the front end moves up and down with the rear end as a fulcrum, thereby enabling the opening / closing body 50 to open and close. Thus, the rear end of the opening / closing body 50 is mounted on the image reading device body 23, allowing the opening / closing body 50 to be in a closed position with the front end as a free end. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The position shown) and the open position ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 Opening and closing between the positions shown.

[0084] And, as Figure 4As shown, the opening / closing body 50 includes a document storage section 52, a document ejection section 53, a reading section 54, and a transport mechanism 56. The document storage section 52 is the part of the image reading device 20 that stores the document G. The document G stored in the document storage section 52 is supplied to the reading positions of the reading sections 40 and 54. In addition, the document G stored in the document storage section 52 is, for example, paper with an image formed on it.

[0085] The original document ejection unit 53 is a part of the image reading device 20 used to eject the original document G. This original document ejection unit 53 ejects the original document G whose image has been read by the reading units 40 and 54.

[0086] The reading unit 54 has the function of reading an image of the other side of the original document G (the side opposite to the side read by the reading unit 40). As an example, a contact image sensor called a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) can be used as the reading unit 54.

[0087] The conveying mechanism 56 is a mechanism for conveying the original document G. The conveying mechanism 56 has a conveying path 56A disposed inside the opening / closing body 50 and a conveying component 56B composed of conveying rollers or the like. The conveying path 56A extends from the original document receiving section 52 toward the original document discharging section 53 and is shaped like a C when viewed from the front and rear directions. Front and rear direction viewing refers to viewing from one side in front and the other in back. The conveying component 56B conveys the original document G stored in the original document receiving section 52 along the conveying path 56A to the original document discharging section 53.

[0088] In this embodiment, when the opening / closing body 50 is in the closed position, the reading unit 40 reads the image on one side of the original document G being transported on the transport path 56A, and the reading unit 54 reads the image on the other side of the original document G.

[0089] Furthermore, the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 is an example of the "upper surface of the device body". In addition, the front-back direction is equivalent to the direction that intersects the conveying direction of the conveying path 56A (specifically, the orthogonal direction). Therefore, among the components including the opening and closing body 50, the rear end is an example of one end in the direction that intersects the conveying direction, and the front end is an example of another end in the direction that intersects the conveying direction.

[0090] (Conveyor path component 60)

[0091] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing an enlarged portion of the opening / closing body 50, including the conveying path component 60. Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 5 The diagram shown is a schematic of the state of the conveyor path 56A in the structure shown. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the transport path component 60. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the transport path component 60 as viewed from the rear. Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the transport path component 60. Figure 10 This is a partial side view showing the transport path component 60.

[0092] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the conveying path component 60 is a component having a conveying path surface 62 that constitutes the conveying path 56A. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the conveying path component 60 is formed into a generally right-angled triangle shape when viewed from the front-rear direction, having a bottom surface 61, a side surface 63 extending upward from the bottom surface 61, and an inclined surface, namely the conveying path surface 62. In the closed state, the conveying path surface 62 is a surface that slopes obliquely upward towards the downstream side (i.e., the right side) in the conveying direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, on the surface 62 of the conveying path, there are a plurality of ribs 62A formed along the conveying direction in the front-to-back direction.

[0093] Additionally, in each figure, the conveying direction of the conveying path component 60 is indicated by arrow X. Furthermore, the downstream of the conveying direction is sometimes simply referred to as "downstream," and the upstream of the conveying direction is sometimes simply referred to as "upstream." Also, the upstream side corresponds to the left side, and the downstream side corresponds to the right side.

[0094] The downstream end side (i.e., the right end side) of the conveying path component 60 is rotatably supported on the opening / closing body 50 (see reference). Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 Specifically, on the front surface 65 of the conveying path component 60 (refer to...) Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 ) and rear surface 66 (refer to) Figure 8 A support shaft 64 is provided at the downstream end of the conveying path component 60. The conveying path component 60 is supported on the opening / closing body 50 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the support shaft 64. Moreover, as Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the upstream end side (i.e. the left end side) of the conveying path component 60 moves downward from the opening / closing body 50, thereby opening the conveying path 56A.

[0095] In addition, such as Figures 8 to 10 As shown, a protrusion 68 extending rearward from the conveying path component 60 is provided at the lower end of the rear end portion of the conveying path component 60. The protrusion 68 is disposed at the upstream end (i.e., the left end) of the conveying path component 60. The bottom surface of the protrusion 68 is curved in a downward convex manner.

[0096] When the conveyor path 56A is open by the conveyor path component 60 (i.e., Figure 3 and Figure 6 In the state shown, when the opening / closing body 50 moves from the open position to the closed position, as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the protrusion 68 contacts the edge 33 of the image reading device body 23, which is disposed on the rear end side of the upper surface 31A relative to the first plate glass 31.

[0097] In addition, such as Figures 5 to 7 As shown, a portion of the conveying member 56B is provided on the conveying path member 60. Furthermore, as... Figures 4 to 6 As shown, a cushioning material 69 is provided on the bottom surface 50B of the opening / closing body 50, which includes the bottom surface 61 of the conveying path component 60. The cushioning material 69 is compressible and deformable in the vertical direction. The downstream end of the conveying path component 60 is an example of "one end". The upstream end of the conveying path component 60 is an example of "the other end".

[0098] (Shaft 80)

[0099] Figures 5 to 8 The shaft 80 shown is the part that is locked by the locking member 70. This shaft 80 is an example of a "locked part". In this embodiment, as shown by reference numerals 80(A) and 80(B) in the figures, the image reading device 20 has two shafts 80. These two shafts 80 are provided in the opening and closing body 50.

[0100] Specifically, a shaft 80(A) protrudes from a side wall (not shown) opposite the front surface 65 of the transport path component 60 towards the front surface 65 (i.e., the rear side). A locking component 70(A) locks onto the shaft 80(A).

[0101] Another shaft 80(B) protrudes from the side wall (not shown) opposite the rear surface 66 of the transport path component 60 toward the rear surface 66 side (i.e., the front side). The locking component 70(B) locks onto the shaft 80(B).

[0102] Two shafts 80 are arranged opposite each other in the front-to-back direction. That is, the two shafts 80 are configured to overlap when viewed from the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, in the open / closed body 50 in the closed position, the two shafts 80 are arranged in the same position in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0103] like Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the lower ends of the two shafts 80 are positioned further below the conveying path surface 62 of the conveying path component 60. Specifically, the two shafts 80 are configured to overlap with the conveying path surface 62 of the conveying path component 60 when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0104] The two shafts 80 are formed to appear circular when viewed from the front and back directions. Alternatively, the shape of the shafts 80 can also be polygonal or other shapes when viewed from the front and back directions; various shapes can be used for the shape of the shafts 80.

[0105] (Locking component 70, tension coil spring 82, limiting part 84 and operating part 86)

[0106] Figure 11 This is a front view showing the locking component 70. Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the upper surface 72A of the locking member 70 is in contact with the shaft 80. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the front end 72 of the locking member 70 hooked onto the shaft 80. Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the locked state of the locking component 70 locked to the shaft 80.

[0107] Figure 11 The locking component 70 shown is a component that locks onto the shaft 80. This locking component 70 is an example of a "locking part". In this embodiment, as indicated by reference numerals 70(A) and 70(B) in the figures, the image reading device 20 has two locking components 70.

[0108] like Figure 11 As shown, the two locking components 70 are composed of hooks formed in a hook shape. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described later, locking component 70(A) and locking component 70(B) differ in structure in terms of shape and length.

[0109] In addition, such as Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, two locking components 70 are rotatably mounted on the upstream end side (i.e., the left end side) of the conveying path component 60. Specifically, as... Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the lower part of a locking member 70(A) is rotatably mounted on the upstream end side of the front surface 65 of the conveying path member 60. That is, the locking member 70(A) is disposed on the front end side of the conveying path member 60.

[0110] like Figure 8 As shown, the lower part of another locking member 70(B) is rotatably mounted on the upstream end side of the rear surface 66 of the conveying path member 60. That is, the locking member 70(B) is disposed on the rear end side of the conveying path member 60.

[0111] Furthermore, two locking components 70 are fixed to a shaft 78 along the front-rear direction. Specifically, the shaft 78 passes through the conveyor path component 60 in the front-rear direction and is rotatably supported on the conveyor path component 60. The two locking components 70 are respectively fixed to one axial end and the other axial end of the shaft 78. In this way, the two locking components 70 are connected by the shaft 78. Thus, the two locking components 70 can lock in the locking direction of the shaft body 80 ( Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 The direction of arrow A) and the direction opposite to the locking direction, i.e., the release direction ( Figure 5 , Figure 8 and Figure 11 It rotates integrally in the direction of arrow B. Furthermore, the locking direction is an example of the "first rotation direction." The releasing direction is an example of the "second rotation direction."

[0112] like Figure 11 As shown, the two locking members 70 are each formed in the shape of a hook with a front end portion 72 protruding to the downstream side (i.e., the right side). Specifically, the two locking members 70 have an upper surface 72A, a bottom surface 72B, and an inclined surface 72C.

[0113] The upper surface 72A is formed by a slope having a downward gradient from the upper end 70U (i.e., the end radially outward relative to the shaft portion 78) toward the locking direction (i.e., the right side and the downstream side). The bottom surface 72B is the surface that contacts the shaft body 80 when the locking member 70 is locked to the shaft body 80 (hereinafter referred to as the "locked state of the locking member 70"), and is the surface facing the shaft portion 78 side (i.e., the radially inward side). Specifically, as Figure 5 As shown, in the locked state of the locking member 70, the bottom surface 72B is inclined relative to the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 of the image reading device body 23 with an upward slope toward the locking direction (i.e., the right side and the downstream side) (see reference). Figure 5 The dotted line NL). The upward slope refers to the fact that, in the locked state of the locking member 70, the bottom surface 72B moves towards the direction gradually away from the upper surface 31A as it moves towards the locking direction side (i.e., the right side and the downstream side). Figure 5 The bottom surface 72B is tilted relative to the upper surface 31A in a manner that is (the upper side is in the middle). Therefore, the end of the locking direction side (i.e., the right side and the downstream side) of the bottom surface 72B is located further away from the upper surface 31A than the end of the releasing direction side (i.e., the left side and the upstream side) of the bottom surface 72B. Figure 5 (The middle is the upper side). Furthermore, the downward slope refers to the fact that, in the locked state of the locking member 70, the bottom surface 72B gradually approaches the upper surface 31A as it moves towards the locking direction side (i.e., the right side and the downstream side). Figure 5The bottom surface 72B is tilted relative to the upper surface 31A in a manner that is (the lower side is in the middle). In this case, the end of the locking direction side (i.e., the right side and the downstream side) of the bottom surface 72B is located closer to the upper surface 31A than the end of the releasing direction side (i.e., the left side and the upstream side) of the bottom surface 72B. Figure 5 (The middle is the lower side).

[0114] like Figure 11 As shown, the inclined surface 72C is a surface formed from the downstream end of the upper surface 72A to the downstream end of the bottom surface 72B, and is an inclined surface with an upward slope toward the locking direction. The front end 72 is formed by the upper surface 72A, the bottom surface 72B and the inclined surface 72C.

[0115] In this embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the length (hereinafter referred to as radial length) of the locking member 70(A) from the shaft portion 78 (specifically, the shaft center (i.e., the rotation center)) to the outermost radial portion is longer than the radial length of the locking member 70(B). Furthermore, in Figure 11 In the diagram, the dashed line S is a line passing through the center of the axis of the shaft 78. Furthermore, in... Figure 11 In the middle, the dashed line H is the line passing through the upper end 70U of the locking component 70(B).

[0116] Furthermore, the left-right length of the bottom surface 72B of the locking member 70(A) is longer than that of the bottom surface 72B of the locking member 70(B). The left-right length of the inclined surface 72C of the locking member 70(A) is shorter than that of the inclined surface 72C of the locking member 70(B). Furthermore, the slope of the upper surface 72A of the locking member 70(A) is steeper than that of the upper surface 72A of the locking member 70(B).

[0117] Furthermore, locking component 70(A) is an example of "one locking part". Locking component 70(B) is an example of "another locking part".

[0118] like Figure 5 As shown, in the locked state of the locking member 70, the conveying path member 60 is maintained in a state where the conveying path 56A is closed by the conveying path member 60. This closed state means that the conveying path surface 62 is not exposed. In addition, the locking state of the locking member 70 is an example of "the locking part is locked within the locked part".

[0119] like Figure 8As shown, one end of the tension coil spring 82 is mounted to the locking member 70(B), and the other end is mounted to the mounting portion 76 provided on the rear surface 66 of the conveying path member 60. Thus, the tension coil spring 82, through the elastic force acting on the locking member 70(B), stretches the two locking members 70 in the locking direction. That is, a force in the locking direction acts on the two locking members 70. Therefore, in this embodiment, the tension coil spring 82 is disposed on the rear end side of the conveying path member 60. On the other hand, the tension coil spring 82 is not disposed on the front end side of the conveying path member 60. Furthermore, the tension coil spring 82 is an example of an "elastic member".

[0120] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, the operating unit 86 is mounted on the shaft 78 on the front side of the locking member 70(A). The operating unit 86 has a rod 86A extending upstream (i.e., to the left) from the shaft 78. The operator rotates the rod 86A downward, thereby rotating the two locking members 70 in the release direction to release the locking state of the two locking members 70.

[0121] Figure 8 The limiting part 84 shown functions to restrict the movement of the two locking members 70 in the locking direction. Specifically, the limiting part 84 is composed of a protrusion that protrudes rearward from the rear surface 66 of the transport path member 60. When the two locking members 70 are not locked to the shaft 80 (hereinafter referred to as the "unlocked state of the locking members 70"), the limiting part 84 contacts the locking member 70(B) to restrict the movement of the two locking members 70 in the locking direction. At the position where the locking member 70(B) contacts the limiting part 84, the upper surfaces 72A of the two locking members 70 are positioned on the tracks of the two shafts 80 that move relative to the transport path member 60 which rotates about the support shaft 64. In other words, the limiting part 84 functions as a positioning part that positions the upper surfaces 72A of each of the two locking members 70 on the tracks of the two shafts 80.

[0122] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the locking member 70 is in the unlocked state, and the conveying path member 60 rotates upward about the support shaft 64, as... Figure 12 As shown, the upper surface 72A of each of the two locking components 70 contacts the two shafts 80 respectively. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described later, the upper surface 72A of the locking component 70(A) first contacts the shaft 80(A).

[0123] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the locking member 70 is in the unlocked state, such as Figure 6As shown, the transport path 56A is opened by the weight of the transport path component 60, while the transport path component 60 extends downward from the bottom surface 50B (i.e., the lower end) of the opening / closing body 50. Therefore, in the unlocked state of the locking component 70, when the opening / closing body 50 moves from the open position to the closed position, the transport path component 60 is pushed upward by the upper surface 31A of the first platen glass 31 of the image reading device main body 23 (see reference). Figure 12 Furthermore, the non-locked state of the locking component 70 is an example of "the locking part is not locked to the locked part in a non-locked state".

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the locking member 70 is in the unlocked state, and the opening / closing body 50 moves from the open position to the closed position, such as Figure 12 As shown, while the conveying path component 60 is pushed upward by the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 of the image reading device body 23, the locking component 70(A) contacts the shaft 80(A), thereby causing the two locking components 70 to rotate in the release direction (arrow B direction).

[0125] Here, the transport path component 60 is pushed upward by the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 of the image reading device main body 23 due to the weight of the opening / closing body 50 (including the weight of the components provided in the opening / closing body 50). Due to the load pushing the transport path component 60 upward, the two locking components 70 overcome the tensile load of the tension coil spring 82 and rotate in the release direction. In this embodiment, the tensile load of the tension coil spring 82 is set such that the locking components 70 rotate in the release direction relative to the upward load on the transport path component 60.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the radial length of the locking member 70(A) is longer than the radial length of the locking member 70(B), when the conveying path member 60 is pushed upward, firstly, the locking member 70(A) contacts the shaft 80(A), and the locking member 70(B) has a gap relative to the shaft 80(B). In this state, the two locking members 70 connected by the shaft 78 rotate together in the release direction. Then, with the two locking members 70 respectively in contact with the two shafts 80, the two locking members 70 rotate together in the release direction. Thus, in this embodiment, the timing of the contact between the two locking members 70 and the two shafts 80 is different.

[0127] Furthermore, in this embodiment, while the transport path component 60 is pushed upward by the upper surface 31A of the first platen glass 31 of the image reading device main body 23, the locking component 70 contacts the shaft 80, thereby causing both locking components 70 to rotate in the release direction, and then... Figure 13As shown, the front end 72 of the locking member 70(A) is hooked onto the shaft 80(A) (in a half-latch state). Then, the front end 72 of the locking member 70(B) is hooked onto the shaft 80(B).

[0128] Specifically, before the bottom surface 61 of the upwardly rotating transport path component 60 is aligned with the upper surface 31A of the first platen glass 31 of the image reading device body 23, the front ends 72 of the two locking components 70 are hooked onto the shaft 80. That is, when the bottom surface 61 of the upwardly rotating transport path component 60 is inclined relative to the upper surface 31A of the first platen glass 31 of the image reading device body 23, the front ends 72 of the two locking components 70 are hooked onto the shaft 80.

[0129] Furthermore, after the front ends 72 of the two locking components 70 are hooked onto the shaft 80, as... Figure 14 As shown, by stretching the elastic force of the helical spring 82, the conveying path component 60 rises, while the two locking components 70 rotate in the locking direction (arrow A direction) to become locked.

[0130] (The operation of this embodiment)

[0131] In this embodiment, when the locking member 70 is in the unlocked state, and the opening / closing body 50 moves from the open position to the closed position, such as Figure 12 As shown, while the conveying path component 60 is pushed upward by the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 of the image reading device body 23, the locking component 70(A) contacts the shaft 80(A), thereby causing the two locking components 70 to rotate in the release direction (arrow B direction).

[0132] Therefore, the movement of the opening / closing body 50 from the open position to the closed position and the rotation of the locking member 70 in the release direction (arrow B direction) can be performed through a common operation. That is, according to the structure of this embodiment, for example, when reading an image of the original document G or copying an image of the original document G, the operator performs the operation of moving the opening / closing body 50 from the open position to the closed position, thereby also enabling the operation of rotating the locking member 70 in the release direction (arrow B direction).

[0133] Furthermore, in this embodiment, while the transport path component 60 is pushed upward by the upper surface 31A of the first platen glass 31 of the image reading device main body 23, the locking component 70 contacts the shaft 80, thereby causing both locking components 70 to rotate in the release direction, and then... Figure 13 As shown, the front end 72 of the locking component 70 is hooked onto the shaft 80 (in a semi-latched state).

[0134] Therefore, the movement of the opening / closing body 50 from the open position to the closed position and the hooking of the front end 72 of the locking member 70 onto the shaft 80 are performed by a single operation. That is, according to the structure of this embodiment, for example, when reading an image of the original document G or copying an image of the original document G, the operator performs the operation of moving the opening / closing body 50 from the open position to the closed position, thereby also enabling the operation of hooking the front end 72 of the locking member 70 onto the shaft 80.

[0135] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the front ends 72 of the two locking components 70 are hooked onto the shaft 80, as... Figure 14 As shown, by stretching the elastic force of the helical spring 82, the conveying path component 60 rises, while the two locking components 70 rotate in the locking direction (arrow A direction) to enter the locking state.

[0136] Therefore, the movement of the opening / closing body 50 from the open position to the closed position and the locking member 70 locking to the shaft 80 are performed by a single operation. That is, according to the structure of this embodiment, for example, when reading or copying an image of the original document G, the operator moves the opening / closing body 50 from the open position to the closed position, causing the locking member 70 to enter the locked state. Therefore, even if at least one of the two locking members 70 is in an unlocked state or at least one of the two locking members 70 is not fully locked to the shaft 80, when the operator moves the opening / closing body 50 from the open position to the closed position while reading or copying an image of the original document G, the locking member 70 still enters the locked state. As a result, it is possible to prevent improper closure of the transport path 56A, and to prevent the original document G from getting stuck in the transport path 56A (so-called paper jam) and to prevent the reading unit 54 from reading the image improperly.

[0137] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the locked state of the locking member 70, the bottom surface 72B of the locking member 70(A) is inclined relative to the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 of the image reading device body 23 with an upward slope toward the locking direction.

[0138] Therefore, compared to the structure in which the bottom surface 72B of the locking member 70(A) is parallel to the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 when the locking member 70 is in the locked state, the locking member 70 locks to the shaft 80 at a smaller rotation angle in the locking direction. Therefore, after the front end 72 of the locking member 70 is hooked onto the shaft 80, the locking member 70 is easy to lock to the shaft 80.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 11As shown, the radial length of locking member 70(A) is longer than that of locking member 70(B). Here, in a structure where locking member 70(A) and locking member 70(B) have the same radial length (hereinafter referred to as structure A), when the conveying path member 60 is pushed upward, the two locking members 70 simultaneously contact the two shafts 80.

[0140] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the radial length of locking member 70(A) is longer than that of locking member 70(B). Therefore, when the conveying path member 60 is pushed upward, locking member 70(A) first contacts the shaft 80(A), and locking member 70(B) has a gap relative to the shaft 80(B). In this state, both locking members 70 rotate. Therefore, compared to structure A, the contact between locking member 70 and shaft 80 results in less frictional resistance when rotating in the release direction.

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a locking member 70(A) with a long radial length is disposed on the front end side of the conveying path member 60.

[0142] Here, the front end of the opening / closing body 50 is a free end, and the rear end is used as a fulcrum to move up and down, thereby enabling the opening / closing body 50 to open and close. Therefore, when the opening / closing body 50 is in the open position, the front end of the conveying path member 60 on the free end side is easier to operate than the rear end of the conveying path member 60 on the fulcrum side. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the opening / closing body 50 is in the open position, if the operator pushes the conveying path member 60 upward to rotate the locking member 70(A) in the release direction, the operation of rotating the locking member 70(A) in the release direction is more convenient than the structure where the locking member 70(A) is located on the rear end side.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tension coil spring 82 is disposed at the rear end of the conveying path member 60. Therefore, compared to the structure where the tension coil spring 82 is disposed at the front end of the conveying path member 60, when the opening / closing body 50 is in the open position, it is possible to prevent the operator from contacting the tension coil spring 82.

[0144] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the conveying path 56A is open by the conveying path component 60 (i.e., Figure 3 and Figure 6 In the state shown, when the opening / closing body 50 moves from the open position to the closed position, as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the protrusion 68 contacts the edge 33 of the image reading device body 23, which is disposed on the rear end side of the upper surface 31A relative to the first plate glass 31.

[0145] Therefore, compared with the structure of the conveying path member 60 which does not have a protrusion 68, it is possible to prevent the conveying path member 60 from getting caught on the edge 33.

[0146] (Modified Example)

[0147] In this embodiment, an image reading device 20 is used as an example of a conveying device, but it is not limited to this. As an example of a conveying device, it may also be a device that performs processing other than image reading on the conveyed material (e.g., image forming processing to form an image). Furthermore, as an example of a conveying device, it may also be a device that conveys the material solely for the purpose of conveying itself.

[0148] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the original document G is used as an example of the target material to be transported, but it is not limited to this. As an example of the material to be transported, it could be a recording medium P on which an image is formed, or any material capable of being transported.

[0149] Furthermore, in this embodiment, while the transport path component 60 is pushed upward by the upper surface 31A of the first platen glass 31 of the image reading device main body 23, the locking component 70 contacts the shaft 80, thereby causing both locking components 70 to rotate in the release direction, and then... Figure 13 As shown, the front end 72 of the locking component 70 is hooked onto the shaft 80, but it is not limited to this. As long as the locking component 70 is in contact with the shaft 80, at least two locking components 70 can rotate in the release direction.

[0150] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the locked state of the locking member 70, the bottom surface 72B of the locking member 70(A) is inclined relative to the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 of the image reading device body 23 with an upward slope toward the locking direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the bottom surface 72B of the locking member 70(A) may be parallel to the upper surface 31A of the first plate glass 31 in the locked state of the locking member 70.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the radial length of the locking member 70(A) is longer than the radial length of the locking member 70(B), but it is not limited to this. For example, the locking member 70(A) and the locking member 70(B) may have the same length.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking member 70(A) with a longer radial length is disposed on the front end side of the conveying path member 60, but it is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be a structure in which the locking member 70(A) is disposed on the rear end side of the conveying path member 60 and the locking member 70(B) is disposed on the front end side of the conveying path member 60.

[0153] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking member 70(A) and the locking member 70(B) have different shapes, but are not limited thereto. For example, the locking member 70(A) and the locking member 70(B) may also have the same shape.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image reading device 20 has two locking components 70, but it is not limited to this. For example, the image reading device 20 may have one or more locking components 70.

[0155] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a tension coil spring 82 is used as an example of an elastic component, but it is not limited to this. For example, a push spring such as a compression coil spring, which pushes the two locking components 70 in the locking direction by elastic force, or other springs, can be used, and various components can be employed.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tension coil spring 82 is disposed on the rear end side of the conveying path member 60, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the tension coil spring 82 may also be disposed on the front end side of the conveying path member 60. Alternatively, the tension coil spring 82 may be disposed on both the rear end side and the front end side of the conveying path member 60.

[0157] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the protrusion 68 extending rearward from the transport path member 60 is provided at the lower end of the rear end portion of the transport path member 60, but is not limited thereto. For example, the image reading device 20 may also be a structure with a transport path member 60 that does not have the protrusion 68.

[0158] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, alterations, and improvements can be made without departing from its spirit. For example, the modified examples shown above can also be constructed by appropriately combining multiple examples.

Claims

1. A conveyance device, comprising: a device main body; an opening and closing section installed to the device main body in a manner capable of opening and closing between a closed position covering an upper surface of the device main body and an open position exposing the upper surface, and having a conveyance path of a conveyance target material inside; a conveyance path member having a conveyance path surface constituting a part of the conveyance path, one end portion side of the conveyance path member being rotatably supported to the opening and closing section, and the conveyance path being opened when the other end portion side of the conveyance path member moves downward from the opening and closing section; and a locking section rotatably installed to the other end portion side of the conveyance path member, the locking section maintaining the conveyance path member in a state of closing the conveyance path in a locked state to a locked section of the opening and closing section based on a force applied in a first rotational direction, and the locking section rotating in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction while contacting the locked section itself when the opening and closing section moves from the open position to the closed position while the conveyance path member is pushed upward by the upper surface of the device main body in a non-locked state to the locked section, the locking section itself hooking a front end portion to the locked section, the locking sections being respectively provided to one end portion and the other end portion of the conveyance path member in a direction intersecting a conveyance direction, each of the locking sections being fixed to a shaft portion extending in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction, a length of one of the locking sections from the shaft portion to a radially outermost end portion being greater than a length of the other of the locking sections from the shaft portion to the radially outermost end portion.

2. The conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein the conveyance path member is pushed upward by the upper surface of the device main body while the locking section itself contacts the locked section itself to rotate in the second rotational direction, and then the front end portion of the locking section itself hooks the locked section when the opening and closing section moves from the open position to the closed position.

3. The conveyance device according to claim 2, wherein the conveyance path member is pushed upward by the upper surface of the device main body while the locking section itself contacts the locked section itself to rotate in the second rotational direction, and then the front end portion of the locking section itself hooks the locked section in the closed position of the opening and closing section, and the conveyance path member is raised by the force while the locking section becomes the locked state to the locked section.

4. The conveyance device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a bottom surface of the locking section contacting the locked section is inclined with respect to the upper surface of the device main body in a manner having an upward slope toward the first rotational direction in the locked state to the locked section.

5. The conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The opening / closing part is mounted on the device body at one end in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveying path, thereby enabling it to be closed in the closed position and opened in the open position. One of the locking parts is disposed at the other end of the conveying path component in a direction intersecting the conveying direction.

6. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The opening / closing part is mounted on the device body at one end in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveying path, thereby enabling it to be closed in the closed position and opened in the open position. The conveying path component is provided with an elastic component at one end in a direction intersecting the conveying direction, which causes the force to act on the locking part through elasticity.

7. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The opening / closing part is mounted on the device body at one end in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the conveying path, thereby enabling it to close in the closed position and open in the open position. On the device body, an edge protruding from the upper surface of the device body is formed at one end side in a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The conveying path component has an extension portion at one end in a direction intersecting the conveying direction, which extends from the conveying path component in a direction intersecting the conveying direction and contacts the edge portion.

8. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: A reading unit is provided on the main body of the device, and reads an image of the original manuscript, which is the target material, being conveyed along the conveying path of the opening and closing unit when the opening and closing unit is in the closed position.

9. An image forming apparatus comprising: The conveying device according to claim 8; and An image forming unit forms an image on a recording medium that is read by the reading unit.

Images