conveying device

Abstract

A conveyance device configured to convey a recording material includes a main frame including a first frame and a second frame, a conveyance guide disposed between and engaged with the first frame and the second frame, and including a first guide member and a second guide member, and a connection member connecting the first guide member and the second guide member. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the connection member is smaller than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the first guide member and smaller than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the second guide member. The connection member is restricted to avoid movement in a direction of a rotation axis of a conveyance roller relative to the main frame. The second guide member is restricted to avoid movement in the direction of the rotation axis relative to the connection member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a device for transmitting recorded materials. Background Technology

[0002] A transport device for conveying recording material in an image recording apparatus includes a transport roller configured to transport the recording material and a transport guide configured to guide the recording material. When the transport guide, such as a double-sided baffle, is long and thin in the direction of the rotation axis of the transport roller, the transport guide may experience warping and strength degradation. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-211659 discloses a technique for suppressing warping of the transport guide and ensuring its strength by forming the transport guide from multiple components arranged in the direction of the rotation axis and supporting these components by a metal shaft member extending along the direction of the rotation axis.

[0003] In a conveying device that includes a conveyor roller for conveying recording material and a conveyor guide, thermal expansion and contraction of multiple components constituting the conveyor guide may cause the position of the components to change in the direction of the rotation axis of the conveyor roller. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure aims to improve the positioning accuracy of multiple components constituting a transfer guide in the direction of rotation axis.

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a conveying device configured to convey recording material includes:

[0006] A conveyor roller configured to convey recording material;

[0007] The main frame includes a first frame and a second frame, the first frame including a first joint portion and the second frame including a second joint portion;

[0008] A transfer guide, arranged between the first frame and the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the transfer roller, the transfer guide including a first guide member and a second guide member configured to guide recording material, and including a first engaged portion engaging with the first engaged portion and a second engaged portion engaging with the second engaged portion; and

[0009] A connecting member connects the first guide member and the second guide member.

[0010] in:

[0011] The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis, such that in the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide member is closer to the first frame than to the second frame, and the second guide member is closer to the second frame than to the first frame;

[0012] The coefficient of thermal expansion of the connecting member is less than that of the first guiding member and less than that of the second guiding member;

[0013] The first direction is parallel to the axis of rotation and oriented from the second frame toward the first frame, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0014] The connecting member is constrained to prevent movement relative to the main frame in the first direction and the second direction; and

[0015] The second guide member is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member in the first direction and the second direction.

[0016] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a conveying device configured to convey recording material includes:

[0017] A conveyor roller configured to convey recording material;

[0018] The main frame includes a first frame and a second frame, the first frame including a first joint portion and the second frame including a second joint portion;

[0019] A transfer guide, arranged between the first frame and the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the transfer roller, the transfer guide including a first guide member and a second guide member configured to guide recording material, and including a first engaged portion engaging with the first engaged portion and a second engaged portion engaging with the second engaged portion; and

[0020] A connecting member connects the first guide member and the second guide member.

[0021] in:

[0022] The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis, such that in the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide member is closer to the first frame than to the second frame, and the second guide member is closer to the second frame than to the first frame;

[0023] The first direction is parallel to the axis of rotation and oriented from the second frame toward the first frame, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0024] The first engaging portion and the first engaged portion engage with each other to restrict the movement of the first guide member relative to the first frame in the second direction; and

[0025] The second engaging portion and the second engaged portion engage with each other to restrict the movement of the second guide member relative to the second frame in the first direction.

[0026] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of embodiments is given by way of example. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the transport path of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment from the fixing section to the upstream side of the paper discharge roller.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a front view of the transmission guide according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission guide according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a front view of the transmission guide according to the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission guide according to the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a transmission guide according to a variant of the second embodiment.

[0034] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a transmission guide according to a variant of the second embodiment.

[0035] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission guide according to the third embodiment.

[0036] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission guide according to the fourth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission guide according to the fifth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of the transfer guide according to the sixth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the transmission guide according to the seventh embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0040] In the following description, exemplary embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of the components described in the following embodiments should be appropriately varied depending on the configuration of the apparatus to which this disclosure is applied and various conditions, and the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the embodiments described below. The configuration of the transmission guide disclosed herein is not limited to the various embodiments. The feature components of the various embodiments can be combined with each other to the greatest extent feasible within the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] Image forming apparatus

[0042] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S, which is a recording material, using electrophotographic processing. The cartridge C is attachable to and detachable from the apparatus body A of the image forming apparatus 1. The apparatus body A includes a laser scanner 101, a feed roller 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing section 105, a transport roller 106, a paper discharge roller 108, and a paper discharge tray 109. The cartridge C includes a photosensitive drum 11, a charging roller 12, and a developing roller 16. In the following description, the direction of the rotation axis of the transport roller 106 may be simply referred to as the rotation axis direction. The rotation axis direction of the sheet S is parallel to its width direction, while the rotation axis direction of the sheet S is orthogonal to its transport direction.

[0043] The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will now be described. A photosensitive drum 11, driven rotatably by a drive source (not shown), is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by a charging roller 12. After the photosensitive drum 11 is charged, a laser scanner 101 performs exposure based on image information on the surface of the photosensitive drum, removes the charge from the exposed portion, and forms an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied from a developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11, and the electrostatic latent image is visualized as a toner image.

[0044] Simultaneously, in parallel with the toner image formation operation, the sheet S is conveyed by the feed roller 103. Specifically, the feed roller 103 rotates to feed the sheet S. Subsequently, the sheet S is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104 in timing synchronization with the formation of the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11. As the sheet S passes between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104, which serves as a transfer component (transfer device), a bias voltage applied to the transfer roller 104 causes the toner image to be transferred onto the sheet S as an unfixed image. Subsequently, the sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing section 105, which serves as a fixing component (fixing device). As the sheet S, which has been conveyed to the fixing section 105, passes through the fixing section 105, the unfixed toner image is heated and pressurized, and it is fixed onto the surface of the sheet S. In other words, the fixing section 105 is configured to heat and pressurize the sheet S. Subsequently, the sheet S is conveyed by the conveyor roller 106, discharged outside the machine by the discharge roller 108, and stacked on the discharge tray 109.

[0045] Figure 2 It is used to describe Figure 1 The image forming apparatus 1 shown is a cross-sectional view of the configuration of the transport path from the fixing section 105 to the paper discharge roller 108. A baffle 111 is provided on the transport path of the sheet S to serve as a transport guide for guiding the sheet S downstream of the fixing section 105. The baffle 111 extends in a direction orthogonal to the transport path and switches the transport path (paper path) of the sheet S at a branch position between the paper discharge transport path and the reverse transport path.

[0046] During single-sided printing, the sheet S printed on one side is guided by the transfer guide 110 and the baffle 111, and is then discharged by the discharge roller 108 into the discharge tray 109.

[0047] During duplex printing, the sheet S printed on one side is guided to the reverse transport path by the baffle 111, which has been swung to the position shown by the dotted line. The sheet S, held by the paper discharge roller 108 and the reverse rotation roller 112, is reversed and then transported to the duplex transport path. The toner applied to the sheet S for heat fixing may adhere to the transport guide 110 due to strong friction with it. The toner is more likely to adhere when the transport guide 110 warms up by receiving heat from the sheet S due to continuous paper feeding, etc.

[0048] In the case of single-sided printing, the transport guide 110 guides the non-printing surface side of the sheet S and does not slide against the sheet S. However, in the case of double-sided printing, since both sides of the sheet S are to be printed, when the sheet S is downstream of the fixing section 105 along a curved transport path (e.g., Figure 2During transport (as shown by the conveyor guide 110 and baffle 111), the printed surface slides against the conveyor guide 110. The conveying device 114 includes a conveyor roller 106, a conveyor guide 110, and a main frame 113, which supports the conveyor roller 106 and the conveyor guide 110 and transports the sheet S. It should be noted that the main frame 113 can be configured to support other components.

[0049] The transport guide 110, which slides against the sheet S on the downstream side of the fixing section 105, is made of a material that makes it difficult for toner to adhere (e.g., polyoxymethylene (POM), polyacetal, or other resins). Therefore, the phenomenon of toner adhering to the transport guide 110 and curing on it (toner fixing) can be suppressed. Thus, image defects caused by toner adhering to the transport guide 110 and paper jams caused by paper hooks getting caught on the fixed toner can be suppressed.

[0050] Because resins such as POM and polyacetal have high coefficients of thermal expansion and are prone to thermal shrinkage, their dimensions can fluctuate significantly due to thermal effects. Furthermore, parts formed from such resins are susceptible to warping. Therefore, when forming elongated parts (e.g., transfer guide 110 and baffle 111) in the direction of rotation from resin, a configuration less susceptible to thermal effects is preferred. Various embodiments of the transfer guide 110 will be described below. In the following embodiments, the reference numerals for the transfer guide 110 will vary for each embodiment.

[0051] First Embodiment

[0052] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The transmission guide 210 according to the first embodiment is described. Figure 3 This is a front view of the transfer guide 210 according to the first embodiment, viewed from a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the transfer guide 210 according to the first embodiment along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0053] The transfer guide 210 includes three guide members: a first guide member 201 located at one end along the rotation axis, a second guide member 202 located at the other end along the rotation axis, and a third guide member 203 located at the center along the rotation axis. The three guide members 201 to 203 are arranged side-by-side along the rotation axis and connected by a connecting member (connecting beam) 205, thus forming an integrated transfer guide 210. However, the number of guide members arranged between the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 is arbitrary. In other words, the transfer guide 210 does not need to include a member corresponding to the third guide member 203, or it may include two or more guide members corresponding to the third guide member 203.

[0054] Each of the guide members 201 to 203 includes a plurality of ribs 204 for guiding the sheet S. The positions of the plurality of ribs 204 are different from each other in the direction of the axis of rotation. The plurality of ribs 204 enable the reception of sheets S of various sizes.

[0055] The first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 are positioned at opposite ends along the rotation axis of the transfer guide 210. The third guide member 203 is positioned in the central portion of the transfer guide 210. The ribs 204 of the third guide member 203 guide the central portion of the sheet S in the width direction. If the sheet S has a small dimension in the width direction, the central portion of the sheet S may not be guided by the ribs 204 of the third guide member 203.

[0056] A gap G is provided between two adjacent guide members in the direction of rotation (between the first guide member 201 and the third guide member 203, and between the second guide member 202 and the third guide member 203). The gap G is set to absorb the dimensional changes of the guide members 201 to 203 in the direction of rotation when the guide members 201 to 203 thermally expand due to heat from the fixing portion 105 or the printing sheet S.

[0057] The main frame 21 includes a first frame 211 and a second frame 212. The first frame 211 and the second frame 212 are formed of metal, and more specifically of metal sheet. Alternatively, the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 may be formed of resin. In the following description, a direction parallel to the axis of rotation and oriented from the second frame 212 toward the first frame 211 will be defined as a first direction R1, and a direction opposite to the first direction R1 will be defined as a second direction R2. The conveyor roller 106 is rotatably supported by the main frame 21. In the direction of the axis of rotation, the first guide member 201 is closer to the first frame 211 than to the second frame 212, and the second guide member 202 is closer to the second frame 212 than to the first frame 211.

[0058] The first frame 211 includes a first engaging portion 211a, and the second frame 212 includes a second engaging portion 212a. A transfer guide 210 is arranged to be clamped between the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 relative to the rotational axis direction of the transfer roller 106, and is rotatably supported by engaging with both ends of the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 in the rotational axis direction. The transfer guide 210 includes a first engaged portion 201c engaging with the first engaging portion 211a of the first frame 211 and a second engaged portion 202c engaging with the second engaging portion 212a of the second frame 212. The first engaged portion 201c is disposed in the first guide member 201, and the second engaged portion 202c is disposed in the second guide member 202. The first engaged portion 201c engages with the first engaging portion 211a to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the rotational axis direction, and the second engaged portion 202c engages with the second engaging portion 212a to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the rotational axis direction.

[0059] The first frame 211 includes an end face 211b as a first limiting portion, which restricts the relative movement of the first guide member 201 relative to the main frame 21 in a first direction R1. The end face 211b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The end face 211b contacts the end face 201d of the first engaged portion 201c of the first guide member 201, which faces the first direction R1, to restrict the movement of the first guide member 201 relative to the main frame 21 in the first direction R1. The end face 201d extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. In other words, when the first guide member 201 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 201d contacts the end face 211b, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member 201. The first guide member 201 includes one end 201f and another end 201e in the rotation axis direction, with the one end 201f closer to the first frame 211 than the other end 201e. In the direction of the rotation axis, the end face 211b of the first frame 211, which is the first limiting part, is closer to one end 201f than to the other end 201e of the first guide member 201.

[0060] The second frame 212 includes an end face 212b as a second limiting portion, which restricts the relative movement of the second guide member 202 relative to the main frame 21 in the second direction R2. The end face 212b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The end face 212b contacts the end face 202d of the second engaged portion 202c of the second guide member 202, which faces the second direction R2, to restrict the movement of the second guide member 202 relative to the main frame 21 in the second direction R2. The end face 202d extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. In other words, when the second guide member 202 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 202d contacts the end face 212b, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member 202. The second guide member 202 includes one end 202f and another end 202e in the rotation axis direction, with the one end 202f closer to the second frame 212 than the other end 202e. In the direction of rotation axis, the end face 212b of the second frame 212, which is the second limiting part, is closer to the other end 202e than to one end 202f of the second guide member 202.

[0061] The transfer guide 210 is clamped between the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 in the direction of rotation. The transfer guide 210 is positioned in the direction of rotation based on the distance between the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 in the direction of rotation.

[0062] The third guide member 203, which is configured to guide the sheet S, is positioned in the direction of rotation axis by being clamped between the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 in the direction of rotation axis.

[0063] The connecting member 205 is a metal shaft member with a diameter of 3 mm. The connecting member 205 has a cylindrical shape and is inserted into a mounting hole, which is provided in the guide members 201 to 203 and has an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical shape of the connecting member 205. Therefore, the three guide members 201 to 203 are arranged linearly along the axis of rotation, constrained to avoid movement in a direction orthogonal to the axis of rotation, and their strength is ensured by the connecting member 205 as a metal shaft member.

[0064] The third guide member 203 engages with the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202. More specifically, one of the third guide member 203 and the first guide member 201 includes a hole, and the other includes a protrusion fitted into the hole. Additionally, one of the third guide member 203 and the second guide member 202 includes a hole, and the other includes a protrusion fitted into the hole. In this embodiment, the third guide member 203 includes protruding portions 203a and 203b projecting in the direction of the rotation axis. Protrusion 203a fits into the hole 201b of the first guide member 201, and protrusion 203b fits into the hole 202b of the second guide member 202. Thus, the guide members 201 to 203 are positioned such that the ends of the ribs 204 are linearly aligned in the direction of the rotation axis. The protruding portions 203a and 203b of the third guide member 203 are fitted into the holes 201b of the first guide member 201 and 202b of the second guide member 202, respectively, with a gap. Therefore, the third guide member 203 is movable relative to the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 in the direction of rotation. It should be noted that the first guide member 201 may include a protrusion corresponding to the protrusion 203a, and the third guide member 203 may include a hole corresponding to the hole 201b. Additionally, the second guide member 202 may include a protrusion corresponding to the protrusion 203b, and the third guide member 203 may include a hole corresponding to the hole 202b.

[0065] The connecting member 205 includes one end side in the direction of the rotation axis ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first groove portion 205a on the right side and on the other end side ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second groove portion 205b on the left side of the middle.

[0066] A first movement limiting portion 201a, disposed in the first guide member 201, is fitted into a first recessed portion 205a, and the two end faces of the first recessed portion 205a are opposite each other to contact the first movement limiting portion 201a. In other words, the connecting member 205 contacts the first guide member 201. Therefore, the connecting member 205 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the first guide member 201 in the first direction R1 and in the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 205 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the connecting member 205 receives an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the first recessed portion 205a contacts the first movement limiting portion 201a. Furthermore, movement of the connecting member 205 relative to the first guide member 201 is restricted. Each of the two end faces of the first recessed portion 205a that are opposite each other extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The first movement limiting portion 201a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation.

[0067] The second movement limiting portion 202a, disposed in the second guide member 202, is fitted into the second recessed portion 205b, and the two end faces of the second recessed portion 205b are opposite each other to contact the second movement limiting portion 202a. In other words, the connecting member 205 contacts the second guide member 202. Therefore, the connecting member 205 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the second guide member 202 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 205 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the connecting member 205 receives an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the second recessed portion 205b contacts the second movement limiting portion 202a. In addition, the movement of the connecting member 205 relative to the second guide member 202 is restricted. Each of the two end faces of the second recessed portion 205b that are opposite each other to form the second recessed portion 205b extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The second movement limiting portion 202a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation.

[0068] Due to the above configuration, the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 are positioned relative to the connecting member 205 in the direction of the rotation axis. In other words, the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 are restricted to avoid movement relative to the connecting member 205 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0069] As described above, the connecting member 205 is constrained to prevent movement relative to the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Furthermore, the first guide member 201 is constrained to prevent movement relative to the first frame 211 in the first direction R1, and the second guide member 202 is constrained to prevent movement relative to the second frame 212 in the second direction R2. Therefore, the connecting member 205 is constrained to prevent movement relative to the main frame 21 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0070] When the first guide member 201 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the first movement limiting portion 201a of the first guide member 201 contacts one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 205a, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 205. Additionally, one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 205b of the connecting member 205 contacts the second movement limiting portion 202a, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the second guide member 202. Furthermore, end face 202d of the second guide member 202 contacts end face 212b, thereby limiting the movement of the second guide member 202. Therefore, the first guide member 201 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 21 in the second direction R2.

[0071] When the second guide member 202 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 202a of the second guide member 202 contacts one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 205b, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 205. Additionally, one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 205a of the connecting member 205 contacts the first movement limiting portion 201a, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the first guide member 201. Furthermore, end face 201d of the first guide member 201 contacts end face 211b, thereby limiting the movement of the first guide member 201. Therefore, the second guide member 202 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 21 in the first direction R1.

[0072] The first movement limiting portion 201a of the first guide member 201 is disposed near the first frame 211 in the direction of rotation axis, and the second movement limiting portion 202a of the second guide member 202 is disposed near the second frame 212 in the direction of rotation axis.

[0073] The connecting member 205 is made of metal, and the guiding members 201 to 203 are made of resin. In other words, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the connecting member 205 is smaller than that of the guiding members 201 to 203. Therefore, the connecting member 205, extending near both ends in the direction of rotation of the transfer guide 210, is less susceptible to thermal effects. Therefore, even if the guiding members 201 to 203 are formed of a heat-sensitive resin, changes in the length of the transfer guide 210 in the direction of rotation due to thermal expansion and contraction can be prevented. Therefore, it is no longer necessary to set excessively large gaps or excessively large engagement amounts in the direction of rotation to accommodate dimensional changes in the direction of rotation caused by heat. Therefore, even in a configuration where the transfer guide 210 is positioned in the direction of rotation by clamping it between the first frame 211 and the second frame 212, the gap in the direction of rotation can be set to a small value.

[0074] Furthermore, even if the guide members 201 to 203 are formed of a material susceptible to thermal effects, the positional variation of the ribs 204 of the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 can be minimized. Therefore, even when configured such that the upstream ribs and the downstream ribs are in a comb-like positional relationship in the conveying direction, interference between the ribs can be suppressed without ensuring a large gap between the ribs. Thus, restrictions on the arrangement of the ribs can be suppressed.

[0075] Although an example of the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 being separate components has been described in the first embodiment, the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 are not limited to this example. The first frame 211 and the second frame 212 can be constructed integrally. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0076] Furthermore, although the configuration in which the third guide member 203 is positioned by being clamped between the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 in the direction of rotation axis has been described in the first embodiment, the positioning of the third guide member 203 is not limited thereto. The third guide member 203 may be configured to be positioned relative to the connecting member 205 in a manner similar to that of the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which the third guide member 203 and the connecting member 205 are in contact with each other to restrict the movement of the third guide member 203 relative to the connecting member 205 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0077] Second Embodiment

[0078] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The transmission guide 310 according to the second embodiment is described. Figure 5This is a front view of the transfer guide 310 according to the second embodiment, viewed from a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the transfer guide 310 according to the second embodiment, taken along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. It should be noted that portions that are repeated in the description of the first embodiment will not be repeated, and the main differences will be described.

[0079] Similar to the first embodiment, the transfer guide 310 includes a first guide member 301 that engages with a first frame 311, a second guide member 302 that engages with a second frame 312, and a third guide member 303 located between the first and second guide members in the direction of the rotation axis. A connecting member 305 is inserted through the guide members 301 to 303 and restricts the movement of the guide members 301 to 303 in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis.

[0080] The main frame 31 includes a first frame 311 and a second frame 312. In the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide member 301 is closer to the first frame 311 than to the second frame 312, and the second guide member 302 is closer to the second frame 312 than to the first frame 311. The first frame 311 and the second frame 312 are formed of metal, and more specifically of metal sheet. Alternatively, the first frame 311 and the second frame 312 may be formed of resin.

[0081] The support member 306 is fixed to bridge between the first frame 311 and the second frame 312. The support member 306 includes a recessed restrained portion 306e, and the first frame 311 includes a protruding support restrained portion 311a. The end face of the restrained portion 306e facing the first direction R1 and the end face of the support restrained portion 311a facing the second direction R2 are in contact with each other, and the end face of the restrained portion 306e facing the second direction R2 and the end face of the support restrained portion 311a facing the first direction R1 are also in contact with each other. Therefore, the support member 306 is restrained to prevent movement relative to the first frame 311 and the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. The support member 306 includes a first guide restrained portion 306a disposed on the side of the first frame 311 and a third guide restrained portion 306b disposed near the central portion in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0082] The connecting member 305 includes one end side in the direction of the rotation axis ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 The first groove portion 305a on the right side and on the other end side ( Figure 5 and Figure 6 The second groove portion 305b on the left side of the middle.

[0083] The first movement limiting portion 301a, disposed in the first guide member 301, is fitted into the first recessed portion 305a, and the two end faces of the first recessed portion 305a are opposite each other to contact the first movement limiting portion 301a. In other words, the connecting member 305 contacts the first guide member 301. Therefore, the connecting member 305 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the first guide member 301 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 305 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the connecting member 305 receives an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the first recessed portion 305a contacts the first movement limiting portion 301a. In addition, the movement of the connecting member 305 relative to the first guide member 301 is restricted. Each of the two surfaces of the first recessed portion 305a that are opposite each other to form the first recessed portion 305a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The first movement limiting portion 301a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation.

[0084] The second movement limiting portion 302a, disposed in the second guide member 302, is fitted into the second recessed portion 305b, and the two surfaces forming the second recessed portion 305b are opposite to each other and contact the second movement limiting portion 302a. In other words, the connecting member 305 contacts the second guide member 302. Therefore, the connecting member 305 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the second guide member 302 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 305 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the connecting member 305 receives an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the second recessed portion 305b contacts the second movement limiting portion 302a. In addition, the movement of the connecting member 305 relative to the second guide member 302 is restricted. Each of the two surfaces forming the second recessed portion 305b extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The second movement limiting portion 302a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation.

[0085] Due to the above configuration, the first guide member 301 and the second guide member 302 are positioned relative to the connecting member 305 in the direction of the rotation axis. In other words, the first guide member 301 and the second guide member 302 are restricted to avoid movement relative to the connecting member 305 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0086] Since the first movement limiting portion 301a and the second movement limiting portion 302a are located at the positions of the ribs 304 near both ends in the direction of rotation axis, the positions of the ribs 304 near both ends in the direction of rotation axis minimize the thermal effect.

[0087] The first guide member 301 includes a first guide-restricted portion 301b, into which a first guide-restricted portion 306a of the support member 306 is fitted and contacts the first guide-restricted portion 301b. In other words, the first guide member 301 and the support member 306 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the first guide member 301 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the support member 306 and the first frame 311 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Thus, the first guide member 301 is positioned relative to the first frame 311 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0088] Specifically, the first guide restricting portion 306a includes an end face 306c facing the first direction R1 and an end face 306d facing the second direction R2. End faces 306c and 306d extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. The first guide restricted portion 301b includes an end face 301c facing the second direction R2 and an end face 301d facing the first direction R1. End faces 301c and 301d extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. The end faces 306c of the first guide restricting portion 306a and 301c of the first guide restricted portion 301b contact each other to restrict the movement of the first guide member 301 relative to the support member 306 and the main frame 31 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the first guide member 301 receives an external force in the second direction R2, end face 301c contacts end face 306c, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member 301. The end face 306d of the first guide limiting portion 306a and the end face 301d of the first guide restricted portion 301b contact each other to restrict the movement of the first guide member 301 relative to the support member 306 and the main frame 31 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the first guide member 301 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 301d contacts the end face 306d, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member 301. In other words, the first guide limiting portion 306a is the first limiting portion that restricts the relative movement of the first guide member 301 relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0089] The third guide member 303 includes a third guide restricted portion 303a, into which the third guide restricted portion 306b of the support member 306 is fitted and contacts the third guide restricted portion 303a. In other words, the third guide member 303 and the support member 306 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the third guide member 303 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the support member 306 and the first frame 311 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Therefore, the third guide member 303 is positioned relative to the first frame 311 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0090] Specifically, the third guide restricting portion 306b includes an end face 306g facing the first direction R1 and an end face 306f facing the second direction R2. End faces 306g and 306f extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. Specifically, the third guide restricted portion 303a includes an end face 303b facing the first direction R1 and an end face 303c facing the second direction R2. End faces 303b and 303c extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. The end faces 306g of the third guide restricting portion 306b and 303c of the third guide restricted portion 303a contact each other to restrict the movement of the third guide member 303 relative to the support member 306 and the main frame 31 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the third guide member 303 receives an external force in the second direction R2, end face 303c contacts end face 306g, thereby restricting the movement of the third guide member 303. The end face 306f of the third guiding and restricting portion 306b and the end face 303b of the third guiding and restricting portion 303a contact each other to restrict the movement of the third guiding member 303 relative to the support member 306 and the main frame 31 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the third guiding member 303 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 303b contacts the end face 306f, thereby restricting the movement of the third guiding member 303. In other words, the third guiding and restricting portion 306b is the third restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the third guiding member 303 relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0091] As described above, the connecting member 305 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the first guide member 301 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Additionally, as described above, the first guide member 301 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Therefore, the connecting member 305 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0092] When the second guide member 302 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 302a of the second guide member 302 contacts one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 305b, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 305. Additionally, one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 305a of the connecting member 305 contacts the first movement limiting portion 301a, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the first guide member 301. Furthermore, end face 301d of the first guide member 301 contacts end face 306d, thereby limiting the movement of the first guide member 301. Therefore, the second guide member 302 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1.

[0093] When the second guide member 302 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 302a of the second guide member 302 contacts the other of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 305b, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 305. Additionally, one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 305a of the connecting member 305 contacts the first movement limiting portion 301a, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the first guide member 301. Furthermore, end face 301c of the first guide member 301 contacts end face 306c, thereby limiting the movement of the first guide member 301. Therefore, the second guide member 302 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 31 in the second direction R2.

[0094] As described above, the second guide member 302 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the second guide member 302 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the second guide member 302 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 302 contacts the connecting member 305. Additionally, the connecting member 305 contacts the first guide member 301, and the first guide member 301 contacts the first guide restriction portion 306a to restrict movement of the second guide member 302.

[0095] Both the first guide limiting portion 306a and the first movement limiting portion 301a are disposed near the first frame 311 in the direction of the rotation axis. In other words, the first guide member 301 includes one end 301e and the other end 301f, and the one end 301e is closer to the first frame 311 than the other end 301f. Furthermore, in the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide limiting portion 306a and the first movement limiting portion 301a are closer to the one end 301e than to the other end 301f.

[0096] This provides two advantages. First, because the distance between the first guide limiting portion 306a and the first movement limiting portion 301a in the direction of rotation is short, positional changes in the connecting member 305 can be suppressed when the first guide member 301 expands or contracts due to heat. Second, because the first guide limiting portion 306a is located at the end in the direction of rotation, the support member 306 is less likely to receive heat released from the recording material. Additionally, because the distance between the first guide limiting portion 306a and the first movement limiting portion 301a in the direction of rotation is short, positional changes in the first guide limiting portion 306a due to heat can be suppressed.

[0097] The connecting member 305, which is not easily affected by heat, extends to both ends near the axis of rotation of the transfer guide 310. Therefore, even if the guide members 301 to 303 are formed of a heat-sensitive resin, changes in the entire length of the transfer guide 310 along the axis of rotation due to thermal expansion and contraction can be prevented. Furthermore, since the first guide limiting portion 306a is located near the first frame 311, the positioning of the transfer guide 310 relative to the first frame 311 and the second frame 312 is unlikely to be affected by the expansion and contraction of the support member 306 due to heat. Moreover, since the first guide limiting portion 306a and the first guide-restricted portion 301b can be positioned only by the assembly gap, positional changes of the ribs 304 on the first guide member 301 or the second guide member 302 can be suppressed.

[0098] Although the configuration of positioning the third guide member 303 via the third guide limiting portion 306b has been described in the second embodiment, the positioning of the third guide member 303 is not limited thereto. For example, the third guide member 303 can be positioned in the rotational axis direction by providing a recessed portion in the connecting member 305 and providing a movement limiting portion adapted to the recessed portion, similar to the first guide member 301 and the second guide member 302. Alternatively, the third guide member 303 can be configured to be positioned in the rotational axis direction by being clamped between the first guide member 301 and the second guide member 302 in a manner similar to the first embodiment.

[0099] Variations of the second embodiment

[0100] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The transport guide 410 according to a variant of the second embodiment is described. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the transport guide 410 according to a variant of the second embodiment. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the transfer guide 410 according to a variant of the second embodiment. The difference from the second embodiment is that the connecting member 405 is formed of a metal plate.

[0101] The transfer guide 410 includes three guide members (first guide member 401, second guide member 402, and third guide member 403) in a manner similar to the second embodiment. The connecting member 405 is formed of a 1.6 mm thick metal plate with an L-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the rotation axis. The connecting member 405 is inserted into mounting holes provided in the guide members 401 to 403 and extending in the rotation axis direction, and restricts the movement of the guide members 401 to 403 in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis direction.

[0102] The main frame 41 includes a first frame 411 and a second frame 412. A first guide member 401 of the transfer guide 410 engages with a first engagement portion 411a of the first frame 411, and a second guide member 402 of the transfer guide 410 engages with a second engagement portion 412a of the second frame 412. A support member 406 is fixed to bridge between the first frame 411 and the second frame 412. The support member 406 is positioned relative to the first frame 411 in the direction of rotation axis by a structure similar to that of the support member 306 according to the second embodiment.

[0103] The first guide limiting portion 401b, disposed in the first guide member 401, is assembled into the first guide restricted portion 406a of the support member 406, and the first guide limiting portion 401b and the first guide restricted portion 406a are in contact with each other. In other words, the first guide member 401 and the support member 406 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the first guide member 401 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the support member 406, the first frame 411, and the main frame 41 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Therefore, the first guide member 401 is positioned relative to the main frame 41 in the direction of the rotation axis. The first guide limiting portion 401b is a first limiting portion that restricts the relative movement of the first guide member 401 relative to the main frame 41 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0104] Figure 8 The diagram shows the third guide member 403 assembled into the connecting member 405. The guide members 401 to 403 are configured to be assembled by sliding relative to the connecting member 405 in the direction of the rotation axis. The connecting member 405 is provided with three recessed portions 405a, 405b, and 405c.

[0105] The first movement limiting portion 401a, disposed in the first guide member 401, is fitted into the recessed portion 405a, and the recessed portion 405a contacts the first movement limiting portion 401a. In other words, the connecting member 405 contacts the first guide member 401. Therefore, the connecting member 405 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the first guide member 401 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0106] The second movement limiting portion 402a, disposed in the second guide member 402, is fitted into the recessed portion 405b, and the recessed portion 405b contacts the second movement limiting portion 402a. In other words, the connecting member 405 contacts the second guide member 402. Therefore, the connecting member 405 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the second guide member 402 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0107] A third movement limiting portion 403a disposed in the third guide member 403 is fitted into a recessed portion 405c, and the recessed portion 405c contacts the third movement limiting portion 403a. In other words, the connecting member 405 contacts the third guide member 403. Therefore, the connecting member 405 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the third guide member 403 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0108] As described above, since the respective movement limiting portions 401a to 403a are fitted into the respective recessed portions 405a to 405c, the guide members 401 to 403 and the connecting member 405 are positioned in the direction of the rotation axis. In other words, the guide members 401 to 403 are restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member 405 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0109] As described above, the first guide member 401 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 41 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Additionally, the connecting member 405 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the first guide member 401 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Therefore, the connecting member 405 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 41 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0110] Even in this variant, the second guide member 402 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 41 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the second guide member 402 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the second guide member 402 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 402 contacts the connecting member 405. Furthermore, the connecting member 405 contacts the first guide member 401, and the first guide member 401 contacts the first guide restricted portion 406a to restrict movement of the second guide member 402.

[0111] In the second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the third guide member 303 is positioned in the rotational axis direction due to contact between the third guide limiting portion 306b of the support member 306 and the third guide restricted portion 303a of the third guide member 303. On the other hand, in a variant of the second embodiment, the third guide member 403 is positioned in the rotational axis direction due to contact between the recessed portion 405c of the connecting member 405 and the third movement limiting portion 403a of the third guide member 403. It should be noted that the configuration for positioning the third guide member in the rotational axis direction is not limited to these configurations, and a configuration in which the third guide member is positioned by being clamped between the first and second guide members in a manner similar to that in the first embodiment can also be used.

[0112] The connecting member can be a metal shaft member with a circular cross-section (cylindrical or cylindrical shape) as described in the first and second embodiments, or a shaft member made of a metal plate with a non-circular cross-section (e.g., L-shaped) as described in a variant of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the material of the connecting member can be a non-metallic material (e.g., plastic), as long as the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material is less than that of the material of the guiding member (resin).

[0113] Third Embodiment

[0114] Reference Figure 9 The transmission guide 510 according to the third embodiment is described. Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the transfer guide 510 according to the third embodiment, taken along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. It should be noted that parts that are repeated in the description of the above embodiments will not be repeated, and the main differences will be described. Since the main frame 51, the first frame 511, the second frame 512, and the support member 506 are similar to those described according to the second embodiment, they will not be repeated. The transfer guide 510 includes a first guide member 501, a second guide member 502, and a third guide member 503.

[0115] The first guide member 501 includes a first movement limiting portion 501a. The first movement limiting portion 501a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The connecting member 505 includes a step portion 505a. The step portion 505a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The first movement limiting portion 501a and the step portion 505a contact each other when the transfer guide 510 is assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 to limit the movement of the first guide member 501 relative to the connecting member 505 in a first direction R1. In other words, the first guide member 501 contacts the connecting member 505 to limit the movement of the first guide member 501 relative to the connecting member 505 in the first direction R1.

[0116] The first guide member 501 includes a first guide-restricted portion 501b, and the first guide-restricted portion 501b includes an end face 501c facing the second direction R2. The end face 501c extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The support member 506 includes a guide-restricted portion 506a, and the guide-restricted portion 506a includes an end face 506c facing the first direction R1. The end face 506c extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The end faces 506c and 501c contact each other when the transfer guide 510 is assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 to restrict the movement of the first guide member 501 relative to the support member 506 in the second direction R2. In other words, the guide-restricted portion 506a is a first restrictive portion that restricts the relative movement of the first guide member 501 relative to the support member 506 and the main frame 51 in the second direction R2 by contacting the first guide member 501.

[0117] The end of the connecting member 505 closer to the first frame 511 includes an end face 505b facing a first direction R1. End face 505b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The guide limiting portion 506a includes an end face 506d facing a second direction R2. End face 506d extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. End faces 505b and 506d contact each other when the transfer guide 510 is assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 to limit movement of the connecting member 505 relative to the support member 506 in the first direction R1. In other words, the guide limiting portion 506a is a first limiting portion that limits the relative movement of the connecting member 505 relative to the support member 506 and the main frame 51 in the first direction R1 by contacting the connecting member 505.

[0118] The second guide member 502 includes a second movement limiting portion 502a. The second movement limiting portion 502a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The connecting member 505 includes a stepped portion 505d. The stepped portion 505d extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The second movement limiting portion 502a and the stepped portion 505d contact each other when the transfer guide 510 is assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 to limit the movement of the second guide member 502 relative to the connecting member 505 in the second direction R2.

[0119] The second guide member 502 includes a second guide-restricted portion 502b, and the second guide-restricted portion 502b includes an end face 502c facing a first direction. The end face 502c extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The end of the connecting member 505 closer to the second frame 512 includes an end face 505c facing a second direction R2. The end face 505c extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The end faces 502c and 505c contact each other when the transfer guide 510 is assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 to restrict movement of the second guide member 502 relative to the connecting member 505 in the first direction R1.

[0120] In other words, the second guide member 502 contacts the connecting member 505 such that the end of the connecting member 505, which is closer to the second frame 512 than the step portion 505d, is held by the second movement limiting portion 502a and the second guide-restricted portion 502b of the second guide member 502. Therefore, the second guide member 502 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member 505 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0121] The support member 506 includes a third guide limiting portion 506b disposed near its central portion in the direction of rotation axis. The third guide member 503 includes a third guide limiting portion 503a. The third guide limiting portion 506b is fitted into the third guide limiting portion 503a, and the third guide limiting portion 506b contacts the third guide limiting portion 503a. In other words, the third guide member 503 and the support member 506 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the third guide member 503 is limited to prevent movement relative to the support member 506 and the first frame 511 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Therefore, the third guide member 503 is positioned relative to the first frame 511 and the main frame 51 in the direction of rotation axis.

[0122] As described above, the connecting member 505 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 51 in the first direction R1. Additionally, the first guide member 501 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member 505 in the first direction R1. In other words, the connecting member 505 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the first guide member 501 in the second direction R2. Furthermore, the first guide member 501 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 51 in the second direction R2. Therefore, the connecting member 505 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 51 in both the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0123] When the first guide member 501 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the first movement limiting portion 501a of the first guide member 501 contacts the step portion 505a, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 505. Additionally, the end face 505b of the connecting member 505 contacts the end face 506d, thereby limiting the movement of the connecting member 505. Therefore, the first guide member 501 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 51 in the first direction R1. In this way, when the first guide member 501 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the first guide member 501 contacts the connecting member 505. Therefore, the connecting member 505 contacts the guide limiting portion 506a to limit the movement of the first guide member 501 relative to the main frame 51.

[0124] When the first guide member 501 receives an external force in the second direction R2, its end face 501c contacts the end face 506c, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member 501. Therefore, the first guide member 501 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 51 in the second direction R2. In this way, when the first guide member 501 receives an external force in the second direction R2, it contacts the guide restriction portion 506a to restrict movement of the first guide member 501 relative to the main frame 51.

[0125] When the second guide member 502 receives an external force in the first direction R1, its end face 502c contacts the end face 505c of the connecting member 505, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 505. Additionally, the end face 505b of the connecting member 505 contacts the end face 506d, thereby restricting the movement of the connecting member 505. Therefore, the second guide member 502 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 51 in the first direction R1. In this way, when the second guide member 502 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the second guide member 502 contacts the connecting member 505. Furthermore, the connecting member 505 contacts the guide restriction portion 506a to restrict the movement of the second guide member 502 relative to the main frame 51.

[0126] When the second guide member 502 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 502a of the second guide member 502 contacts the step portion 505d of the connecting member 505, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 505. Additionally, the step portion 505a of the connecting member 505 contacts the first movement limiting portion 501a of the first guide member 501, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the first guide member 501. Furthermore, the end face 501c of the first guide member 501 contacts the end face 506c, thereby limiting the movement of the first guide member 501. In this way, when the second guide member 502 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 502 contacts the connecting member 505. Additionally, the connecting member 505 contacts the first guide member 501, and the first guide member 501 contacts the guide limiting portion 506a to limit the movement of the second guide member 502 relative to the main frame 51.

[0127] When the transfer guide 510 is not assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512, the support member 506 is absent. Therefore, the restriction on the movement of the first guide member 501 in the second direction R2 due to the contact between the guide limiting portion 506a and the first guide member 501 is eliminated. Furthermore, the width L1 of the first movement limiting portion 501a in the rotation axis direction is smaller than the width L2 of the step portion 505a in the rotation axis direction. Therefore, the first guide member 501 and the third guide member 503 can move relative to the connecting member 505 in the rotation axis direction, and the transfer guide 510 can retract in the rotation axis direction.

[0128] Therefore, in the configuration where the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 are integrally formed into the main frame 51 and the inter-frame distance between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 in the direction of the rotation axis is fixed, the assemblability of the transfer guide 510 is improved.

[0129] When assembling a transfer guide that cannot retract in the direction of rotation between frames with a fixed inter-frame distance, the transfer guide must be assembled by bending it into an arc shape in the direction of rotation. However, it is difficult to bend the transfer guide 510, which has been reinforced with rigidity by the metal connecting member 505, as is the case with the transfer guide 510 according to the third embodiment.

[0130] Since the transfer guide 510 according to the third embodiment can extend and retract in the direction of rotation axis without the support member 506, the transfer guide 510 does not need to bend even when it is assembled into the main frame 51 with a fixed inter-frame distance. In other words, firstly, the transfer guide 510 is positioned between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 in a retracted state along the direction of rotation axis. Subsequently, the transfer guide 510 extends in the direction of rotation axis and is assembled into the main frame 51, such that the first guide member 501 and the second guide member 502 engage with the joint portion 511a of the first frame 511 and the joint portion 512a of the second frame 512, respectively. By assembling the support member 506 in this state, the positions of the guide members 501 to 503 of the transfer guide 510 in the direction of rotation axis are determined by the guide limiting portion 506a. Therefore, the transfer guide 510 can be assembled into the main frame 51 with a fixed inter-frame distance without bending.

[0131] Furthermore, in the transfer guide 510 according to the third embodiment, since the end faces 505b and 505c of the end of the connecting member 505 are used to perform positioning, the connecting member 505 has a longer length in the direction of the rotation axis and is less likely to be affected by heat.

[0132] Fourth embodiment

[0133] Reference Figure 10 The transmission guide 610 according to the fourth embodiment is described. Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the transfer guide 610 according to the fourth embodiment, taken along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. It should be noted that parts that are repeated in the description of the above embodiments will not be repeated, and the main differences will be described. Since the main frame 61, the first frame 611, and the second frame 612 are similar to those described according to the second embodiment, they will not be repeated.

[0134] The transfer guide 610 includes a first guide member 601, a second guide member 602, and a third guide member 603. A connecting member 605 is inserted through the guide members 601 to 603. A support member 606 is fixed to bridge between the first frame 611 and the second frame 612. The support member 606 and the first frame 611 are fixed in a manner similar to that in the second embodiment.

[0135] In the second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a guide limiting portion 306a disposed in the support member 306 positions the first guide member 301 in the direction of the rotation axis. In the fourth embodiment, the guide limiting portion 606a disposed in the support member 606 positions the connecting member 605 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0136] The connecting member 605 includes three recessed portions: a guide-restricted portion 605a, a first recessed portion 605b, and a second recessed portion 605c. The support member 606 includes a guide-restricted portion 606a. The guide-restricted portion 606a is fitted into the guide-restricted portion 605a and is opposite to each other to form two surfaces of the guide-restricted portion 605a in contact with the guide-restricted portion 606a. In other words, the connecting member 605 and the support member 606 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the connecting member 605 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the support member 606 and the main frame 61 in a first direction R1 and a second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 605 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the connecting member 605 receives an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the guide-restricted portion 605a contacts the guide-restricted portion 606a. Furthermore, movement of the connecting member 605 relative to the main frame 61 is restricted. Each of the two surfaces that are opposite each other to form the guide restricting portion 605a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The guide restricting portion 606a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The guide restricting portion 606a of the strut member 606 is a first restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the connecting member 605 relative to the main frame 61 in a first direction R1 and a second direction R2 by contacting the connecting member 605.

[0137] A first movement limiting portion 601a, disposed in the first guide member 601, is fitted into the first recessed portion 605b, and the two surfaces forming the first recessed portion 605b are opposite to each other and contact the first movement limiting portion 601a. ​​In other words, the connecting member 605 contacts the first guide member 601. Therefore, the first guide member 601 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member 605 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 605 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the connecting member 605 receives an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the first recessed portion 605b contacts the first movement limiting portion 601a. ​​Furthermore, movement of the connecting member 605 relative to the first guide member 601 is restricted. Each of the two surfaces forming the first recessed portion 605b extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The first movement limiting portion 601a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation.

[0138] The second movement limiting portion 602a, disposed in the second guide member 602, is fitted into the second recessed portion 605c, and the second recessed portion 605c contacts the second movement limiting portion 602a. In other words, the connecting member 605 contacts the second guide member 602. Therefore, the second guide member 602 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member 605 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 605 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the connecting member 605 receives an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the second recessed portion 605c contacts the second movement limiting portion 602a. Furthermore, the movement of the connecting member 605 relative to the second guide member 602 is restricted. Each of the two surfaces that are opposite each other to form the second recessed portion 605c extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The second movement limiting portion 602a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation.

[0139] When the first guide member 601 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the first movement limiting portion 601a of the first guide member 601 contacts one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 605b, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 605. Additionally, one of the two end faces of the guide-limited portion 605a forming the connecting member 605 contacts the guide-limiting portion 606a, and the movement of the connecting member 605 is limited. Therefore, the first guide member 601 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 61 in the first direction R1. In this way, when the first guide member 601 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the first guide member 601 contacts the connecting member 605. Furthermore, the connecting member 605 contacts the guide-limiting portion 606a to limit the movement of the first guide member 601 relative to the main frame 61.

[0140] When the first guide member 601 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the first movement limiting portion 601a of the first guide member 601 contacts the other of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 605b, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 605. Additionally, the other of the two end faces forming the guide-limited portion 605a of the connecting member 605 contacts the guide-limiting portion 606a, and the movement of the connecting member 605 is restricted. Therefore, the first guide member 601 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 61 in the second direction R2. In this way, when the first guide member 601 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the first guide member 601 contacts the connecting member 605. Furthermore, the connecting member 605 contacts the guide-limiting portion 606a to restrict the movement of the first guide member 601 relative to the main frame 61.

[0141] When the second guide member 602 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 602a of the second guide member 602 contacts one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 605c, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 605. Additionally, one of the two end faces of the guide-limited portion 605a forming the connecting member 605 contacts the guide limiting portion 606a, and the movement of the connecting member 605 is restricted. Therefore, the second guide member 602 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 61 in the first direction R1. In this way, when the second guide member 602 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the second guide member 602 contacts the connecting member 605. Furthermore, the connecting member 605 contacts the guide limiting portion 606a to restrict the movement of the second guide member 602 relative to the main frame 61.

[0142] When the second guide member 602 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 602a of the second guide member 602 contacts the other of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 605c, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 605. Additionally, the other of the two end faces forming the guide limiting portion 605a of the connecting member 605 contacts the guide limiting portion 606a, and the movement of the connecting member 605 is restricted. Therefore, the second guide member 602 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 61 in the second direction R2. In this way, when the second guide member 602 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 602 contacts the connecting member 605. Furthermore, the connecting member 605 contacts the guide limiting portion 606a to restrict the movement of the second guide member 602 relative to the main frame 61.

[0143] The positioning of the third guide member 603 in the direction of rotation axis due to the third guide restriction portion 606b of the support member 606 and the third guide restricted portion 603a of the third guide member 603 is similar to that in the third embodiment.

[0144] In the above configuration, the connecting member 605 is positioned directly relative to the support member 606 in the direction of the rotation axis. This simplifies the positioning configuration. Furthermore, positional changes of the second guide member 602 in the direction of the rotation axis due to thermal effects can be suppressed.

[0145] Fifth Embodiment

[0146] Reference Figure 11 The transmission guide 710 according to the fifth embodiment is described. Figure 11This is a cross-sectional view of the transfer guide 710 according to the fifth embodiment, taken along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. It should be noted that parts that are repeated in the description of the above embodiments will not be described again, and the main differences will be described. Since the main frame 71, the first frame 711, and the second frame 712 are similar to those described according to the second embodiment, they will not be described again.

[0147] The transfer guide 710 includes a first guide member 701, a second guide member 702, and a third guide member 703. A connecting member 705 is inserted through the guide members 701 to 703. A support member 706 is fixed to bridge between the first frame 711 and the second frame 712. The support member 706 and the first frame 711 are fixed in a manner similar to that in the second embodiment.

[0148] The connecting member 705 includes one end side in the direction of the rotation axis ( Figure 11 The first groove portion 705a on the right side and on the other end side ( Figure 11 The second recessed portion 705b (on the left side of the middle). The support member 706 includes a guide limiting portion 706a. The guide limiting portion 706a includes a connecting member limiting portion 706b in the end portion and a first guide limiting portion 706c in the root portion.

[0149] The connecting member limiting portion 706b is fitted into the first recessed portion 705a, and the two surfaces forming the first recessed portion 705a are opposite to each other and contact the connecting member limiting portion 706b. In other words, the connecting member 705 and the support member 706 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the connecting member 705 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the support member 706 and the main frame 71 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 705 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the connecting member 705 receives an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the first recessed portion 705a contacts the connecting member limiting portion 706b. In addition, the movement of the connecting member 705 relative to the support member 706 is restricted. Each of the two surfaces forming the first recessed portion 705a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The connecting member limiting portion 706b extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The connecting member limiting portion 706b of the guide limiting portion 706a of the support member 706 is a first limiting portion that limits the relative movement of the connecting member 705 relative to the main frame 71 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 by contacting the connecting member 705.

[0150] The first guide member 701 includes a first guide-restricted portion 701a, and a first guide-restricted portion 706c of the guide-restricted portion 706a of the support member 706 is fitted into the first guide-restricted portion 701a, and the first guide-restricted portion 706c contacts the first guide-restricted portion 701a. In other words, the first guide member 701 and the support member 706 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the first guide member 701 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the support member 706 and the first frame 711 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Therefore, the first guide member 701 is positioned relative to the first frame 711 and the main frame 71 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0151] Specifically, the first guide limiting portion 706c includes an end face 706d facing the first direction R1 and an end face 706e facing the second direction R2. End faces 706d and 706e extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. The first guide limiting portion 701a includes an end face 701b facing the first direction R1 and an end face 701c facing the second direction R2. End faces 701b and 701c extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. End faces 706d and 701c contact each other to limit the movement of the first guide member 701 relative to the support member 706 and the main frame 71 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the first guide member 701 receives an external force in the second direction R2, end face 701c contacts end face 706d, thereby limiting the movement of the first guide member 701. End faces 706e and 701b contact each other to restrict the movement of the first guide member 701 relative to the strut member 706 and the main frame 71 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the first guide member 701 receives an external force in the first direction R1, end face 701b contacts end face 706e, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member 701. The first guide restricting portion 706c of the guide restricting portion 706a of the strut member 706 is a first restricting portion that restricts the relative movement of the first guide member 701 relative to the main frame 71 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 by contacting the first guide member 701.

[0152] The second movement limiting portion 702a, disposed in the second guide member 702, is fitted into the second recessed portion 705b, and the second recessed portion 705b contacts the second movement limiting portion 702a. In other words, the connecting member 705 contacts the second guide member 702. Therefore, the second guide member 702 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member 705 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 705 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the connecting member 705 receives an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the second recessed portion 705b contacts the second movement limiting portion 702a. Furthermore, the movement of the connecting member 705 relative to the second guide member 702 is restricted. Each of the two surfaces that are opposite each other to form the second recessed portion 705b extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The second movement limiting portion 702a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation.

[0153] When the second guide member 702 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 702a of the second guide member 702 contacts one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 705b, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 705. Additionally, one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 705a of the connecting member 705 contacts the connecting member limiting portion 706b, and the movement of the connecting member 705 is restricted. Therefore, the second guide member 702 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 71 in the first direction R1. In this way, when the second guide member 702 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the second guide member 702 contacts the connecting member 705. Furthermore, the connecting member 705 contacts the connecting member limiting portion 706b to restrict the movement of the second guide member 702 relative to the main frame 71.

[0154] When the second guide member 702 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 702a of the second guide member 702 contacts the other of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 705b, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 705. Additionally, the other of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 705a of the connecting member 705 contacts the connecting member limiting portion 706b, and the movement of the connecting member 705 is restricted. Therefore, the second guide member 702 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 71 in the second direction R2. In this way, when the second guide member 702 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 702 contacts the connecting member 705. Furthermore, the connecting member 705 contacts the connecting member limiting portion 706b to restrict the movement of the second guide member 702 relative to the main frame 71.

[0155] As described above, the second guide member 702 is constrained to prevent movement relative to the main frame 71 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the second guide member 702 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and when the second guide member 702 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 702 contacts the connecting member 705. Furthermore, the connecting member 705 contacts the connecting member limiting portion 706b to restrict movement of the second guide member 702.

[0156] The positioning of the third guide member 703 in the direction of rotation axis due to the third guide restriction portion 706f of the support member 706 and the third guide restricted portion 703a of the third guide member 703 is similar to that in the third embodiment.

[0157] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the guide restriction portion 706a provided in the support member 706 positions the first guide member 701 and the connecting member 705 relative to the support member 706.

[0158] In the above configuration, the first guide member 701 is positioned directly relative to the support member 706 in the direction of rotation axis. Furthermore, in a manner similar to the fourth embodiment, the connecting member 705 is positioned directly relative to the support member 706 in the direction of rotation axis. Therefore, positional changes in the first guide member 701 and the second guide member 702 in the direction of rotation axis due to thermal effects can be suppressed.

[0159] Sixth Embodiment

[0160] Reference Figure 12 The transmission guide 810 according to the sixth embodiment is described. Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the transfer guide 810 according to the sixth embodiment. It should be noted that parts that are repeated in the description of the above embodiments will not be described again, and the main differences will be described.

[0161] The transfer guide 810 includes a first guide member 801, a second guide member 802, and a third guide member 803. A connecting member 805 is inserted into a mounting hole disposed in the guide members 801 to 803 and extending in the direction of the rotation axis, and restricts the movement of the guide members 801 to 803 in a direction orthogonal to the direction of the rotation axis. The main frame 81 includes a first frame 811 and a second frame 812.

[0162] The first frame 811 includes a first engaging portion 811a, and the second frame 812 includes a second engaging portion 812a. A transfer guide 810 is arranged to be clamped between the first frame 811 and the second frame 812 relative to the direction of rotation axis, and is rotatably supported by engaging with the first frame 811 and the second frame 812 at both ends in the direction of rotation axis. The transfer guide 810 includes a first engaged portion 801a that engages with the first engaging portion 811a of the first frame 811, and a second engaged portion 802a that engages with the second engaging portion 812a of the second frame 812. The first engaged portion 801a is disposed in the first guide member 801, and the second engaged portion 802a is disposed in the second guide member 802. The first engaged portion 801a engages with the first engaging portion 811a to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the direction of rotation axis, and the second engaged portion 802a engages with the second engaging portion 812a to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the direction of rotation axis.

[0163] The first engaging portion 811a includes a protruding portion 811b, and since the first engaging portion 811a and the first engaged portion 801a engage with each other, the end face 811c of the protruding portion 811b facing the first direction R1 and the end face 801b of the first engaged portion 801a facing the second direction R2 are in contact with each other. End faces 811c and 801b extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. Therefore, the first guide member 801 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the first frame 811 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the first guide member 801 receives an external force in the second direction R2, end face 801b contacts end face 811c, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member 801. Additionally, the end face 801c of the first engaged portion 801a facing the first direction R1 and the end face 811d of the first frame 811 facing the second direction R2 are in contact with each other. End faces 811d and 801c extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. Therefore, the first guide member 801 is restricted to avoid movement relative to the first frame 811 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the first guide member 801 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 801c contacts the end face 811d, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member 801.

[0164] The second engaging portion 812a includes a protruding portion 812b, and since the second engaging portion 812a and the second engaged portion 802a engage with each other, the end face 812c of the protruding portion 812b facing the second direction R2 and the end face 802b of the second engaged portion 802a facing the first direction R1 are in contact with each other. End faces 812c and 802b extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. Therefore, the second guide member 802 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the second frame 812 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the second guide member 802 receives an external force in the first direction R1, end face 802b contacts end face 812c, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member 802. Additionally, the end face 802c of the second engaged portion 802a facing the second direction R2 and the end face 812d of the second frame 812 facing the first direction R1 are in contact with each other. End faces 812d and 802c extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. Therefore, the second guide member 802 is restricted to avoid movement relative to the second frame 812 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the second guide member 802 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 802c contacts the end face 812d, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member 802.

[0165] In this manner, in the sixth embodiment, the first guide member 801 is positioned relative to the first frame 811 and the second guide member 802 is positioned relative to the second frame 812 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0166] The third guide member 803 includes a third movement limiting portion 803a. The connecting member 805 includes a recessed portion 805a. The third movement limiting portion 803a is fitted into the recessed portion 805a, and the third movement limiting portion 803a contacts the two end faces that are opposite each other to form the recessed portion 805a. In other words, the third guide member 803 contacts the connecting member 805. Therefore, the third guide member 803 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member 805 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 805 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the recessed portion 805a contacts the third movement limiting portion 803a, and the movement of the connecting member 805 is restricted. Each of the two end faces that are opposite each other to form the recessed portion 805a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The third movement limiting portion 803a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. On the other hand, the connecting member 805 is not included in the positioning structure between the first guide member 801 and the second guide member 802. Therefore, the third guide member 803 is movable relative to the first guide member 801 and the second guide member 802 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. The feasible amount of movement is determined by the gap between the first guide member 801 and the third guide member 803 and the gap between the second guide member 802 and the third guide member 803.

[0167] It should be noted that a structure for positioning at least one of the first guide member 801 and the second guide member 802 relative to the connecting member 805 in the direction of the rotation axis can be provided in a manner similar to a variant of the second embodiment. Alternatively, a configuration can be adopted in which the support member is arranged in a manner similar to the second embodiment, and the support member is positioned relative to the main frame 81 by positioning the first guide member 801 or the second guide member 802 relative to the support member.

[0168] In the sixth embodiment, the first guide member 801 is positioned relative to the first frame 811 and the second guide member 802 is positioned relative to the second frame 812 in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, the coefficient of thermal expansion of the material forming the connecting member 805 does not need to be smaller than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials forming the first guide member 801 and the second guide member 802, as in the various embodiments described above. Even in this case, positional changes of the guide members 801 and 802 in the direction of the rotation axis due to thermal effects can be suppressed. Therefore, the connecting member 805 according to the sixth embodiment does not need to be made of metal. For example, the connecting member 805 can be formed of the same material as the material forming the third guide member 803. In this case, the connecting member 805 can be integrally formed with the third guide member 803 in a shape extending from the third guide member 803 along the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, the number of parts can also be reduced.

[0169] Seventh Embodiment

[0170] Reference Figure 13 The transfer guide 910 according to the seventh embodiment is described. Figure 13 This is a cross-sectional view of the transfer guide 910 according to the seventh embodiment, taken along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. It should be noted that parts that are repeated in the description of the above embodiments will not be repeated, and the main differences will be described.

[0171] Although the configuration in which the first guide member engages with the first frame and the second guide member engages with the second frame has been described in the first to sixth embodiments, this configuration is not limiting. For example, the member engaging with the frame may be a connecting member, or separate guide members may be provided at both ends of the transmission guide and may engage with the frame. In the seventh embodiment, the configuration in which the connecting member 905 engages with the first frame 911 and the second frame 912 will be described.

[0172] The transfer guide 910 includes a first guide member 901, a second guide member 902, and a third guide member 903. A connecting member 905 passes through the guide members 901 to 903 and protrudes from both ends in the direction of the rotation axis of the transfer guide 910. A first end 905c of the connecting member 905 engages with a first engagement portion 911a of a first frame 911, and a second end 905d of the connecting member 905 engages with a second engagement portion 912a of a second frame 912. The first end 905c of the connecting member 905 is rotatably supported by the first engagement portion 911a of the first frame 911, and the second end 905d of the connecting member 905 is rotatably supported by the second engagement portion 912a of the second frame 912.

[0173] The connecting member 905 includes one end side in the direction of the rotation axis ( Figure 13 The first groove portion 905a on the right side and on the other end side ( Figure 13 The second groove portion 905b on the left side of the middle.

[0174] A first movement limiting portion 901d, disposed in the first guide member 901, is fitted into the first recessed portion 905a, and the two end faces of the first recessed portion 905a, which are opposite each other, contact the first movement limiting portion 901d. In other words, the connecting member 905 contacts the first guide member 901. Therefore, the first guide member 901 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member 905 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 905 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces of the first recessed portion 905a, which are opposite each other, contacts the first movement limiting portion 901d, and the movement of the connecting member 905 is restricted. Each of the two end faces of the first recessed portion 905a, which are opposite each other, extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation. The first movement limiting portion 901d extends in a direction intersecting the direction of rotation.

[0175] The second movement limiting portion 902a, disposed in the second guide member 902, is fitted into the second recessed portion 905b, and the two end faces of the second recessed portion 905b, which are opposite each other, contact the second movement limiting portion 902a. In other words, the connecting member 905 contacts the second guide member 902. Therefore, the second guide member 902 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member 905 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the connecting member 905 receives an external force in the first direction R1 and an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces of the second recessed portion 905b, which are opposite each other, contacts the second movement limiting portion 902a, and the movement of the connecting member 905 is restricted. Each of the two end faces of the second recessed portion 905b, which are opposite each other, extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The second movement limiting portion 902a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis.

[0176] The positioning of the third guide member 903 in the direction of rotation axis due to the third guide restriction portion 906b of the support member 906 and the third guide restricted portion 903a of the third guide member 903 is similar to that in the third embodiment.

[0177] The first guide member 901 includes a first guide-restricted portion 901a, into which the first guide-restricted portion 906a of the support member 906 is fitted and in contact with the first guide-restricted portion 901a. In other words, the first guide member 901 and the support member 906 are in contact with each other. Therefore, the first guide member 901 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the support member 906 and the first frame 911 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Thus, the first guide member 901 is positioned relative to the first frame 911 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0178] Specifically, the first guide limiting portion 906a includes an end face 906c facing the first direction R1 and an end face 906d facing the second direction R2. End faces 906c and 906d extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The first guide limiting portion 901a includes an end face 901c facing the first direction R1 and an end face 901b facing the second direction R2. End faces 901c and 901b extend in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. End faces 906c and 901b contact each other to limit the movement of the first guide member 901 relative to the support member 906 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the first guide member 901 receives an external force in the second direction R2, end face 901b contacts end face 906c, thereby limiting the movement of the first guide member 901. End faces 906d and 901c contact each other to limit the movement of the first guide member 901 relative to the support member 906 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the first guide member 901 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 901c contacts the end face 906d, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member 901.

[0179] As described above, the connecting member 905 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the first guide member 901 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Additionally, as described above, the first guide member 901 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 91 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Therefore, the connecting member 905 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 91 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0180] When the second guide member 902 receives an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 902a of the second guide member 902 contacts one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 905b, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 905. Additionally, one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 905a of the connecting member 905 contacts the first movement limiting portion 901d, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the first guide member 901. Furthermore, the end face 901c of the first guide member 901 contacts the end face 906d of the first guide limiting portion 906a, thereby limiting the movement of the first guide member 901. Therefore, the second guide member 902 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 91 in the first direction R1.

[0181] When the second guide member 902 receives an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 902a of the second guide member 902 contacts the other of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 905b, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 905. Additionally, the other of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 905a of the connecting member 905 contacts the first movement limiting portion 901d, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the first guide member 901. Furthermore, the end face 901b of the first guide member 901 contacts the end face 906c of the first guide limiting portion 906a, thereby limiting the movement of the first guide member 901. Therefore, the second guide member 902 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 91 in the second direction R2.

[0182] As described above, the second guide member 902 is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame 91 in both the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In other words, when the second guide member 902 receives an external force in both the first direction R1 and the second direction R2, the second guide member 902 contacts the connecting member 905. Furthermore, the connecting member 905 contacts the first guide member 901, and the first guide member 901 contacts the first guide restriction portion 906a to restrict movement of the second guide member 902.

[0183] According to the seventh embodiment, even in a configuration where the connecting member 905 engages with the first frame 911 and the second frame 912 at both ends, the positions of the first guide member 901 and the second guide member 902 are not easily affected by thermal effects. Therefore, effects similar to those described in the above embodiments can be achieved.

[0184] This disclosure is used to improve the positioning accuracy of multiple components constituting a transmission guide in the direction of rotation axis.

[0185] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to cover all such variations and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A conveying apparatus configured to convey recording material, the conveying apparatus comprising: A conveyor roller configured to convey recording material; The main frame includes a first frame and a second frame, the first frame including a first joint portion and the second frame including a second joint portion; A transfer guide is arranged between the first frame and the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the transfer roller. The transfer guide includes a first guide member and a second guide member configured to guide recording material, and includes a first engaged portion engaged with the first engaged portion and a second engaged portion engaged with the second engaged portion. as well as A connecting member connects the first guide member and the second guide member. in: The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis, such that in the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide member is closer to the first frame than to the second frame, and the second guide member is closer to the second frame than to the first frame; The coefficient of thermal expansion of the connecting member is less than that of the first guiding member and less than that of the second guiding member; The first direction is parallel to the axis of rotation and oriented from the second frame toward the first frame, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The connecting member is constrained to prevent movement relative to the main frame in the first direction and the second direction; and The second guide member is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member in the first direction and the second direction.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising: First restriction section, The first limiting portion is configured to restrict the first guide member from moving relative to the main frame in at least one of the first direction and the second direction.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein: In the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide member includes one end and another end, and the one end is closer to the first frame than the other end; and In the direction of the rotation axis, the first limiting portion is closer to one end than to the other end.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein The first limiting portion is configured to restrict the first guide member from moving relative to the main frame in the first direction and in the second direction.

5. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein The first limiting portion is configured to contact the first guide member to restrict the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in the first direction and in the second direction.

6. The conveying device according to claim 5, wherein The connecting member is configured to contact the first guide member to restrict the movement of the connecting member relative to the first guide member in the first direction and in the second direction.

7. The conveying device according to claim 5, wherein The first limiting portion is configured to contact the connecting member to restrict the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame in the first direction and the second direction.

8. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein: The first limiting portion is configured to contact the first guide member to restrict the first guide member from moving relative to the main frame in the second direction; The first limiting portion is configured to contact the connecting member to restrict the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame in the first direction; and The first guide member is configured to contact the connecting member to restrict the first guide member from moving relative to the connecting member in the first direction.

9. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein: The first limiting portion is configured to contact the connecting member to restrict the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame in the first direction and the second direction; and The first guide member is configured to contact the connecting member to restrict the movement of the first guide member relative to the connecting member in the first direction and in the second direction.

10. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein: The first frame includes the first limiting portion; The second framework includes a second limiting portion; The first limiting portion is configured to contact the first guide member to restrict the first guide member from moving relative to the main frame in the first direction; and The second limiting portion is configured to contact the second guide member to restrict the movement of the second guide member relative to the main frame in the second direction.

11. A conveying apparatus configured to convey recording material, the conveying apparatus comprising: A conveyor roller configured to convey recording material; The main frame includes a first frame and a second frame, the first frame including a first joint portion and the second frame including a second joint portion; A transfer guide is arranged between the first frame and the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the transfer roller. The transfer guide includes a first guide member and a second guide member configured to guide recording material, and includes a first engaged portion engaged with the first engaged portion and a second engaged portion engaged with the second engaged portion. as well as A connecting member connects the first guide member and the second guide member. in: The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis, such that in the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide member is closer to the first frame than to the second frame, and the second guide member is closer to the second frame than to the first frame; The first direction is parallel to the axis of rotation and oriented from the second frame toward the first frame, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction. The first engaging portion and the first engaged portion engage with each other to restrict the movement of the first guide member relative to the first frame in the second direction; and The second engaging portion and the second engaged portion engage with each other to restrict the movement of the second guide member relative to the second frame in the first direction.

12. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The transmission guide includes a third guide member configured to guide the recording material; and The third guide member is arranged between the first guide member and the second guide member in the direction of the rotation axis.

13. The conveying device according to claim 12, wherein The third guide member is restricted to prevent movement relative to the main frame in the first direction and the second direction.

14. The conveying device according to claim 12, wherein The third guide member is restricted to prevent movement relative to the connecting member in the first direction and the second direction.

15. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The first engaged portion engages with the first engaged portion, thereby enabling rotation about an axis parallel to the direction of rotation; and The second joined portion engages with the second joined portion, thereby enabling rotation about an axis parallel to the direction of the rotation axis.

16. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the conveying device further comprises: A transfer apparatus configured to transfer a toner image onto a recording material; as well as A fixing device configured to heat the recording material, thereby fixing the toner image transferred by the transfer device onto the recording material. The transport guide is configured to guide the recording material along the transport path of the recording material on the downstream side of the fixing device.

17. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein The conveyor roller is rotatably supported by the main frame.

18. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The conveying guide is made of resin; and The connecting member is made of metal.

19. The conveying device according to claim 18, wherein The resin is polyacetal.

20. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The transfer guide includes multiple ribs for guiding the recording material; and The positions of the plurality of ribs are different from each other in the direction of the rotation axis.

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