Media conveying device and image forming apparatus

Abstract

To prevent aligning means for aligning edges of media from moving when pressed by the media, compared with a case where the aligning means is stopped by a member having a large friction coefficient.SOLUTION: There is provided a media conveying device (U3) in which a first contact portion (73) is formed in a shape such that, when a force is applied by a medium (Gi) abutting against alignment means (31) while linking means (71) is located at a first linking position, a force is applied to move the linking means (71) in a direction opposite to a second linking position, and a second contact portion (74) has a first surface (74c) that follows a movement of the conveying means (11) between a contact position and a separated position to move the linking means (71) between the first linking position and the second linking position, and a second surface (74d) that comes into contact with a contact portion (49) of the conveying means (11) while the conveying means (11) moves from the separated position to the contact position, and assists the conveying means (11) in moving the linking means (71) to the second linking position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium transport device and an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of image forming apparatuses, the techniques described in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3 are conventionally known with respect to medium conveying devices of image forming apparatuses.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent No. 5935496) describes a document transport device in which a pickup roller (111) and a feed roller (112) are integrated. Patent Document 1 also describes a transmission mechanism that rotates both rollers (111, 112) in the same direction to transport a document. In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, before the start of document transport, the pickup roller (111) is locked in a position where it does not contact the document by the engagement between a hook-shaped member (160) and a locking member (170). Then, when the document transport starts, the lock is released by the rotation of the motor (140), and the pickup roller (111) is lowered.

[0004] Patent Document 2 (JP Patent Publication No. 10-236689) describes a configuration in which a pickup roller (5) and a paper feed roller (6) are supported by an articulated frame (7), and the articulated frame (7) is housed inside a movable frame (3). In the configuration described in Patent Document 2, when the movable frame (3) is rotated, a latch (21) is automatically released, and the pickup roller (5) and paper feed roller (6) are exposed and can be replaced.

[0005] Patent Document 3 (JP 2009-67558 A) describes a configuration in which the feed roll (13) and the transport roll (14) of an image reading device (10) are replaceable as a replacement unit (52). In the configuration described in Patent Document 3, the replacement unit (52) is exposed to the outside and can be replaced by removing a cover body (50) on the outside (opposite the transport surface) of the replacement unit (52). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5935496 ("0027"-"0048") [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-236689 ("0020"-"0025") [Patent Document 3] JP 2009-67558 A ("0068"-"0123") Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has as its technical object to prevent the aligning means, which aligns the edges of the media, from moving when pressed by the media, compared to when the aligning means is stopped by a member with a large coefficient of friction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problem, the medium conveying device of the invention described in claim 1 is: a conveying means for conveying a medium, the conveying means being movable between a contact position where it contacts the medium and a spaced position where it is spaced from the medium; an alignment unit that aligns the positions of the edges of the media, the alignment unit being movable between an alignment position where the media are abutted against and aligned and a passing position where the media can pass; a linking means for linking the movement of the conveying means with the movement of the aligning means, the linking means being movable between a first linking position for holding the aligning means at the aligning position when the conveying means moves to the separation position and a second linking position for allowing the aligning means to move to the passing position when the conveying means moves to the contact position; Equipped with the linking means has a first contact portion that contacts the alignment means and a second contact portion that contacts the contact portion of the conveying means, the first contact portion is formed in a shape such that, when a force is applied by the medium abutting against the alignment portion while the alignment portion is located at the first alignment position, a force is applied to move the alignment portion in a direction opposite to the second alignment position; The second contact portion has a first surface that follows the movement of the transport means between the contact position and the separated position to move the transport means between the first and second linked positions, and a second surface that comes into contact with the contact portion of the transport means while the transport means is moving from the separated position to the contact position, to assist the transport means in moving the transport means to the second linked position. It is characterized by:

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is the medium conveying device described in claim 1, a biasing means for applying a force to the first surface so that the first surface contacts the contact portion of the conveying means; The present invention is characterized by the following.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 is the medium conveying device described in claim 1, the first surface disposed on the first linking position side in the movement direction of the linking means with respect to the contact portion of the conveying means; the second surface disposed on the second linking position side in the movement direction of the linking means; The present invention is characterized by the following features.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is the medium conveying device described in claim 3, The first surface and the second surface are formed in a shape that faces each other with the contact portion in between. It is characterized by:

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the medium conveying device described in claim 1, the linking means being rotatable about a rotation center between the first linking position and the second linking position; Equipped with The first surface and the second surface are disposed on opposite sides of the rotation center from the contact portion with the alignment means. It is characterized by:

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the medium conveying device described in claim 1, When the conveying means is moved to the separated position, only the first surface is in contact with the contact portion, and the contact portion can come into contact with the second surface during movement from the separated position to the contact position. It is characterized by:

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is the medium conveying device described in claim 1, the alignment means supported on the device body of the medium transport device; an opening / closing unit that is supported in an openable / closable manner relative to the device body and that can open and close a medium transport path; the linking means supported by the opening / closing means; the conveying means supported detachably relative to the opening / closing means; The present invention is characterized by the following features.

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is the medium conveying device described in claim 7, an opening formed between the first surface and the second surface; Equipped with The contact portion passes through the opening when the conveying means is attached to or detached from the opening / closing means. It is characterized by:

[0016] In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus of the invention described in claim 9 comprises: a medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which transports a medium on which an image is recorded; an image reading unit that reads an image on the medium transported by the medium transport device; an image recording means for recording the image read by the image reading means on a medium; The present invention is characterized by the following features.

[0017] In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus of the invention described in claim 10 comprises: a recording unit that records an image on a medium; a medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 that transports a medium toward the recording unit; The present invention is characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the inventions set forth in claims 1, 9 and 10, the aligning means for aligning the edges of the media can be prevented from moving due to being pushed by the media, compared to when the aligning means is stopped by a member with a large coefficient of friction. According to the invention as recited in claim 2, the linking means can be moved by the force of the biasing means in association with the movement of the transporting means. According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, the first surface and the second surface provided on one contact portion can suppress the movement of the alignment member and allow the movement of the linking means. According to the invention described in claim 4, the linking means has a shape in which the first surface and the second surface face each other across the contact portion, making it possible to suppress the movement of the alignment member, release the suppression of the movement of the alignment member, and move the linking means.

[0019] According to the invention described in claim 5, by linking the rotational movement of the contact portion with the alignment means with the rotational movement of the first surface and the second surface, it is possible to suppress the movement of the alignment member and move the alignment means with a single linking means. According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the ability of the linking means to follow the movement of the transporting means is improved compared to when the contact portion does not come into contact with the second surface during movement from the separated position to the contact position. According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the conveying means can be replaced. According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the conveying means can be replaced more easily than when there is no opening through which the contact portion passes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the entire image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the main part of the image recording unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the auto feeder of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the main part of the aligning means of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the cover of the auto feeder according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the automatic feeder of the first embodiment with the replacement unit removed from the cover. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the replacement unit of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 8A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the bearing portion of the replacement unit in Example 1 is attached to the receiving portion of the cover, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the bearing portion of the replacement unit can be inserted into and removed from the receiving portion of the cover, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the replacement unit is attached to the cover. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means and the linking means of Example 1 move, where Figure 9A is an explanatory diagram of the state before the document is conveyed, Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means has started to descend from the state of Figure 9A, Figure 9C is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means has descended further from the state of Figure 9B, Figure 9D is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means has descended further from the state of Figure 9C, and Figure 9E is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means has descended from the state of Figure 9D and the pickup roll has come into contact with the document. [Figure 10]10B is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame of Example 1 is stopped at a raised position, FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has lowered, FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has started to rise from the state of FIG. 10A and has begun to contact the stopper member, FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has further risen from the state of FIG. 10B and the stopper member has begun to rotate downward, FIG. 10D is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has further risen from the state of FIG. 10C, FIG. 10E is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has further risen from the state of FIG. 10D, FIG. 10F is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has further risen from the state of FIG. 10E, and FIG. 10G is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has completed its rise and the stopper member is holding the movable frame in the raised position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a link member that stops a conventional set gate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Next, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. To facilitate understanding of the following explanation, in the drawings, the front-to-back direction is defined as the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction as the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction as the Z-axis direction, and the directions or sides indicated by arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, Z, and -Z are defined as the front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower, or the front side, rear side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side, respectively. In addition, in the figures, a circle with a "·" inside it means an arrow pointing from the back to the front of the page, and a circle with an "x" inside it means an arrow pointing from the front to the back of the page. In the following description using the drawings, illustrations of components other than those necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate to facilitate understanding. [Example]

[0022] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the entire image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. 1, a copier U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a printer unit U1 as an example of an image recording device, which is an example of an image recording means. A scanner unit U2 as an example of an image reading device, which is an example of a reading means, is supported above the printer unit U1. An auto feeder U3 as an example of a medium conveying device is supported above the scanner unit U2.

[0023] An original tray TG1, which is an example of a medium storage means, is disposed above the auto feeder U3. The original tray TG1 can store a stack of multiple originals Gi to be copied. Below the original tray TG1, an original discharge tray TG2, which is an example of an original discharge section, is formed. An original transport roller is disposed between the original tray TG1 and the original discharge tray TG2 along the original transport path U3a.

[0024] A platen glass PG, which is an example of a transparent document table, is disposed on the upper surface of the scanner unit U2. In the scanner unit U2 of the first embodiment, a light source unit U2a, which is an example of a light source, is disposed below the platen glass PG. The light source unit U2a of the first embodiment is supported along the lower surface of the platen glass PG so as to be movable in the left-right direction, which is an example of a sub-scanning direction. Light emitted from the light source unit U2a and reflected by the document Gi is reflected by the optical system A and enters the reading element CCD. The light entering the reading element CCD is converted into R, G, and B signals and input to the image processing unit GS.

[0025] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the main part of the image recording unit of the first embodiment. The image processing unit GS is electrically connected to a writing circuit DL of the printer unit U1, which is electrically connected to exposure devices LHy, LHm, LHc, and LHk as an example of an image forming means. The exposure apparatuses LHy to LHk of the first embodiment use, as an example, LEDs ( The exposure devices LHy to LHk are configured to output writing light corresponding to each of the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) in response to a signal input from the writing circuit DL. The write circuit DL and the power supply circuit E have their write timing and power supply timing controlled in response to control signals from a control unit C, which is an example of a control means. In Fig. 1, photoconductors PRy, PRm, PRc, and PRk, which are an example of image holding means, are arranged above exposure devices LHy to LHk. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, writing areas Q1y, Q1m, Q1c, and Q1k are formed by areas on each of photoconductors PRy to PRk where writing light is irradiated.

[0026] Charging rollers CRy, CRm, CRc, and CRk, which are an example of charging means, are disposed upstream of the writing areas Q1y to Q1k in the rotation direction of the photoconductors PRy to PRk. The charging rollers CRy to CRk in the first embodiment are supported in contact with the photoconductors PRy to PRk so as to be rotatable by the photoconductors PRy to PRk. Developing devices Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk, which are an example of developing means, are arranged downstream of the writing areas Q1y to Q1k in the rotation direction of the photoconductors PRy to PRk. The areas where each of the photoconductors PRy to PRk and each of the developing devices Gy to Gk face each other form developing areas Q2y, Q2m, Q2c, and Q2k.

[0027] Primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k, which serve as an example of primary transfer means, are disposed downstream of the developing devices Gy-Gk in the direction of rotation of the photosensitive members PRy-PRk. Primary transfer regions Q3y, Q3m, Q3c, and Q3k are formed by regions where the photosensitive members PRy-PRk and the primary transfer rollers T1y-T1k face each other. Photoconductor cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk, which are an example of cleaning means, are arranged downstream of the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k with respect to the rotation direction of the photoconductors PRy to PRk. Dischargers Jy, Jm, Jc, and Jk, which are an example of a discharge means and an example of a discharge device, are arranged downstream of the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk in the rotation direction of the photoconductors PRy to PRk.

[0028] The Y photoconductor PRy, charging roller CRy, exposure device LHy, developing device Gy, primary transfer roller T1y, photoconductor cleaner CLy, and static eliminator Jy constitute a Y image forming unit Uy that forms a Y toner image and is an example of a Y visible image forming means in Example 1. Similarly, the M, C, and K image forming units Um, Uc, and Uk are constituted by the photoconductors PRm, PRc, and PRk, charging rollers CRm, CRc, and CRk, exposure devices LHm, LHc, and LHk, developing devices Gm, Gc, and Gk, primary transfer rollers T1m, T1c, and T1k, photoconductor cleaners CLm, CLc, and CLk, and static eliminators Jm, Jc, and Jk.

[0029] A belt module BM, which is an example of an intermediate transfer device, is disposed above the photoreceptors PRy to PRk. The belt module BM is an example of an image holding means, and has an intermediate transfer belt B, which is an example of an intermediate transfer means. The intermediate transfer belt B is made of an endless belt-shaped member. The intermediate transfer belt B in the first embodiment is rotatably supported by a tension roller Rt as an example of a tensioning means, a walking roller Rw as an example of a deviation correcting means, an idler roller Rf as an example of a driven means, a backup roller T2a as an example of an opposing means in the secondary transfer region, primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k, and a drive roller Rd as an example of a drive member. In the first embodiment, when drive is transmitted to the drive roller Rd, the intermediate transfer belt B rotates. In addition, the transfer rollers T1y to T1k are located downstream of the backup roller T2a. An image detection sensor SN1, which is an example of a detection means for detecting an image on the intermediate transfer belt B, is disposed opposite the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B.

[0030] A secondary transfer roller T2b, which is an example of a transfer means and an example of a secondary transfer means, is disposed at a position opposite the backup roller T2a across the intermediate transfer belt B. The backup roller T2a and the secondary transfer roller T2b constitute a secondary transfer unit T2 of the first embodiment, which is an example of a transfer device. The area where the secondary transfer roller T2b and the intermediate transfer belt B contact each other constitutes a secondary transfer area Q4. The secondary transfer roller T2b in the first embodiment is configured to be movable between a contact position where it contacts the intermediate transfer belt B and a separation position where it is separated from the intermediate transfer belt B. A belt cleaner CLb, which is an example of a cleaning device for the intermediate transfer member, is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer region Q4 in the rotation direction of the intermediate transfer belt B. The primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, the secondary transfer device T2, etc. constitute the transfer device T1+T2+B of Example 1. The image forming units Uy to Uk and the transfer device T1+T2+B constitute the image recording units Uy to Uk+T1+T2+B of Example 1.

[0031] 1, four pairs of left and right guide rails GR, which serve as an example of a guide means, are provided below the imaging units Uy to Uk. Each guide rail GR supports paper feed trays TR1, TR2, TR3, and TR4, which serve as an example of a medium storage means, so that they can be moved in and out in the front-rear direction. Each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 stores recording paper S, which serves as an example of a medium. A pickup roller Rp, which is an example of a take-out device, is arranged above and to the left of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4. A separation roller Rs, which is an example of a separation device, is arranged downstream of the pickup roller Rp in the transport direction of the recording paper S. A paper feed path SH1, which is an example of a medium transport path, is formed downstream of the separation roller Rs in the transport direction of the recording paper S and extends upward. A plurality of transport rollers Ra, which are an example of a transport device, are arranged on the paper feed path SH1.

[0032] A manual feed tray TR0, which serves as an example of a medium storage means, is located in the lower left of the copier U. A pickup roller Rp0 is located in the upper right of the manual feed tray TR0, and a manual feed path SH0 extends from the manual feed tray TR0. The manual feed path SH0 merges with the feed path SH1. In the sheet feed path SH1, a registration roller Rr as an example of a conveyance timing adjustment unit is disposed upstream of the secondary transfer area Q4. A conveyance path SH2 extends from the registration roller Rr toward the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0033] A fixing device F, which is an example of a fixing means, is disposed downstream of the secondary transfer area Q4 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper S. The fixing device F has a heating roller Fh, which is an example of a fixing member for heating, and a pressure roller Fp, which is an example of a fixing member for applying pressure. The contact area between the heating roller Fh and the pressure roller Fp forms a fixing area Q5. A lower paper output tray TRh, which is an example of a medium output unit, is formed on the upper surface of the printer unit U1. In the first embodiment, a finisher U4, which is an example of a post-processing device, is installed in the lower paper output tray TRh. A paper output path SH3, which is an example of a transport path, extends toward the lower paper output tray TRh above the fixing device F. A paper output roller Rh, which is an example of a medium transport means, is disposed at the downstream end of the paper output path SH3.

[0034] An upper discharge tray TRh2, which is an example of a medium discharge section, is disposed above the lower discharge tray TRh. An upper conveyance path SH4 is formed above the fixing device F, branching off from the discharge path SH3 and extending toward the upper discharge tray TRh2. A reversible roller Rb, which serves as an example of a medium transport means, is disposed on the upper transport path SH4. A reversing path SH6, which serves as an example of a medium transport path, branches off from the upper transport path SH4 to the lower left above the branch point of the discharge path SH3 and the upper transport path SH4.

[0035] A gate GT1, which is an example of a switching means, is disposed across the branching portion between the discharge path SH3 and the upper conveying path SH4, and the branching portion between the upper conveying path SH4 and the reverse path SH6. The gate GT1 guides the recording paper S from the fixing device F toward the lower discharge tray TRh, and is supported switchably between a first guide position (second position) where the gate GT1 guides the recording paper S from the fixing device F toward the reverse path SH6 from the upper conveying path SH4, and a second guide position (first position) where the gate GT1 guides the recording paper S from the fixing device F to the upper conveying path SH4. A plurality of conveying rollers Ra are arranged on the reverse path SH6. The downstream end of the reverse path SH6 joins with the paper feed path SH1 on the upstream side of the registration rollers Rr.

[0036] (Explanation of image formation operation) In the copier U of the first embodiment having the above configuration, when an operator manually places an original Gi on the platen glass PG to make a copy, the light source unit U2a moves left and right from the initial position, and the original Gi on the platen glass PG is scanned while being exposed to light. Also, when the auto feeder U3 is used, the original Gi is automatically transported when the copy start key is pressed. When the copy start key is pressed, multiple originals Gi stored in the original tray TG1 are transported sequentially to and pass through the original reading position on the platen glass PG. Each original Gi passing sequentially through the reading position on the platen glass PG is irradiated with light from the light source unit U2a. After passing the reading position, the original Gi is discharged onto the original discharge tray TG2. The light reflected from the original Gi is converted into an electrical signal by the reading element CCD.

[0037] The image processing unit GS receives the electrical signals output from the reading element CCD. The image processing unit GS converts the electrical signals of the R, G, and B color image read by the reading element CCD into image information of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) for forming a latent image. The image processing unit GS outputs the converted image information to the writing circuit DL of the printer unit U1. Note that if the image is a single-color image, or a so-called monochrome image, the image processing unit GS outputs image information of only black (K) to the writing circuit DL. The writing circuit DL outputs a control signal corresponding to the input image information to the exposure devices LHy to LHk, which then output writing light according to the control signal.

[0038] When image formation begins, each photoconductor PRy-PRk is driven to rotate. A charging voltage is applied to the charging rollers CRy-CRk from a power supply circuit E. Therefore, the surfaces of the photoconductors PRy-PRk are charged by the charging rollers CRy-CRk. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the charged photoconductors PRy-PRk by exposure devices LHy-LHk in writing areas Q1y-Q1k. The electrostatic latent image on the photoconductors PRy-PRk is developed into a toner image, an example of an image, by developing devices Gy-Gk in development areas Q2y-Q2k.

[0039] The developed toner images are transported to primary transfer regions Q3y-Q3k that come into contact with intermediate transfer belt B, which is an example of an intermediate transfer body. In primary transfer regions Q3y-Q3k, a primary transfer voltage of a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the toner is applied from a power supply circuit E to primary transfer rollers T1y-T1k. Therefore, the toner images on each photoconductor PRy-PRk are transferred to intermediate transfer belt B by primary transfer rollers T1y-T1k. In the case of a multi-color toner image, the toner image transferred downstream is superimposed on the toner image transferred to intermediate transfer belt B in the upstream primary transfer region. After the primary transfer, residues and deposits on the photoconductors PRy to PRk are cleaned by photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk. After cleaning, the surfaces of the photoconductors PRy to PRk are neutralized by neutralizers Jy to Jk. After neutralization, the surfaces of the photoconductors PRy to PRk are recharged by charging rollers CRy to CRk. will be done. The single-color or multi-color toner images transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt B by the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k in the primary transfer areas Q3y to Q3k are transported to the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0040] The recording paper S on which an image is recorded is picked up by the pickup roller Rp of the paper feed tray TR1 to TR4 being used. If multiple sheets of recording paper S are picked up by the pickup roller Rp and are stacked, they are separated one by one by the separation roller Rs. The recording paper S separated by the separation roller Rs is transported along paper feed path SH1 by the transport roller Ra. The recording paper S transported along paper feed path SH1 is sent to the registration roller Rr. Recording paper S loaded on the manual feed tray TR0 is also sent to paper feed path SH1 by the pickup roller Rp0 via manual feed path SH0. The registration roller Rr transports the recording paper S to the secondary transfer area Q4 at the same time that the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is transported to the secondary transfer area Q4. A secondary transfer voltage of a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the toner is applied to the secondary transfer roller T2b by the power supply circuit E. Therefore, the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt B to the recording paper S.

[0041] After the secondary transfer, the intermediate transfer belt B is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLb to remove any foreign matter adhering to the surface thereof. The recording paper S onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is heated and fixed when passing through a fixing area Q5. If post-processing is to be performed on the recording paper S with the image fixed thereon, the recording paper S is transported to the finisher U4 installed in the lower paper output tray TRh. If post-processing is not to be performed on the recording paper S, the recording paper S is transported to the upper paper output tray TRh2. When the recording paper S is transported to the lower paper output tray TRh, the gate GT1 moves to the first guide position. Therefore, the recording paper S sent out from the fixing device F is transported along the paper output path SH3. The recording paper S transported along the paper output path SH3 is transported by the paper output roller Rh toward the finisher U4 and the lower paper output tray TRh. The finisher U4 performs binding processing, which is an example of post-processing, on the recording sheets S, and then discharges the recording sheets S onto a lower discharge tray TRh.

[0042] When the recording paper S is discharged onto the upper discharge tray TRh2, the gate GT1 moves to the second guide position, and the recording paper S is discharged onto the upper discharge tray TRh2. When double-sided printing is performed on the recording paper S, the gate GT1 moves to the second guide position. Then, when the trailing edge of the recording paper S passes through the gate GT1, the gate GT1 moves to the first guide position and the reversing roller Rb rotates in the reverse direction. Therefore, the recording paper S is guided by the gate GT1 and sent to the reversing path SH6. The recording paper S transported along the reversing path SH6 is sent to the registration roller Rr in an inverted state.

[0043] (Auto Feeder U3 Description) FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the auto feeder of the first embodiment. 3, the auto feeder U3 of the first embodiment has a device main body 1 and a cover 2 as an example of an opening / closing unit. The cover 2 is supported on the device main body 1 so as to be openable and closable. The cover 2 of the first embodiment is supported on the device main body 1 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 2a. Therefore, by opening the cover 2, the document transport path U3a is opened, making it possible to deal with a paper jam of the document Gi.

[0044] The cover 2 supports an original pickup roller 11, an original feed roller 12, and an upper original feed roller 21a, which are examples of conveying means. The device body 1 supports an original retard roller 13, a lower original feed roller 21b, an original reading roller 22, an original discharge roller 23, and the like. The original retard roller 13 is disposed opposite the original feed roller 12. Between the original feed roller 12 and the original retard roller 13, the originals Gi are separated one by one and sent downstream. Therefore, the original feed roller 12 and the original retard roller 13 form original handling rollers 12, 13.

[0045] The lower document feed roller 21b is disposed opposite to the upper document feed roller 21a. The upper document feed roller 21a and the lower document feed roller 21b constitute the document feed roller 21. The document feed roller 21 feeds the document Gi fed from the document handling rollers 12 and 13 toward the reading position. The document reading roller 22 transports the document Gi passing through the reading position downstream. The document discharge roller 23 discharges the document Gi fed from the document reading roller 22 to the document discharge tray TG2.

[0046] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the main part of the aligning means of the first embodiment. 3 and 4, a set gate 31 as an example of an alignment means is disposed between the document pickup roller 11 and the document handling rollers 12 and 13 along the conveying direction of the document conveying path U3a. The set gate 31 has a lower end rotatably supported by the device body 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the set gate 31 in the first embodiment is rotatably movable between an alignment position where it stands upright relative to the upper surface of the device body 1 and has entered the document transport path U3a, and a passage position where it lies flat against the upper surface and allows the document Gi to pass through.

[0047] A stop claw portion 31a, which is an example of a stopped means, is formed at the upper end of the set gate 31. The stop claw portion 31a in the first embodiment is formed in a shape that inclines more toward the downstream side in the document transport direction as it approaches the tip (upper end). In the first embodiment, a pair of set gates 31 (two in total) are provided at positions spaced apart in the width direction of the document Gi, but it is also possible to provide one or three or more. A spring (not shown) is installed at the rotation center of the lower end of the set gate 31, and a force that holds the set gate 31 in the alignment position shown in FIG. 4 is applied from the spring (not shown).

[0048] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the cover of the auto feeder according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the automatic feeder of the first embodiment with the replacement unit removed from the cover. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the replacement unit of the first embodiment. 5 to 7, a replacement unit 41 is detachably supported on the cover 2 of the first embodiment. A replacement unit 41 is disposed on the cover 2, upstream of the upper document feed roller 21a in the document transport direction. In FIGS. 5 and 7, the replacement unit 41 has a guide portion 42 as an example of a guide means. The guide portion 42 is formed in a plate shape. The guide portion 42 constitutes the upper surface of the document transport path U3a and extends along the document transport path U3a. A drive shaft 43 as an example of a drive transmission means is supported at one end of the guide portion 42. The drive shaft 43 extends along the width direction of the document Gi. A drive gear 44 as an example of a gear is supported at the end (rear end) of the drive shaft 43. Drive from a motor M0 (an example of a drive means) of the device main body 1 is transmitted to the drive gear 44.

[0049] 8A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the bearing portion of the replacement unit in Example 1 is attached to the receiving portion of the cover, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the bearing portion of the replacement unit can be inserted into and removed from the receiving portion of the cover, and FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the replacement unit is attached to the cover. The drive shaft 43 is rotatably supported at both axial ends by bearings 46, which are an example of bearing means. The bearings 46 are supported by the guide portion 42. In FIG. 8, the outer surface of the bearing 46 of Example 1 has arc-shaped portions 46a and cut portions 46b, which are formed by cutting away the arc. The pair of arc portions 46a face each other, and the cut portions 46b face each other. Therefore, the outer surface of the bearing 46 of Example 1 is formed in a shape in which both sides of a circle have been cut away, a so-called double D-cut shape (a shape in which D-cuts are made on both sides).

[0050] 5 and 7, the document feed roller 12 is supported at the axial center of the drive shaft 43. Therefore, when drive is transmitted to the drive gear 44, the document feed roller 12 can rotate together with the drive shaft 43. A first intermediate gear 47 as an example of a transmission means is supported on the drive shaft 43 at a position adjacent to the document feed roller 12.

[0051] A movable frame 48, which serves as an example of a movable means, is rotatably supported on the drive shaft 43. The base ends of the movable frame 48 are supported by the drive shaft 43 at positions on both sides of the document feed roller 12. The document pickup roller 11 is supported on the movable frame 48 at a position upstream in the transport direction of the documents Gi. A second intermediate gear G2, which serves as an example of a transmission means, is disposed at the axial end of the document pickup roller 11. A third intermediate gear G3, which is supported by the movable frame 48, is disposed between the second intermediate gear G2 and the first intermediate gear 47. Therefore, when the drive shaft 43 rotates, the driving force is transmitted from the first intermediate gear 47 to the second intermediate gear G2 via the third intermediate gear G3, thereby rotating the document pickup roller 11. The movable frame 48 is provided with a stopper plate portion 48a, which is an example of a portion to be stopped, at the upstream end portion in the transport direction of the document Gi.

[0052] Between the base end of the movable frame 48 (the downstream end in the transport direction of the document Gi) and the drive shaft 43, a torque limiter 51 as an example of a transmission limiting means is disposed. In the first embodiment, the movable frame 48 moves the document pickup roller 11 between a spaced position where the document is spaced from the document Gi and a contact position where the document Gi is in contact with the document Gi. When the movable frame 48 moves, the drive force is transmitted from the motor M0 to rotate the drive shaft 43, causing the movable frame 48 to rotate about the drive shaft 43. When the document pickup roller 11 contacts the surface of the document Gi, the load that rotates the movable frame 48 increases. When the load that rotates the movable frame 48 increases, the torque limiter 51 limits the transmission of the drive force, causing the drive shaft 43 to rotate freely relative to the movable frame 48. Therefore, as the drive shaft 43 rotates, the movable frame 48 descends, and the document pickup roller 11 moves to the contact position where the document Gi is in contact with the document Gi, and is held at the contact position. When the motor M0 rotates in the reverse direction and the drive shaft 43 rotates in the reverse direction, the movable frame 48 rises, and the document pickup roller 11 moves to the spaced position where the document Gi is in contact with the document Gi.

[0053] Protrusions 49, 49, which are an example of contact portions of the conveying means, are provided at the tip of the movable frame 48. The protrusions in Example 1 are formed in the shape of protrusions that protrude outward from both ends of the movable frame 48 in the width direction (axial direction of the drive shaft 43). The guide portion 42 is provided with operation portions 52, 52 as an example of an operation means at both ends in the width direction. Each operation portion 52 has a leaf spring portion 52a as an example of an elastically deforming portion. A locking claw portion 52b as an example of a stopped portion is formed at the tip of the leaf spring portion 52a.

[0054] 5 and 6, a document guide 61 as an example of a guide means is formed on the inner surface of the cover 2 (the surface on the document transport path U3a side) in an area excluding the replacement unit 41. The document guide 61 is formed along the document transport path U3a. The document guide 61 constitutes the upper surface of the document transport path U3a. A unit mounting space 62 is formed in the portion where the replacement unit 41 is mounted. In the unit installation space 62, a receiving portion 63 as an example of a receiving means is formed at a position corresponding to the bearing 46 on the downstream side in the document transport direction. In Fig. 8, the receiving portion 63 of the first embodiment has a receiving main body portion 63a having an arc-shaped inner surface. The receiving portion 63 also has an introduction portion 63b extending radially from the receiving main body portion 63a.

[0055] The inner surface of the receiving main body portion 63a is formed in an arc shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surfaces of the arc portions 46a, 46a of the bearing 46 and the diameter L0. Further, the introduction portion 63b corresponds to the interval L1 (<L0) between the cut portions 46b, 46b of the bearing 46. Therefore, when attaching and detaching the exchange unit 41 to and from the cover 2, the exchange unit 41 is rotated about the drive shaft 43 so that the cut portions 46b, 46b are aligned with the introduction portion 63b (see FIG. 8A), and the exchange unit 41 is moved in the direction along the introduction portion 63b, whereby the exchange unit 41 can be attached to and detached from the cover 2. When the exchange unit 41 is attached to the cover 2, the cut portions 46b, 46b are not aligned with the introduction portion 63b (see FIG. 8B), the width (diameter L0) of the arc portions 46a, 46a is larger than the interval L1 of the introduction portion 63b, and the arc portions 46a, 46a are caught by the introduction portion 63b and cannot be attached or detached. That is, the exchange unit 41 is held in a state of being attached to the cover 2.

[0056] In the middle stream portion of the conveyance direction of the original document in the unit mounting space 62, lock portions 64, 64 as an example of a stop portion are formed at positions corresponding to the operation portions 52, 52 at both ends in the width direction of the original document Gi. The lock portion 64 restricts the movement of the exchange unit 41 in the direction of detaching from the cover 2 when the lock claw portions 52b of the operation portions 52, 52 are hooked. When an operator operates the operation portions 52, 52 in the direction of elastically deforming the leaf spring portions 52a, that is, when the operator pushes the operation portions 52, 52 downstream in the conveyance direction of the original document, the lock claw portions 52b are disengaged from the lock portion 64 (the lock is released), and the exchange unit 41 becomes movable with respect to the cover 2. In the first embodiment, when the lock of the lock portion 64 is released, the exchange unit 41 can rotate about the drive shaft 43. Then, in the state where the lock is released, when the exchange unit 41 rotates until the cut portions 46b, 46b described above coincide with the introduction portion 63b, the exchange unit 41 can be removed from the cover 2.

[0057] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means and the linking means of Example 1 move, where Figure 9A is an explanatory diagram of the state before the document is conveyed, Figure 9B is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means has started to descend from the state of Figure 9A, Figure 9C is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means has descended further from the state of Figure 9B, Figure 9D is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means has descended further from the state of Figure 9C, and Figure 9E is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the conveying means has descended from the state of Figure 9D and the pickup roll has come into contact with the document. 5 and 6, link members 71, 71 as an example of a linking means are arranged inside the locking portions 64, 64 in the width direction of the document Gi. The link members 71, 71 are arranged corresponding to the position of the set gate 31. In FIGS. 4 and 9, the link member 71 of the first embodiment is supported rotatably around a rotation shaft portion 72 as an example of a rotation center. The link member 71 of the first embodiment is configured to be rotatable between a first linking position shown in FIGS. 4 and 9A and a second linking position shown in FIG. 9E.

[0058] In addition, the link member 71 of Example 1 is equipped with a torsion spring (not shown) as an example of a biasing means at the rotating shaft portion 72, and a force is always applied in the direction of moving to the second linked position. The link member 71 has a gate contact portion 73 as an example of a first contact portion, and a unit contact portion 74 as an example of a second contact portion.

[0059] The gate contact portion 73 in the first embodiment is formed downstream of the rotary shaft portion 72 in the conveyance direction of the document Gi. The gate contact portion 73 is formed in an inverted U-shape with the set gate 31 side open. In FIGS. 4 and 9A, in the first embodiment, before the document Gi starts to be conveyed, the stopper claw 31a and a portion of the upper end of the set gate 31 are inserted into the gate contact portion 73. When the front end of the document Gi abuts against the set gate 31, the set gate 31 attempts to rotate, but the stopper claw 31a abuts against the downstream surface 73a of the gate contact portion 73 and is stopped. Therefore, the rotation of the set gate 31 is restricted by the gate contact portion 73, and the set gate 31 is held in the alignment position shown in FIGS. 4 and 9A. Therefore, the front end of the document Gi abutted against the set gate 31 is aligned.

[0060] In the first embodiment, when the document Gi is abutted against the stopper claw 31a and the downstream surface 73a, which is an example of a contact portion with the alignment means, the stopper claw 31a and the downstream surface 73a are formed so that the direction F1 in which a force acts at the contact position between the stopper claw 31a and the downstream surface 73a has a component perpendicular to the contact position and a component in the counterclockwise direction around the rotation shaft 72 in Fig. 9A. Therefore, when the document Gi applies a force to the set gate 31 in the downstream direction in the conveyance direction, the set gate 31 contacts the gate contact portion 73 and transmits the force to the link member 71, and the link member 71 continues to hold the set gate 31 in the alignment position shown in Fig. 9A.

[0061] The unit contact portion 74 is disposed above the rotary shaft portion 72 on the upstream side in the transport direction of the document Gi. The unit contact portion 74 has a first arm portion 74a as an example of a first arm portion and a second arm portion 74b as an example of a second arm portion. The first arm portion 74a extends in a direction away from the rotating shaft portion 72. The second arm portion 74b is folded back from the tip (outer end) of the first arm portion 74a and extends in a direction approaching the rotating shaft portion 72. Therefore, the unit contact portion 74 of the first embodiment has a shape in which the first arm portion 74a and the second arm portion 74b face each other as a whole. Therefore, the unit contact portion 74 is formed in an inverted J shape with an open bottom. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the position and shape of the unit contact portion 74 are set so that the protrusions 49, 49 of the replacement unit 41 can enter between the first arm portion 74a and the second arm portion 74b.

[0062] The inner surface (lower surface) of the first arm portion 74a constitutes an ascending follow-up surface 74c, which is an example of a first surface. The inner surface (upper surface) of the second arm portion 74b constitutes a descending contact surface 74d, which is an example of a second surface. Therefore, the ascending follow-up surface 74c and the descending contact surface 74d are arranged to face each other. The lower end of the second arm portion 74b does not contact the first arm portion 74a, and an opening 74e is formed therebetween.

[0063] 4 and 9A, before the conveyance of the document Gi is started, the torsion spring of the rotation shaft 72 stops the link member 71 with the rising follow-up surface 74c in contact with the protrusion 49. Therefore, the link member 71 is held in the first link position. When the document Gi is abutted against the set gate 31, the gate contact portion 73 of the link member 71 is pressed. When the link member 71 receives a force that moves it toward the first link position, the rising follow-up surface 74c comes into contact with the convex portion 49, and the link member 71 is stopped. When the transport of the document Gi begins, document pickup roller 11 moves toward the contact position, and as shown in Figures 9B to 9E, convex portion 49 of movable frame 48 moves downward. Therefore, link member 71 also moves toward the second link position following the movement of convex portion 49 due to the elastic force of the torsion spring of rotation shaft portion 72.

[0064] 9B, immediately after the start of movement of movable frame 48, movement of ascent-time following surface 74c of link member 71 may not be able to fully follow the descent of convex portion 49. In contrast, in the first embodiment, immediately after the start of descent of convex portion 49, convex portion 49 comes into contact with and pushes against lowering-time contact surface 74d, thereby assisting movement of link member 71 toward the second interlocking position. That is, convex portion 49 may come into contact with lowering-time contact surface 74d while document pickup roller 11 is moving from the separated position to the contact position. Therefore, the followability and responsiveness of the movement of link member 71 to the movement of document pickup roller 11 are improved compared to when lowering-time contact surface 74d is not positioned opposite rising-time following surface 74c. 9E, when link member 71 moves to the second coordinated position, gate contact portion 73 moves away from set gate 31. Therefore, the rotation of set gate 31 is no longer restricted by link member 71, and when document Gi is sent out, set gate 31 is pushed by document Gi and moves from the alignment position to the passing position. Therefore, link member 71 of Example 1 coordinates the movement (lifting and lowering) of document pickup roller 11 with the restriction of the movement of set gate 31 from the alignment position to the passing position.

[0065] In the link member 71 of Example 1, when the replacement unit 41 is attached or detached, the protrusion 49 passes through the opening 74e between the first arm portion 74a and the second arm portion 74b. Therefore, the protrusion 49 does not hinder replacement, making it easy to replace the replacement unit 41.

[0066] 10B is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame of Example 1 is stopped at a raised position, FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has lowered, FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has started to rise from the state of FIG. 10A and has begun to contact the stopper member, FIG. 10C is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has further risen from the state of FIG. 10B and the stopper member has begun to rotate downward, FIG. 10D is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has further risen from the state of FIG. 10C, FIG. 10E is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has further risen from the state of FIG. 10D, FIG. 10F is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has further risen from the state of FIG. 10E, and FIG. 10G is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the movable frame has completed its rise and the stopper member is holding the movable frame in the raised position.

[0067] 5 and 6, a stopper member 81, which serves as an example of a stopping means, is supported on the cover 2 at an upstream portion of the unit installation space 62 in the document transport direction. In FIG. 10, the stopper member 81 is supported on the cover 2 so as to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 81a. A stopper spring (torsion spring) 82, which serves as an example of a biasing means, is attached to the rotation shaft 81a. The stopper spring 82 generates an elastic force that presses the stopper member 81 in the direction indicated by the arrow Y1 in FIG. 10. The elastic force of the stopper spring 82 is set to be smaller than the force acting when the motor M0 is driven. The stopper member 81 is disposed at a position corresponding to the stopper plate portion 48a of the movable frame 48. The stopper member 81 has a stopper arm portion 83 that can come into contact with the stopper plate portion 48a. As shown in Fig. 10A, when the document pickup roller 11 moves to the contact position and the movable frame 48 is lowered, the stopper arm portion 83 is separated from the stopper plate portion 48a.

[0068] When the transport of the original Gi is completed and the motor M0 starts to rotate in the reverse direction, causing the movable frame 48 to begin to rise, as shown in FIG. 10B, the stopper plate portion 48a comes into contact with the stopper arm portion 83 as the movable frame 48 rises. In FIGS. 10B and 10C, as the reverse rotation of the motor M0 causes the movable frame 48 to rise further, the stopper arm portion 83 is pushed by the stopper plate portion 48a and rotates around the rotation shaft 81a in the direction opposite to the arrow Y1. As shown in FIGS. 10C to 10F, as the movable frame 48 rises, the stopper arm portion 83 rotates in the direction opposite to the arrow Y1. In FIGS. 10F and 10G, as the movable frame 48 rises and the stopper arm portion 83 approaches the end of the stopper plate portion 48a, the stopper arm portion 83 is no longer pushed by the stopper plate portion 48a. 10G, the elastic force of stopper spring 82 causes stopper arm portion 83 to move around below stopper plate portion 48a and press stopper plate portion 48a upward from below, so that movable frame 48 and document pickup roller 11 are held by stopper member 81 in the upper, spaced apart position.

[0069] Therefore, even if an external force acts on the document pickup roller 11, movable frame 48, etc., as long as the external force does not reach the elastic force of the stopper spring 82, the movable frame 48 will be held in the separated position by the force of the stopper spring 82. Therefore, even if the document Gi hits the set gate 31 and the lowering contact surface 74d comes into contact with the protrusion 49, and the movable frame 48 receives a force in the downward direction, the contact with the stopper member 81 will allow the movable frame 48 to withstand the force. When the original Gi is transported, the motor M0 starts rotating forward from the position shown in Figure 10G, and since the force of the stopper spring 82 is weaker than the force acting on the motor M0, the stopper arm portion 83 is pressed by the stopper plate portion 48a of the descending movable frame 48, and the movable frame 48 descends through the process shown in Figures 10F to 10A.

[0070] (Function of Example 1) In the copying machine U of Example 1 having the above configuration, before the transport of the document Gi begins, the document pickup roller 11 moves to the upward separated position. In this state, the link member 71 moves to the first linked position. Therefore, the set gate 31 is held in the alignment position. When the document Gi strikes the set gate 31, the set gate 31 presses the link member 71, but when it descends, the contact surface 74d comes into contact with the protrusion 49, preventing the set gate 31 from moving from the alignment position. Even if the force striking the set gate 31 is large, the movable frame 48 on which the protrusion 49 is provided is pressed by the stopper member 81, preventing the set gate 31 from moving.

[0071] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a link member that stops a conventional set gate. In FIG. 11 , a conventional link member 01 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation center 02. A conventional set gate 03 is configured to be stopped when its upper end 03 a comes into contact with a gate contact portion 04 of the link member 01. In the conventional configuration, when a document is transported, the gate contact portion 04 side of the link member 01 rotates upward, thereby releasing the restriction on the rotation of the set gate 03. In the configuration shown in FIG. 11 , when a document strikes the set gate 03, the gate contact portion 04 of the link member 01 receives a force upward, i.e., in a direction that releases the restriction on the rotation of the set gate 03. Therefore, if the striking force is strong, the set gate 03 may slip relative to the gate contact portion 04, or the link member 01 may bend (elastically deform), which could cause the gate contact portion 04 to come off the upper end 03 a of the set gate 03.

[0072] In response to this, in the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 11, a pad member 06 with a high friction coefficient is attached to the surface of the gate contact portion 04, strengthening the contact with the set gate 03 and making it difficult for the link member 01 to rotate, thereby making it difficult for the gate contact portion 04 and the set gate 03 to come off. In such a conventional configuration, the pad member 06 is attached to the link member 01, which is often made of resin to reduce weight, and the pad member 06 is prone to peeling off and getting lost. If the pad member 06 peels off, the set gate 03 comes off the link member 01, causing a problem that the position for aligning the document Gi becomes unstable. If the position for aligning the document Gi becomes unstable, document jams (paper jams) are more likely to occur.

[0073] In contrast to these, in the copier U of Example 1, when the gate contact portion 73 receives a force from the set gate 31, the link member 71 receives a force that moves the link member 71 toward the first link position, that is, toward the side where it bites into the set gate 31. Therefore, compared to the conventional configuration, the set gate 31 is less likely to come off the link member 71. Therefore, it is possible to stop it without providing a pad member 06 with a large coefficient of friction. In the configuration of Example 1, it is possible to prevent the set gate 31 from moving when pressed by the document Gi, compared to the conventional case where the set gate 03 that aligns the edges of the document is stopped by a pad member 06 with a large coefficient of friction.

[0074] (Example of change) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. Modifications (H01) to (H06) of the present invention are exemplified below. (H01) In the above embodiment, a copier U was used as an example of an image forming device, but this is not limited to this and it is also possible to configure it as, for example, a printer, a fax machine, or a multifunction device having multiple or all of these functions.

[0075] (H02) In the above embodiment, a configuration in which four color developers are used as the copier U is exemplified, but this is not limited to this and the present invention is also applicable to, for example, a monochrome image forming apparatus or a multi-color image forming apparatus with three or less colors or five or more colors. (H03) In the above embodiment, the auto feeder U3 is exemplified as a medium transport device, but this is not limiting. It can be applied to a portion where a gate is used to align the edges of a medium. For example, it can be applied to the pickup roll Rp0 (an example of a medium transport device) of the manual feed tray TR0. In this case, the transported medium is not a document Gi but a recording sheet S. It can also be applied to a medium transport device of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4 that have a set gate. It can also be applied to a registration roller Rr, which is an example of a medium transport device. It can also be applied to a medium transport device of a post-processing device (finisher U4).

[0076] (H04) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to bias the link member 71 with a torsion spring (not shown), but it is also possible to adjust the center of gravity of the link member 71 so that it moves under its own weight. (H05) In the above embodiment, the first arm portion 74a and the second arm portion 74b of the link member 71 are integrally formed, but this is not limiting. They can also be formed by connecting or gluing together separately formed parts. Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the embodiment in which the second arm portion 74b is connected to the first arm portion 74a, and modifications are possible, such as sandwiching another part between the first arm portion 74a and the second arm portion 74b, or supporting the first arm portion 74a and the second arm portion 74b on a base member.

[0077] (H06) In the above-described embodiment, the ascending follow-up surface 74c and the descending contact surface 74d are not limited to the illustrated form. They can be appropriately modified depending on the design and specifications, such as being arranged parallel or at an angle, or not completely facing each other. Furthermore, the lengths of the ascending follow-up surface 74c and the descending contact surface 74d are not limited to the form illustrated in the embodiment, and can be modified by increasing the length of the descending contact surface 74d or shortening the length of the ascending follow-up surface 74c.

[0078] (Addendum) (((1))) a conveying means for conveying a medium, the conveying means being movable between a contact position where it contacts the medium and a spaced position where it is spaced from the medium; an alignment unit that aligns the positions of the edges of the media, the alignment unit being movable between an alignment position where the media are abutted against and aligned and a passing position where the media can pass; a linking means for linking the movement of the conveying means with the movement of the aligning means, the linking means being movable between a first linking position for holding the aligning means at the aligning position when the conveying means moves to the separation position and a second linking position for allowing the aligning means to move to the passing position when the conveying means moves to the contact position; Equipped with the linking means has a first contact portion that contacts the alignment means and a second contact portion that contacts the contact portion of the conveying means, the first contact portion is formed in a shape such that, when a force is applied by the medium abutting against the alignment portion while the alignment portion is located at the first alignment position, a force is applied to move the alignment portion in a direction opposite to the second alignment position; The second contact portion has a first surface that follows the movement of the transport means between the contact position and the separated position to move the transport means between the first and second linked positions, and a second surface that comes into contact with the contact portion of the transport means while the transport means is moving from the separated position to the contact position, to assist the transport means in moving the transport means to the second linked position. A medium transport device characterized by: (((2))) a biasing means for applying a force to the first surface so that the first surface contacts the contact portion of the conveying means; The medium transport device according to (((1))) is characterized by comprising: (((3))) the first surface disposed on the first linking position side in the movement direction of the linking means with respect to the contact portion of the conveying means; the second surface disposed on the second linking position side in the movement direction of the linking means; The medium transport device according to (((1))) or (((2))) is characterized by comprising: (((4))) The first surface and the second surface are formed in a shape that faces each other with the contact portion in between. The medium transport device according to (((3))) is characterized in that (((5))) the linking means being rotatable about a rotation center between the first linking position and the second linking position; Equipped with The first surface and the second surface are disposed on opposite sides of the rotation center from the contact portion with the alignment means. The medium transport device according to any one of ((1))) to ((4))). (((6))) When the conveying means is moved to the separated position, only the first surface is in contact with the contact portion, and the contact portion can come into contact with the second surface during movement from the separated position to the contact position. A medium transport device according to any one of ((1))) to ((5))). (((7))) the alignment means supported on the device body of the medium transport device; an opening / closing unit that is supported in an openable / closable manner relative to the device body and that can open and close a medium transport path; the linking means supported by the opening / closing means; the conveying means supported detachably relative to the opening / closing means; The medium transport device according to any one of ((1))) to (((6))) is provided with: (((8))) an opening formed between the first surface and the second surface; Equipped with The contact portion passes through the opening when the conveying means is attached to or detached from the opening / closing means. The medium transport device according to (((7))) is characterized in that (((9))) a medium transport device according to any one of ((1)) to ((8))) that transports a medium on which an image is recorded; an image reading unit that reads an image on the medium transported by the medium transport device; an image recording means for recording the image read by the reading means on a medium; An image forming apparatus comprising: (((10))) a recording unit that records an image on a medium; a medium transport device according to any one of ((1)) to ((8))) that transports a medium toward the recording unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

[0079] According to the medium transport device of (((1))), it is possible to prevent the alignment means, which aligns the edges of the medium, from moving due to being pushed by the medium, compared to when the alignment means is stopped by a member with a large coefficient of friction. According to the medium transport device of (((2))), the linking means can be moved by the force of the biasing means in conjunction with the movement of the transporting means. According to the medium transport device of (((3))), the first surface and the second surface provided on one contact portion can suppress the movement of the alignment member and move the linking means. According to the medium transport device of (((4))), the linking means has a shape in which the first surface and the second surface face each other across the contact portion, making it possible to suppress the movement of the alignment member and to move the linking means. According to the medium conveying device of (((5))), the rotational movement of the contact part with the alignment means is linked with the rotational movement of the first surface and the second surface, so that a single linking means can suppress the movement of the alignment member and move the linking means. According to the medium conveying device of (((6))), the ability of the linking means to follow the movement of the conveying means is improved compared to when the contact portion does not contact the second surface during movement from the separated position to the contact position. According to the medium transport device of (((7))), the transport means can be replaced. According to the medium transport device of (((8))), the transport means can be replaced more easily than in a case where there is no opening through which the contact portion passes. According to the image forming device of (((9))), it is possible to prevent the alignment means, which aligns the edges of the media, from moving due to being pushed by the media, compared to when the alignment means is stopped by a member with a large coefficient of friction. According to the image forming device of (((10))), it is possible to prevent the alignment means, which aligns the edges of the media, from moving due to being pushed by the media, compared to when the alignment means is stopped by a member with a large coefficient of friction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1...Device body, 2...Opening and closing means, 11...Transport means, 31...alignment means, 49...Contacting part of conveying means, 71...Means of collaboration, 72...center of rotation, 73...first contact site, 74...second contact site, 74c...first side, 74d...Second side, 74e...Aperture, Gi,S...medium, Rp0, Rr...medium transport device, U...image forming device, U1...image recording means, U2: Image reading means, U3: Media transport device U3a: Media transport path, Uy~Uk+T1+T2+B...recording section.

Claims

1. a conveying means for conveying a medium, the conveying means being movable between a contact position where it contacts the medium and a spaced position where it is spaced from the medium; an alignment unit that aligns the positions of the edges of the media, the alignment unit being movable between an alignment position where the media are abutted against and aligned and a passing position where the media can pass; a linking means for linking the movement of the conveying means with the movement of the aligning means, the linking means being movable between a first linking position for holding the aligning means at the aligning position when the conveying means moves to the separation position and a second linking position for allowing the aligning means to move to the passing position when the conveying means moves to the contact position; Equipped with the linking means has a first contact portion that contacts the alignment means and a second contact portion that contacts the contact portion of the conveying means, the first contact portion is formed in a shape such that, when a force is applied by the medium abutting against the alignment portion while the alignment portion is located at the first alignment position, a force is applied to move the alignment portion in a direction opposite to the second alignment position; The second contact portion has a first surface that follows the movement of the transport means between the contact position and the separated position to move the transport means between the first linked position and the second linked position, and a second surface that comes into contact with the contact portion of the transport means while the transport means is moving from the separated position to the contact position, to assist the transport means in moving the transport means to the second linked position. A medium transport device characterized by:

2. a biasing means for applying a force to the first surface so that the first surface contacts the contact portion of the conveying means; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

3. the first surface disposed on the first linking position side in the movement direction of the linking means with respect to the contact portion of the transporting means; the second surface disposed on the second linking position side in the moving direction of the linking means; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

4. The first surface and the second surface are formed in a shape that faces each other with the contact portion therebetween. The medium transport device according to claim 3 .

5. the linking means being rotatable about a rotation center between the first linking position and the second linking position; Equipped with The first surface and the second surface are disposed on opposite sides of the rotation center from the contact portion with the alignment means. The medium transport device according to claim 1 .

6. When the conveying means is moved to the separated position, only the first surface is in contact with the contact portion, and the contact portion can come into contact with the second surface during movement from the separated position to the contact position. The medium transport device according to claim 1 .

7. the alignment means supported on the device body of the medium transport device; an opening / closing unit that is supported in an openable / closable manner relative to the device body and that can open and close a medium transport path; the linking means supported by the opening / closing means; the conveying means supported detachably relative to the opening / closing means; The medium transport device according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. an opening formed between the first surface and the second surface; Equipped with The contact portion passes through the opening when the conveying means is attached to or detached from the opening / closing means. The medium transport device according to claim 7 .

9. a medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which transports a medium on which an image is recorded; an image reading unit that reads an image on the medium conveyed by the medium conveying device; an image recording means for recording the image read by the image reading means on a medium; An image forming apparatus comprising:

10. a recording unit that records an image on a medium; a medium transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which transports a medium toward the recording unit; An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images