Sheet transport mechanism, recording device, and reading device

Abstract

To provide a sheet transport mechanism that enables miniaturization of the device. [Solution] A sheet transport mechanism having a sheet loading section on which sheets to be transported in a first direction are loaded, having a first insertion opening and a second insertion opening, a first restricting member that restricts one end of the sheet in a second direction having a first insertion / removal section into which it is inserted and removed from the first insertion opening, and a second restricting member that restricts the other end of the sheet in a second direction having a second insertion / removal section into which it is inserted and removed from the second insertion opening, wherein the sheet loading section has a first positioning section that positions the first restricting member in a first direction and a third direction relative to the sheet loading section, and a second positioning section that positions the second restricting member in a first direction and a third direction relative to the sheet loading section, the first restricting member having a first positioned portion into which the first positioning section abuts the first insertion / removal section, and the second restricting member having a second positioned portion into which the second positioning section abuts the second insertion / removal section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet conveyance mechanism provided in a recording device or a reading device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, recording devices or reading devices typified by inkjet printers, multifunction devices, copiers, facsimile devices, etc. are provided with a sheet conveyance mechanism for conveying a sheet as a recording material. The sheet conveyance mechanism includes sheet width restricting means (sheet positioning means) for restricting the position of the sheet in the width direction of the sheet, which is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the sheet, to a predetermined position and guiding the conveyance of the sheet so as to prevent skew feeding of the sheet. As a specific configuration of the sheet width restricting means, a pair of restricting guides movable in a direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the sheet and a pinion gear are provided in a sheet stacking portion on which the sheet to be fed into the conveyance path is stacked. The pair of restricting guides has a rack configuration that meshes with the pinion gear. The restricting guide needs to be surely set at a predetermined position according to the sheet width in the sheet stacking portion to stabilize the position of the sheet to be fed. Therefore, the restricting guide includes a restricting guide positioning configuration for determining the position of the restricting guide with respect to the apparatus main body and a backlash suppressing configuration for preventing the occurrence of backlash between the rack configuration and the pinion gear.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which the restricting guide is divided into two parts, a sheet abutting portion for aligning the end of the sheet is provided on one part, and a restricting guide positioning configuration, a rack configuration, and a backlash suppressing configuration are provided on the other part. In this configuration, a groove-shaped guide portion for the restricting guide operation is further provided, and the rack configuration and the backlash suppressing configuration are arranged outside the groove-shaped guide portion. Such a configuration enables prevention of backlash generation between the rack portion and the pinion gear and more reliable positioning of the restricting guide with respect to a predetermined position according to the sheet width.

Prior Art Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-108095 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, the regulating guide is divided, and the groove-shaped guide section, rack configuration, and backlash suppression configuration are arranged at separate positions from each other. Therefore, there are concerns that space and cost will increase in order to realize such an arrangement. In particular, if the range of motion of the regulating guide is widened in order to expand the compatible size to include small-sized sheets, extra space will be required inside the device for the regulating guide to operate, which is a concern as it will lead to an increase in the size of the device.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a sheet transport mechanism that enables miniaturization of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the sheet transport mechanism of the present invention is: A sheet loading section on which sheets are loaded to be transported in the first direction, A first restricting member for restricting one end of a sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A second restricting member for restricting the other end of the sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in the second direction, Equipped with, The sheet loading section has a first insertion opening and a second insertion opening, The first regulating member has a first insertion / removal portion that is inserted into and removed from the first insertion port, The second restricting member is used in a sheet transport mechanism having a second insertion / removal portion that is inserted into and removed from the second insertion opening. The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first positioning unit that positions the first regulating member with respect to the sheet loading unit in the first direction and in a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions, A second positioning unit that positions the second regulating member relative to the sheet loading unit in the first and third directions, It has, The first regulating member has a first positioned portion that the first positioning portion abuts against, which is provided in the first insertion / removal portion. The second regulating member is characterized in that the second positioned portion, which the second positioning portion abuts against, is provided in the second insertion / removal portion. Furthermore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the sheet transport mechanism of the present invention is A sheet loading section on which sheets are loaded to be transported in the first direction, A first restricting member for restricting one end of a sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A second restricting member for restricting the other end of the sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in the second direction, Equipped with, The sheet loading section has a first guide groove extending in the second direction and a second guide groove extending in the second direction, The first regulating member has a first guided portion that is guided by the first guide groove when it moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, In a sheet transport mechanism having a second guided portion that is guided by the second guide groove when the second regulating member moves in a second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first positioning unit that positions the first regulating member relative to the sheet loading unit in the first direction and in a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions, A second positioning unit that positions the second regulating member in the first direction and the third direction relative to the sheet loading section, It has, The first regulating member has a first positioned portion that the first positioning portion abuts against, which is provided on the first guided portion. The second regulating member is provided with a second positioning portion to be abutted in the second positioning portion in the second guiding portion. This is the gist.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, miniaturization of the device can be realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view of the reading device according to the present embodiment [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the reading device when the automatic sheet feeding device according to the present embodiment is closed [Figure 3] Top view and cross-sectional view of the scanner unit according to the present embodiment [Figure 4] Back view of the glass frame unit according to the present embodiment [Figure 5] Top view showing the internal configuration of the reading device according to the present embodiment [Figure 6] Perspective view of the sheet loading portion according to the present embodiment [Figure 7] Exploded perspective view showing details of the main part of the sheet width regulating means according to the present embodiment [Figure 8] Back view and cross-sectional view of the sheet loading portion according to the present embodiment [Figure 9] Back view of the top view of the sheet placement table according to the present embodiment [Figure 10] Front view of the pinion gear and the regulating guide according to the present embodiment [Figure 11] Front view and enlarged view of the sheet width regulating means according to the present embodiment [Figure 12] Front view of the sheet loading portion when the pinion gear and the regulating guide are in the first position [Figure 13] Front view of the sheet loading portion when the pinion gear and the regulating guide are in the second position [Figure 14] Front view of the sheet loading portion when the pinion gear and the regulating guide are in the third position [Figure 15]Perspective view of the reading device when the pinion gear and regulating guide are in the first position. [Figure 16] Perspective view of the reading device when the pinion gear and regulating guide are in the second position. [Figure 17] Perspective view of the reading device when the pinion gear and regulating guide are in the third position. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing the assembly order of the main part of the seat width regulating means according to this embodiment. [Figure 19] Perspective view of the sheet loading section according to this embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments for carrying out this invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings, based on examples. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in these embodiments should be appropriately modified depending on the configuration of the device to which the invention is applied and various conditions. In other words, the scope of this invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these features are necessarily essential to the invention, and the multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. In addition, in the attached drawings, the same or similar components are given the same reference numeral, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0011] <Embodiment> The sheet transport mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to various recording and reading devices. Specifically, it is applicable to, for example, flatbed scanners, or copiers, facsimile machines, and multifunction devices that combine flatbed scanners and printing devices. The embodiments of the present invention described below apply the present invention to an image reading device that captures sheet images into a computer or the like, as an example. Note that X, Y, and Z shown in each drawing indicate mutually orthogonal directions. X is the width direction of the image reading device 1, Y is the depth direction, and Z is the height direction.

[0012] Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a multifunction printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multifunction printer 1 according to this embodiment has a configuration that combines an image reading device 100 as a reading unit and a printing device (recording device) 400 which is an inkjet printer (liquid ejection type recording device) as a recording unit. The image reading device 100 is broadly composed of an image reading unit 200 (hereinafter referred to as the scanner unit 200) and an ADF unit 300 as a sheet feeding unit. Figure 1(a) shows the state in which the ADF unit 300 is opened in order to place a sheet on the scanner unit 200. Figure 1(b) shows the state in which the ADF unit 300 is closed.

[0013] The configuration of the ADF section 300 of the image reading device 100 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2(a) is a cross-sectional view of the image reading device 100 (scanner section 200 and ADF section 300) in the X-Z plane with the ADF section 300 closed. Figure 2(a) shows the configuration of the sheet transport path 311 (thick solid arrow) in the ADF section 300. Figure 2(b) is an enlarged view of the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 2(a). Part of the sheet transport path 311 is made up of part of the scanner section 200.

[0014] The ADF unit 300 includes a sheet loading platform (sheet loading section) 301 on which sheets are placed (loaded), a sheet transport mechanism, and a discharge sheet loading section 320. The process will be explained starting from the upstream side of the sheet transport path. Here, the sheet transport mechanism refers to the entire sheet transport mechanism from the pickup roller 304 to the discharge roller 309, which will be explained below.

[0015] The sheets 310, placed on the sheet mounting table 301, are automatically transported by the sheet transport mechanism. Specifically, the sheet 310 is transported towards the separation roller 355 by the pickup roller 304 of the sheet transport mechanism, then gripped between the separation roller 355 and the sheet separation unit 351, and transported to the downstream transport roller 307. When the sheet 310 is gripped between the separation roller 355 and the sheet separation unit 351, subsequent sheets come into contact with the sheet separation unit 351 and receive resistance, stopping on the sheet mounting table 301 without being transported along with the sheet 310. This configuration makes it possible to separate and transport the sheets 310 one by one.

[0016] Next, the sheet 310 is transported by the transport roller 307 to the downstream transport guide 203 and pressed by the white pressing plate 308 so that it is in close contact with the ADF glass 205. At this time, the area of ​​the sheet 310 surface that is in close contact with the ADF glass 205 is read by the image sensor 206. The white pressing plate 308 is sized to cover the entire main scanning area of ​​the image sensor 206 shown in Figure 5. Various sheet detection sensors are installed in the sheet transport mechanism to detect the passage of the leading and trailing ends of the sheet, and their outputs are used to control the timing of reading by the image sensor 206.

[0017] In this embodiment, the image reading device 100 has two methods for reading sheets: a fixed reading method (flatbed reading) and a transport reading method (ADF reading). In the fixed reading method, the sheet is fixed on the sheet setting table glass 202 and the sheet is read by moving the reading unit 207 in the sub-scanning direction (X direction). In the transport reading method, the reading unit 207 is fixed in a predetermined position (ADF position) and the sheet is read while being transported by the ADF unit 300.

[0018] Figure 2(a) shows the reading unit 207 within the scanner unit 200, which is waiting in the ADF position to read the sheet 310 that is automatically transported by the ADF unit 300 mentioned above.

[0019] The configuration of the scanner unit 200 of the image reading device 100 in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 3(a) to 5.

[0020] Figure 3(a) is a top view of the scanner unit 200 with the ADF unit 300 removed from the image reading device 100, showing the entire glass frame unit 201. This glass frame unit 201 consists of a sheet setting table glass 202 for placing sheets and a glass frame 204 that holds the ADF glass 205 for reading automatically transported sheets. The glass frame 204 also includes a sheet abutment reference 226.

[0021] Figure 3(b) is the AA section of Figure 3(a). Figure 3(c) is the BB section of Figure 3(a), showing the main scanning direction (Y direction) cross-section of the scanner unit 200. In the figure, a white sheet is placed on the sheet mounting surface side of the sheet setting table glass 202.

[0022] Figure 4 is a rear view of the glass frame unit 201 of Figure 3(a), showing a portion of the white sheet 224. The sheet set base glass 202 abuts against two glass frame abutment portions 228 of the glass frame 204, determining its position in the X direction. In the direction shown, the white sheet 224 is positioned on the back side of the sheet set base glass 202. , it is on the same plane as the sheet mounting surface. In Figure 4, the X-direction position of the white sheet 224 is positioned between the glass frame abutment portion 228 and the stationary sheet reading area 237. The white sheet 224 also integrally includes a white area 224W for performing shading correction of the image sensor and a black area 224B which serves as the sub-scanning direction reference position of the image sensor 206 shown in Figure 5. To perform shading processing, the white sheet 224 has a size that covers the entire main scanning direction of the image sensor 206 shown in Figure 5. The sub-scanning direction (X-direction) position of the black area 224B on the white sheet 224 is formed closer to the stationary sheet reading area 237 than the white area 224W.

[0023] Figure 5 shows the overall internal configuration of the scanner unit 200, with the glass frame unit removed from the top view shown in Figure 3(a). It shows the arrangement and configuration of the reading unit 207 and the base frame 223.

[0024] A guide rail 221 is positioned approximately in the center of the base frame 223 in the Y direction, with its longitudinal direction as the sub-scanning direction. The slider 218 of the reading unit 207, which is equipped with an image sensor 206, is slidably positioned on the guide rail 221 in the sub-scanning direction (X direction). When a drive input is received by the motor 220 of the reading unit 207, the belt 222 moves in accordance with the input, and the reading unit 207 can reciprocate scanning along the guide rail 221 via the drive transmission unit to which the belt 222 is connected.

[0025] The image reading device 100 of this embodiment is a belt-driven type in which the drive unit is located on the base frame 223 and the driving force is transmitted by a belt, but it may also be a self-propelled type reading unit in which the drive unit is located on the reading unit 207.

[0026] The configuration of the sheet width regulating means in the sheet transport mechanism of the ADF section 300 in this embodiment will be explained using Figures 6(a) to 18(e).

[0027] Figures 6(a), 6(b), and 6(c) show the configuration of the sheet loading section and sheet width regulating means in the sheet transport mechanism of the multifunction printer 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figures 6(a) to 6(c), the multifunction printer 1 according to this embodiment includes, as a sheet transport mechanism, a sheet loading table 301 as a sheet loading section, and a pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 as a pair of regulating members. The sheet loading table 301 has a surface 302 (sheet loading surface) on which sheets 310 are loaded, and a back surface 303 (non-sheet loading surface) which is the opposite surface. The pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 regulate the position of the sheet in a second direction (sheet width direction) that intersects the first direction of the sheet being transported from the surface 302 of the sheet loading table 301 in a first direction (transport direction). The regulating guide 371 as the first regulating member regulates the position of one end of the sheet loaded on the sheet loading table 301 in the second direction. The regulating guide 372, acting as a second regulating member, regulates the position of the other end of the sheet loaded on the sheet mounting base 301 in a second direction.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first direction coincides with the X direction and the second direction coincides with the Y direction, and the first and second directions are orthogonal to each other. However, in the configuration of the present invention, the first and second directions do not necessarily have to be orthogonal. Similarly, in this embodiment, the third direction, which intersects both the first and second directions, coincides with the Z direction, and the third direction is orthogonal to both the first and second directions. However, in the configuration of the present invention, the third direction does not necessarily have to be orthogonal to both the first and second directions.

[0029] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the main part of the sheet width regulating means. The sheet mounting base 301 includes a guide section 3011 as a first guide section that guides the movement of the regulating guide 371 in a second direction, and a guide section 3012 as a second guide section that guides the movement of the regulating guide 372 in a second direction. The sheet mounting base 301 further includes a guide section for the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 in a second direction (sheet width direction). It is equipped with a pinion gear 381 to synchronize the movement of the components.

[0030] The pinion gear 381 is mounted on the sheet mounting base 301 so that its movement in the XY direction is restricted by the shaft 3014 of the sheet mounting base 301, and it is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the Z direction. The pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are movable in a direction (Y direction) that intersects the conveying direction of the sheet being conveyed along the X direction. The regulating guides 371 and 372 can change the distance between them in the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the sheet (hereinafter referred to as the sheet width direction) in accordance with the width of the sheet being conveyed. The pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are restricted in the Z direction relative to the sheet mounting base 301 by the pinion gear 381. The pinion gear 381 is restricted in the Z direction relative to the sheet mounting base 301 by a screw 391.

[0031] The pinion gear 381 has a gear portion 382 and a flange portion 383 that is aligned (adjacent) to the gear portion 382 in the Z direction. The restricting guide 371 has a rack portion 371r (first rack portion) that meshes with the gear portion 382 of the pinion gear 381. Similarly, the restricting guide 372 has a rack portion 372r (second rack portion) that meshes with the gear portion 382 of the pinion gear 381. The flange portion 383 of the pinion gear 381 faces the rack portions 371r and 372r that mesh with the gear portion 382 in the Z direction, restricting the relative movement of the rack portions 371r and 372r in the Z direction with respect to the gear portion 382. That is, the flange portion 383 acts as a first positioning portion, positioning the restricting guide 371 in the Z direction relative to the seat mounting base 301, and as a second positioning portion, positioning the restricting guide 372 in the Z direction relative to the seat mounting base 301. In this positioning configuration, the rack portion 371r of the regulating guide 371 becomes the first positioned portion, and the rack portion 372r of the regulating guide 372 becomes the second positioned portion.

[0032] When the user operates the regulating guide 371 in the seat width direction (Y direction), the regulating guide 372 moves in conjunction with it via the pinion gear 381 in the seat width direction. That is, the movement of the regulating guide 371 in the seat width direction transmits driving force from the rack section 371r to the gear section 382, ​​causing the pinion gear 381 to rotate, and then transmits driving force from the gear section 382 to the rack section 372r, causing the regulating guide 372 to move in the seat width direction.

[0033] Figure 8(a) is a rear view of the main part of the sheet width regulating mechanism. Figure 8(b) is an enlarged view of part F in Figure 8(a), and Figure 8(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Figure 8(b). Figure 8(d) is an enlarged view of part G in Figure 8(a), and Figure 8(e) is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Figure 8(d). Figures 9(a) to 9(e) show the positional relationship between the sheet mounting base and the main part of the sheet width regulating mechanism.

[0034] As shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), the guide portions 3011 and 3012 that guide the movement of the pair of restrictive guides 371 and 372 on the sheet mounting base 301 in the sheet width direction (Y direction) generally have a groove shape that extends in the sheet width direction. Figure 9(a) is a plan view of the surface 302 of the sheet mounting base 301, showing the sheet mounting base 301 in a state where the restrictive guides 371 and 372 are not attached. Figure 9(b) is a plan view of the back surface 303 of the sheet mounting base 301, showing the sheet mounting base 301 in a state where the restrictive guides 371 and 372 and the pinion gear 381 are not attached.

[0035] The guide section 3011 has a first front guide groove 3011g1 (Figure 9(a)) provided on the surface 302 of the sheet mounting base 301, a first back guide groove 3011g2 (Figure 9(b)) provided on the back surface 303, and a first insertion opening 301h1. The first insertion opening 301h1 is open so as to connect the side of the surface 302 and the side of the back surface 303. The first front guide groove 3011g1 and the first back guide groove 3011g2 are connected in the sheet width direction via the first insertion opening 301h1. They are connected to each other to form a single extending guide groove (first guide groove). Similarly, the guide section 3012 has a first front guide groove 3012g1 (Figure 9(a)), a first back guide groove 3011g2 (Figure 9(b)), and a second insertion opening 301h2, and these are connected to each other to form a single guide groove (second guide groove).

[0036] As shown in Figures 9(c) and 9(d), the regulating guide 371 has a first insertion / removal portion 371i that is inserted into and removed from the first insertion opening 301h1. Similarly, the regulating guide 372 is provided with a rack portion 372r and has a second insertion / removal portion 372i that is inserted into and removed from the second insertion opening 301h2. Figure 9(c) is a plan view of the surface 302 of the sheet mounting base 301, showing the sheet mounting base 301 with the regulating guides 371 and 372 attached. Figure 9(d) is a plan view of the back surface 303 of the sheet mounting base 301, showing the sheet mounting base 301 with the regulating guides 371 and 372 and the pinion gear 381 attached.

[0037] The first insertion opening 301h1 and the second insertion opening 301h2 are provided at different positions in the X direction and each has an opening shape that penetrates the sheet mounting base 301 in the Y direction. The regulating guide 371 assembled to the sheet mounting base 301 has a first insertion / removal portion 371i (first back side portion) located on the back surface 303 side of the sheet mounting base 301, and a first non-insertion / removal portion 371e (first front side portion) located on the front surface 302 side, separated by the first insertion opening 301h1. The first insertion / removal portion 371i is provided with a rack portion 371r, etc. The first non-insertion / removal portion 371e is provided with a first regulating portion 371g, etc. that can abut against one end of the sheet in the sheet width direction in the same direction.

[0038] The first insertion / removal portion 371i is guided in the sheet width direction by the first back-side guide groove 3011g2 as the first guided portion when the regulating guide 371 is moved relative to the sheet mounting base 301. The first non-insertion / removal portion 371e is guided in the sheet width direction by the first front-side guide groove 3011g1 as the first guided portion when the regulating guide 371 is moved relative to the sheet mounting base 301. As the position of the regulating guide 371 relative to the sheet mounting base 301 in the sheet width direction changes (the position of the portion of the regulating guide 371 that is inserted into the first insertion opening 301h1), the ratio of the back-side portion to the front-side portion of the regulating guide 371 changes. In other words, the amount of insertion of the first insertion / removal portion 371i into the first insertion opening 301h1 changes depending on the position of the regulating guide 371 relative to the sheet mounting base 301 in the sheet width direction.

[0039] Similarly, the regulating guide 372 has a second insertion / removal portion 372i (second back side portion) and a second non-insertion / removal portion 372e (second front side portion) as second guided portions. The second non-insertion / removal portion 372e is also provided with a second regulating portion 372g, which can abut against the other end of the sheet in the sheet width direction in the same direction. The first insertion / removal portion 371i is located on one side in the X direction relative to the pinion gear 381, and the second insertion / removal portion 372i is located on the other side in the X direction relative to the pinion gear 381.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8(a), the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 have their position in the X direction restricted by a pinion gear 381 provided on the sheet mounting base 301, and their position in the X direction restricted by a separation regulating section 3013. That is, the sheet mounting base 301 has a separation regulating section 3013 (first separation regulating section) that faces the gear portion (first gear portion) of the pinion gear 381 that meshes with the rack portion 371r, with the first insertion / removal portion 371i in between, in the X direction. Similarly, the sheet mounting base 301 has a separation regulating section 3013 (second separation regulating section) that faces the gear portion (second gear portion) of the pinion gear 381 that meshes with the rack portion 372r, with the second insertion / removal portion 372i in between, in the X direction. Of the gear section 382, ​​the first gear section and the separation restricting section 3013 (first separation restricting section) serve as the first positioning section, positioning the restricting guide 371 in the X direction relative to the seat mounting base 301. Similarly, of the gear section 382, ​​the second gear section and the separation restricting section 3013 (second separation restricting section) serve as the second positioning section. Then, the regulatory guide 372 is positioned in the X direction relative to the sheet mounting base 301.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8(a), the regulating guide 372 has a Y-direction positioning 372y for positioning the regulating guide 372 in the Y direction relative to the sheet mounting base 301. The Y-direction positioning 372y is the tip of the second insertion / removal portion 372i. The sheet mounting base 301 has a Y-direction stop portion 3012y, which is the end surface of the second back side guide groove 3012g2. The Y-direction positioning 372y abuts against this Y-direction stop portion 3012y, thereby defining the Y-direction movement limit of the regulating guide 372. Furthermore, the Y-direction movement limit of the regulating guide 371 is defined by defining the Y-direction movement limit of the interlocking regulating guide 372. Alternatively, the end surface 3011y of the first back guide groove 3011g2 may be provided with an end surface similar to the Y-direction stopping portion 3012y of the second back guide groove 3012g2, and this may serve as the Y-direction stopping portion of the restricting guides 371 to 372.

[0042] As shown in Figures 8(b) and 8(c), the regulating guide 371 has a Z-direction positioning part 371z as a first positioning part for positioning the regulating guide 371 in the Z-direction relative to the sheet mounting base 301. The sheet mounting base 301 also has a back side guide part 3031z on the back surface 303 side that is opposite to the Z-direction positioning part 371z of the regulating guide 371 in the Z-direction.

[0043] Similarly, as shown in Figure 8(a), the regulating guide 372 has a Y-direction positioning 372y for positioning the regulating guide 372 in the Y direction relative to the sheet mounting base 301. Also, as shown in Figures 8(d) and 8(e), the regulating guide 372 has a Z-direction positioning 372z as a second positioning part, and the sheet mounting base 301 has a back-side guide part 3032z as a second positioning part.

[0044] The pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 have their Y-direction position restricted when their Y-direction positioning guides 371y and 372y abut against the Y-direction stopping section 3012y of the sheet mounting base 301. In addition, the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 have their Z-direction position restricted when their Z-direction positioning guides 371z and 372z engage with the back side guide sections 3031z and 3032z of the sheet mounting base 301.

[0045] Guide sections 3011 and 3012 each have guide shapes 3011a, 3011b and 3012a, 3012b that face each other in the X direction, and are configured within the area of ​​the dotted line in Figure 8(a). These guide sections 3011 and 3012 allow the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 to move in a direction (Y direction) intersecting the sheet transport direction via the first insertion opening 301h1 and the second insertion opening 301h2.

[0046] As shown in Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c), the guide portion 3011 has a groove shape that is recessed in the Z direction and extends in the Y direction on the surface 302 of the sheet mounting base 301. As shown in Figures 8(a), 9(b), and 9(c), a part of the bottom surface of the groove shape of the guide portion 3011 is a slit-shaped opening 3011o (first slit opening) that penetrates the sheet mounting base 301 in the Z direction and extends in the Y direction. The back side of the surface region of the guide portion 3011 that extends in the Y direction adjacent to the opening 3011o on the bottom surface of the groove shape is a back side guide portion 3031z that guides the Z direction positioning 371z. As shown in Figures 8(b) and 8(c), the Z-direction positioning 371z extends from the non-insertion / removal portion 371e of the regulating guide 371 to the back side of the sheet mounting base 301 via the opening 3011o in the Z direction, and further has a bent shape in the X direction. That is, the Z-direction positioning 371z, as the first engaging portion, wraps around to the back side of the groove bottom surface of the groove shape of the guide portion 3011, and is configured to face and engage with the back side guide portion 3031z, which is the first engaged portion, in the Z direction.

[0047] As shown in Figures 8(a), 8(d), and 8(e), the guide portion 3012 is similarly slippery. It has a T-shaped opening 3012o (second slit opening) and a back-side guide portion 3032z (second engaged portion). Similarly, the regulating guide 372 has a Z-direction positioning portion 372z (second engaged portion) that is opposed to and engages with the back-side guide portion 3032z in the Z direction.

[0048] As shown in Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(d), the guide portion 3011 has a notch 3011n at the end closest to the first insertion opening 301h1 in the Y direction. The notch 301n is provided such that an opening area larger than the Z-direction positioning 371z is formed in the opening 3011o. The opening area formed by the notch 3011n makes it possible to rotate the Z-direction positioning 371z from the front side to the back side of the sheet mounting base 301 when assembling the regulating guide 371 to the sheet mounting base 301. The guide portion 3012 similarly has a notch 3012n.

[0049] In other words, when assembling the regulating guide 371 to the sheet mounting base 301, first insert the rack portion 371r into the first insertion opening 301h1 in a direction inclined with respect to the Y direction. Insert the rack portion 371r in the inclined direction until the Z-direction positioning 371z is in a position that overlaps with the notch portion 3011n. Then, change the orientation of the regulating guide 371 so that the Z-direction positioning 371z enters the back surface 303 side of the sheet mounting base 301 from the front surface 302 side through the opening formed by the notch portion 3011n. Specifically, change the orientation of the regulating guide 371 so that the direction in which the rack portion 371r extends changes from a direction inclined with respect to the Y direction to a direction parallel to the Y direction. As a result, the Z-direction positioning 371z comes into contact with the guide portion 3011 in the Z direction, and the regulating guide 371 is assembled to the sheet mounting base 301. The same applies when assembling the regulatory guide 372 onto the sheet mounting base 301.

[0050] According to this embodiment, the various components of the first positioning part of the regulating guide 371 are arranged so that their positions in the X direction are located between one end and the other end of the guide portion 3011 in the X direction. That is, the positions in the X direction of the Y-direction positioning 371y, the Z-direction positioning 371z, and the rack portion 371r are located between one end and the other end of the guide portion 3011 in the X direction. The regulating guide 372 and the guide portion 3012 have a similar arrangement. This arrangement makes it possible to achieve space savings in the main body of the device, where miniaturization is required.

[0051] As shown in Figures 9(c) and 9(e), the regulating guide 371 has an operating part 371o for the user to operate when moving the regulating guide 371 in the Y direction relative to the sheet mounting base 301. Figure 9(e) is a perspective view of the sheet mounting base 301 showing the surface 302 side of the sheet mounting base 301. As shown in Figure 9(c), the operating part 371o is located in the X direction within the range W of the arrow in Figure 9(c). The guide part 3011 is located inside the arrow representing the X-direction width of the operating part 371o. That is, the position of the first insertion / removal part 371i in the X direction is located between one end and the other end of the operating part 371o in the X direction. Also, the meshing part (first meshing part) between the rack part 371r of the regulating guide 371 and the pinion gear 381 is located on the dashed line which is approximately the center of the operating part 371o.

[0052] Thus, in the X direction, the guide portion 3011 is located inside the operating portion 371o (between one end and the other end of the operating portion 371o in the X direction), and the meshing portion with the pinion gear 381 that applies a load to the regulating guide 371 is located approximately in the center of the operating portion 371o in the X direction. Therefore, when operating the operating portion 371o in the Y direction, torsional forces are less likely to be generated, thereby improving the operability of the regulating guide 371.

[0053] In this embodiment, the control guide 371 is provided with an operating unit 371o, but the control guide 372 may also be provided with an operating unit of a similar configuration, or the control guides 371 and 372 may each be provided with an operating unit.

[0054] Figure 10(a) is a front view of the pinion gear 381. Figure 10(b) is a front view of a pair of regulating guides 371 and 372. As shown in Figure 10(a), the pinion gear 381 has an elastic portion 381a and a non-elastic portion 381b.

[0055] As shown in Figures 10(c) and 10(d), the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 have elastic shapes 371a and 372a, inelastic shapes 371b and 372b, and retractable shapes 371c and 372c on the rack portions 371r and 372r. In addition, the regulating guides 371 and 372 are provided with openings 371d and 372d in the region on the back side of the rack portions 371r and 372r in the X direction of the insertion and removal portions 371i and 372i, through the insertion and removal portion 372i in the Z direction. The back side of the rack portions 371r and 372r in the X direction is the side opposite to the side of the rack portions 371r and 372r that faces the pinion gear 381 in the X direction. The openings 371d and 372d are slit-shaped openings extending in the Y direction, and are provided to extend along the elastic shapes 371a and 372a in the region along the rack portions 371r and 372r.

[0056] In other words, when viewed in the X direction, the elastic shape 371a (first elastic rack section) is included in the region that overlaps with the opening 371d (first opening) in the rack section 371r (first rack section). Similarly, the elastic shape 372a (second elastic rack section) is included in the region that overlaps with the opening 372d (second opening) in the rack section 372r (second rack section). On the other hand, when viewed in the X direction, the inelastic shape 371b (first inelastic rack section) and the retracted shape 371c (first retracted rack section) are included in the region that does not overlap with the opening 371d (first opening) in the rack section 371r (first rack section). Similarly, the inelastic shape 372b (second inelastic rack section) and the retracted shape 372c (second retracted rack section) are included in the region that does not overlap with the opening 372d (second opening) in the rack section 372r (second rack section).

[0057] The retracted shape 371c, the inelastic shape 371b, and the elastic shape 371a are arranged in this order toward the tip of the insertion / removal portion 371i in the Y direction. The tooth tips of the retracted shape 371c are further away from the pinion gear 381 in the X direction than the tooth tips of the inelastic shape 371b. The elastic shape 371a is configured to bend elastically in the X direction due to an opening 371d that penetrates the rack portion 371r in the Z direction on the back side of the elastic shape 371a in the X direction. That is, when the elastic shape 371a meshes with the pinion gear 381, it is configured to be able to bend elastically in such a way that the opening 371d is recessed in the X direction. The inelastic shape 371b and the retracted shape 371c do not have through holes or the like on their back sides, and are configured so that the amount of deformation due to external forces is smaller than that of the elastic shape 371a. The retracted shape 372c, the inelastic shape 372b, and the elastic shape 372a are configured similarly.

[0058] As shown in Figure 10(a), the elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 has a cantilever shape at one end and a free end at the other end. That is, the elastic portion 381a (elastic gear portion) of the pinion gear 381 has a cantilever beam shape in the circumferential direction around the rotation axis of the pinion gear 381, with one end being a fixed end and the other end being a free end. The elastic portion 381a is configured to be able to deform in such a way that the other end, which is the free end, is displaced in a direction approaching the rotation axis of the pinion gear 381. Therefore, when the other end of the elastic portion 381a is pushed in, the tooth tips of the elastic portion 381a elasticize within the range of the gap C3 in which the elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 can elasticize, from the tooth tip circle diameter D3 of the pinion gear 381 toward the center of the pinion gear 381.

[0059] The elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 is provided in pairs, corresponding to a pair of regulating guides 371 and 372. One of the pair of elastic portions 381a has a first fixed end and a first free end, and forms a first meshing portion by engaging with the rack portion 371r of the regulating guide 371. The first elastic part 381a is an elastic gear part. The other part is an elastic part 381a as a second elastic gear part, having a second fixed end and a second free end, and forming a second meshing part by meshing with the rack part 372r of the regulating guide 372. The pair of elastic parts 381a are configured such that the first meshing part and the second meshing part are aligned in the X direction.

[0060] The inelastic portion 381b of the pinion gear 381 is arranged to be aligned in the circumferential direction with respect to the elastic portion 381a. The inelastic portion 381b is also provided in pairs, corresponding to the pair of restrictive guides 371 and 372. One of the pair of inelastic portion 381b is an inelastic portion 381b that functions as a first inelastic gear portion, meshing with the rack portion 371r of the restrictive guide 371. The other of the pair of inelastic portion 381b is an inelastic portion 381b that functions as a second inelastic gear portion, meshing with the rack portion 372r of the restrictive guide 372.

[0061] The elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 is configured to mesh with the inelastic shapes 371b, 371b of the rack portions 371r, 372r to form a first meshing portion and a second meshing portion. In the first and second meshing portions formed at this time, the elastic deformation of the elastic portion 381a generates a biasing force that causes the elastic portion 381a and the inelastic shapes 371b, 371b to come into close contact with each other in the X direction. Similarly, the inelastic portion 381b of the pinion gear 381 is configured to mesh with the elastic shapes 371a, 371a of the rack portions 371r, 372r to form a first meshing portion and a second meshing portion. In the first and second meshing portions formed at this time, the elastic deformation of the elastic shapes 371a, 371a generates a biasing force that causes the inelastic portion 381b and the elastic shapes 371b, 371b to come into close contact with each other in the X direction.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 10(b), the distance between the bottoms of the teeth of the rack portions of the elastic shapes 371a, 372a and the non-elastic shapes 371b, 372b of the pair of regulation guides 371, 372 is L12. The elastic shapes 371a, 372a of the regulation guides 371, 372 are both-supported shapes. Therefore, when the elastic shapes 371a, 372a are pushed in, the bottoms of the teeth of the elastic shapes 371a, 372a elastically deform within the ranges of the elastic gaps C1, C2 in the direction of widening the distance L12 between the bottoms of the teeth of the rack portion. And the tip circle diameter D3 of the pinion gear 381 is larger than the distance L12 between the bottoms of the teeth of the rack portion, and the elastic portions 381a of the pinion gear 381 and the elastic shapes 371a, 372a of the pair of regulation guides 371, 372 elastically deform by an amount of (D3 - L12) / 2 respectively. Furthermore, since the elastic gaps C1, C2, C3 are larger than the elastic deformation amount (D3 - L12) / 2, the elastic portions 381a of the pinion gear 381 and the elastic shapes 371a, 372a of the pair of regulation guides 371, 372 can elastically deform by the elastic deformation amount (D3 - L12) / 2.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 10(d), the bottoms of the teeth of the retracted shapes 371c, 372c are offset by a distance Lc in the X direction from the bottoms of the teeth of the elastic shapes 371a, 372a and the non-elastic shapes 371b, 372b. Therefore, the distance between the bottoms of the teeth of the rack portions of 371c, 372c becomes (L12 + 2Lc), and when compared with the tip circle diameter D3 of the pinion gear 381, the relationship is L12 < D3 < (L12 + 2Lc).

[0064] When the pinion gear 381 is meshed with the rack portion of elastic shape 371a, 372a or non-elastic shape 371b, 372b, either the elastic shape 371a, 372a of the pair of restrictor guides 371, 372 or the elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 undergoes elastic deformation. Therefore, there is no backlash between the tooth surface of the pinion gear 381 and the tooth surface of the rack portion of the restrictor guides 371, 372. In contrast, when the pinion gear 381 is meshed with the rack portion of retracted shape 371c, 372c, backlash occurs between the tooth surface of the pinion gear 381 and the tooth surface of the rack portion of retracted shape 371c, 372c. Within the specified range of the seat width supported by the device, the pinion gear 381 is meshed with the restrictor guide 37 1. It meshes with the elastic shapes 371a, 372a or the inelastic shapes 371b, 372b of 372.

[0065] The regulatory guides 371 and 372 are set inside the specified range of the sheet width that the device supports when it is shipped. When the regulatory guides 371 and 372 are set in this shipping position, the pinion gear 381 is configured to mesh with the retracted shapes 371c and 372c.

[0066] With the above configuration, when the regulating guides 371 and 372 are set within the specified sheet width range of the device, backlash with the pinion gear 381 is eliminated, suppressing play in the regulating guides 371 and 372 and achieving suppression of sheet skew. Furthermore, when the regulating guides 371 and 372 are set to the shipping position, backlash occurs between them and the pinion gear 381, thus avoiding creep deformation of the elastic shapes 371a and 372a and the elastic part 381a. This prevents a decrease in the sheet skew suppression performance.

[0067] Figure 11(a) is a front view of the main part of the sheet width regulating means. Figure 11(b) is an enlarged view of area V in Figure 11(a). As shown in Figure 11(b), the elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 meshes with the inelastic shapes 371b and 372b of the rack portions 371r and 372r of the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372. The elasticity of the elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 biases the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 toward the separation regulating portion 3013. The inelastic portion 381b of the pinion gear 381 and the elastic shapes 371a and 372a of the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are not meshed. This positional relationship between the pinion gear 381 and the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 is called the first position.

[0068] Figures 12(a) and 12(b) show the main parts of the sheet loading section and the sheet width regulating means in the first position. As shown in Figure 12(a), in the first position, the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are in close proximity to each other within the sheet loading base 301 in the sheet width direction (Y direction). The main part of the sheet width regulating means when the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are in the position shown in Figure 12(a) is in the first position as shown in Figure 12(b). The elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 elasticizes in the 381aD direction.

[0069] Figures 13(a) and 13(b) show the main parts of the sheet loading section and the sheet width regulating means in the second position. As shown in Figure 13(a), in the second position, the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are located far apart from each other within the sheet loading table 301 in a direction (Y direction) that intersects with the sheet transport direction. Figure 13(b) shows the main parts of the sheet width regulating means when the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are in the position shown in Figure 13(a). As shown in Figure 13(b), the inelastic portion 381b of the pinion gear 381 engages with the elastic shapes 371a and 372a of the rack portions of the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372. The elastic shapes 371a and 372a of the rack portions 371r and 372r of the regulating guides 371 and 372 elasticize in the 371aD and 372aD directions, thereby biasing the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 toward the separation regulating section 3013. The elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 and the inelastic shapes 371b and 372b of the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are not engaged. This positional relationship between the pinion gear 381 and the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 is referred to as the second position.

[0070] Figures 14(a) and 14(b) show the main parts of the sheet loading section and sheet width regulating means in the third position. As shown in Figure 14(a), in the third position, the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are located between the first and second positions within the sheet loading base 301 in the sheet width direction (Y direction). Figure 14(b) shows the main parts of the sheet width regulating means when the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are in the position shown in Figure 14(a). As shown in Figure 14(b), the elastic part 381a of the pinion gear 381 is connected to the rack parts 371r and 372 of the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372. The elastic shapes 371a and 372a of the 2r are engaged. The elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 and the elastic shapes 371a and 372a of the rack portions of the regulating guides 371 and 372 elasticize in the directions 371aD, 372aD, and 381aD, thereby biasing the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 toward the separation regulating portion 3013. The inelastic portion 381b of the pinion gear 381 and the inelastic shapes 371b and 372b of the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 are not engaged. This positional relationship between the pinion gear 381 and the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 is called the third position.

[0071] As shown in Figures 12(b), 13(b), and 14(b), the elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 and the elastic shape 371a, 372a of the rack portion of the regulating guides 371, 372 are configured to be elastic, either one or both. This prevents backlash between the pinion gear 381 and the regulating guides 371, 372, and ensures that the regulating guides 371, 372 are reliably positioned in a predetermined position according to the sheet width.

[0072] As shown in Figures 12(b), 13(b), and 14(b), at the meshing portion between the pair of restrictor guides 371 and 372 and the pinion gear 381, in the first position shown in Figure 12(b), the elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 meshes at the tip of the elastic portion 381a. When the pair of restrictor guides 371 and 372 and the pinion gear 381 are moved from the first position to the third position shown in Figure 14(b), the meshing portion of the elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381 changes its meshing position. Specifically, the meshing portion changes its meshing position within the elastic portion 381a, from the tip of the elastic portion 381a towards the base of the elastic portion 381a. Then, when the meshing position passes the base of the elastic portion 381a of the pinion gear 381, it reaches the second position shown in Figure 13(b), and the inelastic portion 381b of the pinion gear 381 engages.

[0073] On the other hand, at the meshing portion between the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 and the pinion gear 381, at the second position shown in Figure 13(b), the elastic shapes 371a and 372a of the rack portion of the regulating guides 371 and 372 mesh at the center of the elastic shapes 371a and 372a. When the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 and the pinion gear 381 are moved from the second position shown in Figure 13(b) to the third position shown in Figure 14(b), the meshing portion of the elastic shapes 371a and 372a of the rack portion of the regulating guides 371 and 372 changes its meshing position. Specifically, the meshing portion changes its meshing position within the elastic shapes 371a and 372a, moving from the center of the elastic shapes 371a and 372a towards the ends of the elastic shapes 371a and 372a. Then, when the meshing position passes the ends of the elastic shapes 371a and 372a, it reaches the first position shown in Figure 12(b), where the inelastic shapes 371b and 372b of the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 mesh.

[0074] In other words, when the meshing position of the meshing part is changed from the first position (Figure 12(b)) to the third position (Figure 14(b)), the elastic part 381a of the pinion gear 381 gradually becomes less elastic, and the elastic shapes 371a and 372a of the regulating guides 371 and 372 gradually become more elastic. With this configuration, the force biasing the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 to the separation regulating part 3013 becomes substantially uniform at all positions: the first position (Figure 12(b)), the second position (Figure 13(b)), and the third position (Figure 14(b)). Therefore, it becomes possible to make the operating force when the user operates the regulating guide 371 in a direction intersecting the sheet transport direction substantially uniform at all positions, making it easier to stabilize the user's operating force.

[0075] Figure 15 is an overall perspective view of the image reading device 1 with a sheet loaded onto it, when the pinion gear and a pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 according to this embodiment are in the first position. The sheet G1 loaded onto the sheet mounting table 301 is the smallest width sheet that the image reading device 1 can transport, and is regulated by the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 to the smallest possible sheet width (opposing distance).

[0076] Figure 16 is an overall perspective view of the image reading device 1 with a sheet loaded, when the pinion gear and the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 according to this embodiment are in the second position. The sheet G2 loaded onto platform 301 is the widest sheet that the image reading device 1 can transport, and is restricted to its maximum sheet width (distance between opposing sheets) by a pair of regulating guides 371 and 372.

[0077] Figure 17 is an overall perspective view of the image reading device 1 with a sheet loaded when the pinion gear and a pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 according to this embodiment are in the third position. The sheet G3 loaded on the sheet mounting table 301 is a sheet with an intermediate width between the minimum and maximum widths that the image reading device 1 can transport, and is regulated by the pair of regulating guides 371 and 372 at an intermediate sheet width (opposing distance).

[0078] Figures 18(a) to 18(e) are assembly diagrams of the main parts of the sheet width regulating means. Figures 19(a) and 19(b) are perspective views of the sheet mounting base 301 showing the openings of the first insertion opening 301h1 and the second insertion opening 301h2. As shown in Figure 18(a), the first insertion / removal part 371i and the second insertion / removal part 372i of the regulating guides 371 and 372 are inserted into the first insertion opening 301h1 and the second insertion opening 301h2 of the sheet mounting base 301 in the direction of the arrows. Next, as shown in Figure 18(b), once the first insertion / removal part 371i and the second insertion / removal part 372i of the regulating guides 371 and 372 are fully inserted into the sheet mounting base 301, the regulating guides 371 and 372 are rotated in the direction of the arrows. Next, as shown in Figure 18(c), the regulating guides 371 and 372 are spread in the direction of the arrows until they abut. Finally, as shown in Figure 18(d), the regulating guides 371 and 372 are restricted in the Z direction by the pinion gear 381 and screw 391, thereby completing the assembly of the regulating guides 371 and 372 to the seat mounting base 301. Figure 18(e) is an enlarged view of the first insertion opening 301h1 and the second insertion opening 301h2 of the seat mounting base 301. With this configuration, the regulating guides 371 and 372 can each be made from a single part without being divided, and improved ease of assembly is achieved.

[0079] Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to sheet feeding devices other than image recording devices.

[0080] The disclosure of embodiments of the present invention includes the following configurations. (Composition 1) A sheet loading section on which sheets are loaded to be transported in the first direction, A first restricting member for restricting one end of a sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A second restricting member for restricting the other end of the sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in the second direction, Equipped with, The sheet loading section has a first insertion opening and a second insertion opening, The first regulating member has a first insertion / removal portion that is inserted into and removed from the first insertion port, The second restricting member is used in a sheet transport mechanism having a second insertion / removal portion that is inserted into and removed from the second insertion opening. The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first positioning unit that positions the first regulating member with respect to the sheet loading unit in the first direction and in a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions, A second positioning unit that positions the second regulating member relative to the sheet loading unit in the first and third directions, It has, The first regulating member has a first positioned portion that the first positioning portion abuts against, which is provided in the first insertion / removal portion. The second regulating member has a second positioned portion that the second positioning portion contacts provided in the second insertion / removal portion. A sheet transport mechanism characterized by the following features. (Configuration 2) Depending on the position of the first restricting member in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section, the insertion amount of the first insertion / removal section into the first insertion opening changes. Depending on the position of the second restricting member in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section, the amount of insertion of the second insertion / removal section into the second insertion opening changes. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 1, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 3) The sheet loading section has a stopper that defines the limit of movement of the first restricting member in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section. The sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that the first regulating member has a first insertion / removal portion that abuts against the stopper portion in the second direction. (Composition 4) The first regulating member has an operating part for the user to operate when moving the first regulating member in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section. The position of the first insertion / removal portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the operating portion in the first direction. A sheet transport mechanism according to any one of the configurations 1 to 3 characterized by the above. (Composition 5) The second restricting member is configured to be movable in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section in conjunction with the movement of the first restricting member in the second direction. A sheet transport mechanism according to any one of the configurations 1 to 4, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 6) The sheet loading section has a pinion gear having a rotation axis extending in the third direction, The first insertion / removal portion has a first rack portion that meshes with the pinion gear, The second insertion / removal portion has a second rack portion that meshes with the pinion gear. A sheet transport mechanism according to any one of the configurations 1 to 5, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 7) The first insertion / removal portion is located on one side in the first direction relative to the pinion gear, The second insertion / removal portion is located on the other side in the first direction relative to the pinion gear, The sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 6, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 8) The sheet loading section has a first surface on which sheets are loaded, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first and second insertion ports are open so as to connect the side of the first surface and the side of the second surface. The first insertion / removal portion and the second insertion / removal portion are located on the side of the second surface. A sheet transport mechanism according to any one of the configurations 1 to 7, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 9) The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first front-side guide groove extending in the second direction is provided on the first surface, A first back-side guide groove extending in the second direction is provided on the second surface so as to be connected to the first front-side guide groove via the first insertion opening, A second front-side guide groove extending in the second direction is provided on the first surface, A second back guide groove extending in the second direction is provided on the second surface so as to be connected to the second front guide groove via the second insertion opening, It has, The first insertion / removal portion is guided by the first back side guide groove when the first regulating member moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion. The second insertion / removal portion is guided by the second back side guide groove when the second regulating member moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion. The first regulating member is, A first restricting portion that can contact one end of the sheet in the second direction, Including the first restricting portion, the first restricting member is guided by the first front side guide groove when it moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, Yes, The second regulating member is, A second restricting portion that can contact the other end of the sheet in the second direction, Including the second restricting portion, the second restricting member is guided by the second front side guide groove when it moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, possess, A sheet transport mechanism according to any one of the configurations 1 to 8, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 10) The position of the first positioning portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the first back-side guide groove in the first direction. The position of the second positioning portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the second back-side guide groove in the first direction. The sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 9, characterized by the features described herein. (Composition 11) The first front guide groove has a first slit opening that penetrates the groove bottom surface in the third direction and extends in the second direction. The first front portion has a first engaging portion that wraps around to the second surface side through the first slit opening and is capable of engaging with the second surface in the third direction, The second surface has a first engaged portion that faces the first engaging portion in the third direction, The first engaged portion, as the first positioning portion, positions the first regulating member in the third direction relative to the sheet loading portion. The second front guide groove has a second slit opening that penetrates the groove bottom surface in the third direction and extends in the second direction, The second front portion has a second engaging portion that wraps around to the side of the second surface through the second slit opening and is capable of engaging with the second surface in the third direction, The second surface has a second engaged portion that faces the second engaging portion in the third direction, The second engaged portion, as the second positioning portion, positions the second restricting member in the third direction relative to the sheet loading portion. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 9 or 10, characterized by the above. (Composition 12) The first meshing portion where the first rack portion and the pinion gear mesh, and the second meshing portion where the second rack portion and the pinion gear mesh, are aligned in the first direction. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 6 or 7, characterized by the above. (Composition 13) The first rack portion has a first elastic rack portion which generates a biasing force in the direction of close contact with the pinion gear at the first meshing portion, The second rack portion has a second elastic rack portion which generates a biasing force in the direction of close contact with the pinion gear at the second meshing portion. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 12, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 14) The first insertion / removal portion has a first opening that penetrates in the third direction, on the side opposite to the side of the first rack portion that faces the pinion gear in the first direction, The first elastic rack portion is, when viewed in the first direction in the first rack portion, 1. Included in the region overlapping with the opening, The second insertion / removal portion has a second opening that penetrates in the third direction, on the side opposite to the side of the second rack portion that faces the pinion gear in the first direction, The second elastic rack portion is included in the region of the second rack portion that overlaps with the second opening when viewed in the first direction. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 13, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 15) The first rack portion is configured to be elastically deformable such that when the first elastic rack portion engages with the pinion gear, the first opening is recessed in the first direction. The second rack portion is configured to be elastically deformable such that the second opening is recessed in the first direction when the second elastic rack portion engages with the pinion gear. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 14, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 16) The pinion gear has a first gear portion that meshes with the first rack portion and a second gear portion that meshes with the second rack portion. The aforementioned first gear section is, A first elastic gear section having a cantilevered shape in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis, with one end being a first fixed end and the other end being a first free end, The first inelastic gear portion is arranged in the circumferential direction relative to the first elastic gear portion, It has, The aforementioned second gear section is The second elastic gear portion has a cantilevered shape in which one end in the circumferential direction is a second fixed end and the other end is a second free end, A second inelastic gear portion is arranged in the circumferential direction relative to the second elastic gear portion, It has, The first rack portion has a first inelastic rack portion aligned in the second direction with respect to the first elastic rack portion, The second rack portion has a second inelastic rack portion aligned in the second direction with respect to the second elastic rack portion, The first rack section and the first gear section are configured such that the first inelastic rack section and the first elastic gear section mesh together, and the first elastic rack section and the first inelastic gear section mesh together. The second rack section and the second gear section are configured such that the second inelastic rack section and the second elastic gear section mesh together, and the second elastic rack section and the second inelastic gear section mesh together. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 14 or 15, characterized by the above. (Composition 17) The first inelastic rack portion is included in the region of the first rack portion that does not overlap with the first opening when viewed in the first direction. The second inelastic rack portion is included in the region of the second rack portion that does not overlap with the second opening when viewed in the first direction. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 16, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 18) The pinion gear has a flange portion adjacent in the third direction to the gear portion that meshes with the first rack portion and the second rack portion, The flange portion, as the first positioning portion, positions the first restricting member in the third direction relative to the sheet loading portion, and as the second positioning portion, positions the second restricting member in the third direction relative to the sheet loading portion. A sheet transport mechanism according to any one of the configurations 6, 7, and 12-17, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 19) The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first separation restricting portion is positioned opposite the first gear portion in the first direction, with the first insertion / removal portion in between, A second separation restricting portion is positioned opposite the second gear portion in the first direction, with the second insertion / removal portion in between, It has, The first gear section and the first separation restricting section, as the first positioning section, position the first restricting member in the first direction relative to the sheet loading section. The second gear section and the second separation restricting section, as the second positioning section, position the second restricting member in the first direction relative to the sheet loading section. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 16 or 17, characterized by the above. (Composition 20) The first socket and the second socket are located at different positions from each other in the first direction. A sheet transport mechanism according to any one of the configurations 1 to 19, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 21) A sheet loading section on which sheets are loaded to be transported in the first direction, A first restricting member for restricting one end of a sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A second restricting member for restricting the other end of the sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in the second direction, Equipped with, The sheet loading section has a first guide groove extending in the second direction and a second guide groove extending in the second direction, The first regulating member has a first guided portion that is guided by the first guide groove when it moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, In a sheet transport mechanism having a second guided portion that is guided by the second guide groove when the second regulating member moves in a second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first positioning unit that positions the first regulating member relative to the sheet loading unit in the first direction and in a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions, A second positioning unit that positions the second regulating member in the first direction and the third direction relative to the sheet loading section, It has, The first regulating member has a first positioned portion that the first positioning portion abuts against, which is provided on the first guided portion. The second regulating member has a second positioned portion that the second positioning portion abuts against, which is provided on the second guided portion. A sheet transport mechanism characterized by the following features. (Composition 22) The position of the first positioned portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the first guide groove in the first direction. The position of the second positioning portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the second guide groove in the first direction. A sheet transport mechanism according to configuration 21, characterized by the features described above. (Composition 23) A sheet feeding unit having a sheet transport mechanism described in any one of configurations 1 to 22, A recording unit that records an image on a sheet transported from the sheet feeding unit, A recording device characterized by comprising the following features. (Composition 24) A sheet feeding unit having a sheet transport mechanism described in any one of configurations 1 to 22, A reading device characterized by comprising: a reading unit for reading an image recorded on a sheet transported by the sheet transport mechanism. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 301...Sheet mounting base, 301h1...First insertion slot, 301h2...Second insertion slot, 3011, 3012...Guide section, 3011o, 3012o...Opening, 3011n, 3012n...Notch section, 3011g, 3012g...First guide groove, Second guide groove, 3011g1, 3012g1...First front side guide groove, Second front side guide groove, 3011g2, 3012g2...First back side guide groove, Second back side guide groove, 3013...Separation regulating section, 302...Surface (sheet mounting surface), 3 03…Back side (non-sheet mounting surface), 371, 372…Regulatory guide, 371i, 372i…First insertion / removal section, second insertion / removal section, 371e, 372e…First non-insertion / removal section, second non-insertion / removal section, 371g, 372g…Regulatory section (first regulatory section, second regulatory section), 371r, 372r…Rack section, 371a, 372a…Elastic rack section, 371b, 372b…Non-elastic rack section, 371c, 372c…Retractable rack section, 381…Pinion gear, 382…Gear section, 383…Flange section

Claims

1. A sheet loading section on which sheets are loaded to be transported in the first direction, A first restricting member for restricting one end of a sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A second restricting member for restricting the other end of the sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in the second direction, Equipped with, The sheet loading section has a first insertion opening and a second insertion opening, The first regulating member has a first insertion / removal portion that is inserted into and removed from the first insertion port, The second regulating member is used in a sheet transport mechanism having a second insertion / removal portion that is inserted into and removed from the second insertion opening. The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first positioning unit that positions the first regulating member relative to the sheet loading unit in the first direction and in a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions, A second positioning unit that positions the second regulating member relative to the sheet loading section in the first and third directions, It has, The first regulating member has a first positioned portion that the first positioning portion abuts against, which is provided in the first insertion / removal portion. The second regulating member has a second positioned portion that the second positioning portion abuts against, which is provided in the second insertion / removal portion. A sheet transport mechanism characterized by the following features.

2. Depending on the position of the first restricting member in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section, the insertion amount of the first insertion / removal section into the first insertion opening changes. Depending on the position of the second restricting member in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section, the amount of insertion of the second insertion / removal section into the second insertion opening changes. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 1.

3. The sheet loading section has a stopper that defines the limit of movement of the first restricting member in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section. The sheet transport mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the first regulating member has a first insertion / removal portion that abuts against the stopper portion in the second direction.

4. The first regulating member has an operating part for the user to operate when moving the first regulating member in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section. The position of the first insertion / removal portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the operating portion in the first direction. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 1.

5. The second restricting member is configured to be movable in the second direction relative to the sheet loading section in conjunction with the movement of the first restricting member in the second direction. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 4.

6. The sheet loading section has a pinion gear having a rotation axis extending in the third direction, The first insertion / removal portion has a first rack portion that meshes with the pinion gear, The second insertion / removal portion has a second rack portion that meshes with the pinion gear. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 1.

7. The first insertion / removal portion is located on one side in the first direction relative to the pinion gear, The second insertion / removal portion is located on the other side in the first direction relative to the pinion gear, The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 6.

8. The sheet loading section has a first surface on which sheets are loaded, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first insertion port and the second insertion port are open so as to connect the side of the first surface and the side of the second surface. The first insertion / removal portion and the second insertion / removal portion are located on the side of the second surface. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 1.

9. The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first front-side guide groove extending in the second direction is provided on the first surface, A first back-side guide groove extending in the second direction is provided on the second surface so as to be connected to the first front-side guide groove via the first insertion opening, A second front-side guide groove extending in the second direction is provided on the first surface, A second back guide groove extending in the second direction is provided on the second surface so as to be connected to the second front guide groove via the second insertion opening, It has, The first insertion / removal portion is guided by the first back side guide groove when the first regulating member moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion. The second insertion / removal portion is guided by the second back side guide groove when the second regulating member moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion. The first regulating member is, A first restricting portion that can contact one end of the sheet in the second direction, Including the first restricting portion, the first restricting member is guided by the first front side guide groove when it moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, Yes, The second restricting member is, A second restricting portion that can contact the other end of the sheet in the second direction, Including the second restricting portion, the second restricting member is guided by the second front side guide groove when it moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, possess, The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 8.

10. The position of the first positioning portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the first back-side guide groove in the first direction. The position of the second positioning portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the second back side guide groove in the first direction. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 9.

11. The first front guide groove has a first slit opening that penetrates the groove bottom surface in the third direction and extends in the second direction. The first front portion has a first engaging portion that wraps around to the second surface side through the first slit opening and is capable of engaging with the second surface in the third direction, The second surface has a first engaged portion that faces the first engaging portion in the third direction, The first engaged portion, as the first positioning portion, positions the first regulating member in the third direction relative to the sheet loading portion. The second front guide groove has a second slit opening that penetrates the groove bottom surface in the third direction and extends in the second direction. The second front portion has a second engaging portion that wraps around to the side of the second surface through the second slit opening and is capable of engaging with the second surface in the third direction, The second surface has a second engaged portion that faces the second engaging portion in the third direction, The second engaged portion, as the second positioning portion, positions the second restricting member in the third direction relative to the sheet loading portion. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 10.

12. The first meshing portion in which the first rack portion and the pinion gear mesh, and the second meshing portion in which the second rack portion and the pinion gear mesh, are aligned in the first direction. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 7.

13. The first rack portion has a first elastic rack portion which generates a biasing force in the direction of close contact with the pinion gear at the first meshing portion, The second rack portion has a second elastic rack portion which generates a biasing force in the direction of close contact with the pinion gear at the second meshing portion. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 12.

14. The first insertion / removal portion has a first opening that penetrates in the third direction, on the side opposite to the side of the first rack portion that faces the pinion gear in the first direction, The first elastic rack portion is included in the region of the first rack portion that overlaps with the first opening when viewed in the first direction, The second insertion / removal portion has a second opening that penetrates in the third direction, on the side opposite to the side of the second rack portion that faces the pinion gear in the first direction, The second elastic rack portion is included in the region of the second rack portion that overlaps with the second opening when viewed in the first direction. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 13.

15. The first rack portion is configured to be elastically deformable such that when the first elastic rack portion engages with the pinion gear, the first opening is recessed in the first direction. The second rack portion is configured to be elastically deformable such that the second opening is recessed in the first direction when the second elastic rack portion engages with the pinion gear. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 14.

16. The pinion gear has a first gear portion that meshes with the first rack portion and a second gear portion that meshes with the second rack portion. The first gear section is, A first elastic gear section having a cantilevered shape in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis, with one end being a first fixed end and the other end being a first free end, A first inelastic gear portion is arranged in the circumferential direction relative to the first elastic gear portion, It has, The second gear section is, The second elastic gear portion has a cantilevered shape in which one end in the circumferential direction is a second fixed end and the other end is a second free end, A second inelastic gear portion is arranged in the circumferential direction relative to the second elastic gear portion, It has, The first rack portion is a first inelastic rack portion aligned in the second direction with respect to the first elastic rack portion. It has a locking part, The second rack portion has a second inelastic rack portion aligned in the second direction with respect to the second elastic rack portion, The first rack portion and the first gear portion are configured such that the first inelastic rack portion and the first elastic gear portion mesh together, and the first elastic rack portion and the first inelastic gear portion mesh together. The second rack portion and the second gear portion are configured such that the second inelastic rack portion and the second elastic gear portion mesh together, and the second elastic rack portion and the second inelastic gear portion mesh together. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 15.

17. The first inelastic rack portion is included in the region of the first rack portion that does not overlap with the first opening when viewed in the first direction. The second inelastic rack portion is included in the region of the second rack portion that does not overlap with the second opening when viewed in the first direction. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 16.

18. The pinion gear has a flange portion adjacent in the third direction to the gear portion that meshes with the first rack portion and the second rack portion, The flange portion, as the first positioning portion, positions the first restricting member in the third direction relative to the sheet loading portion, and as the second positioning portion, positions the second restricting member in the third direction relative to the sheet loading portion. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 6.

19. The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first separation restricting portion is positioned opposite the first gear portion in the first direction, with the first insertion / removal portion in between, A second separation restricting portion is positioned opposite the second gear portion in the first direction, with the second insertion / removal portion in between, It has, The first gear section and the first separation restricting section, as the first positioning section, position the first restricting member in the first direction relative to the sheet loading section. The second gear section and the second separation restricting section, as the second positioning section, position the second restricting member in the first direction relative to the sheet loading section. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 16.

20. The first socket and the second socket are located at different positions from each other in the first direction. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 1.

21. A sheet loading section on which sheets are loaded to be transported in the first direction, A first restricting member for restricting one end of a sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in a second direction intersecting the first direction, A second restricting member for restricting the other end of the sheet loaded in the sheet loading section in the second direction, Equipped with, The sheet loading section has a first guide groove extending in the second direction and a second guide groove extending in the second direction, The first regulating member has a first guided portion that is guided by the first guide groove when it moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, In a sheet transport mechanism having a second guided portion that is guided by the second guide groove when the second regulating member moves in the second direction relative to the sheet loading portion, The aforementioned sheet loading section is A first positioning unit that positions the first regulating member relative to the sheet loading unit in the first direction and in a third direction that intersects both the first and second directions, A second positioning unit that positions the second regulating member in the first direction and the third direction relative to the sheet loading section, It has, The first regulating member has a first positioned portion that the first positioning portion abuts against, which is provided on the first guided portion. The second regulating member has a second positioned portion that the second positioning portion contacts provided on the second guided portion. A sheet transport mechanism characterized by the following features.

22. The position of the first positioning portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the first guide groove in the first direction. The position of the second positioning portion in the first direction is located between one end and the other end of the second guide groove in the first direction. The sheet transport mechanism according to feature 21.

23. A sheet feeding unit having the sheet transport mechanism described in claim 1, A recording unit that records an image on a sheet transported from the sheet feeding unit, A recording device characterized by comprising the following features.

24. A sheet feeding unit having the sheet transport mechanism described in claim 1, A reading device characterized by comprising: a reading unit for reading an image recorded on a sheet transported by the sheet transport mechanism.

Images