Conveying device

Abstract

This improves the accuracy of positioning multiple components that make up a transport guide in the direction of their rotational axes. [Solution] The transport guide comprises a main frame having a first frame including a first engaging portion and a second frame including a second engaging portion, a first guide member and a second guide member, a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, and a connecting member that connects the first guide member and the second guide member, wherein the thermal expansion coefficient of the connecting member is smaller than that of the first guide member and the second guide member, and when the direction parallel to the rotation axis and moving from the second frame toward the first frame is defined as the first direction and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as the second direction, the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame is restricted in the first and second directions, and the movement of the second guide member relative to the connecting member is restricted in the first and second directions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying a recording material.

Background Art

[0002] A conveying device for conveying a recording material in an image recording device includes a conveying roller for conveying the recording material and a conveying guide for guiding the recording material. In a conveying guide such as a double-sided flapper that is long in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the conveying roller and has a thin thickness, warping may occur or the strength may not be ensured. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the conveying guide is constituted by a plurality of parts arranged side by side in the axial direction of the rotation axis, and the plurality of parts are supported by a metal shaft member extending in the axial direction of the rotation axis, thereby suppressing warping of the conveying guide and ensuring strength.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conveying device having a conveying roller for conveying a recording material and a conveying guide, the positions of the members in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the conveying roller may vary due to thermal expansion and contraction of the plurality of members constituting the conveying guide.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of positioning in the axial direction of a plurality of members constituting a conveying guide.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is a conveying device for conveying a recording material, a conveying roller for conveying the recording material, A main frame having a first frame including a first engagement portion and a second frame including a second engagement portion, A transport guide positioned between the first frame and the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the transport roller, comprising a first guide member and a second guide member configured to guide the recording material, a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion, and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, A connecting member that connects the first guide member and the second guide member, Equipped with, The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis such that the first guide member is closer to the first frame than the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis, and the second guide member is closer to the second frame than the first frame. The thermal expansion coefficient of the connecting member is smaller than that of the first guide member and the second guide member. When the direction parallel to the rotation axis and moving from the second frame toward the first frame is defined as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as the second direction, With respect to the first and second directions, the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame is restricted. The conveying device is characterized in that, in the first and second directions, the movement of the second guide member relative to the connecting member is restricted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the accuracy of positioning multiple members constituting a transport guide in the direction of their rotational axes can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the transport path from the fixing section to the upstream of the paper discharge roller of the image forming apparatus in the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the transport guide in Example 1. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide in Example 1. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the transport guide in Example 2. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide in Example 2. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of a modified transport guide from Example 2. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view of the transport guide of a modified example of Example 2. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide in Example 3. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide in Example 4. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide in Example 5. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view of the transport guide in Example 6. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide in Example 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative arrangements of the components described in the following embodiments should be appropriately modified depending on the configuration and various conditions of the apparatus to which the present invention is applied, and the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the following embodiments. The configuration of the transport guide of the present invention is not limited to each embodiment. The characteristic configurations of each embodiment can be combined as much as possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] (Image forming apparatus) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is a monochrome laser beam printer that forms an image on a sheet S, which is a recording material, by an electrophotographic process. A cartridge C is detachable from the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus 1. The apparatus main body A includes a laser scanner 101, a feed roller 103, a transfer roller 104, a fixing unit 105, a conveyance roller 106, a paper discharge roller 108, and a paper discharge tray 109. The cartridge C includes a photosensitive drum 11, a charging roller 12, and a developing roller 16. In the following description, the direction of the rotation axis of the conveyance roller 106 may also be referred to as the rotation axis direction. The rotation axis direction is parallel to the width direction of the sheet S, and the rotation axis direction is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the sheet S.

[0011] The operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. The photosensitive drum 11 rotationally driven by a drive source (not shown) is uniformly charged to a predetermined potential by the charging roller 12. After charging, the photosensitive drum 11 is exposed on its surface based on image information by the laser scanner 101, and the charges in the exposed portion are removed to form an electrostatic latent image. Toner is supplied from the developing roller 16 to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 11 and visualized as a toner image.

[0012] On the other hand, in parallel with the formation operation of such a toner image, the sheet S is conveyed by the feed roller 103. Specifically, the feed roller 103 rotates to feed the sheet S. Then, the sheet S is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104 in accordance with the timing of forming the toner image on the photosensitive drum 11. When the sheet S passes between the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 104, which is a transfer means, a toner image is transferred to the sheet S as an unfixed image by applying a bias to the transfer roller 104. Thereafter, the sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 105, which is a fixing means. When the sheet S conveyed to the fixing unit 105 passes through the fixing unit 105, the unfixed toner image is heated and pressurized to be fixed on the surface of the sheet S. Then, the sheet S is conveyed by the conveyance roller 106, discharged outside the machine by the paper discharge roller 108, and stacked on the paper discharge tray 109.

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the transport path from the fixing unit 105 to the paper discharge roller 108 of the image forming apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1. In the transport path of the sheet S, a flapper 111 is provided downstream of the fixing unit 105 as a transport guide to guide the sheet S. The flapper 111 extends in a direction perpendicular to the transport path and switches the transport path (paper path) of the sheet S at the branching point of the paper discharge transport path and the reversal transport path.

[0014] During single-sided printing, the sheet S printed on one side is guided by the transport guide 110 and the flapper 111, and then discharged into the output tray 109 by the output roller 108.

[0015] During double-sided printing, the sheet S, printed on one side, is guided to the reversal transport path by the flapper 111, which swings to the position indicated by the dotted line. The sheet S, held between the paper discharge roller 108 and the reversal roller 112, is then transported to the double-sided transport path after being reversed. The toner heat-fixed to the sheet S may adhere to the transport guide 110 due to strong friction with it. If the transport guide 110 is heated by the heat of the sheet S during continuous paper feeding, etc., the toner is even more likely to adhere.

[0016] In the case of single-sided printing, the transport guide 110 guides the non-printed side of the sheet S and does not slide against the printed side of the sheet S. However, in the case of double-sided printing, since printing is done on both sides of the sheet S, the printed side slides against the transport guide 110 when transporting the sheet S along the curved transport path downstream of the fixing unit 105 (such as the transport guide 110 and flapper 111 in Figure 2). The transport device 114 has a transport roller 106, a transport guide 110, and a main frame 113 that supports the transport roller 106 and the transport guide 110, and transports the sheet S. Note that the main frame 113 may be configured to support other components.

[0017] The transport guide 110, which slides against the sheet S downstream of the fixing unit 105, is made of a material that is resistant to toner adhesion, such as a resin like POM (polyoxymethylene) or polyacetal. This suppresses the phenomenon of toner adhering to and hardening on the transport guide 110 (toner adhesion). Therefore, it is possible to suppress image defects caused by toner adhering to the transport guide 110, and jams caused by paper getting caught on hardened toner.

[0018] Resins such as POM and polyacetal have a high coefficient of thermal expansion and shrink with heat, so their dimensions change significantly due to thermal effects. In addition, parts formed from such resins are prone to warping. For this reason, when forming long parts in the direction of the rotation axis, such as the transport guide 110 and the flapper 111, from resin, it is preferable to use a configuration that is less susceptible to thermal effects. Various embodiments of the transport guide 110 will be described below. In each of the following embodiments, the reference numerals for the transport guide 110 will be changed for each embodiment for the sake of explanation.

[0019] (Example 1) The transport guide 210 of Example 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a front view of the transport guide 210 of Example 1 as seen from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide 210 of Example 1 taken in a cross-section parallel to the rotation axis direction.

[0020] The transport guide 210 has a first guide member 201 positioned at one end in the direction of the rotation axis, and at the other end The transport guide includes three guide members: a second guide member 202 positioned at the front and a third guide member 203 positioned in the center. The three guide members 201 to 203 are arranged in line along the rotation axis and connected by a connecting member 205, thereby integrating them as a transport guide 210. However, the number of guide members positioned between the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 is arbitrary. In other words, the transport guide 210 does not have to have a member corresponding to the third guide member 203, or it may have two or more guide members corresponding to the third guide member 203.

[0021] Each of the guide members 201 to 203 has a plurality of ribs 204 for guiding the sheet S. The positions of each of the plurality of ribs 204 are different from each other in the direction of the rotation axis. The plurality of ribs 204 can accommodate sheets S of various sizes.

[0022] The first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 are located at both ends of the conveying guide 210 in the direction of its rotation axis. The third guide member 203 is located in the center of the conveying guide 210. The ribs 204 of the third guide member 203 guide the center of the sheet S in the width direction. However, in the case of a sheet S with a small width, the center of the sheet S may not be guided by the ribs 204 of the third guide member 203.

[0023] A gap G is provided between two adjacent guide members in the direction of the rotation axis (between the first guide member 201 and the third guide member 203, and between the second guide member 202 and the third guide member 203). The gap G is set so as to absorb the change in dimensions of the guide members 201 to 203 in the direction of the rotation axis when the guide members 201 to 203 are heated and thermally expanded by the heat of the fixing part 105 and the printed sheet S.

[0024] The main frame 21 has a first frame 211 and a second frame 212. The first frame 211 and the second frame 212 are made of metal, more specifically sheet metal. The first frame 211 and the second frame 212 may also be made of resin. In the following description, the direction parallel to the rotation axis and moving from the second frame 212 toward the first frame 211 is referred to as the first direction R1, and the direction opposite to the first direction R1 is referred to as the second direction R2. The conveyor roller 106 is rotatably supported by the main frame 21. With respect to the rotation axis, the first guide member 201 is closer to the first frame 211 than to the second frame 212, and the second guide member 202 is closer to the second frame 212 than to the first frame 211.

[0025] The first frame 211 has a first engaging portion 211a, and the second frame 212 has a second engaging portion 212a. The transport guide 210 is positioned between the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 in the direction of the rotation axis of the transport roller 106, and is rotatably supported by engaging with the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 at both ends in the direction of the rotation axis. The transport guide 210 has a first engaged portion 201c that engages with the first engaging portion 211a of the first frame 211, and a second engaged portion 202c that engages with the second engaging portion 212a of the second frame 212. The first engaged portion 201c is provided on the first guide member 201, and the second engaged portion 202c is provided on the second guide member 202. The first engaged portion 201c is rotatably engaged with the first engaged portion 211a about an axis parallel to the direction of the rotation axis, and the second engaged portion 202c is rotatably engaged with the second engaged portion 212a about an axis parallel to the direction of the rotation axis.

[0026] The first frame 211 has an end face 211b which is a first limiting portion that restricts the movement of the first guide member 201 relative to the main frame 21 in a first direction R1. The end face 211b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The end face 211b abuts against the end face 201d of the first engaged portion 201c of the first guide member 201 which faces the first direction R1, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member 201 relative to the main frame 21 in the first direction R1. The end face 201d extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. In other words, the When the first guide member 201 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, its end face 201d comes into contact with the end face 211b, restricting the movement of the first guide member 201. In the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide member 201 has one end 201f and the other end 201e, with the one end 201f being closer to the first frame 211 than the other end 201e. In the direction of the rotation axis, the end face 211b of the first frame 211, which is the first limiting portion, is closer to the one end 201f than to the other end 201e of the first guide member 201.

[0027] The second frame 212 has an end face 212b, which is a second limiting portion that restricts the movement of the second guide member 202 relative to the main frame 21 in the second direction R2. The end face 212b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The end face 212b contacts the end face 202d of the second engaged portion 202c of the second guide member 202, which faces the second direction R2, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member 202 relative to the main frame 21 in the second direction R2. The end face 202d extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. In other words, when the second guide member 202 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 202d contacts the end face 212b, and the movement of the second guide member 202 is restricted. In the direction of the rotation axis, the second guide member 202 has one end 202f and the other end 202e, with the other end 202e being closer to the second frame 212 than the one end 202f. In the direction of the rotation axis, the end face 212b of the second frame 212, which is the second limiting portion, is closer to the other end 202e than to the one end 202f of the second guide member 202.

[0028] The transport guide 210 is sandwiched between the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 in the direction of the rotation axis. The transport guide 210 is positioned in the direction of the rotation axis based on the distance between the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0029] The third guide member 203, configured to guide the sheet S, is positioned in the direction of the rotation axis by being sandwiched between the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0030] The connecting member 205 is a metal shaft member with a diameter of 3 mm. The connecting member 205 is cylindrical and is inserted into fitting holes provided in the guide members 201 to 203, which have an inner diameter approximately the same as the cylindrical outer diameter of the connecting member 205. As a result, the three guide members 201 to 203 are arranged linearly along the direction of the rotation axis, movement in the direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis is restricted, and strength is ensured by the connecting member 205, which is a metal shaft member.

[0031] The third guide member 203 engages with the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202. More specifically, one of the third guide member 203 and the first guide member 201 has a hole, and the other has a projection that fits into the hole. Also, one of the third guide member 203 and the second guide member 202 has a hole, and the other has a projection that fits into the hole. In this embodiment, the third guide member 203 has projections 203a and 203b that protrude in the direction of the rotation axis. Projection 203a fits into the hole 201b of the first guide member 201, and projection 203b fits into the hole 202b of the second guide member 202. As a result, the guide members 201 to 203 are positioned so that the tips of the ribs 204 are aligned linearly in the direction of the rotation axis. The projections 203a and 203b of the third guide member 203 are fitted with play in the hole 201b of the first guide member 201 and the hole 202b of the second guide member 202, respectively. Therefore, the third guide member 203 is movable in the direction of the rotation axis relative to the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202. The first guide member 201 may have a projection corresponding to projection 203a, and the third guide member 203 may have a hole corresponding to hole 201b. Alternatively, the second guide member 202 may have a projection corresponding to projection 203b, and the third guide member 203 may have a hole corresponding to hole 202b.

[0032] The connecting member 205 has a first groove 205a at one end in the direction of the rotation axis (right side in Figures 3 and 4) and a second groove 205b at the other end (left side in Figures 3 and 4).

[0033] A first movement limiting portion 201a provided on the first guide member 201 fits into the first groove portion 205a, and two opposing end faces that form the first groove portion 205a abut against the first movement limiting portion 201a. In other words, the connecting member 205 abuts against the first guide member 301. As a result, the movement of the connecting member 205 relative to the first guide member 201 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 205 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 205 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces that form the first groove portion 205a abuts against the first movement limiting portion 201a. Thus, the movement of the connecting member 205 relative to the first guide member 201 is restricted. Each of the two opposing end faces that form the first groove portion 205a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The first movement limiting section 201a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction.

[0034] The second movement limiting portion 202a provided on the second guide member 202 fits into the second groove portion 205b, and the two opposing end faces that form the second groove portion 205b abut against the second movement limiting portion 202a. In other words, the connecting member 205 abuts against the second guide member 202. As a result, the movement of the connecting member 205 relative to the second guide member 202 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 205 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 205 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces that form the second groove portion 205b abuts against the second movement limiting portion 202a. Thus, the movement of the connecting member 205 relative to the second guide member 202 is restricted. Each of the two opposing end faces that form the second groove portion 205b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The second movement limiting section 202a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction.

[0035] With the above configuration, the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 and the connecting member 205 are positioned in the direction of the rotation axis. In other words, with respect to the first direction R1 and the second direction R2, the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 are restricted from moving relative to the connecting member 205.

[0036] As described above, the connecting member 205 is restricted from moving relative to the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. The first guide member 201 is restricted from moving in the first direction R1 relative to the first frame 211, and the second guide member 202 is restricted from moving in the second direction R2 relative to the second frame 212. Therefore, the connecting member 205 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 21 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0037] When the first guide member 201 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the first movement limiting portion 201a of the first guide member 201 comes into contact with one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 205a, and an external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 205. Then, one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 205b of the connecting member 205 comes into contact with the second movement limiting portion 202a, and an external force in the second direction R2 acts on the second guide member 202. Then, the end face 202d of the second guide member 202 comes into contact with the end face 212b, and the movement of the second guide member 202 is restricted. As a result, the first guide member 201 is restricted from moving in the second direction R2 relative to the main frame 21.

[0038] When the second guide member 202 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 202a of the second guide member 202 comes into contact with one of the two end faces that form the second groove portion 205b, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 205. Then, one of the two end faces that form the first groove portion 205a of the connecting member 205 comes into contact with the first movement limiting portion 201a, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the first guide member 201. Then, the end face 201d of the first guide member 201 The first guide member 201 contacts the end face 211b, restricting its movement. As a result, the second guide member 202 is restricted from moving in the first direction R1 relative to the main frame 21.

[0039] The first movement limiting portion 201a of the first guide member 201 is provided near the first frame 211 in the direction of the rotation axis, and the second movement limiting portion 202a of the second guide member 202 is provided near the second frame 212 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0040] The connecting member 205 is made of metal, while the guide members 201 to 203 are made of resin. In other words, the thermal expansion coefficient of the connecting member 205 is smaller than that of the guide members 201 to 203. Therefore, the connecting member 205, which extends to near both ends in the rotational axis direction of the transport guide 210, is less affected by heat. As a result, even if the guide members 201 to 203 are made of resin, which is susceptible to heat, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the length of the transport guide 210 in the rotational axis direction due to thermal expansion and contraction. This eliminates the need to set large amounts of play and engagement in the rotational axis direction to account for size fluctuations in the rotational axis direction due to heat. Therefore, even in a configuration where the transport guide 210 is positioned in the rotational axis direction by sandwiching it between the first frame 211 and the second frame 212, the play in the rotational axis direction can be set to be small.

[0041] Furthermore, even if the guide members 201 to 203 are made of materials susceptible to heat, the positional fluctuations of the ribs 204 of the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 can be kept to a minimum. Therefore, even when the upstream rib and the downstream rib are configured to have a comb-like positional relationship in the conveying direction, interference between the ribs can be suppressed without having to secure a large clearance between them. Thus, restrictions on the placement of the ribs can be suppressed.

[0042] In Example 1, an example was described in which the first frame 211 and the second frame 212 are separate components, but the invention is not limited to this. The first frame 211 and the second frame 212 may be integrally constructed. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0043] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the third guide member 203 was described as being positioned between the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202 in the direction of the rotation axis, but the positioning of the third guide member 203 is not limited to this. The third guide member 203 may be positioned relative to the connecting member 205, similar to the first guide member 201 and the second guide member 202. In other words, the third guide member 203 may be in contact with the connecting member 205, thereby restricting the third guide member 203 from moving relative to the connecting member 205 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0044] (Example 2) The transport guide 310 of Example 2 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a front view of the transport guide 310 of Example 2 as seen from a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide 310 of Example 2 taken in a cross-section parallel to the rotation axis direction. Parts that overlap with the description of Example 1 will be omitted, and the differences will be described mainly.

[0045] The transport guide 310, similar to Embodiment 1, includes a first guide member 301 that engages with the first frame 311, a second guide member 302 that engages with the second frame 312, and a third guide member 303 positioned between them in the direction of the rotation axis. A connecting member 305 passes through the guide members 301 to 303, restricting their movement in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0046] The main frame 31 has a first frame 311 and a second frame 312. In the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide member 301 is closer to the first frame 311 than to the second frame 312, and the second guide member 302 is closer to the second frame 312 than to the first frame 311. The first frame 311 and the second frame 312 are formed of metal, more specifically sheet metal. The first frame 311 and the second frame 312 may also be formed of resin.

[0047] The stay member 306 is fixed so as to bridge the gap between the first frame 311 and the second frame 312. The stay member 306 has a groove-shaped restricted portion 306e, and the first frame 311 has a protruding stay restricting portion 311a. The end face of the restricted portion 306e facing the first direction R1 and the end face of the stay restricting portion 311a facing the second direction R2 are in contact, and the end face of the restricted portion 306e facing the second direction R2 and the end face of the stay restricting portion 311a facing the first direction are in contact. As a result, the stay member 306 is restricted from moving relative to the first frame 311 and further to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. The stay member 306 has a first guide restricting portion 306a provided on the first frame 311 side and a third guide restricting portion 306b provided near the center in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0048] The connecting member 305 has a first groove 305a at one end in the direction of the rotation axis (right side in Figures 5 and 6) and a second groove 305b at the other end (left side in Figures 5 and 6).

[0049] The first movement limiting portion 301a provided on the first guide member 301 fits into the first groove portion 305a, and the two opposing surfaces that form the first groove portion 305a abut against the first movement limiting portion 301a. In other words, the connecting member 305 abuts against the first guide member 301. As a result, the movement of the connecting member 305 relative to the first guide member 301 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 305 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 305 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces that form the first groove portion 305a abuts against the first movement limiting portion 301a. Thus, the movement of the connecting member 305 relative to the first guide member 301 is restricted. Each of the two opposing surfaces that form the first groove portion 305a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The first movement limiting section 301a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction.

[0050] The second movement limiting portion 302a provided on the second guide member 302 fits into the second groove portion 305b, and the two opposing surfaces that form the second groove portion 305b abut against the second movement limiting portion 302a. In other words, the connecting member 305 abuts against the second guide member 302. As a result, the movement of the connecting member 305 relative to the second guide member 302 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 305 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 305 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces that form the second groove portion 305b abuts against the second movement limiting portion 302a. Thus, the movement of the connecting member 305 relative to the second guide member 302 is restricted. Each of the two opposing surfaces that form the second groove portion 305b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The second movement limiting section 302a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction.

[0051] With the above configuration, the first guide member 301 and the second guide member 302 and the connecting member 305 are positioned in the direction of the rotation axis. In other words, in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2, the first guide member 301 and the second guide member 302 are restricted from moving relative to the connecting member 305.

[0052] Since the first movement limiting section 301a and the second movement limiting section 302a are provided at the positions of the ribs 304 near both ends in the direction of the rotation axis, the positions of the ribs 304 near both ends in the direction of the rotation axis are least affected by heat.

[0053] The first guide member 301 has a first guide-restricted portion 301b, and the first guide-restricted portion 306a of the stay member 306 fits into the first guide-restricted portion 301b, and the first guide-restricted portion 306a abuts against the first guide-restricted portion 301b. In other words, the first guide member 301 and the stay member The material 306 comes into contact with the first guide member 301. This restricts the first guide member 301 from moving relative to the stay member 306 and further to the first frame 311 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. As a result, the first guide member 301 is positioned relative to the first frame 311 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0054] In detail, the first guide limiting portion 306a has an end face 306c facing the first direction R1 and an end face 306d facing the second direction R2. The end faces 306c and 306d extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis. The first guide restricted portion 301b has an end face 301c facing the second direction R2 and an end face 301d facing the first direction R1. The end faces 301c and 301d extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis. The contact between the end face 306c of the first guide limiting portion 306a and the end face 301c of the first guide restricted portion 301b restricts the first guide member 301 from moving relative to the stay member 306 and further to the main frame 31 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the first guide member 301 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 301c abuts against the end face 306c, restricting the movement of the first guide member 301. The end face 306d of the first guide restricting portion 306a and the end face 301d of the first guide restricted portion 301b abut, restricting the first guide member 301 from moving relative to the stay member 306 and further to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the first guide member 301 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 301d abuts against the end face 306d, restricting the movement of the first guide member 301. In short, the first guide restricting portion 306a is a first restricting portion that restricts the movement of the first guide member 301 relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0055] The third guide member 303 has a third guide-restricted portion 303a, and the third guide-restricted portion 306b of the stay member 306 fits into the third guide-restricted portion 303a, with the third guide-restricted portion 306b abutting against the third guide-restricted portion 303a. In other words, the third guide member 303 and the stay member 306 are in contact. As a result, the movement of the third guide member 303 relative to the stay member 306 and further relative to the first frame 311 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. As a result, the third guide member 303 is positioned relative to the first frame 311 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0056] In detail, the third guide limiting portion 306b has an end face 306g facing the first direction R1 and an end face 306f facing the second direction R2. The end faces 306g and 306f extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis. The third guide restricted portion 303a has an end face 303b facing the first direction R1 and an end face 303c facing the second direction R2. The end faces 303b and 303c extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis. The contact between the end face 306g of the third guide limiting portion 306b and the end face 303c of the third guide restricted portion 303a restricts the third guide member 303 from moving relative to the stay member 306 and further relative to the main frame 31 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the third guide member 303 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 303c abuts against the end face 306g, restricting the movement of the third guide member 303. The end face 306f of the third guide restricting portion 306b and the end face 303b of the third guide restricted portion 303a abut, restricting the third guide member 303 from moving relative to the stay member 306 and further to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the third guide member 303 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R, the end face 303b abuts against the end face 306f, restricting the movement of the third guide member 303. In other words, the third guide restricting portion 306b is a third restricting portion that restricts the movement of the third guide member 303 relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0057] As described above, the connecting member 305 is restricted from moving relative to the first guide member 301 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. And, as described above, the first guide member 301 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. In contrast, relative movement is restricted. Therefore, the connecting member 305 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0058] When the second guide member 302 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 302a of the second guide member 302 comes into contact with one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 305b, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 305. Then, one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 305a of the connecting member 305 comes into contact with the first movement limiting portion 301a, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the first guide member 301. Then, the end face 301d of the first guide member 301 comes into contact with the end face 306d, and the movement of the first guide member 301 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 302 relative to the main frame 31 in the first direction R1 is restricted.

[0059] When the second guide member 302 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 302a of the second guide member 302 comes into contact with the other of the two end faces that form the second groove portion 305b, and an external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 305. Then, one of the two end faces that form the first groove portion 305a of the connecting member 305 comes into contact with the first movement limiting portion 301a, and an external force in the second direction R2 acts on the first guide member 301. Then, the end face 301c of the first guide member 301 comes into contact with the end face 306c, and the movement of the first guide member 301 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 302 relative to the main frame 31 in the second direction R2 is restricted.

[0060] As described above, the second guide member 302 is restricted from moving in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 relative to the main frame 31. In other words, when the second guide member 302 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the second guide member 302 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 302 comes into contact with the connecting member 305. Then, the connecting member 305 comes into contact with the first guide member 301, and the first guide member 301 comes into contact with the first guide limiting portion 306a, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member 302.

[0061] In the direction of the rotation axis, both the first guide limiting portion 306a and the first movement limiting portion 301a are located near the first frame 311. In other words, the first guide member 301 has one end 301e and the other end 301f, with the one end 301e being closer to the first frame 311 than the other end 301f. Furthermore, in the direction of the rotation axis, both the first guide limiting portion 306a and the first movement limiting portion 301a are closer to the one end 301e than to the other end 301f.

[0062] This offers two advantages. Firstly, because the distance between the first guide limiting portion 306a and the first movement limiting portion 301a in the direction of the rotation axis is short, fluctuations in the position of the connecting member 305 when the first guide member 301 expands and contracts due to heat can be suppressed. Secondly, because the first guide limiting portion 306a is located at the end in the direction of the rotation axis, the stay member 306 is less susceptible to heat released from the recording material. Furthermore, because the distance between the first guide limiting portion 306a and the stay limiting portion 311a in the direction of the rotation axis is short, fluctuations in the position of the first guide limiting portion 306a due to heat can be suppressed.

[0063] In the transport guide 310, the connecting member 305, which is less susceptible to heat, extends to near both ends in the direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, even if the guide members 301 to 303 are made of resin that is susceptible to heat, fluctuations in the overall length of the transport guide 310 in the direction of the rotation axis due to thermal expansion and contraction can be suppressed. Furthermore, regarding the positioning of the transport guide 310 with respect to the first frame 311 and the second frame 312, the first guide limiting portion 306a is located near the first frame 311, making it less susceptible to the thermal expansion and contraction of the stay member 306. In addition, since the first guide limiting portion 306a and the first guide restricted portion 301b can be positioned only by mating play, fluctuations in the position of the ribs 304 of the first guide member 301 and the second guide member 302 can be suppressed.

[0064] In Example 2, a configuration in which the third guide member 303 is positioned by the third guide limiting portion 306b was illustrated, but the positioning structure of the third guide member 303 is not limited to this. For example, the third guide member 303 may be positioned in the direction of the rotation axis by providing a groove in the connecting member 305 and a movement limiting portion that fits into the groove, similar to the first guide member 301 and the second guide member 302. Alternatively, the third guide member 303 may be positioned in the direction of the rotation axis by being sandwiched between the first guide member 301 and the second guide member 302, similar to Example 1.

[0065] (Modified version of Example 2) A modified version of the transport guide 410 of Example 2 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the modified version of the transport guide 410 of Example 2. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the modified version of the transport guide 410 of Example 2. The difference from Example 2 is that the connecting member 405 is made of sheet metal.

[0066] The transport guide 410 has three guide members (first guide member 401, second guide member 402, and third guide member 403) similar to Embodiment 2. The connecting member 405 is formed from a 1.6 mm thick sheet metal with an L-shaped cross-section perpendicular to the rotation axis. The connecting member 405 is inserted into fitting holes extending in the rotation axis direction provided in the guide members 401 to 403, and restricts the movement of the guide members 401 to 403 in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis direction.

[0067] The main frame 41 has a first frame 411 and a second frame 412. The first guide member 401 of the transport guide 410 engages with the first engaging portion 411a of the first frame 411, and the second guide member 402 engages with the second engaging portion 412a of the second frame 412. The stay member 406 is fixed so as to bridge the gap between the first frame 411 and the second frame 412. The stay member 406 is positioned relative to the first frame 411 in the direction of the rotation axis by a structure similar to that of the stay member 306 in Embodiment 2.

[0068] The first guide limiting portion 401b provided on the first guide member 401 fits into the first guide restricted portion 406a of the stay member 406, and the first guide limiting portion 401b and the first guide restricted portion 406a come into contact. In other words, the first guide member 401 and the stay member 406 come into contact. As a result, the first guide member 401 is restricted from moving relative to the stay member 406, and further relative to the first frame 411, and further relative to the main frame 41, in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. As a result, the first guide member 401 is positioned relative to the main frame 41 in the direction of the rotation axis. The first guide limiting portion 401b is a first limiting portion that restricts the first guide member 401 from moving relative to the main frame 41 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0069] Figure 8 shows the state in which the third guide member 403 is incorporated into the connecting member 405. The guide members 401 to 403 are configured to be incorporated into the connecting member 405 by sliding in the direction of the rotation axis. The connecting member 405 is provided with three recesses 405a, 405b, and 405c.

[0070] The first movement limiting portion 401a provided on the first guide member 401 fits into the recess 405a, and the recess 405a abuts against the first movement limiting portion 401a. In other words, the connecting member 405 abuts against the first guide member 401. As a result, the movement of the connecting member 405 relative to the first guide member 401 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0071] The second movement limiting portion 402a provided on the second guide member 402 fits into the recess 405b, and the recess 405b abuts against the second movement limiting portion 402a. In other words, the connecting member 405 is the second guide It comes into contact with the guide member 402. As a result, the movement of the connecting member 405 relative to the second guide member 402 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0072] The third movement limiting portion 403a provided on the third guide member 403 fits into the recess 405c, and the recess 405c abuts against the third movement limiting portion 403a. In other words, the connecting member 405 abuts against the third guide member 403. As a result, the relative movement of the connecting member 405 with respect to the third guide member 403 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0073] In this way, each of the movement-restricting parts 401a to 403a fits into each of the recesses 405a to 405c, thereby positioning the guide members 401 to 403 and the connecting member 405 in the direction of the rotation axis. In other words, in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2, the movement of the guide members 401 to 403 relative to the connecting member 405 is restricted.

[0074] As described above, the first guide member 401 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 41 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Similarly, the connecting member 405 is restricted from moving relative to the first guide member 401 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Therefore, the connecting member 405 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 41 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0075] In this modified example, the second guide member 402 is restricted from moving in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 relative to the main frame 41. That is, when the second guide member 402 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the second guide member 402 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 402 comes into contact with the connecting member 405. Then, the connecting member 405 comes into contact with the first guide member 401, and the first guide member 401 comes into contact with the first guide restricted portion 406a, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member 402.

[0076] In Embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which the third guide member 303 is positioned in the direction of the rotation axis by the contact between the third guide limiting portion 306b of the stay member 306 and the third guide restricted portion 303a of the third guide member 303. On the other hand, in a modified example of Embodiment 2, the third guide member 403 is positioned in the direction of the rotation axis by the contact between the recess 405c of the connecting member 405 and the third movement limiting portion 403a of the third guide member 403. Note that the configuration for positioning the third guide member in the direction of the rotation axis is not limited to this, and the third guide member may be positioned by being sandwiched between the first guide member and the second guide member, as in Embodiment 1.

[0077] The connecting member may be a metal shaft member with a circular cross-section (cylindrical or columnar) as in Examples 1 and 2, or it may be a sheet metal shaft member with a non-circular cross-section (e.g., L-shaped) as in the modified example of Example 2. Furthermore, the material of the connecting member may be a material other than metal (e.g., plastic) as long as its coefficient of thermal expansion is smaller than that of the guide member material (resin).

[0078] (Example 3) The transport guide 510 of Example 3 will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide 510 of Example 3 taken parallel to the rotation axis direction. Parts that overlap with the previously described examples and descriptions will be omitted, and the differences will be described mainly. The main frame 51, first frame 511, second frame 512, and stay member 506 are the same as in Example 2, so their descriptions will be omitted. The transport guide 510 has a first guide member 501, a second guide member 502, and a third guide member 503.

[0079] The first guide member 501 has a first movement limiting portion 501a. The first movement limiting portion 501a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The connecting member 505 has a stepped portion 505a. The stepped portion 505a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The transport guide 510 is connected to the first frame 5 When the first guide member 501 is installed between the 11 and the second frame 512, the first movement limiting portion 501a and the stepped portion 505a come into contact, thereby restricting the first guide member 501 from moving relative to the connecting member 505 in the first direction R1. In other words, the contact between the first guide member 501 and the connecting member 505 restricts the first guide member 501 from moving relative to the connecting member 505 in the first direction R1.

[0080] The first guide member 501 has a first guide-restricted portion 501b, and the first guide-restricted portion 501b has an end face 501c facing the second direction R2. The end face 501c extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The stay member 506 has a guide-restricting portion 506a, and the guide-restricting portion 506a has an end face 506c facing the first direction R1. The end face 506c extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. With the transport guide 510 assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512, the end face 506c and the end face 501c come into contact, thereby restricting the first guide member 501 from moving relative to the stay member 506 in the second direction R2. In other words, the guide limiting portion 506a is a first limiting portion that, by contacting the first guide member 501, restricts the movement of the first guide member 501 relative to the stay member 506 and further to the main frame 51 in the second direction R2.

[0081] The end of the connecting member 505 closest to the first frame 511 has an end face 505b facing the first direction R1. The end face 505b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. The guide limiting portion 506a has an end face 506d facing the second direction R2. The end face 506d extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. With the transport guide 510 assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512, the end face 505b and the end face 506d come into contact, restricting the connecting member 505 from moving relative to the stay member 506 in the first direction R1. In other words, the guide limiting portion 506a is a first limiting portion that, by coming into contact with the connecting member 505, restricts the connecting member 505 from moving relative to the stay member 506 and further relative to the main frame 51 in the first direction R1.

[0082] The second guide member 502 has a second movement limiting portion 502a. The second movement limiting portion 502a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The connecting member 505 has a stepped portion 505d. The stepped portion 505d extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. With the transport guide 510 assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512, the second movement limiting portion 502a and the stepped portion 505d come into contact, thereby restricting the second guide member 502 from moving relative to the connecting member 505 in the second direction R2.

[0083] The second guide member 502 has a second guide-restricted portion 502b, which has an end face 502c facing the first direction. The end face 502c extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The end of the connecting member 505 closer to the second frame 512 has an end face 505c facing the second direction R2. The end face 505c extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. With the transport guide 510 assembled between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512, the end face 502c and the end face 505c come into contact, restricting the second guide member 502 from moving relative to the connecting member 505 in the first direction R1.

[0084] In other words, the second guide member 502 abuts against the connecting member 505, sandwiching the end of the connecting member 505 that is closer to the second frame 512 than the stepped portion 505d, through the second movement restricting portion 502a and the second guide-restricted portion 502b of the second guide member 502. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 502 relative to the connecting member 505 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0085] The stay member 506 has a third guide limiting portion 506b provided near the center in the direction of the rotation axis. The third guide member 503 has a third guide restricted portion 503a. The guide limiting portion 506b fits into the third guide restricted portion 503a, and the third guide limiting portion 506b abuts against the third guide restricted portion 503a. In other words, the third guide member 503 and the stay member 506 abut against each other. As a result, the movement of the third guide member 503 relative to the stay member 506 and further relative to the first frame 511 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. As a result, the third guide member 503 is positioned relative to the first frame 511 and further relative to the main frame 51 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0086] As described above, the connecting member 505 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 51 in the first direction R1. Similarly, the first guide member 501 is restricted from moving relative to the connecting member 505 in the first direction R1. In other words, the connecting member 505 is restricted from moving relative to the first guide member 501 in the second direction R2. And the first guide member 501 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 51 in the second direction R2. Therefore, the connecting member 505 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 51 in both the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0087] When the first guide member 501 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the first movement limiting portion 501a of the first guide member 501 comes into contact with the stepped portion 505a, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 505. Then, the end face 505b of the connecting member 505 comes into contact with the end face 506d, and the movement of the connecting member 505 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the first guide member 501 relative to the main frame 51 in the first direction R1 is restricted. In this way, when the first guide member 501 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the first guide member 501 comes into contact with the connecting member 505. Then, the connecting member 505 comes into contact with the guide limiting portion 506a, thereby restricting the relative movement of the first guide member 501 relative to the main frame 51.

[0088] When the first guide member 501 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 501c of the first guide member 501 comes into contact with the end face 506c, restricting the movement of the first guide member 501. As a result, the first guide member 501 is restricted from moving in the second direction R2 relative to the main frame 51. In this way, when the first guide member 501 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the first guide member 501 comes into contact with the guide limiting portion 506a, thereby restricting the first guide member 501 from moving relative to the main frame 51.

[0089] When the second guide member 502 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 502c of the second guide member 502 abuts against the end face 505c of the connecting member 505, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 505. Then, the end face 505b of the connecting member 505 abuts against the end face 506d, and the movement of the connecting member 505 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 502 relative to the main frame 51 in the first direction R1 is restricted. In this way, when the second guide member 502 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the second guide member 502 abuts against the connecting member 505. Then, the connecting member 505 abuts against the guide limiting portion 506a, thereby restricting the relative movement of the second guide member 502 relative to the main frame 51.

[0090] When the second guide member 502 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 502a of the second guide member 502 comes into contact with the stepped portion 505d of the connecting member 505, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 505. Then, the stepped portion 505a of the connecting member 505 comes into contact with the first movement limiting portion 501a of the first guide member 501, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the first guide member 501. Then, the end face 501c of the first guide member 501 comes into contact with the end face 506c, and the movement of the first guide member 501 is restricted. In this way, when the second guide member 502 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 502 comes into contact with the connecting member 505. Then, the connecting member 505 comes into contact with the first guide member 501, and the first guide member 501 comes into contact with the guide limiting portion 506a, thereby restricting the relative movement of the second guide member 502 with respect to the main frame 51.

[0091] When the transport guide 510 is not incorporated between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512, the stay member 506 does not exist. Therefore, the restriction on the movement of the first guide member 501 in the second direction R2 due to the contact between the guide limiting portion 506a and the first guide member 501 is eliminated. Furthermore, the width L1 of the first movement limiting portion 501a in the direction of the rotation axis is smaller than the width L2 of the stepped portion 505a in the direction of the rotation axis. Thus, the first guide member 501 and the third guide member 503 become movable relative to the connecting member 505 in the direction of the rotation axis, and the transport guide 510 can be retracted in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0092] This improves the ease of assembly of the transport guide 510 in a configuration where the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 are integrated to form the main frame 51, and the distance between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 is fixed in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0093] Here, when incorporating a transport guide that cannot be compressed in the direction of the rotation axis into a frame with a fixed distance between frames, it is necessary to incorporate the transport guide by bending it like a bow in the direction of the rotation axis. However, it is difficult to bend a transport guide 510 whose rigidity is increased by a metal connecting member 505, as in the transport guide 510 of Example 3.

[0094] In Embodiment 3, the transport guide 510 is expandable and contractible in the direction of the rotation axis when the stay member 506 is absent. Therefore, when assembling the transport guide 510 into the main frame 51, where the distance between frames is fixed, there is no need to flex the transport guide 510. Specifically, first, the transport guide 510 is set between the first frame 511 and the second frame 512 with the transport guide 510 retracted in the direction of the rotation axis. Then, the transport guide 510 is extended in the direction of the rotation axis and assembled into the main frame 51 so that the first guide member 501 and the second guide member 502 engage with the engaging portion 511a of the first frame 511 and the engaging portion 512a of the second frame 512, respectively. By assembling the stay member 506 in this state, the position of the guide members 501 to 503 of the transport guide 510 in the direction of the rotation axis is determined by the guide limiting portion 506a. Therefore, the transport guide 510 can be assembled into the main frame 51, where the distance between frames is fixed, without flexing the transport guide 510.

[0095] Furthermore, in the transport guide 510 of Example 3, positioning is performed using the end faces 505b and 505c of the end of the connecting member 505, so the length of the connecting member 505 in the direction of the rotation axis is long, making it less susceptible to heat.

[0096] (Example 4) The transport guide 610 of Example 4 will be described with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide 610 of Example 4 taken parallel to the rotation axis direction. Parts that overlap with the previously described examples and explanations will be omitted, and the main differences will be described. The main frame 61, the first frame 611, and the second frame 612 are the same as in Example 2, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0097] The transport guide 610 has a first guide member 601, a second guide member 602, and a third guide member 603. A connecting member 605 passes through the guide members 601 to 603. A stay member 606 is fixed so as to bridge the gap between the first frame 611 and the second frame 612. The fixing of the stay member 606 to the first frame 611 is the same as in Embodiment 2.

[0098] In Embodiment 2, a configuration was described in which a guide limiting portion 306a provided on the stay member 306 positions the first guide member 301 in the direction of the rotation axis. In Embodiment 4, a guide limiting portion 606a provided on the stay member 606 positions the connecting member 605 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0099] The connecting member 605 has three grooves: a guide-restricted portion 605a, a first groove 605b, and a second groove 605c. The stay member 606 has a guide-restricted portion 606a. The guide-restricted portion 606a fits into the guide-restricted portion 605a, and two opposing surfaces that form the guide-restricted portion 605a abut against the guide-restricted portion 606a. In other words, the connecting member 605 and the stay member 606 abut against each other. This restricts the movement of the connecting member 605 relative to the stay member 606 and further relative to the main frame 61 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 605 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 605 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces that form the guide-restricted portion 605a abuts against the guide-restricted portion 606a. The movement of the connecting member 605 relative to the main frame 61 is restricted. Each of the two opposing surfaces that form the guided restricted portion 605a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The guided restricting portion 606a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The guided restricting portion 606a of the stay member 606 is a first restricting portion that, by contacting the connecting member 605, restricts the movement of the connecting member 605 relative to the main frame 61 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0100] A first movement limiting portion 601a provided on the first guide member 601 fits into the first groove portion 605b, and two opposing surfaces that form the first groove portion 605b abut against the first movement limiting portion 601a. ​​In other words, the connecting member 605 abuts against the first guide member 601. As a result, the movement of the first guide member 601 relative to the connecting member 605 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 605 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 605 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces that form the first groove portion 605b abuts against the first movement limiting portion 601a. ​​Thus, the movement of the connecting member 605 relative to the first guide member 601 is restricted. Each of the two opposing surfaces that form the first groove portion 605b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The first movement limiting section 601a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction.

[0101] The second movement limiting portion 602a provided on the second guide member 602 fits into the second groove portion 605c, and the second groove portion 605c abuts against the second movement limiting portion 602a. In other words, the connecting member 605 abuts against the second guide member 602. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 602 relative to the connecting member 605 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 605 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 605 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 605c abuts against the second movement limiting portion 602a. Thus, the movement of the connecting member 605 relative to the second guide member 602 is restricted. Each of the two opposing faces that form the second groove portion 605c extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The second movement limiting section 602a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction.

[0102] When the first guide member 601 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the first movement limiting portion 601a of the first guide member 601 comes into contact with one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 605b, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 605. Then, one of the two end faces forming the guided-restricted portion 605a of the connecting member 605 comes into contact with the guide limiting portion 606a, and the movement of the connecting member 605 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the first guide member 601 relative to the main frame 61 in the first direction R1 is restricted. In this way, when the first guide member 601 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the first guide member 601 comes into contact with the connecting member 605. Then, the connecting member 605 comes into contact with the guide limiting portion 606a, thereby restricting the relative movement of the first guide member 601 relative to the main frame 61.

[0103] When the first guide member 601 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the first movement limiting portion 601a of the first guide member 601 comes into contact with the other of the two end faces that form the first groove portion 605b, and connects. An external force R2 in the second direction acts on member 605. Then, the other of the two end faces that form the guide-restricted portion 605a of the connecting member 605 comes into contact with the guide-restricting portion 606a, and the movement of the connecting member 605 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the first guide member 601 in the second direction R2 relative to the main frame 61 is restricted. In this way, when the first guide member 601 is subjected to an external force R2 in the second direction, the first guide member 601 comes into contact with the connecting member 605. Then, the contact of the connecting member 605 with the guide-restricting portion 606a restricts the relative movement of the first guide member 601 with respect to the main frame 61.

[0104] When the second guide member 602 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 602a of the second guide member 602 comes into contact with one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 605c, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 605. Then, one of the two end faces forming the guided-restricted portion 605a of the connecting member 605 comes into contact with the guide limiting portion 606a, and the movement of the connecting member 605 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 602 relative to the main frame 61 in the first direction R1 is restricted. In this way, when the second guide member 602 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the second guide member 602 comes into contact with the connecting member 605. Then, the connecting member 605 comes into contact with the guide limiting portion 606a, thereby restricting the relative movement of the second guide member 602 relative to the main frame 61.

[0105] When the second guide member 602 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 602a of the second guide member 602 comes into contact with the other of the two end faces that form the second groove portion 605c, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 605. Then, the other of the two end faces that form the guided restricted portion 605a of the connecting member 605 comes into contact with the guide limiting portion 606a, and the movement of the connecting member 605 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 602 relative to the main frame 61 in the second direction R2 is restricted. In this way, when the second guide member 602 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 602 comes into contact with the connecting member 605. Then, the connecting member 605 comes into contact with the guide limiting portion 606a, thereby restricting the relative movement of the second guide member 602 relative to the main frame 61.

[0106] The positioning of the third guide member 603 in the rotational axis direction by the third guide limiting portion 606b of the stay member 606 and the third guide restricted portion 603a of the third guide member 603 is the same as in Embodiment 3.

[0107] In the above configuration, the connecting member 605 is directly positioned in the direction of the rotation axis relative to the stay member 606. Therefore, the positioning configuration is simplified. In addition, the position of the second guide member 602 in the direction of the rotation axis can be suppressed due to the effects of heat.

[0108] (Example 5) The transport guide 710 of Example 5 will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide 710 of Example 5 taken parallel to the rotation axis direction. Parts that overlap with the previously described examples and descriptions will be omitted, and the differences will be described mainly. The main frame 71, the first frame 711, and the second frame 712 are the same as in Example 2, so their descriptions will be omitted.

[0109] The transport guide 710 has a first guide member 701, a second guide member 702, and a third guide member 703. A connecting member 705 passes through the guide members 701 to 703. A stay member 706 is fixed so as to bridge the gap between the first frame 711 and the second frame 712. The fixing of the stay member 706 to the first frame 711 is the same as in Embodiment 2.

[0110] The connecting member 705 has a first groove 705a on one end (right side in Figure 11) in the direction of the rotation axis and a second groove 705b on the other end (left side in Figure 11). The stay member 706 is a guide limiter. It has a section 706a. The guide limiting section 706a has a connecting member limiting section 706b at its tip and a first guide limiting section 706c at its base.

[0111] The connecting member limiting portion 706b fits into the first groove portion 705a, and the two opposing surfaces that form the first groove portion 705a abut against the connecting member limiting portion 706b. In other words, the connecting member 705 and the stay member 706 abut against each other. This restricts the movement of the connecting member 705 relative to the stay member 706 and further relative to the main frame 71 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 705 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 705 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces that form the first groove portion 705a abuts against the connecting member limiting portion 706b. This restricts the movement of the connecting member 705 relative to the stay member 706. Each of the two opposing surfaces that form the first groove portion 705a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The connecting member limiting portion 706b extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The connecting member restricting portion 706b of the guide restricting portion 706a of the stay member 706 is a first restricting portion that, by contacting the connecting member 705, restricts the relative movement of the connecting member 705 with respect to the main frame 71 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0112] The first guide member 701 has a first guide-restricted portion 701a, and the first guide-restricted portion 706c of the guide-restricted portion 706a of the stay member 706 fits into the first guide-restricted portion 701a, with the first guide-restricted portion 706c in contact with the first guide-restricted portion 701a. In other words, the first guide member 701 and the stay member 706 are in contact. As a result, the first guide member 701 is restricted from moving relative to the stay member 706 and further relative to the first frame 711 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. As a result, the first guide member 701 is positioned relative to the first frame 711 and further relative to the main frame 71 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0113] In detail, the first guide limiting portion 706c has an end face 706d facing the first direction R1 and an end face 706e facing the second direction R2. The end faces 706d and 706e extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis direction. The first guide restricted portion 701a has an end face 701b facing the first direction R1 and an end face 701c facing the second direction R2. The end faces 701b and 701c extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis direction. The contact between the end faces 706d and 701c restricts the first guide member 701 from moving relative to the stay member 706 and further relative to the main frame 71 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the first guide member 701 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 701c abuts against the end face 706d, restricting the movement of the first guide member 701. The abutment between the end face 706e and the end face 701b restricts the first guide member 701 from moving relative to the stay member 706 and further to the main frame 71 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the first guide member 701 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 701b abuts against the end face 706e, restricting the movement of the first guide member 701. The first guide limiting portion 706c of the guide limiting portion 706a of the stay member 706 is a first limiting portion that abuts against the first guide member 701, thereby restricting the first guide member 701 from moving relative to the main frame 71 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0114] The second movement limiting portion 702a provided on the second guide member 702 fits into the second groove portion 705b, and the second groove portion 705c abuts against the second movement limiting portion 702a. In other words, the connecting member 705 abuts against the second guide member 702. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 702 relative to the connecting member 705 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 705 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 705 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 705b abuts against the second movement limiting portion 702a. The movement of 705 is restricted. Each of the two opposing surfaces that form the second groove 705b extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis. The second movement restricting portion 702a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis.

[0115] When the second guide member 702 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 702a of the second guide member 702 comes into contact with one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 705b, and the external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 705. Then, one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 705a of the connecting member 705 comes into contact with the connecting member limiting portion 706b, and the movement of the connecting member 705 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 702 relative to the main frame 71 in the first direction R1 is restricted. In this way, when the second guide member 702 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the second guide member 702 comes into contact with the connecting member 705. Then, the connecting member 705 comes into contact with the connecting member limiting portion 706b, thereby restricting the relative movement of the second guide member 702 relative to the main frame 71.

[0116] When the second guide member 702 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 702a of the second guide member 702 comes into contact with the other of the two end faces that form the second groove portion 705b, and the external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 705. Then, the other of the two end faces that form the first groove portion 705a of the connecting member 705 comes into contact with the connecting member limiting portion 706b, and the movement of the connecting member 705 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 702 relative to the main frame 71 in the second direction R2 is restricted. In this way, when the second guide member 702 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 702 comes into contact with the connecting member 705. Then, the connecting member 705 comes into contact with the connecting member limiting portion 706b, thereby restricting the relative movement of the second guide member 702 relative to the main frame 71.

[0117] As described above, the second guide member 702 is restricted from moving in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 relative to the main frame 71. In other words, when the second guide member 702 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the second guide member 702 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 702 comes into contact with the connecting member 705. Then, the connecting member 705 comes into contact with the connecting member limiting portion 706b, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member 702.

[0118] The positioning of the third guide member 703 in the rotational axis direction by the third guide limiting portion 706f of the stay member 706 and the third guide restricted portion 703a of the third guide member 703 is the same as in Embodiment 3.

[0119] Thus, in Embodiment 5, the guide limiting portion 706a provided on the stay member 706 positions both the first guide member 701 and the connecting member 705 relative to the stay member 706.

[0120] In the above configuration, the first guide member 701 is positioned directly in the direction of the rotation axis relative to the stay member 706. Furthermore, similar to Embodiment 4, the connecting member 705 is positioned directly in the direction of the rotation axis relative to the stay member 706. Therefore, fluctuations in the position of the first guide member 701 and the second guide member 702 in the direction of the rotation axis due to the effects of heat can be suppressed.

[0121] (Example 6) The transport guide 810 of Example 6 will be described with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the transport guide 810 of Example 6. Parts that overlap with the previously described examples will be omitted from the explanation, and only the differences will be described.

[0122] The transport guide 810 includes a first guide member 801, a second guide member 802, and a third guide It has a member 803. A connecting member 805 is inserted into fitting holes that extend in the direction of the rotation axis provided in the guide members 801 to 803, restricting the movement of the guide members 801 to 803 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the rotation axis. The main frame 81 has a first frame 811 and a second frame 812.

[0123] The first frame 811 has a first engaging portion 811a, and the second frame 812 has a second engaging portion 812a. The transport guide 810 is positioned between the first frame 811 and the second frame 812 in the direction of the rotation axis, and is rotatably supported by engaging with the first frame 811 and the second frame 812 at both ends in the direction of the rotation axis. The transport guide 810 has a first engaged portion 801a that engages with the first engaging portion 811a of the first frame 811, and a second engaged portion 802a that engages with the second engaging portion 812a of the second frame 812. The first engaged portion 801a is provided on the first guide member 801, and the second engaged portion 802a is provided on the second guide member 802. The first engaged portion 801a is rotatably engaged with the first engaged portion 811a about an axis parallel to the direction of the rotation axis, and the second engaged portion 802a is rotatably engaged with the second engaged portion 812a about an axis parallel to the direction of the rotation axis.

[0124] The first engaging portion 811a has a protrusion 811b, and when the first engaging portion 811a and the first engaged portion 801a engage, the end face 811c of the protrusion 811b facing the first direction R1 and the end face 801b of the first engaged portion 801a facing the second direction R2 come into contact. The end faces 811c and 801b extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis direction. As a result, the first guide member 801 is restricted from moving relative to the first frame 811 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the first guide member 801 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 801b comes into contact with the end face 811c, and the movement of the first guide member 801 is restricted. Furthermore, the end face 801c of the first engaged portion 801a facing the first direction R1 and the end face 811d of the first frame 811 facing the second direction R2 are in contact. The end faces 811d and 801c extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis direction. As a result, the first guide member 801 is restricted from moving relative to the first frame 811 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the first guide member 801 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 801c comes into contact with the end face 811d, and the movement of the first guide member 801 is restricted.

[0125] The second engaging portion 812a has a protrusion 812b, and when the second engaging portion 812a and the second engaged portion 802a engage, the end face 812c of the protrusion 812b facing the second direction R2 and the end face 802b of the second engaged portion 802a facing the first direction R1 come into contact. The end faces 812c and 802b extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis direction. As a result, the second guide member 802 is restricted from moving relative to the second frame 812 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the second guide member 802 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 802b comes into contact with the end face 812c, and the movement of the second guide member 802 is restricted. Furthermore, the end face 802c of the second engaged portion 802a facing the second direction R2 and the end face 812d of the second frame 812 facing the first direction R1 are in contact. The end faces 812d and 802c extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis direction. As a result, the second guide member 802 is restricted from moving relative to the second frame 812 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the second guide member 802 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 802c comes into contact with the end face 812d, and the movement of the second guide member 802 is restricted.

[0126] Thus, in Embodiment 6, in the direction of the rotation axis, the first guide member 801 is positioned relative to the first frame 811, and the second guide member 802 is positioned relative to the second frame 812.

[0127] The third guide member 803 has a third movement limiting portion 803a. The connecting member 805 has a recess 805a. The third movement limiting portion 803a fits into the recess 805a, forming the recess 805a. The third movement limiting portion 803a abuts against two opposing end faces so as to be. In other words, the third guide member 803 abuts against the connecting member 805. As a result, the third guide member 803 is restricted from moving relative to the connecting member 805 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 805 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1 and when it is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two end faces that form the recess 805a abuts against the third movement limiting portion 803a, and the movement of the connecting member 805 is restricted. Each of the two opposing end faces that form the recess 805a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. The third movement limiting portion 803a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction. On the other hand, the connecting member 805 does not have a positioning structure between the first guide member 801 and the second guide member 802. Therefore, the third guide member 803 is relatively movable with respect to the first guide member 801 and the second guide member 802 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. The amount of movement depends on the gap between the first guide member 801 and the third guide member 803, and the gap between the second guide member 802 and the third guide member 803.

[0128] Furthermore, similar to the modified example in Embodiment 2, the structure may be such that at least one of the first guide member 801 and the second guide member 802 is positioned relative to the connecting member 805 in the direction of the rotation axis. Alternatively, a stay member may be provided, similar to Embodiment 2, and the first guide member 801 and the second guide member 802 may be positioned relative to the main frame 81 by positioning them relative to the stay member.

[0129] In Embodiment 6, the first guide member 801 is positioned relative to the first frame 811 in the direction of the rotation axis, and the second guide member 802 is positioned relative to the second frame 812. Therefore, the thermal expansion coefficient of the material forming the connecting member 805 does not have to be smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the material forming the first guide member 801 and the second guide member 802, as in the above embodiments. Even in that case, fluctuations in the position of the guide members 801 and 802 in the direction of the rotation axis due to the influence of heat can be suppressed. Therefore, the connecting member 805 in Embodiment 6 does not have to be made of metal. For example, the connecting member 805 can be made of the same material as the material forming the third guide member 803. In this case, the connecting member 805 may be formed integrally with the third guide member 803 in a shape that extends from the third guide member 803 in the direction of the rotation axis. This can also reduce the number of parts.

[0130] (Example 7) The transport guide 910 of Example 7 will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the transport guide 910 of Example 7 taken parallel to the rotation axis direction. Parts that overlap with the previously described examples will be omitted from the explanation, and the main differences will be described.

[0131] Examples 1 to 6 describe a configuration in which a first guide member engages with a first frame and a second guide member engages with a second frame, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the member that engages with the frame may be a connecting member, or other guide members may be provided at both ends of the transport guide and these guide members may engage with the frame. Example 7 describes a configuration in which a connecting member 905 engages with the first frame 911 and the second frame 912.

[0132] The transport guide 910 has a first guide member 901, a second guide member 902, and a third guide member 903. The connecting member 905 penetrates the guide members 901 to 903 and protrudes from both ends of the transport guide 910 in the direction of its rotation axis. The first end 905c of the connecting member 905 engages with the first engaging portion 911a of the first frame 911, and the second end 905d of the connecting member 905 engages with the second engaging portion 912a of the second frame 912. The first end 905c of the connecting member 905 is rotatably supported by the first engaging portion 911a of the first frame 911, and the second end 905d of the connecting member 905 is rotatably supported by the second engaging portion 912a of the second frame 912.

[0133] The connecting member 905 has a first groove 905a on one end (right side in Figure 13) in the direction of the rotation axis, and a second groove 905b on the other end (left side in Figure 13).

[0134] A first movement limiting portion 901d provided on the first guide member 901 fits into the first groove portion 905a, and two opposing end faces that form the first groove portion 905a abut against the first movement limiting portion 901d. In other words, the connecting member 905 abuts against the first guide member 901. As a result, the movement of the first guide member 901 relative to the connecting member 905 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 905 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 905 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two opposing end faces that form the first groove portion 905a abuts against the first movement limiting portion 901d, and the movement of the connecting member 905 is restricted. Each of the two opposing end faces that form the first groove portion 905a extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The first movement limiting section 901d extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction.

[0135] The second movement limiting portion 902a provided on the second guide member 902 fits into the second groove portion 905b, and the two opposing end faces that form the second groove portion 905b abut against the second movement limiting portion 902a. In other words, the connecting member 905 abuts against the second guide member 902. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 902 relative to the connecting member 905 is restricted in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. That is, when the connecting member 905 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, and when the connecting member 905 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, one of the two opposing end faces that form the second groove portion 905b abuts against the second movement limiting portion 902a, and the movement of the connecting member 905 is restricted. Each of the two opposing end faces that form the second groove portion 905b extends in a direction intersecting the direction of the rotation axis. The second movement limiting section 902a extends in a direction intersecting the rotation axis direction.

[0136] The positioning of the third guide member 903 in the rotational axis direction by the third guide limiting portion 906b of the stay member 906 and the third guide restricted portion 903a of the third guide member 903 is the same as in Embodiment 3.

[0137] The first guide member 901 has a first guide-restricted portion 901a, and the first guide-restricted portion 906a of the stay member 906 fits into the first guide-restricted portion 901a, with the first guide-restricted portion 906a abutting against the first guide-restricted portion 901a. In other words, the first guide member 901 and the stay member 906 are in contact. As a result, the first guide member 901 is restricted from moving relative to the stay member 906 and further relative to the first frame 911 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. As a result, the first guide member 901 is positioned relative to the first frame 911 in the direction of the rotation axis.

[0138] In detail, the first guide limiting portion 906a has an end face 906c facing a first direction R1 and an end face 906d facing a second direction R2. The end faces 906c and 906d extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis. The first guide restricted portion 901a has an end face 901c facing a first direction R1 and an end face 901b facing a second direction R2. The end faces 901c and 901b extend in directions intersecting the rotation axis. The contact between the end faces 906c and 901b restricts the movement of the first guide member 901 relative to the stay member 906 in the second direction R2. In other words, when the first guide member 901 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the end face 901b contacts the end face 906c, restricting the movement of the first guide member 901. The contact between the end face 906d and the end face 901c restricts the movement of the first guide member 901 relative to the stay member 906 in the first direction R1. In other words, when the first guide member 901 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the end face 901c contacts the end face 906d, restricting the movement of the first guide member 901.

[0139] As described above, the connecting member 905 is restricted from moving relative to the first guide member 901 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. And as described above, the first guide member 901 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 91 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2. Therefore, the connecting member 905 is restricted from moving relative to the main frame 91 in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2.

[0140] When the second guide member 902 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1, the second movement limiting portion 902a of the second guide member 902 comes into contact with one of the two end faces forming the second groove portion 905b, and an external force in the first direction R1 acts on the connecting member 905. Then, one of the two end faces forming the first groove portion 905a of the connecting member 905 comes into contact with the first movement limiting portion 901d, and an external force in the first direction R1 acts on the first guide member 901. Then, the end face 901c of the first guide member 901 comes into contact with the end face 906d of the first guide limiting portion 906a, and the movement of the first guide member 901 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 902 relative to the main frame 91 in the first direction R1 is restricted.

[0141] When the second guide member 902 is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second movement limiting portion 902a of the second guide member 902 comes into contact with the other of the two end faces that form the second groove portion 905b, and an external force in the second direction R2 acts on the connecting member 905. Then, the other of the two end faces that form the first groove portion 905a of the connecting member 905 comes into contact with the first movement limiting portion 901d, and an external force in the second direction R2 acts on the first guide member 901. Then, the end face 901b of the first guide member 901 comes into contact with the end face 906c of the first guide limiting portion 906a, and the movement of the first guide member 901 is restricted. As a result, the movement of the second guide member 902 relative to the main frame 91 in the second direction R2 is restricted.

[0142] As described above, the second guide member 902 is restricted from moving in the first direction R1 and the second direction R2 relative to the main frame 91. In other words, when the second guide member 902 is subjected to an external force in the first direction R1 and when it is subjected to an external force in the second direction R2, the second guide member 902 comes into contact with the connecting member 905. Then, the connecting member 905 comes into contact with the first guide member 901, and the first guide member 901 comes into contact with the first guide limiting portion 906a, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member 902.

[0143] According to Embodiment 7, even in a configuration where the connecting member 905 engages with the first frame 911 and the second frame 912 at both ends, the positions of the first guide member 901 and the second guide member 902 in the direction of the rotation axis are less affected by heat. Therefore, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0144] This embodiment includes the following configuration. (Composition 1) A conveying device for transporting recording material, A conveying roller for transporting the aforementioned recording material, A main frame having a first frame including a first engagement portion and a second frame including a second engagement portion, A transport guide positioned between the first frame and the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the transport roller, comprising a first guide member and a second guide member configured to guide the recording material, a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion, and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, A connecting member that connects the first guide member and the second guide member, Equipped with, The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis such that the first guide member is closer to the first frame than the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis, and the second guide member is closer to the second frame than the first frame. The thermal expansion coefficient of the connecting member is smaller than that of the first guide member and the second guide member. When the direction parallel to the rotation axis and moving from the second frame toward the first frame is defined as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as the second direction, With respect to the first and second directions, the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame is restricted. A conveying device characterized in that, in the first and second directions, the movement of the second guide member relative to the connecting member is restricted. (Configuration 2) It further has a first limiting section, The conveying device according to configuration 1, wherein the first limiting portion limits the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in at least one of the first and second directions. (Composition 3) With respect to the rotation axis direction, the first guide member has one end and the other end, with the one end being closer to the first frame than the other end. With respect to the rotation axis direction, the conveying device according to configuration 2, wherein the first limiting portion is closer to one end than to the other end. (Composition 4) The conveying device according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the first limiting portion restricts the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in the first and second directions. (Composition 5) The conveying device according to configuration 4, wherein the first limiting portion contacts the first guide member, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in the first and second directions. (Composition 6) The conveying device according to configuration 5, wherein the connecting member contacts the first guide member, thereby restricting the movement of the connecting member relative to the first guide member in the first and second directions. (Composition 7) The conveying device according to configuration 5, wherein the first limiting portion contacts the connecting member, thereby restricting the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame in the first and second directions. (Composition 8) The first limiting portion, by contacting the first guide member, restricts the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in the second direction. The first limiting portion, by contacting the connecting member, restricts the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame in the first direction. The conveying device according to configuration 4, wherein the first guide member contacts the connecting member, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member relative to the connecting member in the first direction. (Composition 9) The first limiting portion, by contacting the connecting member, restricts the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame in the first and second directions. The first guide member comes into contact with the connecting member, thereby in the first direction and the second direction The conveying device according to configuration 4, wherein the movement of the first guide member relative to the connecting member is restricted. (Composition 10) The first frame has the first limiting portion, The second frame has a second limiting portion, The first limiting portion, by contacting the first guide member, restricts the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in the first direction. The conveying device according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the second limiting portion contacts the second guide member, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member relative to the main frame in the second direction. (Composition 11) A conveying device for transporting recording material, A conveying roller for transporting the aforementioned recording material, A main frame having a first frame including a first engagement portion and a second frame including a second engagement portion, A transport guide positioned between the first frame and the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the transport roller, comprising a first guide member and a second guide member configured to guide the recording material, a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion, and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, A connecting member that connects the first guide member and the second guide member, Equipped with, The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis such that the first guide member is closer to the first frame than the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis, and the second guide member is closer to the second frame than the first frame. When the direction parallel to the rotation axis and moving from the second frame toward the first frame is defined as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as the second direction, The engagement of the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion restricts the movement of the first guide member relative to the first frame in the second direction. A conveying device characterized in that the second engaging portion and the second engaged portion engage with each other, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member relative to the second frame in the first direction. (Composition 12) The transport guide has a third guide member configured to guide the recording material, The conveying device according to any one of configurations 1 to 11, wherein the third guide member is positioned between the first guide member and the second guide member in the direction of the rotation axis. (Composition 13) The conveying device according to configuration 12, wherein the third guide member is restricted from moving relative to the main frame in the first and second directions. (Composition 14) The conveying device according to configuration 12, wherein the third guide member is restricted from moving relative to the connecting member in the first and second directions. (Composition 15) The first engaged portion is rotatably engaged with the first engaging portion about an axis parallel to the direction of the rotation axis, The conveying device according to any one of the configurations 1 to 14, wherein the second engaged portion is rotatably engaged with the second engaging portion about an axis parallel to the direction of the rotation axis. (Composition 16) A transfer means for transferring a toner image onto the recording material, Fixing means for fixing the toner image of the recording material transferred by the transfer means, It has, The transport guide is a transport device according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, which guides the recording material downstream of the fixing means in the transport path of the recording material. (Composition 17) The conveying device according to any one of configurations 1 to 16, wherein the conveying roller is rotatably supported by the main frame. (Composition 18) The transport guide is made of resin, The connecting member is made of metal, as described in any one of configurations 1 to 17 of the conveying device. (Configuration 19) The conveying device according to configuration 18, wherein the resin is polyacetal. (Composition 20) The transport guide has a plurality of ribs for guiding the recording material, and the positions of each of the plurality of ribs are different from each other in the direction of the rotation axis, according to the transport device according to any one of the configurations 1 to 19. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 106: Conveyor roller, 110: Conveyor guide, 113: Main frame, 114: Conveyor device, 201: First guide member, 201c: First engaged part, 202: Second guide member, 202c: Second engaged part, 205: Connecting member, 210: Conveyor guide, 21: Main frame, 211: First frame, 211a: First engaged part, 212: Second frame, 212a: Second engaged part, R1: First direction, R2: Second direction

Claims

1. A conveying device for transporting recording material, A conveying roller for transporting the aforementioned recording material, A main frame having a first frame including a first engagement portion and a second frame including a second engagement portion, A transport guide positioned between the first frame and the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis of the transport roller, comprising a first guide member and a second guide member configured to guide the recording material, a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion, and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, A connecting member that connects the first guide member and the second guide member, Equipped with, The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis such that the first guide member is closer to the first frame than the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis, and the second guide member is closer to the second frame than the first frame. The thermal expansion coefficient of the connecting member is smaller than that of the first guide member and the second guide member. When the direction parallel to the rotation axis and moving from the second frame toward the first frame is defined as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as the second direction, With respect to the first and second directions, the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame is restricted. A conveying device characterized in that, in the first and second directions, the movement of the second guide member relative to the connecting member is restricted.

2. It further has a first limiting section, The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the first limiting portion limits the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in at least one of the first and second directions.

3. With respect to the rotation axis direction, the first guide member has one end and the other end, with the one end being closer to the first frame than the other end. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the first limiting portion is closer to one end than to the other end in the direction of the rotation axis.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein the first limiting portion restricts the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in the first and second directions.

5. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein the first limiting portion contacts the first guide member, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in the first and second directions.

6. The conveying device according to claim 5, wherein the connecting member contacts the first guide member, thereby restricting the movement of the connecting member relative to the first guide member in the first and second directions.

7. The conveying device according to claim 5, wherein the first limiting portion contacts the connecting member, thereby restricting the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame in the first and second directions.

8. The first limiting portion, by contacting the first guide member, restricts the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in the second direction. The first limiting portion, by contacting the connecting member, restricts the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame in the first direction. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein the first guide member contacts the connecting member, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member relative to the connecting member in the first direction.

9. The first limiting portion, by contacting the connecting member, restricts the movement of the connecting member relative to the main frame in the first and second directions. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein the first guide member contacts the connecting member, thereby restricting the movement of the first guide member relative to the connecting member in the first and second directions.

10. The first frame has the first limiting portion, The second frame has a second limiting portion, The first limiting portion, by contacting the first guide member, restricts the movement of the first guide member relative to the main frame in the first direction. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the second limiting portion contacts the second guide member, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member relative to the main frame in the second direction.

11. A conveying device for transporting recording material, A conveying roller for transporting the aforementioned recording material, A main frame having a first frame including a first engagement portion and a second frame including a second engagement portion, A transport guide positioned between the first frame and the second frame in the rotational axis direction of the transport roller, comprising a first guide member and a second guide member configured to guide the recording material, a first engaged portion that engages with the first engaging portion, and a second engaged portion that engages with the second engaging portion, A connecting member that connects the first guide member and the second guide member, Equipped with, The first guide member and the second guide member are arranged side by side in the direction of the rotation axis such that the first guide member is closer to the first frame than the second frame in the direction of the rotation axis, and the second guide member is closer to the second frame than the first frame. When the direction parallel to the rotation axis and moving from the second frame toward the first frame is defined as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as the second direction, The engagement of the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion restricts the movement of the first guide member relative to the first frame in the second direction. A conveying device characterized in that the second engaging portion and the second engaged portion engage with each other, thereby restricting the movement of the second guide member relative to the second frame in the first direction.

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

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

14. The conveying device according to claim 12, wherein the third guide member is restricted from moving relative to the connecting member in the first and second directions.

15. The first engaged portion is rotatably engaged with the first engaging portion about an axis parallel to the direction of the rotation axis, The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second engaged portion is rotatably engaged with the second engaging portion about an axis parallel to the direction of the rotation axis.

16. A transfer means for transferring a toner image onto the recording material, Fixing means for fixing the toner image of the recording material transferred by the transfer means, It has, The transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transport guide guides the recording material downstream of the fixing means in the transport path of the recording material.

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

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

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

20. The transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the transport guide has a plurality of ribs for guiding the recording material, and the positions of each of the plurality of ribs are different from each other in the direction of the rotation axis.

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