JP2013249165A - Paper supporting device, image forming apparatus and image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper supporting device, an image forming apparatus and an image reading apparatus which are excellent in operability and have high performance.SOLUTION: A printer 1 of an embodiment 1 includes a paper feed tray 3. The paper feed tray 3 includes: a tray body 7; a support table 9; a side guide 11 located at one end side; a side guide 13 located at the other end side; and an interlocking means 15. The interlocking means 15 includes: a first interlocking mechanism 17; a second interlocking mechanism 19; and a gear transmission mechanism 21. The first interlocking mechanism 17 is composed of: a first rack 17A located at one end side; a first rack 17B located at the other end side; and a first pinion 17C. The second interlocking mechanism 19 is composed of: a second rack 19A located at one end side; a second rack 19B located at the other end side; and a second pinion 19C. The gear transmission mechanism 21 is composed of: first and second gears 21A and 21B; and an intermediate gear 21C. Regarding the paper feed tray 3, the first and second pinions 17C and 19C are rotated in synchronism with each other through the first and second gears 21A and 21B and the intermediate gear 21C, and thereby, the first interlocking mechanism 17 and the second interlocking mechanism 19 operate in association with each other.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet supporting device, an image forming apparatus, and an image reading apparatus.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 discloses a conventional paper support device. The paper support device includes a support base having a support surface for supporting the paper, one end side guide for regulating the position of the paper at one end in the width direction of the support surface, and a paper at the other end in the width direction of the support surface. The other end side guide for regulating the position of the first end mechanism, and the first interlocking mechanism and the second interlocking mechanism for interlocking the movement of the one end side guide and the other end side guide.

  The first interlocking mechanism includes one end side first rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side first rack provided on the other end side guide, the one end side first rack, and the other end side first rack. And a first pinion meshing with the first pinion. The second interlocking mechanism includes one end side second rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side second rack provided on the other end side guide, the one end side second rack, and the other end side second rack. And a second pinion that meshes with.

  In this paper support device, the first side mechanism and the second side mechanism can be moved while being interlocked by the first interlock mechanism and the second interlock mechanism. For this reason, in this paper support device, it is possible to position the paper on the support surface regardless of its length by the large one end side guide and the other end side guide.

JP 2010-159157 A

  However, in the paper support device described in Patent Document 1, the first pinion and the second pinion rotate individually in accordance with the movement of the one end side guide and the other end side guide, and the first interlocking mechanism and the first pinion mechanism are rotated. The two interlocking mechanisms operate individually. For this reason, in this paper support device, when the one end side guide and the other end side guide are moved, it is difficult to suitably transmit power to the first pinion and the second pinion, and the first pinion and the second pinion Therefore, the rotation is likely to shift. In particular, in such a sheet support apparatus, a user often performs an operation of moving both side guides by gripping portions of the one end side guide and the other end side guide near the longitudinal ends. In that case, there is a problem that twisting is likely to occur when the one end side guide and the other end side guide are moved, and operability is poor. Further, the one end side guide and the other end side guide are liable to be inclined with respect to the sheet, and there is a possibility that the sheet positioning accuracy with respect to the support surface (support table) is lowered.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a paper support device, an image forming apparatus, and an image reading apparatus that are excellent in operability and high performance.

The paper support device of the present invention includes a support base having a support surface for supporting paper,
One end side guide that protrudes from the support surface on one end side in the width direction of the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the paper placed on the support surface;
The other end side of the support surface in the width direction protrudes from the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the sheet placed on the support surface together with the one end side guide. The other end side guide,
Provided on the support, and interlocking means for interlocking movement of the one end side guide and the other end side guide,
The interlocking means is
One end side first rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side first rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side first rack and the other end side first rack mesh with each other. A first interlocking mechanism comprising a first pinion that
One end side second rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side second rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side second rack and the other end side second rack mesh with each other. A second interlocking mechanism comprising a second pinion that
And a synchronization mechanism that synchronously rotates the first pinion and the second pinion.

  In the sheet support device of the present invention, the one end side guide and the other end side guide move while being interlocked by the interlocking means in the width direction of the support base. This interlocking means has a first interlocking mechanism, a second interlocking mechanism, and a synchronization mechanism. The first pinion of the first interlocking mechanism and the second pinion of the second interlocking mechanism can be rotated while being synchronized by the synchronization mechanism. For this reason, in this paper support device, when the one end side guide and the other end side guide are moved, the first pinion and the second pinion are unlikely to be misaligned. Are suitably linked. As a result, in this paper support device, twisting is less likely to occur when the one end side guide and the other end side guide are moved, and operability is improved. Further, in this paper support apparatus, the one end side guide and the other end side guide are difficult to be inclined with respect to the paper, so the paper can be accurately positioned with respect to the support base.

  Furthermore, in the paper support apparatus of the present invention, two or more interlocking mechanisms are provided on the support base. For this reason, in this paper support device, a large-sized one end side guide and other end side guide that can be moved by a plurality of interlocking mechanisms are adopted, or the one end side guide and the other end side guides according to the number of interlocking mechanisms. It is possible to employ a plurality of guides. Accordingly, in this paper support device, the position in the width direction of the paper can be easily regulated by the one end side guide and the other end side guide, and the paper support apparatus can deal with various sizes of paper.

  Therefore, the paper support device of the present invention is excellent in operability and exhibits high performance.

  As described above, in the paper support device of the present invention, if there are two or more interlocking mechanisms, the number can be designed as appropriate. When three or more interlocking mechanisms are provided, two interlocking mechanisms arbitrarily selected from them can be used as the first interlocking mechanism and the second interlocking mechanism, respectively.

  The one end side guide and the other end side guide are each preferably a single member. In this case, as described above, the one-end side guide and the other-end side guide can be enlarged, and the width can be easily regulated for various sizes of paper. Further, even when the enlarged one end side guide or the other end side guide is moved, according to the paper support device of the present invention, it is difficult for the twist to occur in the paper support device. Even if the side guide is enlarged, it is easy to move and operability is good. Further, by using the one end side guide and the other end side guide as one member, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the sheet supporting device, and to reduce the manufacturing cost. Furthermore, the one end side guide and the other end side guide can be easily assembled to the support base.

  Further, the synchronization mechanism is preferably provided between the one end side guide and the other end side guide and on the opposite side of the support surface of the support base. In this case, since the synchronization mechanism is provided between the one end side guide and the other end side guide, the synchronization mechanism does not protrude from the support base, and the paper support device can be downsized. Further, in this paper support device, since the synchronization mechanism is not arranged on the side on which the paper is placed (support surface side), for example, when placing the paper, it becomes difficult for the user to touch the synchronization mechanism, It is possible to prevent damage to the synchronization mechanism.

  The synchronization mechanism is preferably a gear transmission mechanism that meshes with the first pinion and the second pinion. In this case, the configuration of the synchronization mechanism can be simplified, and the rotations of the first pinion and the second pinion can be synchronized with high certainty. It should be noted that the number and shape of the gears constituting the gear transmission mechanism can be designed as appropriate.

  The gear transmission mechanism is provided coaxially with the first pinion, and is provided with a first gear that rotates synchronously with the first pinion, a second gear that is provided coaxially with the second pinion and rotates synchronously with the second pinion, It is preferable to comprise an intermediate gear meshing with one gear and the second gear. In this case, the first pinion and the first gear can be integrated, and similarly, the second pinion and the second gear can be integrated. For this reason, a 1st pinion and a 2nd pinion rotate in synchronism suitably via an intermediate gear. Moreover, the integration as described above can also reduce the number of parts of the paper support device.

  The magnitude relationship between the first pinion and the first gear can be designed as appropriate, and the first pinion and the first gear can have the same shape. The same applies to the second pinion and the second gear. In particular, the first gear preferably has a larger diameter than the first pinion, and the second gear preferably has a larger diameter than the second pinion. In this case, the gear transmission mechanism can be easily configured.

  Furthermore, in the paper support apparatus of the present invention, at least one of the phase of the first rack on the one end side and the second rack on the one end side and the phase of the first rack on the other end side and the second rack on the other end side are different. preferable. In this case, it is possible to suppress the influence of backlash when moving the one end side guide and the other end side guide. For this reason, it becomes possible to move an end side guide and an other end side guide suitably.

  Moreover, it is preferable that there is one intermediate gear. By reducing the number of gears constituting the gear transmission mechanism, the influence of backlash can be suppressed. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the number of parts as the paper support device.

  As described above, when the synchronization mechanism is a gear transmission mechanism, the paper support device of the present invention preferably includes a mark indicating the mutual position of the first pinion and the second pinion and the gear transmission mechanism. In this case, since the assembly of the first and second pinions and the gear transmission mechanism is accurate, the accuracy of the interlocking means is improved. As a result, twisting hardly occurs when the one end side guide and the other end side guide in the sheet supporting apparatus are moved, and the operability is improved, so that the sheet supporting apparatus with higher performance is obtained. Moreover, since the assembly of the first and second pinions and the gear transmission mechanism is facilitated by the mark, the production efficiency of the sheet supporting device can be improved. In addition, as a mark, it is possible to employ | adopt the marking, marking, etc. which were provided in the 1st, 2nd pinion and the gear transmission mechanism, for example.

  In the paper support apparatus of the present invention, the support base may constitute a part of a paper feed tray that stores paper that is subjected to predetermined processing in the processing means. The paper support apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a transport unit that transports the paper stored in the paper feed tray toward the processing unit.

  As described above, in the paper support device of the present invention, the one end side guide and the other end side guide can be enlarged or provided in two or more pairs. Thereby, in this paper support device, when the paper stored in the paper feed tray is transported to the processing means by the transport means, it is possible to suitably suppress the skew of the paper. Further, when a long sheet is stored in the sheet feed tray, the sheet can be accurately positioned with respect to the sheet feed tray. For these reasons, according to this paper support apparatus, it is possible to improve the accuracy of processing on paper in the processing means.

  Further, at least one of the one end side guide and the other end side guide may be provided with an operation unit for manually moving the one end side guide and the other end side guide. In addition, the paper feed tray may have a wall portion that is erected along the one end side guide and the other end side guide outside the one end side guide and the other end side guide. And it is preferable that the notch is formed in the wall part in the position facing an operation part.

  In this case, operation of the one end side guide and the other end side guide is facilitated by providing the operation section. Further, since the wall portion is erected on the paper feed tray, the rigidity of the paper feed tray can be increased. At this time, the notch is formed in the wall portion, so that the user can easily operate the operation portion even if the wall portion exists.

  In the paper support device of the present invention, the processing means is preferably an image forming means for forming an image on the paper. The processing unit is preferably an image reading unit that reads an image formed on a sheet. As described above, by applying the paper support device to the paper feed tray, it is possible to suitably suppress the skew of the paper when the paper is conveyed. Therefore, the image forming unit can accurately form an image on the paper. Similarly, the image reading unit can accurately read an image formed on the paper.

An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a support base having a support surface for supporting paper,
One end side guide that protrudes from the support surface on one end side in the width direction of the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the paper placed on the support surface;
The other end side of the support surface in the width direction protrudes from the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the sheet placed on the support surface together with the one end side guide. The other end side guide,
Interlocking means provided on the support base and interlocking movement of the one end side guide and the other end side guide;
Image forming means for forming an image on the paper supported by the support surface;
Transport means for transporting the paper supported by the support surface toward the image forming means,
The interlocking means is
One end side first rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side first rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side first rack and the other end side first rack mesh with each other. A first interlocking mechanism comprising a first pinion that
One end side second rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side second rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side second rack and the other end side second rack mesh with each other. A second interlocking mechanism comprising a second pinion that
And a synchronization mechanism that synchronously rotates the first pinion and the second pinion.

Further, the image reading apparatus of the present invention includes a support base having a support surface for supporting paper,
One end side guide that protrudes from the support surface on one end side in the width direction of the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the paper placed on the support surface;
The other end side of the support surface in the width direction protrudes from the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the sheet placed on the support surface together with the one end side guide. The other end side guide,
Interlocking means provided on the support base and interlocking movement of the one end side guide and the other end side guide;
Image reading means for reading an image formed on the paper supported by the support surface;
Conveying means for conveying the paper supported by the support surface toward the image reading means,
The interlocking means is
One end side first rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side first rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side first rack and the other end side first rack mesh with each other. A first interlocking mechanism comprising a first pinion that
One end side second rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side second rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side second rack and the other end side second rack mesh with each other. A second interlocking mechanism comprising a second pinion that
And a synchronization mechanism that synchronously rotates the first pinion and the second pinion.

  In the image forming apparatus and the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, as in the case of the sheet supporting apparatus, twisting hardly occurs when the one end side guide and the other end side guide are moved, and the operability is improved. Further, since the one end side guide and the other end side guide are not easily inclined with respect to the sheet, the sheet can be accurately positioned with respect to the support base. Further, the position in the width direction of the sheet can be easily regulated by the one end side guide and the other end side guide, and an image forming apparatus and an image reading apparatus that can support various sizes of sheets can be realized.

  Thus, in the image forming apparatus, when the sheet is conveyed by the conveying unit toward the image forming unit, the skew of the sheet can be suitably suppressed, and the image forming unit accurately forms an image on the sheet. be able to. Similarly, in the image forming apparatus, when the sheet is conveyed by the conveying unit toward the image reading unit, it is possible to suitably suppress the skew of the sheet, and in the image reading unit, the image formed on the sheet can be suppressed. Reading can be performed with high accuracy.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus and the image reading apparatus of the present invention are excellent in operability and exhibit high performance.

1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a printer of Example 1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a paper feed tray according to a printer of Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a paper feed tray according to the printer of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating movement of one end side guide, the other end side guide, and the like in the paper feed tray according to the printer of Embodiment 1. (A) of the figure shows a state where the one end side guide and the other end side guide are separated from each other, and (B) of the figure shows a state where the one end side guide and the other end side guide are close to each other. Show. FIG. 3 is a rear view illustrating a paper feed tray support and the like according to the printer of the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view from the back showing a paper feed tray according to the printer of Example 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a multifunction machine according to a third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a sheet feeding tray according to a multifunction machine of Embodiment 3. FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a part of a paper feed tray according to a multifunction machine of Embodiment 3.

  Hereinafter, Embodiments 1 to 3 embodying the paper support device of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 1 according to a first embodiment, which is an example of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, is a laser printer that forms an image on a sheet S1 (including an OHP sheet) by an electrophotographic method. In FIG. 1, the left side of the paper is defined as the front side of the printer 1, and the right side of the paper is defined as the rear side of the printer 1, and the front-rear and top-bottom directions are displayed. Hereinafter, each component provided in the printer 1 will be described.

<Outline of printer>
The printer 1 includes a printer main body 1A. In the printer main body 1A, conveying rollers 10A and 10B, driven rollers 10C and 10D arranged to face the conveying rollers 10A and 10B, a process cartridge 20, an exposure device 24, a fixing device 30, and the like are assembled. Thus, the transport path P1 is formed. The conveyance rollers 10A and 10B and the driven rollers 10C and 10D are examples of the conveyance unit in the present invention. Further, the process cartridge 20, the exposure device 24, and the fixing device 30 are examples of the image forming unit in the present invention. Although not shown, the printer main body 1A includes an electric motor for driving the conveying roller 10A and the like, a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force from the electric motor to the conveying roller 10A and the like, as well as the printer 1 A circuit board or the like for performing control is provided.

  The printer 1 also includes two paper feed trays 3. These paper feed trays 3 are arranged in a state of being superposed in two stages in the height direction at the upper part of the printer main body 1A. Among the paper feed trays 3, the paper feed trays 3 arranged in the upper stage are provided with the entire upper surface exposed to the outside. On the other hand, the paper feed tray 3 arranged in the lower stage is accommodated in the printer main body 1A, leaving a part on the front end side. Each paper feed tray 3 is removable from the printer main body 1A. Further, a paper discharge tray 5 is provided below the printer main body 1A, and a paper discharge port 1B for taking out the paper S1 in the paper discharge tray 5 is formed.

<Description of paper tray>
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the paper feed tray 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. 2 and 3, the left side of the paper surface is defined as the front side of the paper feed tray 3, and the right side of the paper surface is defined as the rear side of the paper feed tray 3, and the front, back, top, bottom, and left and right directions are displayed. The sheet feeding tray 3 includes a tray body 7, a support base 9, one end side guide 11, the other end side guide 13, and interlocking means 15 shown in FIG.

  The interlocking unit 15 includes a first interlocking mechanism 17, a second interlocking mechanism 19, and a gear transmission mechanism 21. The gear transmission mechanism 21 is an example of a synchronization mechanism in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first interlocking mechanism 17 includes one end side first rack 17 </ b> A provided on the front end side of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side provided on the front end side of the other end side guide 13. The first rack 17B includes a first rack 17A on one end side and a first pinion 17C that meshes with the first rack 17B on the other end side.

  The second interlocking mechanism 19 includes one end side second rack 19 </ b> A provided on the rear end side of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side second rack provided on the rear end side of the other end side guide 13. 19B and a second pinion 19C that meshes with the one end side second rack 19A and the other end side second rack 19B.

  The one end side first rack 17 </ b> A and the one end side second rack 19 </ b> A are plate-like members, and are provided at right angles to the one end side guide 11. The one end side first rack 17 </ b> A and the one end side second rack 19 </ b> A are respectively formed with teeth at the rear edge. Similarly, the other end side first rack 17 </ b> B and the other end side second rack 19 </ b> B are plate-like members, and are provided at right angles to the other end side guide 13. The other end side first rack 17 </ b> B and the other end side second rack 19 </ b> B are also formed with teeth on the front end edge, respectively.

  The gear transmission mechanism 21 includes a first gear 21A provided coaxially and integrally with the first pinion 17C, a second gear 21B provided coaxially and integrally with the second pinion 19C, and the first gear 21A and the second gear. The intermediate gear 21C is arranged between the first gear 21A and the second gear 21B. The first gear 21A has a larger diameter than the first pinion 17C, and the second gear 21B has a larger diameter than the second pinion 19C. Further, the intermediate gear 21C has a larger diameter than the first and second gears 21A and 21B.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the one end side first rack 17A and the other end side first rack 17B, and the one end side second rack 19A and the other end side second rack 19B include the first and second pinions 17C, Equilateral triangle marks 23A to 23D for performing alignment when meshing with 19C are engraved. The first and second gears 21A and 21B are formed with viewing holes 25A to 25D for exposing the marks 23A to 23D. Further, guide lines 27A to 27F are formed on the first and second gears 21A and 21B and the intermediate gear 21C. These marks 23A to 23D, peep holes 25A to 25D, and guide lines 27A to 27F are examples of landmarks in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tray body 7 is formed with wall portions 7 </ b> A and 7 </ b> B that extend in the front-rear direction and project upward in both ends in the width direction. A concave notch 7C is formed on the front end side of each wall 7A, 7B. Further, at the rear end side of the tray main body 7 and in the center in the width direction, the sheet S1 contacts the sheet feeding roller 12A, the separation roller 12B, and the separation roller 12B for feeding the sheet S1 toward the conveyance path P1 from above. In addition, a separation piece 14 for separating the sheets S1 one by one in cooperation with the separation roller 12B is provided. The sheet feeding roller 12A, the separation roller 12B, and the separation piece 14 are also examples of the conveying unit in the present invention. In FIG. 3, the paper feed roller 12A, the separation roller 12B, and the separation piece 14 are not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the support base 9 is disposed on the upper surface side of the tray body 7 between the wall portion 7 </ b> A and the wall portion 7 </ b> B, and is assembled integrally with the tray body 7. The upper surface of the support base 9 is a support surface 9A that supports the sheet S1. The one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are provided on the support base 9. The one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are each formed of one member of a resin plate, extend in the front-rear direction of the support base 9 with substantially the same length as the support base 9, and support base 9. Projecting upward. The one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 have a substantially L-shaped cross section in the vertical direction, and the one end side guide 11 is a support surface on the left side that is one end side in the width direction of the support surface 9A. The other end side guide 13 protrudes from the support surface 9A on the right side which is the other end side in the width direction of the support surface 9A.

  The support base 9 has rack grooves 9B and 9D through which the one end side first rack 17A and one end side second rack 19A are inserted, respectively, and a rack through which the other end side first rack 17B and the other end side second rack 19B are inserted. Grooves 9C and 9E are formed. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, shafts 9 </ b> F to 9 </ b> H projecting from the support base 9 toward the tray body 7 are formed on the lower surface of the support base 9, that is, on the side opposite to the support surface 9 </ b> A.

  The one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are movable on the support base 9 in the width direction (left and right direction) of the support surface 9A, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Is provided. Thereby, the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 regulate the position in the width direction of the sheet S1 placed on the support surface 9A. In addition, on the front end sides of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13, operation portions 11 </ b> A and 13 </ b> A for manually performing a moving operation are provided. As shown in FIG. 2, each operation part 11A, 13A and each said notch 7C are facing.

  This paper feed tray 3 is assembled as follows. As shown in FIG. 3, the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are assembled to the support base 9. At this time, the one end side first rack 17A, the other end side first rack 17B, the one end side second rack 19A, and the other end side second rack 19B are respectively inserted vertically into the rack grooves 9B to 9E. Then, the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are rotated so that the one end side first rack 17 </ b> A and the like are parallel to the width direction of the support base 9.

  Further, the first gear 21A (first pinion 17C), the intermediate gear 21C, and the second gear 21B (second pinion 19C) are pivotally supported on the shaft portions 9F to 9H of the support base 9, respectively. As a result, the first pinion 17C can be engaged with the one end side first rack 17A and the other end side first rack 17B. Similarly, the second pinion 19C can be engaged with the one end side second rack 19A and the other end side second rack 19B, and the intermediate gear 21C can be engaged with the first and second gears 21A and 21B. Become.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the one end side first rack 17A and the other end side first rack 17B are placed at a position where the mark 23A is located in the peep hole 25A and the mark 23B is located in the peep hole 25B. Engage with the first pinion 17C. Similarly, the mark 23C is positioned in the peep hole 25C, and the one end side second rack 19A and the other end side second rack 19B are engaged with the first pinion 19C at a position where the mark 23D is positioned in the peep hole 25D. . As a result, the phase between the one end-side first rack 17A and the one end-side second rack 19A and the phase between the other end-side first rack 17B and the other end-side second rack 19C are different in an appropriate state.

  Further, the first gear 21A and the intermediate gear 21C are meshed at a position where the guideline 27B of the first gear 21A and the guideline 27C of the intermediate gear 21C are linearly arranged. Further, the second gear 21B and the intermediate gear 21C are meshed at a position where the guideline 27E of the second gear 21B and the guideline 27D of the intermediate gear 21C are linearly arranged. That is, the first and second gears 21A and 21B and the intermediate gear 21C are engaged with each other in a state where the guide lines 27A to 27F are arranged on a straight line. As a result, the first and second gears 21A and 21B mesh with the intermediate gear 21C at a suitable position.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the first interlocking mechanism 17, the one end-side first rack 17A and the other end-side first rack 17B face each other in a state of being engaged with the first pinion 17C. In the second interlocking mechanism 19, the one end side second rack 19A and the other end side second rack 19B are opposed to each other in a state of being engaged with the second pinion 19C. Further, the first and second gears 21A and 21B mesh with the intermediate gear 21C.

  After the assembly of the one end side guide 11, the other end side guide 13, and the interlocking means 15 with respect to the support base 9 is completed, the support base 9 and the tray body 7 are fixed as shown in FIG. 3. Thereby, the interlocking means 15 is disposed between the lower surface of the support base 9 and the tray body 7. Further, the sheet feeding roller 12A, the separation roller 12B, and the separation piece 14 are assembled to the tray body 7 respectively. Thus, the paper feed tray 3 is completed.

<Description of transport path, transport roller and driven roller>
The conveyance path P1 shown in FIG. 1 is a path through which the paper S1 placed on each paper feed tray 3 reaches the paper discharge tray 5 through the process cartridge 20 and the fixing device 30 in the printer main body 1A. In the transport path P1, each paper feed tray 3 side (upper side of the printer main body 1A) is the upstream side, and the paper discharge tray 5 side (lower side of the printer main body 1A) is the downstream side. In the drawing, the shape of the transport path P1 is illustrated by the shape of the sheet S1 transported along the transport path P1.

  The transport rollers 10A and 10B and the driven rollers 10C and 10D are arranged to face each other and transport the sheet S1 along the transport path P1. Each driven roller 10C, 10D rotates following the rotation of the transport rollers 10A, 10B. The transport roller 10 </ b> A and the driven roller 10 </ b> C are disposed directly below the paper feed tray 3. The conveyance roller 10 </ b> B and the driven roller 10 </ b> D are disposed downstream of the fixing device 30 and facing the paper discharge tray 5. In addition, the number and arrangement | positioning location of conveyance roller 10A, 10B and driven roller 10C, 10D can be designed suitably.

<Explanation of exposure apparatus>
The exposure device 24 includes a laser light source, a polygon mirror, an fθ lens, and a reflecting mirror (not shown), and irradiates the process cartridge 20 with a laser beam from above.

<Description of process cartridge>
The process cartridge 20 is disposed below the conveying roller 10A and the driven roller 10C, and is assembled to the printer main body 1A so as to be detachable. In addition to the photosensitive drum 20A and the transfer roller 20B, the process cartridge 20 is provided with a charger, a developing roller, a toner containing portion containing toner, a layer thickness regulating blade, and the like (all not shown). ) Is provided.

  The photosensitive drum 20A is a cylindrical body that extends in the left-right direction of the printer main body 1A. The photosensitive drum 20A is opposed to the transfer drum 20B with the conveyance path P1 interposed therebetween. The photosensitive drum 20A and the transfer roller 20B rotate synchronously while nipping the sheet S1 conveyed along the conveyance path P1. The charger positively charges the photosensitive drum 20A.

  In the process cartridge 20, the surface of the rotating photosensitive drum 20A is uniformly charged by a charger. Thereafter, the surface of the photosensitive drum 20A is exposed by high-speed scanning of the laser beam emitted from the exposure device 24. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20A. At this time, the toner in the toner storage chamber is carried on the surface of the developing roller. The toner carried on the surface of the developing roller is adjusted to a predetermined thickness by the layer thickness regulating blade and then supplied to the photosensitive drum 20A.

<Description of fixing unit>
The fixing device 30 is disposed below the process cartridge 20. The fixing device 30 includes a heating roller 30A and a pressure roller 30B facing the heating roller 30A with the conveyance path P1 interposed therebetween. The heating roller 30A applies a conveying force to the sheet S1 while heating the toner transferred to the sheet S1. On the other hand, the pressure roller 30B is driven to rotate while pressing the sheet S1 toward the heating roller 30A. As a result, the fixing device 30 heats and melts the toner transferred to the sheet S1 to fix it on the sheet S1, and conveys the sheet S1 downstream of the conveyance path P1, that is, toward the conveyance roller 10B and the driven roller 10D. To do.

<Outline of image forming operation>
In the printer 1, an image forming operation is performed as follows. When the image forming operation is started, the sheet S1 is conveyed from the upper or lower sheet feeding tray 3 toward the conveying path P1 by the sheet feeding roller 12A and the separation roller 12B. At this time, the sheet S1 is separated one by one by the separation piece 14 and conveyed to the conveyance path P1. Further, the transport rollers 10A and 10B and the driven rollers 10C and 10D rotate, respectively. As a result, the sheet S1 is conveyed to the process cartridge 20 along the conveyance path P1.

  In addition to the operation of the exposure device 24, in the process cartridge 20, the photosensitive drum 20A and the like operate as described above, and a toner image by reversal development is carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20A. The toner image carried on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20A is transferred to the sheet S1 on the transport path P1 by the transfer voltage applied to the transfer roller 20B. The sheet S1 to which the toner image is transferred is conveyed toward the fixing device 30 along the conveyance path P1.

  The sheet S1 conveyed to the fixing device 30 is heated and pressed by the heating roller 30A and the pressing roller 30B. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the sheet S1. Thereafter, the sheet S1 on which the image is formed passes through the transport roller 10B and the driven roller 10D and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 5 to complete the image forming operation.

  The printer 1 includes a paper feed tray 3 shown in FIG. In the paper feed tray 3, first and second interlocking mechanisms 17 and 19 are provided on the support base 9. As a result, the paper feed tray 3 employs the large one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 that can be moved by the first and second interlocking mechanisms 17 and 19. For this reason, in the sheet feeding tray 3, the position in the width direction of the sheet S1 can be regulated by the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 over almost the entire front and rear direction of the support surface 9A. It is. Thus, in the printer 1, it is possible to suitably suppress the skew of the paper S1 when the paper S1 stored in the paper feed tray 3 is transported to the process cartridge 20 by the transport roller 10A or the like. ing. As a result, the printer 1 can accurately form an image on the paper S1 by the process cartridge 20, the fixing device 30, and the like. Further, by using the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 as one member, it is possible to reduce the number of parts in the paper feed tray 3 and, in turn, the number of parts as the printer 1. Can be reduced.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the sheet feeding tray 3, when the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are moved in the width direction of the support base 9, The first pinion 17C of the interlocking mechanism 17 and the second pinion 19C of the second interlocking mechanism 19 rotate while synchronizing. For this reason, in this paper feed tray 3, the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 can be moved smoothly.

  With respect to the above effect, in the state of FIG. 4A, the user operates the operation portions 11A and 13A of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 to obtain the state of FIG. Thus, the case where these are brought close to each other will be specifically described.

  First, the one end side first guide 17A, the other end side first rack 17B, and the one end side second rack 19A are applied to the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 in a direction approaching each other. The other end side second rack 19B moves in the direction of the white arrow shown in FIG. As a result, the first pinion 17C and the first gear 21A rotate in the direction of the broken arrow in FIG. Further, the second pinion 19C and the first gear 21B rotate in the direction of the broken line arrow (the same direction as the rotation direction of the first pinion 17C and the first gear 21A). Here, as described above, since the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are long in the front-rear direction of the support base 9 (support surface 9A), the second interlock is located at a position remote from the operation units 11A and 13A. It is difficult for the mechanism 19 to transmit the user's power when the operation is performed.

  However, in the paper feed tray 3, the intermediate gear 21C that meshes with the first and second gears 21A and 21B rotates in the direction indicated by the solid line arrow in the drawing due to the rotation of the first and second pinions 17C and 19C. Thereby, the rotation of the first gear 21A is transmitted to the second gear 21B via the intermediate gear 21C. For this reason, in this paper feed tray 3, when the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are moved, the first pinion 17C and the second pinion 19C are unlikely to be displaced in rotation. And the second interlocking mechanism 19 are preferably interlocked. Thereby, in this paper feed tray 3, when the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are moved, it becomes difficult to produce twist, and operability is improved. Further, since the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are not easily inclined with respect to the sheet S1, the sheet can be accurately positioned with respect to the support surface 9A.

  Thus, in this paper feed tray 3, if the operation portions 11A and 13A provided on the front end side of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are operated, the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are operated. Even if the rear end side is not operated, the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are suitably moved. The same applies to the case where the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are moved from the state shown in FIG. 4B to the state shown in FIG.

  In particular, in the printer 1 shown in FIG. 1, the paper feed tray 3 disposed in the lower stage is accommodated in the printer main body 1 </ b> A leaving a part on the front end side, and therefore, the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide. The part which operates 13 becomes only the front end side, and the user cannot touch the rear end side. Even in such a configuration, by operating the operation portions 11A and 13A of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13, it is possible to accurately position the sheet S1 in the width direction. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the paper feed tray 3, the gear transmission mechanism 21 is between the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 and is opposite to the support surface 9 </ b> A of the support base 9. On the side. For this reason, in the paper feed tray 3, the gear transmission mechanism 21 is provided between the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13, so that the gear transmission mechanism 21 protrudes from the support base 9 and the tray body 7. Therefore, downsizing is realized. In the paper feed tray 3, the gear transmission mechanism 21 and the first and second interlocking mechanisms 17 and 19 are not arranged on the side on which the paper S1 is placed (the support surface 9A side). For this reason, in this paper feed tray 3, for example, when the paper S1 is placed, it is difficult for the user to touch the gear transmission mechanism 21 and the first and second interlocking mechanisms 17 and 19, and these damages are prevented. It is possible.

  Further, since the paper feed tray 3 employs the gear transmission mechanism 21 as a synchronization mechanism, the rotation of the first pinion 17C and the second pinion 19C can be synchronized with high reliability. Further, the first pinion 17C and the first gear 21A are integrated coaxially, and the second pinion 19C and the second gear 21B are integrated coaxially. The first and second gears 21A and 21B have a larger diameter than the first and second pinions 17C and 19C. One intermediate gear 21 is provided. With such a configuration, the gear electric mechanism 21 can be easily configured while reducing the number of parts of the paper feed tray 3.

  Further, in the paper feed tray 3, the first and second interlocking mechanisms 17, 19 and the gear transmission mechanism 21 are assembled based on the marks 23A to 23D, the viewing holes 25A to 25D, and the guide lines 27A to 27F. Thereby, in the paper feed tray 3, the phase between the one end side first rack 17A and the one end side second rack 19A and the phase between the other end side first rack 17B and the other end side second rack 19C are different in an appropriate state. It will be. Further, the first and second gears 21A and 21B and the intermediate gear 21C are also meshed at suitable positions. With such a configuration, in the paper feed tray 3, it is possible to suppress the influence of backlash when the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are moved. At this time, as described above, since there is only one intermediate gear 21, the influence of backlash can be easily suppressed. As a result, in the paper feed tray 3, the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 can be suitably moved.

  Further, since the wall portions 7A and 7B are formed in the tray body 7, the rigidity of the paper feed tray 3 is increased. Further, notches 7C are formed in the walls 7A and 7B at positions facing the operation portions 11A and 13A of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13, respectively. For this reason, even if wall part 7A, 7B exists, the user can operate the operation part 11A, 13A of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 easily.

(Example 2)
The printer 1 according to the second embodiment includes a paper feed tray 40 illustrated in FIG. 6 instead of the paper feed tray 3 in the printer 1 according to the first embodiment.

  In the paper feed tray 40, the tray body 41 includes the first and second interlocking mechanisms 17 and 19 and the gear transmission mechanism 21 in addition to the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 (not shown in FIG. 6). It is assembled directly.

  The tray main body 41 is also formed with wall portions 41A extending in the front-rear direction and extending upward at both ends in the width direction (only the wall portions provided on one end side (left side) of the tray main body 41 are denoted by reference numerals. To explain.) Further, a notch 41B is formed on the front end side of both wall portions 41A. That is, in the tray main body 41, the flat portion 41C between the both wall portions 41A functions as a support base. And the upper surface of the flat part 41C becomes a support surface.

  Further, in the tray main body 41, the rack grooves 9B to 9E are formed on the flat surface portion 41C, and shaft portions 9F to 9H are formed on the lower surface of the flat surface portion 41C. The assembly of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 to the tray main body 41 is the same as that of the sheet feeding tray 3 in the first embodiment. The tray body 41 is also provided with a paper feed roller 12A, a separation roller 12B, and a separation piece 14.

  This paper feed tray 40 also operates in the same manner as the paper feed tray 3 in the first embodiment. Therefore, the printer 1 of the second embodiment also exhibits the same effect as the printer 1 of the first embodiment.

  In particular, in the paper feed tray 40, since the tray main body 41 integrally has a support base, it is possible to further reduce the number of parts in the paper feed tray 40. For this reason, in this paper feed tray 40, it is possible to further reduce the manufacturing cost.

(Example 3)
A multi-function device 50 according to the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a printer unit 50A and a reading unit 50B provided on the top of the printer unit 50A. The printer unit 50A and the reading unit 50B are examples of an image forming unit and an image reading unit in the present invention, respectively. The multi-function device 50 is an example of an image forming apparatus and an image reading apparatus according to the present invention.

<Description of printer section>
In the printer unit 50A, a conveyance path P2 is formed, and a paper feed roller 12C, conveyance rollers 10A and 10B, driven rollers 10C and 10D, a process cartridge 20, an exposure unit 24, and a fixing device 30 are assembled. . The paper feed roller 12C is an example of a conveying unit in the present invention. Further, a paper discharge port 50C and a paper discharge tray 50D are provided in the upper part of the printer unit 50A, and a paper feed tray 50E is provided in the lower part of the printer unit 50A. Although not shown, an electric motor, a circuit board, and the like are also provided in the printer unit 50A. Moreover, about the structure similar to Example 1, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The transport path P2 is substantially S-shaped with the paper feed tray 50E side as the upstream side and the paper discharge port 50C as the downstream side. In the printer main body 50 </ b> A, the process cartridge 20 and the fixing device 30 are disposed substantially horizontally, and the fixing device 30 is disposed on the downstream side of the process cartridge 20.

<Description of reading unit>
The reading unit 50B includes a reading device main body 501 and an auto document feeder 502 provided on the upper portion of the reading device main body 501. The reading apparatus main body 501 is provided with a glass plate 501A and a reading unit 60 therein. The reading unit 60 reads an image formed on the sheet S2.

  The auto document feeder 502 has a paper feed tray 70. The auto document feeder 502 sends out the paper S2 placed on the paper feed tray 70 toward the reading unit 60. Further, the auto document feeder 502 is formed with a paper discharge tray 502A on which the sheet S2 for which image reading has been completed is placed. Note that the sheet S2 is a sheet, an OHP sheet, and the like, similar to the sheet S1, and is an example of the sheet in the present invention.

<Description of paper tray>
As shown in FIG. 8, the paper feed tray 70 has substantially the same configuration as that of the paper feed tray 3 in the first embodiment, and includes a tray body 71, a support base (not shown), one end side guide 11, and the other end side. A side guide 13 and interlocking means 16 are provided. The interlocking means 16 includes a first interlocking mechanism 17, a second interlocking mechanism 19, and a gear transmission mechanism 22. In addition, wall portions 71A and 71B having the same configuration as the wall portions 7A and 7B in the tray body 7 in the first embodiment are also formed on the tray body 71. Notches 71C are formed on the front end sides of the walls 71A and 71B, respectively. In the paper feed tray 70, the upper surface of the support base is a support surface.

  The gear transmission mechanism 22 includes the first and second gears 21A and 21B and the first and second intermediate gears 22A and 22B. The first intermediate gear 22A and the second intermediate gear 22B have the same shape. Further, on the support base in the paper feed tray 70, four first and second gears 21A and 21B (first and second pinions 17C and 19C) and first and second intermediate gears 22A and 22B are pivotally supported. A shaft portion is formed.

  The assembly of the first interlocking mechanism 17, the second interlocking mechanism 19, and the gear transmission mechanism 22 (assembly of the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13) in the sheet feeding tray 70 is also performed in the sheet feeding tray 3 in the first embodiment. And do almost the same. In the paper feed tray 70, as shown in FIG. 9, the first intermediate gear 22A meshes with the first gear 21A and the second intermediate gear 22B. Further, the second intermediate gear 22B meshes with the second gear 21B and the first intermediate gear 22A. Although not shown, the same guidelines as the intermediate gear 21C in the first embodiment are formed for the first and second intermediate gears 22A and 22B. , 22B and the first and second gears 21A, 21B are engaged with each other by adjusting the meshing position according to the guideline.

  Here, in the paper feed tray 70, teeth are formed on the rear end edges of the other end side first rack 17B and the one end side second rack 19A. Then, teeth are formed on the front edge of each of the one end side first rack 17A and the other end side second rack 19B. That is, unlike the paper feed tray 3 in the first embodiment, the direction in which teeth are formed is different between the one end side first rack 17A and the one end side second rack 19A, and the other end side first rack 17B is different from the other end side. The direction in which the teeth are formed differs from that of the second rack 19B.

  For these reasons, in the paper feed tray 70, in the state where the first and second interlocking mechanisms 17, 19 and the gear transmission mechanism 22 are assembled, in the first interlocking mechanism 17, the one end side first rack 17A is the other end side first rack. The first rack 17A on the one end side and the first rack 17B on the other end side face each other in a state where the first rack 17B is engaged with the first pinion 17C while being positioned rearward of 17B. On the other hand, in the second interlocking mechanism 19, the one end side second rack 19A is positioned in front of the other end side second rack 19B, while the one end side second rack 19A and the other end side second rack 19B are the second pinion. They face each other in a state of meshing with 19C. In the paper feed tray 70 of this embodiment, for example, when the one end side guide 11 and the other end side guide 13 are moved in the direction indicated by the white arrow in FIG. The first and second intermediate gears 22A and 22B rotate in the directions of the broken line arrow and the solid line arrow in the figure, respectively, and at this time, the rotations in the opposite directions are transmitted to the first pinion 17C and the second pinion 19C, respectively. Because. Since the other configuration of the paper feed tray 70 is the same as that of the paper feed tray 3, a detailed description of the configuration is omitted.

<Outline of Image Reading Operation and Image Forming Operation>
In the multi-function device 50, an image reading operation and an image forming operation are performed as follows. First, when an image reading operation using the auto document feeder 502 that reads the paper S2 while being conveyed is started, the paper S2 placed on the paper feed tray 70 is loaded in the auto document feeder 502 as shown in FIG. The paper is fed one by one toward the reading device main body 501 (reading unit 60) by the paper feed roller 12A, the separation roller 12B, and the separation piece 14. Thereby, the image formed on the sheet S2 is read into the reading unit 60 through the glass plate 501A. The image read into the reading unit 60 is stored in a memory (not shown) provided in the reading unit 60. The sheet S <b> 2 whose image has been read is discharged to the discharge tray 502. Thereby, the image reading operation is completed. The image stored in the memory is formed on the paper S1 in the printer unit 50A and is transmitted to an external device such as a personal computer connected to the multi-function device 50.

  On the other hand, when the image forming operation in the printer unit 50A is started, the paper S1 placed on the paper feed tray 50E is sent out one by one to the transport path P2 by the paper feed roller 12C. The sheet S1 is transported to the process cartridge 20 along the transport path P2 by the transport roller 10A and the driven roller 10C. Here, when an image read by the reading unit 60 is formed on the sheet S1, a laser beam is irradiated from the exposure device 24 based on the image stored in the memory, and the surface of the sheet S2 is applied to the surface of the photosensitive drum 20A. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image is formed. This image is transferred onto the sheet S1 on the transport path P2, as in the printer 1 of the first embodiment. Thereafter, the sheet S1 is conveyed to the fixing device 30, and the toner image is fixed. Thus, the sheet S1 on which the image is formed is conveyed by the conveying roller 10B and the driven roller 10D, and is discharged from the discharge port 50C to the discharge tray 50D. Thereby, the image forming operation is completed.

  In the multi-function device 50 as well, the paper S2 can be suitably supported by the paper feed tray 70 as in the paper feed tray 3 in the first embodiment. For this reason, in the paper feed tray 70, when the image of the paper S2 is read by the reading unit 60, it is possible to suitably suppress the skew of the paper S2. Therefore, in the multi-function device 50, the reading accuracy of the image in the reading unit 50B (reading unit 60) is high, and as a result, the accuracy of the image formed on the paper S1 is also high. Other functions of the paper feed tray 70 are the same as those of the paper feed tray 3 in the first embodiment.

  Therefore, also in the multi-function device 50 of the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is exhibited in the paper feed tray 70 of the reading unit 50B.

  In the above, the present invention has been described with reference to the first to third embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the first to third embodiments, and can be appropriately modified and applied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Needless to say.

  For example, the paper feed tray 70 can be provided in the printer 1 of the first embodiment, and the paper feed tray 3 and the paper feed tray 40 can be provided in the multi-function device 50 of the third embodiment.

  In the first to third embodiments, the gear transmission mechanisms 21 and 22 are employed as the synchronization mechanism. As the synchronization mechanism, for example, a belt or a chain that connects the first and second pinions 17C and 19C to each other is used. It is also possible to adopt.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus or a multi-function machine in addition to a paper feed tray.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus (printer), 50 ... Image forming apparatus, image reading apparatus (multifunction machine) 3, 40, 70 ... Paper feed tray, S1, S2 ... Paper, 9A ... Support surface, 9 ... Support stand, 11 ... one end side guide 13 ... other end side guide, 15, 16 ... interlocking means, 17 ... first interlocking mechanism, 17A ... one end side first rack, 17B ... other end side first rack, 17C ... first pinion, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 19 ... 2nd interlocking mechanism, 19A ... One end side 2nd rack, 19B ... The other end side 2nd rack, 17C ... 1st pinion, 21, 22 ... Synchronous mechanism (gear transmission mechanism), 21A ... 1st gearwheel, 21B ... 2nd gear, 21C ... intermediate gear, 22A ... 1st intermediate gear, 22B ... 1st intermediate gear, 11A, 13A ... operation part, 7A, 7B, 41A, 71A, 71B ... wall part, 7C, 41B, 71C ... cut Missing, 23A-23D ... ), 25A to 25D ... Mark (viewing hole), 27A to 27F ... Mark (guideline), 10A, 10B ... Conveying means (conveying roller), 10C, 10D ... Conveying means (driven roller), 12A, 12C ... Conveying means ( Paper feeding roller), 12B ... Conveying means (separating roller), 14 ... Conveying means (separating piece), 20 ... Image forming means (process cartridge), 24 ... Image forming means (exposure device), 30 ... Image forming means (fixing) 50A ... Image forming means (printer part), 50B ... Image reading means (reading part)

Claims (15)

A support base having a support surface for supporting paper;
One end side guide that protrudes from the support surface on one end side in the width direction of the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the paper placed on the support surface;
The other end side of the support surface in the width direction protrudes from the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the sheet placed on the support surface together with the one end side guide. The other end side guide,
Provided on the support, and interlocking means for interlocking movement of the one end side guide and the other end side guide,
The interlocking means is
One end side first rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side first rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side first rack and the other end side first rack mesh with each other. A first interlocking mechanism comprising a first pinion that
One end side second rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side second rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side second rack and the other end side second rack mesh with each other. A second interlocking mechanism comprising a second pinion that
And a synchronization mechanism that synchronously rotates the first pinion and the second pinion.   The sheet support device according to claim 1, wherein each of the one end side guide and the other end side guide is a single member.   The paper support device according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization mechanism is provided between the one end side guide and the other end side guide, and is provided on the opposite side of the support surface from the support surface. .   4. The sheet support device according to claim 1, wherein the synchronization mechanism is a gear transmission mechanism that meshes with the first pinion and the second pinion. 5.   The gear transmission mechanism is provided coaxially with the first pinion, and is a first gear that rotates synchronously with the first pinion, and a second gear that is provided coaxially with the second pinion and rotates synchronously with the second pinion. And a middle gear that meshes with the first gear and the second gear.   The paper support device according to claim 5, wherein the first gear has a larger diameter than the first pinion, and the second gear has a larger diameter than the second pinion.   The phase of the one end side first rack and the one end side second rack and the phase of the other end side first rack and the other end side second rack are different from each other. The sheet support apparatus according to claim 1.   The sheet support device according to claim 5, wherein the number of the intermediate gear is one.   9. The sheet supporting device according to claim 4, further comprising a mark indicating a mutual position of the first pinion and the second pinion and the gear transmission mechanism. 10. The support base constitutes a part of a paper feed tray that accommodates the paper to be subjected to predetermined processing in the processing means,
The paper support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a transport unit configured to transport the paper stored in the paper feed tray toward the processing unit. At least one of the one end side guide and the other end side guide is provided with an operation unit for manually moving the one end side guide and the other end side guide,
The paper feed tray has a wall portion erected along the one end side guide and the other end side guide outside the one end side guide and the other end side guide,
The paper support device according to claim 10, wherein a notch is formed in the wall portion at a position facing the operation portion.   The paper support device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the processing means is an image forming means for forming an image on the paper.   The paper support device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the processing means is an image reading means for reading an image formed on the paper. A support base having a support surface for supporting paper;
One end side guide that protrudes from the support surface on one end side in the width direction of the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the paper placed on the support surface;
The other end side of the support surface in the width direction protrudes from the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the sheet placed on the support surface together with the one end side guide. The other end side guide,
Interlocking means provided on the support base and interlocking movement of the one end side guide and the other end side guide;
Image forming means for forming an image on the paper supported by the support surface;
Transport means for transporting the paper supported by the support surface toward the image forming means,
The interlocking means is
One end side first rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side first rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side first rack and the other end side first rack mesh with each other. A first interlocking mechanism comprising a first pinion that
One end side second rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side second rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side second rack and the other end side second rack mesh with each other. A second interlocking mechanism comprising a second pinion that
An image forming apparatus comprising: a synchronization mechanism that synchronously rotates the first pinion and the second pinion. A support base having a support surface for supporting paper;
One end side guide that protrudes from the support surface on one end side in the width direction of the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the paper placed on the support surface;
The other end side of the support surface in the width direction protrudes from the support surface, is provided so as to be movable in the width direction, and regulates the position of the sheet placed on the support surface together with the one end side guide. The other end side guide,
Interlocking means provided on the support base and interlocking movement of the one end side guide and the other end side guide;
Image reading means for reading an image formed on the paper supported by the support surface;
Conveying means for conveying the paper supported by the support surface toward the image reading means,
The interlocking means is
One end side first rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side first rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side first rack and the other end side first rack mesh with each other. A first interlocking mechanism comprising a first pinion that
One end side second rack provided on the one end side guide, the other end side second rack provided on the other end side guide, and the one end side second rack and the other end side second rack mesh with each other. A second interlocking mechanism comprising a second pinion that
An image reading apparatus comprising: a synchronization mechanism that synchronously rotates the first pinion and the second pinion.

Images