Document conveyance device having drop-prevention mechanism, and image reproducing apparatus equipped therewith

Abstract

A drop-prevention mechanism for keeping original document sheets from falling off a document loading table openable on the upper surface of a multifunctional printer having, for example, faxing and photocopying capabilities. A loading section on the loading table loads documents for feeding to an automatic document feeder (ADF) that positions documents onto a rear image-reading part of the upper surface of the multifunctional printer. A discharge section of the loading table beneath the loading section receives documents discharged from the rear image-reading part by the ADF. The loading table is openable to expose a front image-reading part of the upper surface of the printer, where odd-sized documents, books and the like may be manually positioned for photocopying. When the loading table is swung up to expose the front image-reading section, the drop-prevention mechanism pivots catches (drop-prevention members) into position where the near edges of documents left stacked on the loading section abut on the catches, which prevents the documents on the loading table from falling off. When the loading table is swung down and closed onto the printer upper surface, (into the ADF operational position), the drop-prevention mechanism is stowed out of the way, so as not to interfere with the sheet-discharging operation of the ADF.