Idler mechanism, image formation apparatus and thermal transfer printer having the same

摘要

Idler mechanism includes a pickup roller gear; a third pickup gear that meshes with the pickup roller gear; a pickup idler arm that is capable of pivoting around a pivot axis between the pickup roller gear side and the third pickup gear side; first and second pickup idler gears disposed at ends of the pickup idler arm; and a second pickup gear that rotates around a pivot axis and drives the first and second pickup idler gears. The first pickup idler gear meshes with the pickup roller gear when the pickup idler arm is pivoted toward the pickup roller gear, while the second pickup idler gear meshes with the third pickup gear when the pickup idler arm is pivoted toward the third pickup gear. At least one of the first and second pickup idler gears is always meshing with respective one of the pickup roller gear and the third pickup gear.