Sheet transporting mechanism and image formation apparatus comprising the same

A sheet transporting mechanism that transports a sheet from a storage tray to a stacking tray, comprising:

• a first transporter that moves between an initial position and a first position to transport the sheet from the initial position toward the stacking tray;
• a second transporter that transports the sheet transported by the first transporter to the stacking tray;
• a single motor that drives the first transporter and the second transporter;
• a guide rail that guides movement of the second transporter;
• a first transmission gear that transmits a driving force of the single motor to the first transporter to move the first transporter between the initial position and the first position;
• a second transmission gear that transmits the driving force of the single motor to the guide rail to move the guide rail in an upward and downward direction;
• and
• a third transmission gear that transmits the driving force of the single motor to the second transporter to allow the second transporter to be guided by the guide rail, wherein
• the first transmission gear has a driving force interruption mechanism that temporarily interrupts the driving force to be transmitted to the first transporter, and
• no other motor besides the single motor drives the first transporter and the second transporter.