Guide mechanism for connecting component, and coupling structure and processing apparatus using the guide mechanism

A guide mechanism for a connecting component that guides a second connecting component to a position where the second connecting component is connectable to a first connecting component when connecting the first connecting component provided in a first support member in a secured manner and the second connecting component floatably provided in a second support member to each other, the guide mechanism comprising:

• a guide member disposed in front of a connection start position of the first connecting component;
• and
• an urging member that is elastically deformably provided between the guide member and the first support member, that urges the guide member in a direction separating from the first connecting component so as to dispose the guide member in front of the connection start position, and that continues to contract until the second connecting component reaches a connection complete position,
• wherein the guide member includes
• at least a pair of rotational shafts provided on both sides of the second connecting component in a direction intersecting a connecting direction of the second connecting component,
• inner guide pieces that have respective rotational free ends, that extend in radial directions of the at least a pair of rotational shafts such that the rotational free ends face each other, that are held at first initial positions at which the rotational free ends of the inner guide pieces are positioned further to a second connecting component side than at first regulating positions in the connecting direction of the second connecting component, and that are rotated about the at least a pair of rotational shafts from the first initial positions to the first regulating positions in the connecting direction when the inner guide pieces are brought into contact with the second connecting component, and
• outer guide pieces that have respective rotational free ends, that extend in the radial directions of the at least a pair of rotational shafts, that are held at second initial positions at which the rotational free ends of the outer guide pieces are positioned further to outer sides than at second regulating positions in an intersecting direction intersecting the connecting direction of the second connecting component, and that are rotated about the at least a pair of rotational shafts from the second initial positions to the second regulating positions in the intersecting direction such that the rotation of the outer guide pieces is coupled with the rotation of the inner guide pieces.