JP2003118844A - Sheet feeder and image former - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet feeder equipped with a sheet storage capable of accommodating sheets of various sizes, capable of surely detecting the accommodated sheet size for a reduction in device dimensions. SOLUTION: The device comprises a sheet storing means, support means for supporting the sheet storing means movable along the traveling path between the sheet supply position and the sheet feeding position, framing means for fixing the supporting means, sheet feeding means for separating sheets one by one from inside the sheet storing means at the sheet feeding position, and a sheet size detecting means for detecting the size of the sheets in the storing means. The sheet size detecting means enters the traveling path and, when the sheet storing means is at the sheet feeding position, overlaps with the sheet storing means as seen from the direction of sheet mounting.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet feeding apparatus for feeding sheets separately to an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus or a printing apparatus.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Many image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers have a sheet storage portion for storing sheets for forming images such as characters and figures, and the sheets are stored in response to a request. A sheet feeding device for feeding the sheets one by one and feeding them to the image forming unit side is provided.

The sheet storage portion of such a sheet feeding apparatus is formed so as to be able to store sheets of various sizes, and the image forming apparatus checks the consistency between the original size and the sheet size and the sheet feeding path. In order to carry out various controls such as setting of a jam timer for detecting the paper jam state in (1), the size data of the sheet stored in the sheet storage section is input from the sheet feeding device side.

Since the image forming apparatus handles one or a plurality of sheets, the size of which is defined by various standards and the like, there is a limit to downsizing the apparatus size, but the image forming apparatus in an office has a limit. The demand for smaller installation space is always strong, and the size of the image forming apparatus, especially the size in the footprint, needs to be as small as possible.

By the way, in the conventional sheet feeding apparatus, various types of sheet size detecting means have been used in order to detect the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion.

The most common example of the sheet size detecting means in the prior art is a sheet size detecting means which is an optical detecting means or a mechanical detecting means such as a limit switch, and is provided below the bottom side of the sheet storage section or below the image forming apparatus. By providing a plurality of sheets in the sheet storage section, the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage section is detected (first conventional example).

As another example, an image forming apparatus that stores a sheet feeding device when the sheet feeding device having a sheet storage portion is stored at a predetermined sheet feeding position in the image forming apparatus. The sheet detection means attached to the frame side tries to detect the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage portion (second conventional example).

[0008]

However, in the first conventional example described above, the relative position of the sheet size detecting means with respect to the sheet differs depending on the position setting of the image forming apparatus and the sheet feeding apparatus during docking. In some cases, the size of the sheet cannot be accurately detected.

Further, in the second conventional example, the sheet detecting means is attached to the frame side of the image forming apparatus which houses the sheet feeding apparatus, and accordingly, the footprint of the image forming apparatus is reduced accordingly. The size had to be increased.

The present invention is a sheet feeding apparatus having a sheet storing section capable of storing sheets of various sizes, which can surely detect the size of the stored sheets, thereby reducing the apparatus size. An object is to provide a sheet feeding device that can be made compact.

[0011]

For this reason, the present invention provides a sheet storing means, a supporting means for movably supporting the sheet storing means in a movement path between a sheet replenishing position and a sheet feeding position, and the supporting means. Frame means for fixing the means, sheet feeding means for separating and feeding the sheets one by one from inside the sheet storing means at the sheet feeding position, and sheet for detecting the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storing means A sheet feeding device comprising: a size detecting unit, wherein the sheet size detecting unit is provided at a position to enter the movement path in the frame.

Here, the sheet size detecting means, when the sheet storing means is at the sheet feeding position,
It is arranged at a position where it overlaps with the sheet storage means when viewed from the sheet stacking direction.

As a result, in the sheet feeding apparatus according to the present invention, the sheet size detecting means does not project to the outside of the sheet feeding apparatus, so that the apparatus can be made compact.

Further, in the present invention, the sheet size detecting means is composed of one or a plurality of size detecting levers which are operated when a lever pressing portion of the sheet regulating means is brought into contact with the sheet size detecting means. The size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage means is detected depending on which lever is operated.

As a result, in the present invention, the position of the sheet detecting means does not depend on the combined state of the sheet feeding apparatus and the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus and the sheet feeding apparatus are connected. Since it is not necessary to strictly position the sheet, it is possible to reliably and stably detect the size of the stored sheet.

According to the present invention, further, a sheet storing means having a vertically movable sheet support base, a driving means for generating a driving force for raising and lowering the sheet support base, and the driving force transmitted to the sheet storage means. Drive transmitting means, supporting means for movably supporting the sheet storing means in a movement path between the sheet replenishing position and the sheet feeding position, a frame means for fixing the supporting means, and a sheet feeding position. The sheet size detecting unit includes a sheet feeding unit that separates and feeds the sheets one by one from the sheet storing unit, and a sheet size detecting unit that detects the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storing unit. ,
When the sheet storage means is at the sheet feeding position, the sheet storage means is arranged at a position overlapping the driving force transmission means when viewed from the sheet stacking direction.

As a result, in the sheet feeding device according to the present invention, the driving force transmitting means does not project to the outside of the sheet feeding device, so that the device can be made more compact. is there.

Here, the driving force transmission means is provided in the frame means and the first drive transmission means, and is provided in the sheet storage means, and can be connected to and separated from the first drive transmission means. And two drive transmission means. The first drive transmission means and the second drive transmission means are coupled when the sheet storage means is in the feeding position, and are separated when the sheet storage means is in the sheet replenishment position. is there.

Further, the sheet feeding apparatus of the present invention is such that the sheet storing means, the supporting means for movably supporting the sheet storing means in the movement path between the sheet replenishing position and the sheet feeding position, and the supporting means are fixed. Frame means, sheet feeding means for separating and feeding the sheets one by one from inside the sheet storing means at the sheet feeding position, and sheet size detecting means for detecting the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storing means. The sheet size detecting means is provided at a position overlapping the moving path when viewed from the sheet stacking direction.

Further, the present invention is an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet storing means, which is capable of moving up and down, and a sheet support base.
Driving means for generating a driving force for raising and lowering the sheet support, drive transmitting means for transmitting the driving force to the sheet storing means, and moving the sheet storing means between a sheet replenishing position and a sheet feeding position. Supporting means for movably supporting the path, frame means for fixing the supporting means, sheet feeding means for separating and feeding out the sheets one by one from inside the sheet storing means at the sheet feeding position, and the sheet A sheet size detection unit that is disposed at a position overlapping the driving force transmission unit when viewed from the stacking direction of the sheets when the storage unit is in the sheet feeding position, and that detects the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet storing means, which is configured by:

[0021]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a sheet feeding apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a sheet feeding apparatus 1 which is connected to an image forming apparatus H such as a copying apparatus and is in a sheet feeding position.
The example of (a) and (b) is shown. FIG. 2 shows a sheet feeding device 1.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the sheets stored in the sheet are fed one by one to the image forming apparatus H by a sheet feeding unit such as a pickup roller 8.

The image forming apparatus H comprises a laser scanner for scanning a laser beam according to image information on the main body H of the apparatus, an image processing unit, a transfer roller, a fixing device, (not shown), a conveying roller 9 and the like. Printer is formed. The sheet feeding device 1 is formed below the main body of the image forming apparatus H.

The sheets S stored in the sheet feeding devices 1 and 2 are configured to be conveyed to the printer at a predetermined timing by a conveying unit including a pickup roller 8 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 1A shows a structure in which the image forming apparatus H is provided with a plurality of sheet feeding apparatuses 1, 2a and 2b. Each sheet feeding device 1, 2a, 2b is configured to function independently. The sheet feeding apparatus 1 is a sheet feeding apparatus having a sheet size detecting unit capable of stacking sheets of various sizes. Sheet feeding device 2
a and 2b are sheet feeding devices 2 for fixed-size sheets S
You may make it allocate and use as a and 2b.

FIG. 1B shows an image forming apparatus H provided with only a sheet feeding apparatus 1 having sheet size detecting means capable of stacking sheets of various sizes. The image forming apparatus H is smaller than the apparatus shown in FIG. 1A because the sheet feeding apparatus 1 capable of stacking sheets of a plurality of sizes feeds the sheets.

The configuration and operation of the sheet feeding device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The sheet feeding device 1 is a sheet storing means (sheet storing cassette)
19, a sheet support base 7 provided in the sheet storage means 19, a support means 30 for movably supporting the sheet storage means 19 in a movement path 24 between a sheet replenishment position and a sheet feeding position, and a support means 30. Frame 10 for fixing
Have and.

The frame 10 of the sheet feeding apparatus 1 has a box-shaped skeleton, and the frame 10 is provided with a rail for moving the sheet storage means 19 along a movement path 24 between the sheet replenishment position and the sheet feeding position. All outer frames are supported. Further, in the frame 10, a movement path 24 when the sheet storage means 19 is taken in and out is provided.

Further, the sheet feeding means in the sheet feeding device 1 is the sheet storing means 19 at the sheet feeding position.
It is composed of a pickup roller 8, a sheet feeding roller 40, a separation roller 41, a registration roller pair 42, a conveyance roller 9 and the like which separates and feeds out the sheets one by one from the inside.

Further, the sheet feeding device 1 includes a pressing regulation roller 3 which is a sheet regulating means for regulating one end of the sheet S at a position corresponding to the size of the sheet S accommodated in the sheet accommodating means 19, and a pressing force. It comprises a regulation plate 4, a rear end support guide 5, and a sheet size detection means 20 provided in the frame 10 to detect the size of the sheet S accommodated in the sheet accommodation means 19 in cooperation with the sheet regulation means. ing.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the sheet accommodating means 19 in the sheet feeding device 1. FIG. 3A shows the uppermost sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodating means, and the pickup roller 8 of the sheet feeding means. Shows that it is being pressed against
(B) shows a sheet storage means in which no sheet is stored, and shows a state when the sheet support base 7 (bottom plate) is lowered to the lowest position.

The sheet feeding device 1 is composed of a frame 10, a sheet storing means 19 and a sheet feeding means arranged in the frame 10. The sheet storage means 19 is configured to be pulled out from the frame 10 by a handle 17 formed on the front cover 18 of the sheet storage means 19 to replenish the sheet.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet accommodating means 19 regulates the sheet support base 7 for accommodating the sheet, the rear end support guide 5 for regulating the rear end of the sheet, and one end on the downstream side in the sheet feeding direction. Pressing regulation roller 3 as first regulation means
And a pressure regulating plate 4 as a second regulating means for regulating one end side of the sheet. The sheet S stored in the sheet support base 7 is aligned at three regulating positions of the pressure regulation roller 3, the pressure regulation plate 4, and the rear end support guide 5.

Further, the sheet support base 7 is raised to a position where it is pressed against the pickup roller 8 of the sheet feeding means during sheet feeding (in the state of FIG. 3A), and during sheet replenishment (FIG. 3B). (In the state of), the seat support (bottom plate) goes down to the lowest position. The ascending and descending of the seat support base 7 is transmitted to the drive belt through the coupling 12 connected to the lift-up motor 11 to drive the normal rotation or reverse rotation of the lift-up motor 11, and the seat support connected to the drive belt. The platform 7 moves up and down.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the sheet feeding apparatus 1 according to the present invention, showing a state in which the sheet storing means 19 is being pulled out from the frame 10 to the sheet replenishing position.

A handle 17 provided on the front cover 18 of the sheet storage means 19 stored in the frame 10.
The sheet storage means 19 (cassette) can be moved to the sheet replenishment position by holding the sheet and pulling it toward you. In the movement, the support rail, which is the support means 30 that supports the sheet storage means 19, is configured to be expandable and contractable. The support means 30 is fixed to the frame.

The sheet storage means 19 is guided to the support rail of the support means 30 and pulled out to the sheet replenishing position. Then, the sheet S is stored in the sheet storage means 19 with the sheet storage means 19 pulled out from the frame 10. At this time, the sheet detection means 20 and the coupling 12 of the lift-up drive means provided on the body frame.
Is separated from the sheet storage means 19.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the sheet storage means 19 is located at the sheet feeding position of the sheet feeding apparatus 1 and the sheet size in the sheet storage means 19 is detected.

To move the sheet storage means 19, the front cover 18 of the sheet storage means 19 at the sheet replenishing position described above is pushed into the frame 10. When the front cover 18 is pushed into the frame 10, the sheet storage means 1
The support rails of the supporting means 30 supporting 9 are contracted to move the sheet storing means 19 to the sheet feeding position.

The sheet size detecting means 20 is the frame 1
It is provided at a position to enter the movement path 24 within 0. Therefore, when the sheet storage unit 19 is pushed into the sheet feeding position, the sheet size detection unit 20 is arranged at a position overlapping the sheet storage unit 19 and the movement path 24 when viewed from the sheet stacking direction.

At this time, the lever pressing portion 25 provided at one end of the sheet trailing edge regulating guide 5 is the sheet size detecting means 2
It is configured to come into contact with one or a plurality of detection lever abutting portions 23 formed on one or a plurality of size detection levers 22 of 0.

When the sheet storage means is pushed into the main unit,
The detection lever contact portion 23, which is in contact with the lever pressing portion 25 provided at one end of the sheet trailing edge regulation guide 5, rotates the size detection lever 22 with a pressing force. In the sheet size detecting means 20, the size detecting sensor 21 detects the rotation of one or a plurality of the size detecting levers 22 that are in contact with each other, and detects the sheet size. Further, a coupling 12 as a drive transmission means for moving up and down the sheet support base 7 is a coupling pin 14 as a second drive means provided in the sheet storage means 19.
It is fitted with.

As described above, the sheet size detecting means 20 is arranged at the sheet feeding position of the sheet storing means 19 so as to overlap with the upper side of the sheet storing means 19 when viewed from the sheet stacking direction, so that the sheet feeding apparatus 1 itself. It has become possible to reduce the external dimensions of the.

Further, the lever pressing portion 25 provided at one end of the sheet trailing edge regulation guide 5 directly contacts the detection lever contact portion 23 having a predetermined length and width to detect the sheet size. With this configuration, the margin of the adjustment amount with respect to the reference deviation when the sheet storage unit 19 is located at the sheet feeding position is greatly expanded. Further, it has become possible to achieve simplification of the device, cost reduction, reduction in failure rate, and the like.

FIG. 6 shows the present sheet storage means 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is an elevational view showing a state where 9 is being pulled out from inside the frame 10 to the sheet replenishment position. Here, the first drive transmission means provided in the frame means and the second drive means provided in the sheet storage means are separated from each other.

A drive mechanism for raising and lowering the seat support base 7 is a lift-up motor 11 as a drive means provided on the body frame side, and a first drive transmission for transmitting the drive force of the lift-up motor 11. A drive mechanism having a coupling 12 as means, a coupling pin 14 formed on the side of the sheet accommodating means 19 so as to fit into a recess formed in the coupling 12, and the sheet accommodating means 19 are pushed in. An auxiliary spring 13 for absorbing a shock at the time of driving and a shock at the time of driving and rotating the coupling 12;
Small gear 17, large gear 15, and cam 1 which are drive transmission means of
6 and the drive belt 6.

The seat support base 7 connected to the belt 6 is
The forward / reverse rotational driving force transmitted via the gear is transmitted to the belt to move up and down. In the state of being located at the sheet replenishment position, the detection means 20 provided on the frame and the contact portion 25 of the trailing edge regulation guide 5 provided on the sheet storage means are also separated from each other.

FIG. 7 shows the present sheet storage means 1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is an elevation view showing a state in which 9 is located at a sheet feeding position in the frame 10. Here, the sheet size in the sheet storage means 19 is detected, and the first drive transmission means provided in the frame 10 and the second drive transmission means provided in the sheet storage means 19 are connected.

FIG. 7 shows a state in which the concave portion of the coupling 12 and the coupling pin 14 are fitted and coupled with each other. With this coupling, the driving force of the lift-up motor 11 can be transmitted as the lifting force of the sheet support base 7 without loss.

Lift-up motor 11 as driving means
Driving force is coupled to the coupling 12 connected to the lift-up motor 11 and transmitted to the large and small gears 15 and 17 via the coupling pin on the side of the sheet storage means 19, and the seat support 7 is moved up and down via the belt 6. To do.

The lever pressing portion 25 of the trailing edge regulation guide 5 provided in the sheet storage means 19 is in contact with the size detection lever 22 of the detection means 20 provided in the frame 10. The size detection sensor 21 detects the sheet size of the size detection lever 22 that has contacted and rotated.

The sheet size detecting means 20 is at least one of the first drive transmitting means and the second drive transmitting means when viewed from the stacking direction of the sheets when the sheet storing means 19 is pushed into the sheet feeding position. It is placed in an overlapping position.

Here, the sheet size detection mechanism of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a size detection lever 22 for detecting the size of various sheets stored in the sheet storage means 19 in the sheet feeding means according to the present invention.
Indicates the state of.

In FIG. 8, when the sheet storage means 19 is located at the sheet feeding position, the lever pressing portion 25 of the rear end regulation guide 5 of the sheet storage means 19 has the size detection lever 22 of the detection means 20. The state of being in contact with the detection lever contact portion 23 is shown. The detection means 20 is provided with three size detection levers 22a, 22b, 22c and one end side of the size detection lever 22, and size detection sensors 21a, 21b, 21 for detecting rotation of the size detection lever.
It is composed of c and.

Each size detection lever 22a, 22b, 22
In c, there are three detection lever contact portions 23 at predetermined positions.
a, 23b, and 23c are formed. Reference numerals 23a, 23b, and 23c of the detection lever abutting portion 23 have the same function and configuration, and each size detection lever 22a, 22b, and 22c.
The same reference numeral is given to the detection lever contact portion 23 of.

To detect the size of each sheet size, the lever pressing portion 25 of the rear end regulation guide 5 of the sheet storage means is connected to the detection lever contact portion 23 of the size detection lever 22 of the detection means 20.
The size detection sensor 21 detects the size detection lever 22 that is rotated by contacting any one of a, 23b, and 23c to determine the sheet size. In this embodiment, 6 shown in FIG.
The detection state of the sheet size of a kind is shown.

FIG. 8A shows an example of a state where small size sheets, for example, A5 size sheets are stored in the sheet storage means 19. Lever pushing part 2 of rear end regulation guide 5
In No. 5, the size detection lever 22b and the size detection lever 22c are rotated by contacting the contact part 23a of the size detection lever 22b and the contact part 23a of the size detection lever 22c.

The size detection sensor 21 detects that the size detection lever 22b and the size detection lever 22c are "ON" and the size detection lever 22a is "OFF". That is, the detection sensor is "OFF", "ON", "O".
It is detected as "N". "OFF", "ON",
If it is "ON", it is defined as A5, so A5
To detect.

FIG. 8B shows an example in which B5 size sheets are stored in the sheet storage means 19, for example. The lever pressing portion 25 of the trailing edge regulation guide 5 abuts on the contact portion 23a of the size detection lever 22a and the contact portion 23b of the size detection lever 22c to rotate the size detection lever 22a and the size detection lever 22c.

The size detection sensor 21 detects that the size detection lever 22a and the size detection lever 22c are "ON" and the size detection lever 22b is "OFF". That is, the detection sensor is "ON", "OFF", "O".
It is detected as "N". "ON", "OFF",
If it is "ON", it is specified that it is B5, so B5
To detect.

FIG. 8C shows an example of a state in which, for example, A4 size sheets are stored in the sheet storage means 19. The lever pressing portion 25 of the rear end regulation guide 5 is in contact with the contact portion 23b of the size detection lever 22b. The size detection lever 22b is rotating.

The size detection sensor 21 detects that the size detection lever 22b is "ON" and the size detection lever 22a and the size detection lever 22c are "OFF". That is, the detection sensor is "OFF", "ON", "O".
FF ”is detected. "OFF", "ON",
In the case of “OFF”, it is specified that the size is A4 size, and thus the size is detected as A4 size.

FIG. 8D shows an example of a state in which, for example, LT size sheets are stored in the sheet storage means 19. The lever pressing portion 25 of the rear end regulation guide 5 is in contact with the contact portion 23c of the size detection lever 22c. The size detection lever 22c is rotating.

The size detection sensor 21 detects that the size detection lever 22c is "ON" and the size detection lever 22a and the size detection lever 22b are "OFF". That is, the detection sensor is "OFF", "OFF",
It is detected as "ON". "OFF", "OF
If it is "F" or "ON", it is defined as the LT size, and therefore it is detected as the LT size.

FIG. 8E shows an example of a state in which, for example, B4 size paper is stored in the sheet storage means 19. The lever pressing portion 25 of the rear end regulation guide 5 abuts on the contact portion 23a of the size detection lever 22a and the contact portion 23c of the size detection lever 22b so that the size detection lever 22a and the size detection lever 22b rotate.

The size detection sensor 21 detects that the size detection lever 22a and the size detection lever 22b are "ON" and the size detection lever 22c is "OFF". That is, the detection sensor is "ON", "ON", "OF".
It is detected as "F". "ON", "ON", "O"
In the case of "FF", it is specified that it is B4 size, so it is detected as B4 size.

FIG. 8F shows an example of a state in which sheets of A3 size are stored in the sheet storage means 19, for example. The lever pressing portion 25 of the rear end regulation guide 5 is in contact with the contact portion 23c of the size detection lever 22a. The size detection lever 22a is rotating.

The size detection sensor 21 detects that the size detection lever 22a is "ON" and the size detection lever 22b and the size detection lever 22c are "OFF". That is, the detection sensor is "ON", "OFF", "O".
FF ”is detected. "ON", "OFF",
In the case of "OFF", it is specified that the size is A3, and therefore, it is detected as A3 size.

As described in detail above, in the sheet feeding device according to the present invention, the sheet feeding device cooperates with the sheet regulating means for regulating one end of the sheet at a position corresponding to the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodating means. When the sheet size detecting means for detecting the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storing means enters the moving path in the frame and the sheet storing means is in the sheet feeding position, Since the sheet size detecting means does not project to the outside of the sheet feeding apparatus, the apparatus is made compact because the sheet size detecting means is arranged at a position overlapping the sheet storing means when viewed from the stacking direction of the sheet feeding means. Has been realized.

Further, in the sheet feeding apparatus according to the present invention, the position of the sheet detecting means does not depend on the connection state of the sheet feeding apparatus and the image forming apparatus and the Since it is not necessary to strictly position the sheet feeding device, it is possible to surely and stably detect the size of the stored sheet.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus,
An example of the sheet feeding device in the sheet feeding position is shown.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a sheet stored in a sheet storage unit is conveyed to an image forming apparatus by a pickup roller.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a sheet storage means in the sheet feeding device, and in part (a), the uppermost sheet stored in the sheet storage means is pressed against a pickup roller of the sheet feeding means. The state (b) shows a state in which the sheet storage means stores no sheet and the sheet support base (bottom plate) is lowered to the lowest position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of the sheet feeding device according to the present invention and showing a state in which the sheet storing means is being pulled out from the inside of the frame of the sheet feeding device to the sheet replenishing position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which the sheet storage unit is located at a sheet feeding position in the frame of the sheet feeding apparatus and the sheet size in the sheet storage unit is detected.

FIG. 6 is an elevational view showing a state where the sheet storage unit shown in FIG. 4 is being pulled out from the inside of the frame of the sheet feeding device to the sheet replenishing position.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view showing a state in which the sheet storage unit shown in FIG. 5 is located at a sheet feeding position in the frame of the sheet feeding apparatus.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the sizes of various sheets stored in the sheet storing means in the sheet feeding means according to the present invention are detected.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 sheet feeding device 3 Pressing regulation roller 4 Pressing control plate 5 Rear edge regulation guide 7 seat support 8 pickup rollers 10 frames 11 Lift-up motor 12 Coupling 14 Coupling pin 19 Seat storage means 20 Detection means 23 Detection lever contact part 25 Lever pushing part 21 size detection sensor 22 Size detection lever 30 Supporting means H image forming device

Continued front page    F term (reference) 2H072 AA23 AB07 BA03 BA13 CA01                       CA02 CB09                 3F343 FA02 FB02 FB03 GA01 GB01                       GC01 GD01 HB04 HC28 HD16                       HE08 HE20 JA02 KB03 KB20                       MA03 MA26

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A sheet storing means, a supporting means for movably supporting the sheet storing means in a movement path between a sheet replenishing position and a sheet feeding position, a frame means for fixing the supporting means, and a sheet feeding means. And a sheet size detecting unit configured to detect a size of the sheet stored in the sheet storing unit, and a sheet feeding unit configured to separate and feed the sheets one by one from the sheet storing unit at the feeding position. The sheet feeding device, wherein the size detecting means is provided at a position to enter the moving path in the frame. 2. The sheet size detection means is arranged at a position overlapping the sheet storage means when viewed from the sheet stacking direction when the sheet storage means is at the sheet feeding position. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1. 3. The sheet storage means has a regulation means for regulating one end of the sheet at a position corresponding to the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage means. 3. The regulating means is detected when it is stored in the feeding position.
The sheet feeding device described. 4. The sheet size detecting means is composed of one or a plurality of size detecting levers which are operated when a lever pressing portion of the sheet regulating means comes into contact with the sheet size detecting means, and one of the one or a plurality of detecting levers is operated. 4. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3, wherein the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storing means is detected depending on whether the sheet is stored. 5. A sheet storage means having a vertically movable sheet support base, a drive means for generating a drive force for raising and lowering the sheet support base, and a drive transmission means for transmitting the drive force to the sheet storage means. A support means for movably supporting the sheet storage means in a movement path between the sheet replenishment position and the sheet feeding position; a frame means for fixing the support means; and a sheet storage means in the sheet feeding position. A sheet feeding unit that separates and feeds the sheets one by one, and a sheet size detecting unit that detects the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storing unit, wherein the sheet size detecting unit is the sheet storing unit. When the means is at the sheet feeding position, it is arranged at a position overlapping the driving force transmitting means when viewed from the sheet stacking direction. Sheet feeding apparatus according to symptoms. 6. The drive force transmission means is a second drive transmission means provided on the frame means, and a second drive transmission means provided on the sheet storage means and capable of being combined with and separated from the first drive transmission means. 6. The sheet feeding device according to claim 5, further comprising: 7. The first drive transmission means and the second drive transmission means are connected when the sheet storage means is in the feeding position, and when the sheet storage means is in the sheet replenishing position. The sheet feeding device according to claim 7, wherein the sheet feeding devices are separated from each other. 8. The sheet size detecting means has a regulating means for regulating one end of the sheet at a position corresponding to the size of the sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodating means, and the sheet size detecting means has the sheet accommodating means for feeding the sheet. 8. The regulating means is detected when the regulating means is stored in the feeding position.
The sheet feeding device described in. 9. The sheet size detecting means is composed of one or a plurality of size detecting levers which are operated by contact of a pressing portion of the sheet regulating means,
9. The size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage means is detected depending on which one of the one or a plurality of detection levers is operated.
The sheet feeding device described in. 10. A sheet storage means, a support means for movably supporting the sheet storage means in a movement path between a sheet replenishment position and a sheet feeding position, a frame means for fixing the support means, and a sheet supply means. And a sheet size detecting unit configured to detect a size of the sheet stored in the sheet storing unit, and a sheet feeding unit configured to separate and feed the sheets one by one from the sheet storing unit at the feeding position. The sheet feeding device, wherein the size detection means is provided at a position overlapping the movement path when viewed from the sheet stacking direction. 11. An image forming apparatus comprising a sheet storage means, which is capable of moving up and down, a drive means for generating a driving force for raising and lowering the sheet support, and the driving force for the sheet. Drive transmission means for transmitting to the storage means; support means for movably supporting the sheet storage means in a movement path between a sheet replenishment position and a sheet feeding position; frame means for fixing the support means; Sheet feeding means for separating and feeding out sheets one by one from inside the sheet storing means at the feeding position; and the driving force transmitting means when viewed from the stacking direction of the sheets when the sheet storing means is at the sheet feeding position. And a sheet size detection unit that is disposed at a position overlapping with the sheet storage unit and detects the size of the sheet stored in the sheet storage unit. An image forming apparatus having a sheet storage unit that.