JP2004099275A - Sheet feeder and imaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect paper transfer from a second paper housing part to a first paper housing part with reliability at a low cost. <P>SOLUTION: A cam 38 is mounted through an oil damper (not shown) to a shaft 37 for elevating a tray bottom plate 45 of a first paper housing part 31 of a paper feeding cassette 30. An incorrect setting detection member 35 is turned from the cam 38 through a link member 39. The detection member 35 opens/closes associating with the elevation of the bottom plate 45. After the paper sheet is transferred from the second paper housing part 32 to the first paper housing part 31, the detection member 35 is moved to a dotted position and closed to be detected by a sensor (not shown), while the bottom plate 45 is elevated, . <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device in an image forming apparatus or the like, and more particularly, to a sheet feeding device capable of automatically replenishing sheets.
[0002]
[Prior art]
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 6-144600 A paper feeder that feeds sheets one by one from a sheet bundle stored in a cassette or a tray by a paper feeder such as a paper feed roller is a copying machine, a printer, and the like. And other image forming apparatuses.
[0003]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus or the like, a plurality of paper storage units are provided in order to effectively use space in the apparatus, and when sheets in one paper storage unit are completely fed, the paper is stored in another paper storage unit. There has been proposed a paper feeder in which the number of stored paper sheets is increased by automatically transferring or replenishing paper.
[0004]
For example, in the paper feeding device described in Patent Document 1, when all the paper in the first paper storage unit is consumed, the paper stored in the second paper storage unit is slid and transferred to the first paper storage unit. I can do it.
[0005]
In the paper feeding device having such a configuration, various paper setting detection mechanisms (or erroneous setting detection mechanisms) for detecting whether the paper in the second paper storage unit is correctly set in the first paper storage unit have been proposed.
[0006]
As an example of such a paper set detection mechanism, a member (erroneous set detection member) that is pushed and opened by a sheet bundle transferred from the second paper storage part to the first paper storage part is provided, and after the paper transfer, the erroneous set detection member is provided. Is detected to return to the initial position (closed state) to detect that the paper in the second paper storage unit is correctly set (transferred) to the first paper storage unit. There is. The return of the erroneous setting detection member to the initial position may be based on an urging force of a spring or the like, or may be based on a force of a driving source such as a solenoid or a motor.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the paper set detection mechanism (or the erroneous set detection mechanism) that pushes and opens the erroneous set detection member by the sheet bundle in the second paper storage unit, the detection member cannot be pushed open when the number of sheets is small. There is.
[0008]
Further, when the detection member is moved by a spring or the like, there is a problem that an erroneous signal may be generated due to an impact when the sheet feeding tray / cassette is mounted.
In addition, there is a problem that a mechanism for moving the detection member by a solenoid or a motor has a complicated mechanism, and the cost increases if a dedicated solenoid or motor is provided.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above-described problem in the conventional paper feeding device, and is capable of reliably detecting the paper transfer (paper setting) from the second paper storing portion to the first paper storing portion at low cost. And an image forming apparatus.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, there is provided a first paper storage unit, a second paper storage unit, and a paper transfer unit that collectively transfers paper stored in the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit. A sheet feeding device having a bottom plate elevating mechanism for elevating and lowering a tray bottom plate of the first sheet storage section, wherein the second sheet storage section is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat on a sheet transfer path from the second sheet storage section to the first sheet storage section; A detection member for detecting whether or not the paper has been properly transferred from the paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit, wherein the detection member is provided on the paper transfer path in conjunction with the elevation of the tray bottom plate; It is solved by going back and forth.
[0011]
Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a first paper storage unit, a second paper storage unit, and a paper transfer unit that collectively transfers the paper stored in the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit. The paper feeding device having: (a) is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat on a paper transport path from the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit, and transports the paper from the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit. A detection member for detecting whether or not the detection has been properly performed, and the detection member moves back and forth on the paper transfer path in conjunction with the transfer of the paper from the second paper storage to the first paper storage. It is solved by.
[0012]
Moreover, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention proposes that the detection member is provided in the first paper storage unit.
Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention proposes that the detection member is provided in the second paper storage unit.
[0013]
According to the present invention, the above-mentioned object is achieved by an image forming apparatus including the sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which a sheet feeding device according to the present invention is mounted. The printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a paper feed unit 3 having three stages of paper feed cassettes 10, 20, and 30 below the image forming unit 2. Further, a paper discharge tray 4 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus. The image forming unit 2 forms an image on the paper fed from each paper feed cassette of the paper feed unit 3, and discharges the image to the paper discharge tray 4. The image forming unit 2 is based on a well-known electrophotographic system, and a description of its configuration and operation will be omitted. In the present invention, the image forming method is not limited to electrophotography, and any method such as ink jet, thermal transfer, electrostatic recording and the like can be adopted.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the inside of the paper feed cassette 30 in a perspective view. The lowermost sheet cassette 30 is for setting sheets smaller in size than the upper sheet cassettes 10 and 20. However, in order to eliminate dead space caused by small-sized sheets, small-sized sheets are stored in parallel. I can do it. In other words, the paper storage unit for storing and storing the papers in the paper supply cassette 30 is configured by the first and second paper storage units 31 and 32, and each exists as an independent tray. Then, when all the sheets in the first sheet storage section 31 are consumed, the sheets stored in the second sheet storage section 32 can be slid rightward in the drawing to be transferred into the first sheet storage section 31. It has become. In the following description, the first paper storage unit is referred to as a paper supply tray, and the second paper storage unit is referred to as a transfer tray.
[0016]
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sheet feeding cassette 30.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 2, the sheet feeding cassette 30 includes side fences 33 a and 33 b that regulate both sides in the sheet width direction (direction orthogonal to the sheet feeding direction) of the sheet feeding side tray 31, and the transfer side tray 32. , Side fences 34a and 34b for regulating both sides in the sheet width direction, an erroneous setting detection member 35 provided at a position slightly downstream (downstream in the sheet supply direction) of the sheet rear end in the sheet supply side tray 31, and a transfer side tray 32. A transfer fence 36 and the like provided on the rear end side of the sheet are provided. A tray bottom plate 45 is provided between the side fences 33a and 33b of the tray on the paper feed side.
[0017]
The erroneous setting detecting member 35 has a planar shape of a "-" shape bent at a right angle, and is rotatably supported around a shaft 35a provided at one end thereof. Further, the paper feed side tray 31 is provided with an elevating shaft 37 for elevating and lowering a tray bottom plate described later. The elevating shaft 37 is rotationally driven by a drive mechanism (not shown) to elevate and lower the tray bottom plate 45 of the paper feed side tray 31. A cam 38 into which an oil damper is press-fitted is mounted near the rear end of the elevating shaft 37. The cam 38 and the erroneous setting detection member 35 are connected by a link member 39. The rotation of the elevating shaft 37 is converted into the movement of the link member 39 in the left-right direction in the drawing, and the erroneous setting detection member 35 is configured to rotate to a position shown by a solid line and a position shown by a dotted line in FIG.
[0018]
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the erroneous setting detection member 35 when the tray bottom plate 45 is raised.
In FIG. 4, (a) shows when the tray bottom plate 45 is at the lower limit position, (b) shows when the tray bottom plate 45 starts to rise, and (c) shows when the tray bottom plate 45 is rising and at the upper limit position. 3 shows the state of the erroneous setting detection member 35. Note that FIG. 4 is shown as viewed from the upper side of FIG. 3, that is, from the back side of the printer main body.
[0019]
As shown in the figure, a cam 38 is mounted on the elevating shaft 37 via an oil damper or a torque limiter 46. A link member 39 is rotatably connected to the cam 38 by a shaft 47. A notch 39a is formed near the distal end of the link member 39, and the notch 39a is engaged with a projecting engagement portion 35b provided on the erroneous setting detection member 35. A disengagement prevention portion 35c is provided at the tip of the protruding engagement portion 35b. Around the cam 38, regulating members 48 and 49 for regulating the rotation of the cam 38 are provided.
[0020]
At the tray bottom plate lower limit position in FIG. 4A, the side surface of the cam 38 abuts on the regulating member 48, and the cam 38 cannot rotate further clockwise in the drawing. At this time, the cam 38 is in a state in which the top portion 38 a is located immediately below and the link member 39 is retracted to a position near the elevating shaft 37. Thereby, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is opened at a position where the detection side 35d is retracted outside the sheet width. Reference numeral 50 denotes a sensor for detecting the detection side 35d of the erroneous setting detection member 35. As the sensor 50, a reflection type photo sensor, a micro switch, or the like can be employed.
[0021]
When the lifting of the tray bottom plate 45 (FIG. 3) is started by rotating the elevating shaft 37 counterclockwise in the drawing from the state shown in FIG. 4A, as shown in FIG. 39 is extended rightward in the figure, and the erroneous setting detection member 35 rotates counterclockwise in the figure with its rotation shaft 35a as a fulcrum.
[0022]
Then, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the upper side of the cam 38 comes into contact with the regulating member 49, the cam 38 cannot rotate any more, and the erroneous setting detecting member 35 passes through the detecting side 35d. It is closed at the position protruding in the direction perpendicular to the paper direction. Since the elevating shaft 37 is mounted with the cam 38 via an oil damper or a torque limiter, the rotation of the cam 38 is continued even after the rotation of the cam 38 is restricted, so that the tray bottom plate 45 can be kept rising.
[0023]
In this embodiment, the cam 38 rotates only about 1/4 of the time between FIGS. 4A and 4C, and the erroneous setting detecting member 35 moves the open position (FIG. (A)) and move to the closed position (FIG. 4 (c)). That is, when the tray bottom plate 45 is at the lower limit position, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is opened as shown in FIG. 4A, and when the tray bottom plate 45 starts to rise from there, the cam 38 (elevation shaft 37) is moved. The erroneous setting detection member 35 is closed as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is closed at an extremely early stage of the rise of the tray bottom plate 45 (only when the tray bottom plate 45 is slightly raised). When the erroneous setting detecting member 35 is closed, the detection side 35d is detected by the sensor 50 as shown in FIG. 4C, and the closing of the erroneous setting detecting member 35 is detected. If the sheet is not properly transferred from the transfer side tray 32 and the erroneous setting detection member 35 is not closed (in contact with the sheet bundle), the detection side 35d is not detected, or at a predetermined timing. By not being detected, erroneous setting of paper can be determined. If it is determined that the paper is incorrectly set, the lifting of the tray bottom plate 45 is stopped, and an error display is displayed on the operation unit or the like of the printer.
[0024]
Next, the operation when the tray bottom plate 45 is lowered will be described with reference to FIGS.
In FIG. 6, (a) shows an error when the tray bottom plate 45 is at the upper limit position, (b) shows an error when the tray bottom plate 45 starts lowering, and (c) shows an error when the tray bottom plate 45 is lowering and at the lower limit position. Each state of the set detection member 35 is shown. Note that FIG. 6 is illustrated as viewed from above in FIG. 5, that is, from the back side of the printer main body.
[0025]
At the upper limit position of the tray bottom plate in FIG. 6A, the upper side of the cam 38 is in contact with the regulating member 49, and the link member 39 is fully extended to the right in the drawing. The detection side 35d is closed at a position where the detection side 35d projects in a direction orthogonal to the paper direction. FIG. 5 is also shown in this state.
[0026]
When the lowering of the tray bottom plate 45 (FIG. 5) is started by rotating the elevating shaft 37 clockwise in the drawing from the state shown in FIG. 6A, as shown in FIG. Is drawn to the left in the figure, and the erroneous setting detection member 35 rotates clockwise in the figure around the rotation shaft 35a as a fulcrum.
[0027]
Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the lower side of the cam 38 comes into contact with the regulating member 48, the cam 38 cannot rotate any more, and the erroneous setting detecting member 35 sets the detecting side 35d to the paper width. , That is, at a position retracted outside the sheet transfer area from the transfer side tray to the sheet supply side tray. Since the elevating shaft 37 is mounted with the cam 38 via an oil damper or a torque limiter, the elevating shaft 37 continues to rotate even after the rotation of the cam 38 is restricted, and the lowering of the tray bottom plate 45 can be continued.
[0028]
In the present embodiment, the cam 38 rotates only about 1/4 of the time between FIGS. 6A and 6C, and the erroneous setting detection member 35 detects the very early stage of the lowering of the tray bottom plate 45 (the tray 38). The bottom plate 45 will be opened (just down slightly).
[0029]
When the paper feed cassette 30 is pulled out from the printer main body, the engagement with the drive mechanism of the elevating shaft 37 is released, and the erroneous setting detection member 35 is maintained in the state when the cassette is pulled out.
[0030]
FIG. 7 schematically shows the operation of the raising of the bottom plate 45 and the operation of the erroneous setting detecting member 35 in the sheet feeding cassette 30.
7A to 7D, the upper part is a plan view, and the lower part is a side view. First, FIG. 7A shows a paper supply state, and a paper bundle P is stacked on both the paper supply side tray 31 and the transfer side tray 32. The bottom plate 45 of the paper feed side tray 31 is raised by an elevating mechanism (not shown) including the above-described elevating shaft 37, and presses the upper surface of the stacked paper bundle P against the feed roller 42. The sheet called by the feed roller 42 is separated into one sheet by a feed roller 43 and a separation roller 44 and fed. The bottom plate 45 is raised as the paper is consumed. During the paper feeding operation, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is in a closed state (the position shown in FIG. 5).
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 7B, when the sheet bundle on the sheet feeding side tray 31 is completely consumed, the bottom plate 45 is lowered and returned to the initial position indicated by the imaginary line in the figure. When the bottom plate 45 descends to the initial position, the upper surface of the bottom plate 45 and the upper surface of the tray bottom plate 46 of the transfer-side tray have the same height.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 7C, when the bottom plate 45 is lowered to the initial position, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is opened (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3), and the detection side 35d is the paper width as described above. , I.e., outside the paper transfer area from the transfer side tray to the paper supply side tray. In this state, the sheet bundle P is transferred from the transfer side tray to the sheet supply side tray as shown in the figure.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 7D, when the transfer of the sheet to the sheet feed side tray is completed and the lifting of the bottom plate 45 is started, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is closed. When the upper surface of the sheet bundle P comes into contact with the feed roller 42, the sheet can be fed.
[0034]
Note that a fence moving belt 40 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5 is provided below the bottom plate 46 of the paper feed side tray 32. The fence moving belt 40 is rotationally driven via a driving shaft 41 by a driving mechanism (not shown) on the printer main body side. The lower part of the transfer fence 36 is connected to the fence moving belt 40, and the transfer fence 36 is movable in the left and right directions in FIGS. By the transfer fence 36, the sheet bundle P stacked on the bottom plate 46 of the sheet feeding side tray is transferred to the sheet feeding tray 31 side, and after the transfer is completed, the transfer fence 36 is returned to the sheet feeding side tray.
[0035]
In the sheet cassette 30 of this embodiment, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is opened in conjunction with the lowering of the bottom plate 45 (by the rotation of the elevating shaft 37), so that the number of sheets set in the transfer side tray is small. Even in this case, the erroneous setting detection member 35 can be reliably opened (evacuated from the transfer path).
[0036]
Further, after the transfer of the sheet to the sheet feeding side tray is completed, the erroneous setting detecting member 35 is closed in conjunction with the elevation of the bottom plate 45 (by the rotation of the elevating shaft 37). It is possible to reliably detect whether or not the proper transfer has been performed after the transfer is completed.
[0037]
In addition, since the closing of the erroneous setting detecting member 35 is completed at an extremely early stage of the rise of the bottom plate 45, it is possible to determine erroneous setting (whether or not the sheet has been properly transported) before starting the sheet feeding operation. Can be. In addition, since the release of the erroneous setting detection member 35 ends at an extremely early stage of the lowering of the bottom plate 45, the transfer of the sheet is not affected.
[0038]
Further, since the erroneous setting detection member 35 is opened and closed with a simple configuration including the cam 38 and the link member 39, the mechanism does not become complicated. Further, since the shaft for raising and lowering the tray bottom plate 45 is used, there is no need to provide a dedicated driving source, and the cost does not increase.
[0039]
Further, since the erroneous setting detection member 35 is moved by a mechanism of the cam 38 and the link member 39 instead of closing the erroneous setting detection member 35 by a spring, the spring may come off or return due to an impact at the time of closing the cassette. No malfunction (erroneous detection) occurs, and reliable detection can be performed.
[0040]
FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment in which the erroneous setting detection member 35 is driven from the drive shaft 41 of the fence moving belt 40.
As shown in this figure, a cam 38 is mounted on a drive shaft 41 via an oil damper or a torque limiter (not shown), and an erroneous setting detection member 35 is rotated by a link member 39 supported by the cam 38. This is the same as the first embodiment except that the erroneous setting detection member 35 is rotated from the drive shaft 41.
[0041]
FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment in which the erroneous setting detection member 35 is provided on the transfer side tray 32 side.
As shown in this figure, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is disposed on the side of the transfer side tray 32 with its rotating shaft 35a on the rear side in the sheet feeding direction (symmetrical with the embodiment of FIG. 3). ing. On the other hand, a cam 38 is mounted on a tray bottom plate elevating shaft 37 of the paper feed side tray via an oil damper or a torque limiter. The erroneous setting detection member 35 is rotated by the link member 39 pivotally supported by the cam 38. This is the same as the first embodiment except that the erroneous setting detection member 35 is provided on the side of the transfer side tray 32.
[0042]
FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment in which an erroneous setting detection member 35 is provided on the side of the transfer side tray 32 and is driven from the drive shaft 41 of the fence moving belt 40.
As shown in this figure, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is disposed on the side of the transfer side tray 32 with its rotating shaft 35a on the rear side in the sheet feeding direction (symmetrical with the embodiment of FIG. 3). ing. Then, the erroneous setting detection member 35 is rotated by a link member 39 supported by a cam 38 mounted on a drive shaft 41 of the fence moving belt 40. The third embodiment is the same as the third embodiment except that the erroneous setting detection member 35 is rotated from the drive shaft 41.
[0043]
In each of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the size, length, and the like of the cam 38 and the link member 39 are set so that the erroneous setting detection member 35 can be properly rotated. Further, the above-described sensor 50 is arranged corresponding to the position of the erroneous setting detection member 35.
[0044]
Regardless of whether the erroneous setting detection member 35 is provided on the paper feed side tray 31 or the transfer side tray 32, if the paper is not correctly transferred, the erroneous setting detection member 35 abuts on the sheet bundle and closes. Since it cannot move to the position and the sensor sensor 50 does not detect the detection side 35d (see FIG. 4), it can be determined that the paper transfer has not been properly performed.
[0045]
In each embodiment, the erroneous setting detection member 35 cannot contact the sheet bundle and move to the closed position, for example, when a sheet of a size larger than the proper size is supplied. It is also possible.
[0046]
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, a mechanism for raising and lowering the bottom plate in the sheet feeding side tray and a configuration for driving the erroneous setting detection member in conjunction with the elevation of the bottom plate, or a configuration for moving the transfer fence in the transfer side tray and in conjunction with the transfer fence movement The configuration for driving the erroneous setting detection member can be changed as appropriate. The shape and location of the erroneous setting detection member, and the shapes and sizes of the cams and link members for moving the erroneous setting detection member can be arbitrarily set. It is also possible to mount a sensor or a switch on the erroneous setting detection member. Further, the image forming apparatus to which the sheet feeding device is mounted is not limited to a printer, but may be a copying machine, a facsimile, a printing machine, or the like.
[0047]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the sheet feeding device and the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the detecting member moves the sheet bottom in the tray or moves the sheet from the second sheet storing section to the first sheet storing section, and the sheet transferring path. Since the sheet moves upward, the detecting member can be reliably retracted from the transfer path even when the number of sheets stored in the second sheet storing section is small. In addition, it is possible to reliably detect whether or not proper transfer has been performed. Further, the configuration is simple, no dedicated driving source is required, and the cost does not increase. In addition, malfunction does not occur due to impact when the cassette is mounted.
[0048]
According to the configuration of the third aspect, since the detection member is provided in the first paper storage unit, it can be detected on the first paper storage unit side (paper supply side) that the paper has been properly transferred. .
[0049]
According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, since the detection member is provided in the second paper storage unit, it can be detected on the second paper storage unit side (transfer side) that the paper is properly fed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus to which a sheet feeding device according to the present invention is mounted.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the inside of a paper feed cassette.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a sheet feeding cassette.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an erroneous setting detection member when the tray bottom plate is raised.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a sheet cassette.
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of an erroneous setting detection member when the tray bottom plate is lowered.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a rising of a bottom plate and an erroneous setting detection member in a sheet cassette.
FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a sheet cassette according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a sheet cassette according to a third embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a sheet cassette according to a fourth embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 3 Paper feed unit 30 Paper feed cassette 31 Paper feed side tray (first paper storage unit)
32 Transfer side tray (second paper storage unit)
35 Error setting detecting member 36 Transfer fence 37 Elevating shaft 38 Cam 39 Link member 40 Fence moving belt 41 Drive shaft 45 Tray bottom plate 50 Sensor

Claims (5)

A first sheet storage unit, a second sheet storage unit, sheet transfer means for transferring sheets stored in the second sheet storage unit to the first sheet storage unit, and a tray bottom plate of the first sheet storage unit. A bottom plate elevating mechanism for raising and lowering,
It is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat on a paper transfer path from the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit, and determines whether or not the paper transfer from the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit has been properly performed. Has a detecting member for detecting,
The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the detection member moves up and down on the sheet transfer path in conjunction with the elevation of the tray bottom plate. In a paper feeding device having a first paper storage unit, a second paper storage unit, and a paper transfer unit that collectively transfers the paper stored in the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit.
It is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat on a paper transfer path from the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit, and determines whether or not the paper transfer from the second paper storage unit to the first paper storage unit has been properly performed. Has a detecting member for detecting,
The sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the detection member moves forward and backward on the sheet transfer path in conjunction with transfer of the sheet from the second sheet storage unit to the first sheet storage unit. The paper feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the detection member is provided in the first paper storage unit. The paper feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the detection member is provided in the second paper storage unit. An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

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