Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus having same

Abstract

A sheet feeding device includes first and second sheet feeding stocker provided in a main body and placed side by side in a horizontal direction, in which sheets are taken out from the first sheet feeding stocker and conveyed through a horizontal conveyance unit provided above the second sheet feeding stocker. The respective first and second sheet feeding stockers can independently be pulled out forward from the main body in a direction intersecting with a sheet conveying direction in the horizontal conveyance unit. The sheet feeding device includes an engaging mechanism for engaging the horizontal conveyance unit and the first sheet feeding stocker so that the first sheet feeding stocker is pulled out integrally with the horizontal conveyance unit when the horizontal conveyance unit is pulled out forward from the main body.

1 . A sheet feeding device, comprising:
 first and second sheet feeding stockers provided in a main body and placed side by side in a horizontal direction, wherein   sheets are taken out from the first sheet feeding stocker and conveyed through a horizontal conveyance unit provided above the second sheet feeding stocker, wherein   the respective first and second sheet feeding stockers can independently be pulled out forward from the main body in a direction intersecting with a sheet conveying direction in the horizontal conveyance unit, and wherein   an engaging mechanism is provided for engaging the horizontal conveyance unit and the first sheet feeding stocker so that the first sheet feeding stocker is pulled out integrally with the horizontal conveyance unit when the horizontal conveyance unit is pulled out forward from the main body.   
     
     
         2 . The sheet feeding device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein
 the engaging mechanism includes a protrusion protruding horizontally from an edge of a front door of the horizontal conveyance unit so as to overlap with a back side portion of a front door of the first sheet feeding stocker.   
     
     
         3 . The sheet feeding device as claimed in  claim 1 , comprising:
 a locking mechanism which permits the horizontal conveyance unit to be pulled out forward from the main body at a time of jamming relating to paper feed operation while prohibiting the horizontal conveyance unit from being pulled out forward from the main body at a time other than jamming relating to paper feed operation.   
     
     
         4 . The sheet feeding device as claimed in  claim 3 , comprising:
 a door which can be opened and closed with respect to the main body, the door being provided in a region of a lateral surface of the main body which faces an end portion of the horizontal conveyance unit, wherein   the locking mechanism executes permitting or prohibiting operation according to opening and closing of the door with respect to the main body.   
     
     
         5 . The sheet feeding device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein
 the locking mechanism includes a protrusion which can engage with a front side portion of the horizontal conveyance unit, the locking mechanism being provided in the region of the lateral surface of the main body which faces the end portion of the horizontal conveyance unit.   
     
     
         6 . The sheet feeding device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein
 the protrusion has a circular arc shape horizontally protruding from the region and curved downward.   
     
     
         7 . An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet feeding device as claimed in  claim 1 .