Sheet feeding device, and image formation device

Abstract

To reduce the movement of a sheet upstream in the feeding direction when air handling is performed.SOLUTION: A sheet feeding device includes: a support section (236) that supports a sheet (S); a feeding section (506) that feeds the sheet; side end regulating sections (14a, 14b) that regulate the widthwise position of the sheet supported by the support section; and a blowing section that blows air; air outlets (16a, 16b) formed in the side end regulating section that blow air to the sides of the sheet; and a handling section (11A, 11B) that has guide sections (18a, 18b) that guide the air blown from the blowing section to the air outlet and blows air onto the sheet to handle the sheet. The guide section is formed in a shape that guides air from upstream in the sheet feeding direction toward the air outlet, and the air blown onto the sheet from the air outlet moves toward the sheet in the widthwise direction and toward downstream in the feeding direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device including a handling unit that blows air onto a plurality of sheets supported by a support unit to handle the sheets, and to an image forming apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, some image forming apparatuses, such as copiers, facsimiles, and printers, are provided with a manual feed tray that enables feeding of various types of sheets as a sheet feeding device that feeds sheets to an image forming section that forms an image on the sheet. In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for forming images on various types of sheets, and sheets with smooth surfaces, such as coated paper, are sometimes used. When a stack of sheets with such smooth surfaces is set on the manual feed tray, there is a risk that the sheets cannot be separated due to the strong adhesion between the sheets, resulting in poor feeding. For this reason, a device that blows air onto the sheet stack set on the manual feed tray to lift the sheets and separate them has been proposed (see Patent Document 1), which performs so-called air separation.

[0003] Generally, manual feed trays are not provided with a member for restricting the rear end of a sheet so that various types (various sizes) of sheets can be set. Therefore, in the device of Patent Document 1, the sheet support surface of the manual feed tray is inclined so that the downstream side in the feeding direction is downward, and air is blown onto the sheet from the width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction. This prevents the sheet from moving upstream in the feeding direction (toward the rear end) when air handling is performed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-256819 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, even with the configuration as described in Patent Document 1, for example, when the sheet size is small, the air blowing strength may be stronger than appropriate, and the sheet may move upstream in the feeding direction (towards the trailing end) when air clearance is performed.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet feeding device and an image forming apparatus that are capable of reducing the movement of the sheet upstream in the feeding direction when air separation is performed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is a sheet feeding device comprising: a support section that supports a plurality of sheets; a feeding section that feeds the sheets supported by the support section; a side end regulating section that is movable in a width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction and that regulates the position of the sheets supported by the support section in the width direction; a blowing section that blows air; an air outlet formed in the side end regulating section that blows air to the side of the sheets; and a guide section that guides the air blown from the air outlet to the air outlet, and a handling section that blows air at the plurality of sheets supported by the support section to handle the sheets, wherein the guide section is formed in a shape that guides air from upstream in the sheet feeding direction toward the air outlet, and the air blown from the air outlet toward the sheets flows toward the sheets in the width direction and downstream in the feeding direction.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a sheet feeding device comprising: a support section having a support surface that supports a plurality of sheets; a feeding section that feeds the sheets supported by the support section; a side end regulating section that is movable in a width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction and that regulates the position of the sheets supported by the support section in the width direction; a blowing section that blows air; an air outlet formed in the side end regulating section that blows air to the side of the sheets; and a guide section that guides the air blown from the air outlet to the air outlet, and a handling section that blows air toward the plurality of sheets supported by the support section to handle the sheets, wherein the guide section is formed in a shape that guides the air toward the air outlet in a direction approaching the support surface, and the air blown from the air outlet onto the sheets flows toward the sheets in the width direction and toward the support surface. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the movement of the sheet upstream in the feeding direction when air separation is performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the configuration of a manual feed section according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an air outlet of a manual feeding section according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a top view showing the configuration of an air duct of a side end regulating plate in the manual feed portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an air duct of a side end regulating plate in the manual feed portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a top view showing a direction in which air is blown out from an air outlet of a side end regulating plate in the manual feed portion according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8]13 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of an air duct of a side end regulating plate in a manual feed portion according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 8(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 8. FIG. 8(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 13A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air duct of the second side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the third embodiment, as viewed in the width direction, and FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air duct of the first side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the third embodiment, as viewed in the width direction. [Figure 12] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet of the side end regulating plate in the manual feed portion according to the third embodiment, as viewed in the feeding direction. FIG. [Figure 13] 13A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air duct of the second side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed in the width direction, and FIG. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air duct of the first side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed in the width direction. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet of the side end regulating plate in the manual feed portion according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed in the feeding direction. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of an air duct of a side end regulating plate in a manual feed section according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] First Embodiment A first embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0012] (Image forming device) First, an image forming apparatus having a manual paper feed unit as a sheet feeding device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 201 is a tandem type intermediate transfer type laser beam printer that utilizes an electrophotographic process. The image forming apparatus 201 can form and output a full-color or monochrome image corresponding to print image data output from a host device 1500 (see FIG. 2) connected to the control unit 100 on a sheet S, which is a recording medium.

[0014] 1, the image forming apparatus 201 has an apparatus body 201A equipped with an image forming unit 201B that forms an image on a sheet. An image reading device 202 that is installed substantially horizontally is disposed above the apparatus body 201A. A discharge space V for discharging sheets is formed between the image reading device 202 and the apparatus body 201A. An operation unit 700 that is a UI configured with a touch panel or the like that can display a screen is disposed above the apparatus body 201A.

[0015] The image forming section 201B is a four-drum full-color type. The image forming section 201B includes a laser scanner 210 and four process cartridges 211Y, 211M, 211C, and 211K that form toner images of four colors, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Each process cartridge 211 includes a photosensitive drum 212, a charger 213 as a charging means, and a developer 214 as a developing means. The image forming section 201B also includes an intermediate transfer unit 201C disposed above the process cartridge 211, and a fixing section 201E. A toner cartridge 215 for supplying toner to the developer 214 is provided above the intermediate transfer unit 201C.

[0016] The intermediate transfer unit 201C includes an intermediate transfer belt 216 wound around a drive roller 216a and a tension roller 216b. A primary transfer roller 219 is provided on the inner side of the intermediate transfer belt 216, and contacts the intermediate transfer belt 216 at a position facing the photosensitive drum 212. The intermediate transfer belt 216 is rotated in the direction of the arrow by a drive roller 216a driven by a drive unit (not shown).

[0017] Then, the negative color toner images on the photosensitive drums are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 216 by the primary transfer roller 219. A secondary transfer roller 217 that transfers the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt onto the sheet S is provided at a position facing the driving roller 216a of the intermediate transfer unit 201C. A secondary transfer section 201D is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 216 and the secondary transfer roller 217. Furthermore, a fixing section 201E having a pressure roller 220a and a heating roller 220b is provided above the secondary transfer roller 217. Moreover, a first discharge roller pair 225a, a second discharge roller pair 225b, and a double-sided reversing section 201F are provided above the fixing section 201E. The double-sided reversing section 201F is provided with a reversible reversing roller pair 222 and a re-conveying passage R that conveys the sheet with an image formed on one side to the image forming section 201B again.

[0018] A plurality of sheet feeding units 230 that feed set sheets S to the image forming section 201B are provided at the bottom of the apparatus main body 201A. Each of the plurality of sheet feeding units 230 includes a feeding cassette 1 that stores a plurality of sheets (a stack of sheets) and a sheet feeding section 6 that serves as a feeding section that feeds the sheets S stored in the feeding cassette 1. The sheet feeding section 6 includes a pickup roller 2, and a feed roller 3 and a retard roller 4 that serve as a separation means that separates the sheets S that have been fed from the pickup roller 2 and fed in a multi-fed state.

[0019] 1 of the apparatus main body 201A is provided with a manual feed section 235 that feeds sheets S from a plurality of sheets S (sheet stack) set by manual feeding to the image forming section 201B. The manual feed section 235 has a manual feed tray 236 that allows so-called manual feeding of sheets. The manual feed tray 236 can rotate relative to the apparatus main body 201A and move in the opening and closing direction, that is, it is arranged so as to be switchable between an open state in which it is opened relative to the apparatus main body 201A and a closed state in which it is closed relative to the apparatus main body 201A. That is, the manual feed tray 236 is configured to be able to support the sheets S when it is in the open state.

[0020] Similarly to the sheet feeding unit 230, the manual feed section 235 includes a sheet feeding section 506. That is, the sheet feeding section 506 includes a pickup roller 501, and a feed roller 502 and a retard roller 503 as a separation unit for separating the sheets S fed from the pickup roller 501 and fed in a multi-ply manner. Further, a pair of pull-out rollers 504 is provided downstream of the sheet feeding section 506 in the feeding direction.

[0021] An operation unit 700 for receiving operations from a user is provided on the upper portion of the image forming apparatus 201. The operation unit 700 is configured as a touch panel type operation panel that not only displays but also has an input function.

[0022] [Operation of image forming device] Next, an image forming operation of the image forming apparatus 201 will be described. First, for example, when image information of an original is read by the image reading device 202, this image information is image-processed, converted into an electric signal, and transmitted to the laser scanner 210 of the image forming section 201B. Note that this image information may be transmitted from a host device 1500 (see FIG. 2), such as an external computer, an image scanner, or a facsimile, via a network.

[0023] In the image forming unit 201B, the surface is uniformly charged to a predetermined polarity and potential by the charger 213, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 212 is sequentially exposed to laser light. As a result, electrostatic latent images of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black are sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum of each process cartridge 211, respectively.

[0024] Thereafter, the electrostatic latent images are developed and visualized with toner of each color, and the toner images of each color on each photoconductor drum are transferred in order onto the intermediate transfer belt 216 in a superimposed manner by a primary transfer bias applied to the primary transfer roller 219. As a result, a toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt 216.

[0025] Meanwhile, the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding unit 230 (or the manual feeding section 235) is conveyed to a pair of registration rollers (hereinafter referred to as the registration roller pair) 240 consisting of a drive roller and a driven roller. At this time, the driving of the registration roller pair 240 is stopped, and the leading edge of the sheet S abuts against the registration roller pair 240. As a result, the leading edge of the sheet S is made to follow the registration roller pair 240.

[0026] Thereafter, the sheet S continues to be conveyed by the feed roller 3 (or the feed roller 502) or the like, so that a flexure (loop) is formed in the sheet S. Thereafter, the pair of registration rollers 240 is driven in synchronization with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 216. As a result, the pair of registration rollers 240 corrects the skew of the sheet S, and the sheet S with the skew corrected is conveyed to the secondary transfer unit 201D by the pair of registration rollers 240.

[0027] Next, in the secondary transfer section 201D, the toner images are transferred all at once onto the sheet S by a secondary transfer bias applied to the secondary transfer roller 217. Then, the sheet S onto which the toner images have been transferred is transported to the fixing section 201E, where the toners of the various colors are melted and mixed by heat and pressure, and are fixed onto the sheet S as a color image.

[0028] Thereafter, the sheet S on which the image has been fixed is discharged to the discharge space V by a first discharge roller pair 225a or a second discharge roller pair 225b provided downstream of the fixing unit 201E, and is stacked on a stacking unit 223 formed on the bottom surface of the discharge space V. When images are formed on both sides of the sheet S, after the images are fixed, the sheet S is transported to a re-conveyance path R by a reversing roller pair 222, and is transported again to the secondary transfer unit 201D.

[0029] [Configuration of the control system of the image forming device] Next, the configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus 201 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the control system of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0030] The control unit 100 according to the present embodiment is configured to include a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, and the like. The control unit 100 is a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus 201 and the manual feed unit 235 in an integrated manner. The control unit 100 is connected to a host device 1500 and an operation unit 700, and performs signal processing and sequence control for various process devices while exchanging information with them. The host device 1500 is an external device such as a personal computer, an image scanner, and a facsimile. The control unit 100 is also connected to a storage unit 104, and is configured to be able to record or read out various information, and the like. The control unit 100 is also connected to a fan control unit 510 that drives and controls motors (not shown) of fans 15a and 15b, which will be described later, the manual feed unit 235, a paper presence / absence detection sensor 401, and the like. The manual feed unit 235 is provided with various motors (not shown) for driving the pickup roller 501, the feed roller 502, the retard roller 503, etc., and the control unit 100 controls the driving of these motors.

[0031] [Manual feed section configuration] Next, the manual feed unit 235 as a sheet feeding device will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a top view showing the configuration of the manual feed unit according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the air outlet of the manual feed unit according to the first embodiment.

[0032] 3, the manual feed section 235 includes a manual feed tray 236 as a support section, and a sheet feed section 506 as a feed section that feeds a sheet and separates overlapped sheets. The manual feed tray 236 has a support surface 236a that supports the sheet S set on its upper surface. The sheet feed section 506 also includes a pickup roller 501 as a feed roller that contacts the top sheet of a sheet stack and feeds the top sheet. The sheet feed section 506 also includes a feed roller 502 and a retard roller 503 as a separation section that separates the sheet S fed from the pickup roller 501. In the manual feed section 235, a pair of pull-out rollers 504 that pulls out the sheet S from the feed roller 502 and conveys it to the image forming apparatus 201 is disposed downstream of the feed roller 502 in the sheet feeding direction U. Although not shown in Fig. 3, the manual feed tray 236 is provided with a paper presence / absence detection sensor 401 (see Fig. 2) as a sheet support detection unit that detects that the sheet S is supported. In addition, downstream of the manual feed tray 236 in the feeding direction U, a shutter 19 is provided as a regulating unit that prevents the stacked sheets from entering too far into the separation unit.

[0033] 3, the manual feed tray 236 is provided with a first side end regulating plate 14a and a second side end regulating plate 14b that regulate the position of the sheet S supported on the support surface 236a of the manual feed tray 236 in the width direction W perpendicular to the feeding direction U. The first side end regulating plate 14a as a side end regulating portion or the first side end regulating portion, and the second side end regulating plate 14b as a side end regulating portion or the second side end regulating portion are provided to be movable in the width direction W. The first side end regulating plate 14a and the second side end regulating plate 14b abut against the end of the sheet S in the width direction W (side end of the sheet) set in the manual feed tray 236 to regulate the position. The first side end regulating plate 14a and the second side end regulating plate 14b are provided with air blowing units 11A and 11B as handling units, respectively.

[0034] The air blowing section 11A as the first air handling section has an air blowing section FA as the first blowing section, two air outlets 16a, 16a as the first air outlet, and two independent air ducts 18a, 18a as the guide section or the first guide section. The air blowing section FA has a fan 12a and a fan duct (not shown) (for example, see fan duct 13b in FIG. 16), and the fan 12a is attached to the first side end regulating plate 14a and driven by a fan motor (not shown). The air ducts 18a, 18a guide the air blown from the fan 12a to the air outlets 16a, 16a so that it passes through the inside of the first side end regulating plate 14a. As shown in FIG. 3, the air outlets 16a, 16a are provided at two different positions in the feeding direction U, and as shown in FIG. 4, air guided by the air ducts 18a, 18a is blown from the side of the sheets (sheet stack).

[0035] Similarly, the air blowing section 11B as the second air handling section has the air blowing section FB as the second blowing section, two air outlets 16b, 16b as the second air outlets, and two independent air ducts 18b, 18b as the guide section or second guide section. The air blowing section FB has a fan 12b and a fan duct (not shown) (for example, see the fan duct 13b in FIG. 16), and the fan 12b is attached to the second side end regulating plate 14b and driven by a fan motor (not shown). The air ducts 18b, 18b guide the air blown from the fan 12b to the air outlets 16b, 16b so that it passes through the inside of the second side end regulating plate 14b. As shown in FIG. 3, the air outlets 16b, 16b are provided at two different positions in the feeding direction U, and as shown in FIG. 4, air guided by the air ducts 18b, 18b is blown from the side of the sheets (sheet stack).

[0036] In addition, if the sheet is floated too far above the air outlets 16a and 16b when the air is blown onto the sheet, there is a risk that the separation effect of the air blowing will not be fully achieved. Therefore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper end portions of the air outlets 16a and 16a of the first side end regulating plate 14a are provided with floatation suppression members 17a and 17a that regulate the upper surface of the floated sheet. Similarly, the upper end portions of the air outlets 16b and 16b of the second side end regulating plate 14b are provided with floatation suppression members 17b and 17b that regulate the upper surface of the floated sheet.

[0037] In this embodiment, the fans 12a and 12b are sirocco fans having the characteristics of a relatively large air volume, being quiet, and having good durability. The fans 12a and 12b are connected to the air ducts 18a, 18a, 18b, 18b, respectively, and are attached to the first and second side end regulating plates 14a and 14b, and are configured to be movable in the width direction W together with the first and second side end regulating plates 14a and 14b.

[0038] [Air blowing action] Next, the operation when the air blowing units 11A and 11B blow air from the side of the sheet stack will be described. When the control unit 100 starts the air blowing operation, the fans 12a and 12b of the air blowing units 11A and 11B blow air from the blower ducts 18a, 18a, 18b, 18b toward the side of the sheet stack from the blower outlets 16a, 16a, 16b, 16b. Then, several to several tens of sheets at the top of the sheet stack are separated and floated, and the topmost sheet abuts against the float suppressing members 17a, 17a, 17b, 17b, thereby suppressing the floating of the separated sheets. This reduces the adhesion force between the separated sheets, and it becomes possible to feed even sheets having a smooth surface such as coated paper by the conveying force of the pickup roller 501.

[0039] For example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of air blowing, the pickup roller 501 in contact with the top sheet S rotates in a state in which the adhesive force between the sheets has been reduced, and sends the top sheet S to a separation section consisting of a feed roller 502 and a retard roller 503. At this time, the shutter 19 retracts in conjunction with the operation of the pickup roller so as not to interfere with the conveyance. The sheet separated into one by the separation section is conveyed by a pair of pull-out rollers 504 to the pair of registration rollers 240 described above.

[0040] [Detailed configuration of air blowing path and air blowing direction in the first embodiment] Next, the detailed configuration of the air blowing path in the air blowing sections 11A, 11B and the air blowing direction due to the configuration will be described with reference to Figs. 5, 6, and 7. Fig. 5 is a top view showing the configuration of the air blowing duct of the side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air blowing duct of the side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a top view showing the direction in which air is blown out from the air outlet of the side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the first embodiment.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 5, the manual feed tray 236 is formed with openings 237a, 237a, 23b, 237b that are rectangular in shape when viewed from above and whose longitudinal direction is the width direction. In the air blowing section 11A, the air outlet of the fan 12a is connected to be covered by a fan duct not shown in Fig. 5, and the fan duct is formed with two outlets that branch into two locations (see Fig. 16, for example). Meanwhile, inside the first side end regulating plate 14a, the blower ducts 18a, 18a are formed at two locations along the feeding direction. The outlets of the fan ducts are connected to the connection ports 20a, 20a as connection parts located upstream in the feeding direction of the blower ducts 18a, 18a, respectively, via the openings 237a, 237a. As a result, even if the first side end restricting plate 14a is moved in the width direction, the fan 12a and the fan duct move along the openings 237a, 237a, so that air can be sent to the air ducts 18a, 18a.

[0042] Similarly, in the air blowing section 11B, the air outlet of the fan 12b is connected to be covered by a fan duct not shown in FIG. 5, and the fan duct has two outlets formed in a manner that it branches into two locations. Meanwhile, inside the side end regulating plate 14b, two air ducts 18b, 18b are formed along the feed direction U. The outlets of the fan ducts are connected to the connection ports 20b, 20b as connection parts located upstream of the air ducts 18b, 18b in the feed direction U, respectively, via the openings 237b, 237b. As a result, even if the side end regulating plate 14b is moved in the width direction, the fan 12b and the fan duct move along the openings 237b, 237b, so that air can be blown to the air ducts 18b, 18b.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 6, each of the air ducts 18a is connected to the connection port 20a and has a straight section 18c that guides air linearly along the feeding direction. Each air duct 18a is provided with a curved section 21a that connects the straight section 18c to the air outlet 16a and serves as a wind changing section that changes the direction of the air guided by the straight section 18c. The curved section 21a is formed so as to be smoothly curved from the outside to the inside while being inclined as a whole from the outside opposite the sheet in the width direction W toward the downstream of the feeding direction U.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 7, each of the air ducts 18b is connected to the connection port 20b and has a straight section 18d that guides air linearly along the feeding direction. Each air duct 18b is provided with a curved section 21b that connects the straight section 18d to the air outlet 16b and serves as a wind changing section that changes the direction of the air guided by the straight section 18d. The curved section 21b is formed so as to be smoothly curved from the outside to the inside, while being inclined as a whole from the outside opposite the sheet in the width direction W toward the downstream of the feeding direction U.

[0045] In the air blowing section 11A configured as above, the connection port 20a connected to the fan 12a is located upstream of the air blower duct 18a in the feeding direction U, so that the air is blown downstream in the feeding direction U at the straight section 18c as indicated by the arrow A. Then, the air guided along the straight section 18c hits the curved section 21a and has its direction changed, so that the air blown out from the air outlet 16a is blown out toward the sheet in the width direction W and downstream in the feeding direction U as indicated by the arrow A'. Note that the air blowing section 11B is also configured similarly and blows out from the air outlet 16b toward the sheet in the width direction W and downstream in the feeding direction U as indicated by the arrow B'.

[0046] 7, the sheets S stacked on the manual feed tray 236 are raised by the air blown from the air outlets 16a and 16b, and the adhesion between the sheets is reduced. At this time, as indicated by the arrows A' and B', the air is blown toward the sheets in the width direction W and toward the downstream in the feeding direction U, so that a force is applied to the sheets S to move toward the downstream in the feeding direction U. At this time, since the above-mentioned shutter 19 is provided downstream in the feeding direction of the manual feed tray 236, the sheets S are restricted by hitting the shutter 19 even if they try to move downstream in the feeding direction U. Note that during the feeding operation of feeding the sheets, the shutter 19 is retracted, and instead hits the feed roller 502 and the retard roller 503 as a separating section, and the position of the sheets S is restricted.

[0047] As described above, in the first embodiment, the air blower ducts 18a and 18b are configured to blow air toward the sheet in the width direction W and toward the downstream in the feeding direction U. Therefore, the sheet S onto which the air is blown hits the shutter 19 or the separation unit toward the downstream in the feeding direction U, and it is possible to reduce the movement of the sheet S onto which the air is blown toward the upstream in the feeding direction. This makes it possible to reduce the occurrence of sheet feeding problems, such as the sheet S being displaced from a position where it can be fed by the pickup roller 501 and being unable to be fed.

[0048] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment, which is a partial modification of the first embodiment, will be described with reference to Figs. 8, 9(a), 9(b), and 10. Fig. 8 is a schematic view seen from above showing the configuration of an air duct of a side end regulating plate in a manual feed section according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in Fig. 8. Fig. 9(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Fig. 8. In the description of this second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts similar to those in the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

[0049] For example, in a configuration as disclosed in JP 2006-256819 A, sheets of a paper type that easily adheres to each other, such as coated paper, may be stacked on a support surface, such as a manual feed tray, and the number of sheets stacked on the support surface may be small. When the number of sheets stacked is small, if air is simply blown from the blowing port in the width direction, the air is likely to escape upward from the sheets, making it difficult to lift the sheets near the support surface, and the air handling may be insufficient, resulting in the risk of double sheet feeding. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an object is to provide a sheet feeding device and an image forming apparatus that can handle sheets sufficiently even when the number of sheets supported on the support surface is small.

[0050] [Detailed configuration of air blowing path and air blowing direction in the second embodiment] As shown in FIG. 8, in the manual feed section 235 according to the second embodiment, the air blowing section 11A is disposed relative to the first side end regulating plate 14a, and the air blowing section 11B is disposed relative to the second side end regulating plate 14b, as in the first embodiment. The air blowing section 11A has a fan 12a, a blower duct 18a, and an outlet 16a, as in the first embodiment, but in the second embodiment, the blower duct 18a has a nozzle 19a, and the outlet of the nozzle 19a is formed as the outlet 16a. Similarly, the air blowing section 11B has a fan 12b, a blower duct 18b, and an outlet 16b, but the blower duct 18b has a nozzle 19b, and the outlet of the nozzle 19b is formed as the outlet 16b. Note that the above-mentioned floating suppression members 17a and 17b are provided above the outlets 16a and 16b.

[0051] 9(a), in the air blowing section 11B, a fan duct 13b is provided so as to cover the outlet of the fan 12b, and the fan 12b and the fan duct 13b integrally constitute the air blowing section FB. The air blowing section FB including the fan 12b is located on the opposite side of the sheet support surface 236a of the manual feed tray 236, and is mounted inside the housing of the main body 235a of the manual feed section 235, that is, it is located below the manual feed tray 236. The fan duct 13b is connected to the connection port 20b of the air blowing duct 18b.

[0052] The blower duct 18b is provided with a nozzle 19b downstream of the connection port 20b in the feed direction, and as shown in FIG. 8, the outlet of the nozzle 19b is formed as the blower port 16b. As shown in FIG. 9(a), the blower duct 18b of the second embodiment is formed so that the air passage extends upward from the connection port 20b, curves, and faces downward toward the nozzle 19b. Specifically, the blower duct 18b has surfaces surrounding the four directions to form a passage, and among them, the upper surface 181b and the lower surface 182b are formed in a curved shape that is convex upward when viewed in the width direction and curves in the vertical direction. The uppermost upper surface 183b of the upper surface 181b is formed to be higher than the upper end 16bu of the blower port 16b, which is the outlet of the nozzle 19b. Further, a lower surface uppermost portion 184b which is the uppermost portion of the lower surface 182b is formed so as to be higher than a lower end 16bd of the air outlet 16b which is the outlet of the nozzle 19b.

[0053] 9(b), in the air blowing section 11A, a fan duct 13a is provided to cover the outlet of the fan 12a, and the fan 12a and the fan duct 13a together form the air blowing section FA. The air blowing section FA including the fan 12a is located on the opposite side of the sheet support surface 236a of the manual feed tray 236, and is mounted inside the housing of the main body 235a of the manual feed section 235, that is, it is located below the manual feed tray 236. The fan duct 13a is connected to the connection port 20a of the air blowing duct 18a.

[0054] The blower duct 18a is provided with a nozzle 19a downstream of the connection port 20a in the feeding direction, and as shown in FIG. 8, the outlet of the nozzle 19a is formed as the blower port 16a. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the blower duct 18a of the second embodiment is formed so that the air passage extends upward from the connection port 20a, curves, and faces downward toward the nozzle 19a. Specifically, the blower duct 18a has an upper surface 181a and a lower surface 182a that form a passage, and is formed in a curved shape with a convex shape upward as viewed in the width direction. An upper surface uppermost portion 183a, which is the uppermost portion of the upper surface 181a, is formed to be higher than an upper end 16au of the blower port 16a, which is the outlet of the nozzle 19a. Also, a lower surface uppermost portion 184a, which is the uppermost portion of the lower surface 182a, is formed to be higher than a lower end 16ad of the blower port 16a, which is the outlet of the nozzle 19a.

[0055] In the air blowing units 11A and 11B configured in this manner, for example, when the control unit 100 determines that coated paper or the like is set in the manual feed tray 236 and that air handling is to be performed, it rotates the fans 12a and 12b. Then, as shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b), it takes in outside air as indicated by arrows E1 and E2 from an air intake (not shown) provided in the main body 235a of the manual feed unit 235 and blows air. As a result, the fans 12a and 12b send air as indicated by arrows D1 and D2 through the fan ducts 13a and 13b to the air blowing ducts 18a and 18b.

[0056] The air ducts 18a and 18b are formed such that the air passage extends upward, bends back, and then heads downward as described above. Therefore, the air sent to the air ducts 18a and 18b is curved in the traveling direction as shown by the arrows C1 and C2, and is sent downward as shown by the arrows B1 and B2. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, the air is blown downward from the nozzles 19a and 19b through the blowing outlets 16a and 16b toward the end of the sheet S in the width direction W and toward the support surface 236a as shown by the arrows A1 and A2. In addition, the blowing outlets 16a and 16b of the air ducts 18a and 18b are located downstream in the feeding direction U from the connection ports 20a and 20b to which the fans 12a and 12b are connected, so that the air is also blown downstream in the feeding direction U.

[0057] In short, the uppermost part of the air passage of the air blower ducts 18a, 18b is located above the nozzles 19a, 19b, and the air direction is changed downward from there. Therefore, the air discharged from the air outlets 16a, 16b is blown obliquely downward onto the end of the sheet S, and strong air can be efficiently blown onto the sheet S near the support surface 236a. As a result, the sheet S is lifted to the state shown in FIG. 10, and the sheet S near the support surface 236a can be handled with priority by the air blown obliquely downward. The handled sheet S is lifted to a position where it is held down by the lift-up suppression members 17a, 17b, and the lift-up height is regulated there.

[0058] As described above, in the second embodiment, the air ducts 18a and 18b are configured to blow air toward the sheets in the width direction W and toward the support surface 236a. Therefore, even if the number of sheets S stacked on the manual feed tray 236 is small, the sheets near the support surface can be easily floated, the sheets can be sufficiently separated, and the occurrence of double feeding of sheets can be reduced.

[0059] Other than this, the configuration, operation, and effects of the second embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0060] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment, which is a partial modification of the second embodiment, will be described with reference to Figs. 11(a), 11(b), and 12. Fig. 11(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air blowing duct of the second side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the third embodiment, as viewed in the width direction. Fig. 11(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air blowing duct of the first side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the third embodiment, as viewed in the width direction. Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the direction in which air is blown out from the blowing port of the side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the third embodiment, as viewed in the feed direction. In the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts similar to those in the first and second embodiments, and their description will be omitted.

[0061] [Detailed configuration of air blowing path and air blowing direction in the third embodiment] As shown in Fig. 11(a), in the third embodiment, the configuration of air blowing section 11B is similar to that of air blowing section 11B in the second embodiment (see Fig. 9(b)). On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 11(b), in the third embodiment, air blowing section 11A is configured such that upper surface 181a and lower surface 182a of blower duct 18a are generally flat and parallel to support surface 236a of manual feed tray 236.

[0062] In air blowing section 11A configured in this manner, blower section FA having fan 12a is disposed below manual feed tray 236, and blower duct 18a provided for first side end regulating plate 14a is disposed above manual feed tray 236. Therefore, air blown from connection port 20a is guided from below by blower duct 18a, and blows in an upward direction toward nozzle 19a, as indicated by arrow B1.

[0063] 12, air from air blowing unit 11B is blown from nozzle 19b through outlet 16b toward the end of sheet S in the width direction W and toward support surface 236a as indicated by arrow A2. On the other hand, air from air blowing unit 11A is blown from nozzle 19a through outlet 16a toward the end of sheet S in the width direction W and downward away from support surface 236a as indicated by arrow A1. Note that, in blower ducts 18a, 18b, because outlets 16a, 16b are located downstream in the feeding direction U of connection ports 20a, 20b to which fans 12a, 12b are connected, air is also blown downstream in the feeding direction U.

[0064] In this way, the air from air blowing section 11B blows well the lower part of the sheet stack, and the air from air blowing section 11A blows well the upper part of the sheet stack, so that the entire sheet stack can be blown in a balanced manner regardless of the number of sheets in the stack.

[0065] Other than this, the configuration, operation, and effects of the third embodiment are similar to those of the first and second embodiments, so the description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment, which is a partial modification of the third embodiment, will be described with reference to Figs. 13(a), 13(b), and 14. Fig. 13(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air blowing duct of the second side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed in the width direction. Fig. 13(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the air blowing duct of the first side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed in the width direction. Fig. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the direction in which air is blown out from the blowing port of the side end regulating plate in the manual feed section according to the fourth embodiment, as viewed in the feed direction. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those in the first to third embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] [Detailed configuration of air blowing path and air blowing direction in the fourth embodiment] As shown in Fig. 13(b), in this fourth embodiment, the configuration of the air blowing section 11A is similar to that of the air blowing section 11A in the third embodiment (see Fig. 11(b)). On the other hand, as shown in Figs. 13(a) and 14, the configuration of the air blowing section 11B in this fourth embodiment is such that the size in the vertical direction of the nozzle 19b is reduced, that is, the height is reduced. Accordingly, the height of the upper surface 181b of the air blower duct 18a is also formed low.

[0068] In the air blowing section 11B configured in this manner, the height of the upper end 16bu of the air outlet 16b from the support surface 236a of the manual feed tray 236 is low. For example, if the height of the air outlet 16b in the second embodiment is used, when the number of sheets S in the sheet stack is reduced, air may be blown from the air outlet 16b onto the upper surface of the top sheet S of the sheet stack, preventing the sheet S from floating up by air. However, in the fourth embodiment, by lowering the upper end 16bu of the air outlet 16b in this manner, it is possible to reduce the prevention of the sheet from floating up by air being blown onto the upper surface of the top sheet S of the sheet stack.

[0069] Other than this, the configuration, operation, and effects of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the first to third embodiments, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] <Fifth embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment, which is a partial modification of the fourth embodiment, will be described with reference to Figs. 15, 16, and 17. Fig. 15 is a schematic view seen from above showing the configuration of an air duct of a side end regulating plate in a manual feed section according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in Fig. 15. In the description of the fifth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for parts similar to those in the first to fourth embodiments, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] [Detailed configuration of air blowing path and air blowing direction in the fifth embodiment] 15, in the fifth embodiment, the first side end regulating plate 14a is not provided with an air blowing section, and the second side end regulating plate 14b is provided with an air blowing section 11B. Also, in the air blowing section 11B, as in the first embodiment, one air blowing section FB has two air outlets 16b, 16b' and two independent air blowing ducts 18b, 18b'.

[0072] 16, in the air blowing section 11B, the fan duct 13b of the blower section FB extends in the feed direction U. The fan duct 13b is connected to a connection port 20b' of a blower duct 18b' serving as a third guide section upstream in the feed direction U, and is connected to a connection port 20b of the blower duct 18b downstream in the feed direction U.

[0073] The air blower duct 18b' located upstream in the feeding direction U is configured similarly to the air blowing section 11A in the third embodiment (see FIG. 11(b)). That is, an upper surface 181b' and a lower surface 182b' in the air blower duct 18b' are generally flat and formed parallel to the support surface 236a of the manual feed tray 236. Therefore, the air blown from the connection port 20b' is guided from below to the air blower duct 18b', and the air flows from below to above the nozzle 19b' as shown by the arrow B2'. Therefore, air is blown upward from the air outlet 16b' serving as the third air outlet onto the sheet S.

[0074] On the other hand, the air blower duct 18b located downstream in the feeding direction U is configured in the same manner as the air blowing section 11B in the second and third embodiments (see Figs. 9(a) and 11(a)). That is, the air blower duct 18b is formed so that its air passage extends upward from the connection port 20b, curves, and faces downward toward the nozzle 19b. Therefore, the air blown from the connection port 20b is guided from above to the air blower duct 18b, and the air flows from above downward toward the nozzle 19b, as shown by the arrow B2. Therefore, the air is blown downward from the air outlet 16b onto the sheet S.

[0075] In the air blowing section 11B configured in this manner, the air blown from the air outlet 16b' located upstream in the feeding direction U is blown toward the end of the sheet S in the width direction W and downward away from the support surface 236a. The air blown from the air outlet 16b' located upstream in the feeding direction U is blown toward the end of the sheet S in the width direction W and toward the support surface 236a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17, in the sheet stack set on the manual feed tray 236, the upper sheets are separated upstream in the feeding direction U, and the lower sheets (near the support surface 236a) are separated downstream in the feeding direction U. Therefore, regardless of the number of sheets in the sheet stack, the entire sheet stack can be separated in a balanced manner. The sheets thus separated by the air are raised up to the lift suppressing members 17a, 17a, 17b, 17b shown in FIG. 15, where the height at which they are raised is regulated.

[0076] Other than this, the configuration, operation, and effects of the fifth embodiment are similar to those of the first to fourth embodiments, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] <Possibilities for other embodiments> In the above first to fifth embodiments, the support part for supporting the sheets is described as the manual feed tray 236, but the support part is not limited to this and may be any type capable of supporting a plurality of sheets as a sheet stack, such as a feeding cassette, a feeding deck, or the like.

[0078] In the first and fifth embodiments, the air is supplied from one blower (one fan) to two outlets through two blower ducts, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a blower (fan) may be provided at each outlet. In addition, in the first to fourth embodiments, when the first and second side end regulating plates 14a and 14b each have an outlet, the air may be branched in the width direction from one blower to blow air to each outlet.

[0079] In addition, in the third and fourth embodiments, air is blown downward from the outlet 16b of the air blowing section 11B and air is blown upward from the outlet 16a of the air blowing section 11A. However, the opposite may also be true.

[0080] In the fifth embodiment, air is blown upward from the air outlet 16b' upstream in the feeding direction and air is blown downward from the air outlet 16b downstream in the feeding direction. However, the opposite may also be true.

[0081] In addition, in the fifth embodiment, air is blown onto the second side end regulating plate 14b from the upstream and downstream air outlets 16b, 16b' in the feed direction. However, air may be blown onto the first side end regulating plate 14a from the upstream and downstream air outlets in the feed direction.

[0082] In the second to fourth embodiments, each outlet is downstream in the feed direction from the connection port connected to the blower, so that the air flows downstream in the feed direction. However, this is not limited to the above, and in the configuration in which the air flows upward or downward as in the second to fourth embodiments, the connection port connected to the blower may be arranged in the width direction to the outlet, so that the air flows in the width direction. Furthermore, in the configuration in which the air flows upward or downward as in the second to fourth embodiments, the connection port connected to the blower may be arranged in the downstream in the feed direction to the outlet, so that the air flows upstream in the feed direction.

[0083] Furthermore, the shapes of the air ducts in the first to fifth embodiments are merely examples and are not limited to those formed in a straight line as in the first embodiment or those having curved upper and lower surfaces as in the second to fifth embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 11A...air handling section (handling section, first air handling section) / 11B...air handling section (handling section, second air handling section) / 14a...first side end regulating plate (side end regulating section) / 14b...second side end regulating plate (side end regulating section) / 16a...air outlet (first air outlet) / 16ad...lower end of air outlet / 16au...upper end of air outlet / 16b...air outlet (second air outlet) / 16b'...air outlet (third air outlet) / 16bd...lower end of air outlet / 16bu...upper end of air outlet / 18a...air duct (guide section, first guide section) / 18b...air duct (guide section, second guide section) / 18b'...air duct (guide section, third guide section) / 18c...straight section / 18d...straight section / 19...shaft tter (regulating section) / 20a...connection port (connection section) / 20b...connection port (connection section) / 21a...curved section (light changing section) / 21b...curved section (light changing section) / 181a...upper surface / 181b...upper surface / 182a...lower surface / 182b...lower surface / 183a...top of upper surface / 183b...top of upper surface / 184a...top of lower surface / 184b...top of lower surface / 201...image forming device / 201B...image forming section / 235...manual feed section (sheet feed device) / 236...manual feed tray (support section) / 236a...support surface / 506...sheet feed section (feed section) / FA...blower section (first blower section) / FB...blower section (second blower section) / S...sheet / U...feed direction

Claims

1. A support section that supports multiple sheets, A feeding unit that feeds the sheet supported by the support unit, A side edge restricting portion that is movable in the width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction and restricts the position of the sheet supported by the support portion in the width direction, It comprises a blowing section for blowing air, an outlet formed in the side edge restricting section for blowing air to the side of the sheet, a guide section for guiding the air blown from the blowing section to the outlet, and a handling section for blowing air onto a plurality of sheets supported by the support section to handle the sheets, The guide portion is formed in a shape that guides air from upstream toward the outlet in the sheet feeding direction, The air blown onto the sheet from the aforementioned outlet is directed toward the sheet in the width direction and toward the downstream direction in the supply direction. A sheet feeding device characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned guide section is A straight section that guides air linearly along the aforementioned supply direction, The system includes a wind direction changing unit that connects the straight section and the air outlet, and changes the direction of the air guided by the straight section so that it is directed toward the sheet in the width direction and toward the downstream direction in the supply direction, The sheet feeding device according to feature 1.

3. The wind direction changing section is formed in a curved shape. The sheet feeding device according to feature 2.

4. The guide section has a connecting section that is connected to the blower section. The aforementioned connection is located upstream of the outlet in the supply direction. The sheet feeding device according to feature 1.

5. The support unit is a manual feed tray that can support sheets by manual insertion. The sheet feeding device according to feature 1.

6. The support portion has a restricting portion that abuts against the downstream end of the supported sheet in the feeding direction and restricts the position of the sheet in the feeding direction. The sheet feeding device according to feature 1.

7. The support portion has a support surface that supports the sheet, The guide portion is formed in a shape that guides air toward the outlet in a direction approaching the support surface. The air blown onto the sheet from the aforementioned outlet is directed toward the sheet in the width direction and toward the support surface. The sheet feeding device according to feature 1.

8. A support section having a support surface that supports multiple sheets, A feeding unit that feeds the sheet supported by the support unit, A side edge restricting portion that is movable in the width direction perpendicular to the feeding direction and restricts the position of the sheet supported by the support portion in the width direction, It comprises a blowing section for blowing air, an outlet formed in the side edge restricting section for blowing air to the side of the sheet, a guide section for guiding the air blown from the blowing section to the outlet, and a handling section for blowing air onto a plurality of sheets supported by the support section to handle the sheets, The guide portion is formed in a shape that guides air toward the outlet in a direction approaching the support surface. The air blown onto the sheet from the aforementioned outlet is directed toward the sheet in the width direction and toward the support surface. A sheet feeding device characterized by the following features.

9. The aforementioned guide section consists of a passage having an upper surface and a lower surface that are curved in the vertical direction, The uppermost point of the upper surface is above the upper end of the air outlet. The sheet feeding device according to feature 8.

10. The aforementioned guide section consists of a passage having an upper surface and a lower surface that are curved in the vertical direction, The uppermost point of the lower surface is above the lower end of the air outlet. The sheet feeding device according to feature 8.

11. The air blower is positioned below the support surface. The sheet feeding device according to feature 8.

12. The aforementioned side end restricting portion is a first side end restricting portion, The aforementioned filleting section is the first filleting section, The aforementioned air blowing unit is the first air blowing unit, The aforementioned guide section is the first guide section, The aforementioned outlet is the first outlet, A second side end restricting portion is movable in the width direction and restricts the position of the sheet supported by the support portion in the width direction, It comprises a second air blowing section for blowing air, a second air outlet formed in the second side end restricting section for blowing air to the side of the sheet, and a second guide section for guiding the air blown from the second air blowing section to the second air outlet, and a second handling section for handling sheets by blowing air onto a plurality of sheets supported by the support section, The second guide portion is formed in a shape that guides air toward the second outlet in a direction approaching the support surface. The air blown onto the sheet from the second outlet is directed toward the sheet in the width direction and toward the support surface. The sheet feeding device according to feature 8.

13. The second air blower is positioned below the support surface, The sheet feeding device according to feature 12.

14. The aforementioned side end restricting portion is a first side end restricting portion, The aforementioned filleting section is the first filleting section, The aforementioned air blowing unit is the first air blowing unit, The aforementioned guide section is the first guide section, The aforementioned outlet is the first outlet, A second side end restricting portion is movable in the width direction and restricts the position of the sheet supported by the support portion in the width direction, It comprises a second air blowing section for blowing air, a second air outlet formed in the second side end restricting section for blowing air to the side of the sheet, and a second guide section for guiding the air blown from the second air blowing section to the second air outlet, and a second handling section for handling sheets by blowing air onto a plurality of sheets supported by the support section, The second guide portion is formed in a shape that guides air toward the second outlet in a direction away from the support surface, The air blown onto the sheet from the second outlet is directed toward the sheet in the width direction and away from the support surface. The sheet feeding device according to feature 8.

15. The second air blower is positioned below the support surface, The sheet feeding device according to feature 14.

16. The aforementioned guide section is the first guide section, The aforementioned outlet is the first outlet, The handling section is provided independently of the first guide section and includes a third guide section that guides the air blown from the air blowing section to pass through the inside of the side end restricting section, and a third outlet that blows the air guided by the third guide section toward the side of the sheet. The third guide portion is formed in a shape that guides air toward the third outlet in a direction away from the support surface, The air blown onto the sheet from the third outlet is directed toward the sheet in the width direction and away from the support surface. The sheet feeding device according to feature 8.

17. A sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, The system includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet fed by the aforementioned sheet feeding device. An image forming apparatus characterized by the following:

Images