Patent ID: 8870178
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus main body; a first sheet feeding cassette which is vertically disposed on the lower side of the image forming apparatus main body and is capable of being pulled out from the apparatus main body, and which has a first sheet storing portion to store a sheet and a first sheet feeding portion provided on the back side of the first sheet storing portion in a pulling-out direction to feed the sheet stored in the first sheet storing portion; a second sheet feeding cassette which is vertically disposed on the lower side of the first sheet feeding cassette and is capable of being pulled out from the apparatus main body, and which has a second sheet storing portion to store a sheet and a second sheet feeding portion provided on the back side of the second sheet storing portion in a pulling-out direction to feed the sheet stored in the second sheet storing portion; an engaging portion which engages the first sheet storing portion and the first sheet feeding portion in an engaging and disengaging manner; and an engaging and disengaging portion which releases and maintains an engagement of the engaging portion, wherein in a case where a sheet feeding operation by the second sheet feeding portion is performed, the engaging and disengaging portion releases the engagement of the engaging portion so that only the first sheet storing portion of the first sheet feeding cassette is pulled out, and in a case where the sheet feeding operation of the second sheet feeding portion stops, the engaging and disengaging portion maintains the engagement of the engaging portion so that the first sheet storing portion and the first sheet feeding portion are integrally pulled out.