Patent Description:
A sheet feeding apparatus is known in the art that includes a sheet stacker for stacking sheets, an air blower for blowing air to the sheets, and a float regulator for regulating a floating position of sheets. In a sheet feeding apparatus described in <CIT>, when an air blower blows air to sheets, a float regulator is located at a float regulating position at which the float regulator regulates floating of the sheets. When the air blower does not blow air to the sheets, the float regulator is located at a retracted position at which the float regulator is retracted from the float regulating position.

However, there is a concern that a feeding failure may occur due to the float regulator.

<CIT> discloses a paper feeder including a blowing mechanism and a sheet holder having an adjustable height controlled by a control unit.

To solve the above-described problem, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a sheet feeding apparatus according to the subject-matter of claim <NUM>.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a feeding failure caused by the float regulator can be prevented.

A description is given of a sheet feeding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure below.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of an image forming apparatus <NUM> including a sheet feeding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the image forming apparatus <NUM> includes an image forming apparatus body <NUM> as an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, and a sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> that feeds the sheet to the image forming apparatus body <NUM>. The sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> is disposed facing a side surface of the image forming apparatus body <NUM>.

The recording method of the image forming apparatus body <NUM> is not particularly limited, and any method such as an electrophotographic method and an inkjet method may be adopted. A sheet carry-in device is disposed on a right-side surface of the image forming apparatus body <NUM> in <FIG> through which a sheet is conveyed from the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM>. The sheet carry-in device includes an opening for receiving the sheet and a conveyor for conveying the sheet.

<FIG> is a schematic side view of the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> includes upper and lower accommodating trays <NUM> stacked in two stages. Each of the accommodating trays <NUM> includes a sheet stacking table <NUM> as a sheet stacker on which a sheet bundle Pt is stacked. Each of the accommodating trays <NUM> can accommodate, for example, a maximum of about <NUM> sheets P.

Examples of the sheets P accommodated in the accommodating trays <NUM> include sheets of paper, coated paper, label paper, overhead projector (OHP) transparencies, films, and prepregs. The prepregs are mainly used as materials for laminates and multilayer printed wiring boards. For example, a long resin base material, such as glass cloth, paper, nonwoven fabric, or aramid cloth, is continuously impregnated with a resin varnish mainly composed of a thermosetting resin, such as an epoxy resin or a polyimide resin. The long resin material is heated, dried, and cut, and is thus processed into a sheet material and fabricated as a prepreg material.

A feeding unit <NUM> that separates and feeds the sheets P stacked in the accommodating tray <NUM> is disposed above each of the accommodating trays <NUM>. Each of the feeding units <NUM> includes a suction belt <NUM> and a suction device <NUM> as conveyors.

The sheets P stacked in the lower accommodating tray <NUM> are conveyed to the image forming apparatus body <NUM> by an exit roller pair <NUM> through a lower conveyance path <NUM>. The sheets P stacked in the upper accommodating tray <NUM> are conveyed to the image forming apparatus body <NUM> by the exit roller pair <NUM> through an upper conveyance path <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic perspective view of one of the accommodating trays <NUM> provided for the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM>, according to the present embodiment. In <FIG>, the feeding unit <NUM> is illustrated at a position shifted from a position at which the feeding unit <NUM> is normally located in a direction indicated by arrows A such that the feeding unit <NUM> can be easily recognized. The suction belt <NUM> of the feeding unit <NUM> that serves as a feeder is stretched by two stretching rollers 22a and 22b. The suction belt <NUM> includes suction holes in the entire region in the circumferential direction of the suction belt <NUM>. The suction holes penetrate the suction belt <NUM> from the front surface to the back surface of the suction belt <NUM>. A suction device <NUM> is disposed inside the suction belt <NUM>.

The suction device <NUM> is coupled to a suction fan to suck air via an air duct that is a flow passage of the air and generates a negative pressure below the feeding unit <NUM> to attract the sheet P onto a lower surface of the suction belt <NUM>. The air sucked by the suction device <NUM> is called suction air.

Further, each of the accommodating trays <NUM> includes a blower <NUM> serving as a blower that blows air to upper sheets of the sheet bundle Pt. The blower <NUM> includes a front blower <NUM> and side blowers <NUM>.

The front blower <NUM> blows air to a leading end of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt, i.e., a downstream end of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt in the sheet feeding direction. The front blower <NUM> includes a float nozzle, a separation nozzle, and a float nozzle. The float nozzle guides air in a direction in which the sheet bundle Pt is floated. The separation nozzle guides air into a portion between an uppermost floating sheet and a second uppermost floating sheet of the sheet bundle Pt to separate the uppermost floating sheet and the second uppermost floating sheet. The float blower <NUM> sends air to the float nozzle. The front blower <NUM> also includes a separation blower <NUM> for sending air to the separation nozzle.

The air blown from the float nozzle is referred to as floating air and the air blown from the separation nozzle is referred to as separation air. The floating air is blown out from a position facing the leading end of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt, i.e., the downstream end of the sheet bundle Pt in the sheet feeding direction in a direction indicated by arrow a1 in <FIG>. Thus, the floating air is blown to the leading end of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt, i.e., the downstream end of the sheet bundle Pt in the sheet feeding direction. The separation air is blown out from a position facing the leading end of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt, i.e., the downstream end of the sheet bundle Pt in the sheet feeding direction in a direction indicated by arrow a2 in <FIG>, and blown into a portion between the uppermost sheet attracted to the suction belt <NUM> and the second uppermost floating sheet. Blowing the separation air into the portion between the uppermost sheet and the second uppermost floating sheet allows the separation air to flow toward the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction to separate the uppermost sheet from the second uppermost sheet.

Each of the side blowers <NUM> is disposed in each one of a pair of side fences <NUM> that regulates the position of the sheet bundle Pt in a width direction of the sheet bundle Pt (hereinafter simply referred to as the width direction) and blow air onto side surfaces of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt in directions indicated by arrows b in <FIG>. Each of the side blowers <NUM> includes a side floatation nozzle and a side floatation blower 14a. The side floatation nozzle guides air in a direction in which the sheets of the sheet bundle Pt are separated and floated. The side floatation blower 14a sends air to the side floatation nozzle. The air blown from the side floatation nozzle in the directions indicated by arrows b in <FIG> is referred to as side air.

The side air is discharged from a discharge port 13a disposed at a position on each of the side fences <NUM> facing the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt, and is blown to the side surface of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt. The air blown from the front blower <NUM> and the discharge ports 13a of the pair of side fences <NUM> cause sheets of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt to float.

Further, each of the side fences <NUM> includes a float regulator 13b as a sheet float regulator. Each of the float regulator 13b is disposed so as to protrude from the upper portion of the corresponding one of the side fences <NUM> toward the center of the sheet bundle Pt in the width direction. The sheet float regulators 13b regulate a floating sheet such that the floating sheet may not be blown off.

Further, the accommodating tray <NUM> includes an end fence <NUM> that aligns a rear end of the sheet bundle Pt stacked on the sheet stacking table <NUM> serving as the sheet stacker. A lift <NUM> as a sheet-stacking table mover moves the sheet stacking table <NUM> up and down in the direction indicated by arrow B in <FIG>.

Next, a description is given of feeding operations of the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams illustrating a feeding operation of the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

The feeding operation of the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> mainly includes four processes, a floatation process illustrated in <FIG>, a suction process illustrated in <FIG>, a separation process illustrated in <FIG>, and a feeding process illustrated in <FIG>.

When the feeding operation is started, the floatation process illustrated in <FIG> is started. In the floatation process, air blowing by the blower <NUM> is started in a state in which the suction belt <NUM> is stopped, and floating air, separation air, and side air are blown to the sheet bundle Pt. The floating air and the side air are blown to the leading end of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt. Accordingly, multiple sheets of the upper portion of the sheet bundle Pt are floated, and at least an uppermost sheet among the multiple floated sheets is floated to a height at which the suction force of the suction device <NUM> acts.

The suction process illustrated in <FIG> is started at a timing at which at least the uppermost sheet among the floated sheets is floated to a height at which the suction force of the suction device <NUM> acts. In the suction process, suction by the suction device <NUM> is started when driving of the suction fan is started, and negative pressure is generated below the belt suction surface 21a of the suction belt <NUM>. Then, the floated sheets are moved toward the suction belt <NUM> by the negative pressure. Accordingly, an uppermost sheet P1 is attracted to the belt suction surface 21a of the suction belt <NUM>.

Note that, in the description illustrated in <FIG>, suction by the suction device <NUM> is started at a timing at which the uppermost sheet P1 is floated to the height at which the suction force of the suction device <NUM> acts. However, suction by the suction device <NUM> may be started at a timing at which air blowing by the blower <NUM> is started.

When the uppermost sheet P1 is attracted to the suction belt <NUM>, the negative pressure below the belt suction surface 21a is eliminated. Accordingly, the separation air flows into a portion between the uppermost sheet P1 attracted to the suction belt <NUM> and a second uppermost sheet P2. Thus, the uppermost sheet P1 and the second uppermost sheet P2 are separated.

After the uppermost sheet P1 is attracted to the suction belt <NUM> as described above, the separation process illustrated in <FIG> is performed. In the separation process, a shutter for shutting off the floating air is turned on and moved to a position at which the shutter is closed and blowing of the floating air is stopped. Further, driving of the separation blower <NUM> is stopped, or a shutter for shutting off the separation air is driven to stop the blowing of the separation air. As described above, stopping the blowing of the floating air causes the floating force of the air applied to the sheets to decrease. Accordingly, the second uppermost sheet P2 and subsequent sheets drop. For this reason, a distance between the uppermost sheet P1 and the second uppermost sheet P2 attracted by the suction belt <NUM> is increased by a predetermined value or more. Accordingly, the uppermost sheet P1 is separated from the second uppermost sheet P2.

When the distance between the belt suction surface 21a of the suction belt <NUM> and the second uppermost sheet P2 is equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the feeding operation proceeds to the feeding process, as illustrated in <FIG>. In the feeding process, a feeding motor is driven to rotationally drive the suction belt <NUM>, and the uppermost sheet P1 attracted to the suction belt <NUM> is fed.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view of the accommodating tray <NUM> according to the present embodiment.

A leading end of the sheet bundle Pt is located by leading end regulating plates <NUM>, and a trailing end of the sheet bundle Pt are located by an end fence <NUM>. At this time, sheets of the sheet bundle Pt float by the floating air indicated by black arrows in <FIG> blown from the front blower <NUM>. Each of sides of the floated sheets in the width direction contacts a corresponding one of the sheet float regulators 13b disposed so as to protrude from the side fence <NUM>. Accordingly, a vertical position at which the sheets float is regulated by the sheet float regulators 13b.

The uppermost sheet P1 that is floated by the side air or the floating air is attracted to the suction belt <NUM> in a state in which each of both sides of the uppermost sheet P1 in the width direction contacts the corresponding one of the sheet float regulators 13b. Thus, the uppermost sheet P1 is attracted to the suction belt <NUM> in a state in which the vertical position at which the uppermost sheet P1 floats is regulated. As described above, in the series of the feeding operations illustrated in <FIG>, the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> constantly blows the side air. For this reason, even after the uppermost sheet P1 and the second uppermost sheet P2 are attracted to the suction belt <NUM>, there is an air reservoir between the uppermost sheet P1 and the second uppermost sheet P2, and both sides of the uppermost sheet P1 in the width direction are pressed against the corresponding one of the float regulators 13b.

A thick paper has high stiffness. For this reason, the thick paper is unlikely to be deformed in a direction in which a pressing force against the sheet float regulators 13b decreases. Thus, the pressing force of the sheet float regulators 13b against the uppermost sheet P1 attracted to the suction belt <NUM> increases.

Further, the thick paper is unlikely to float due to its weight. Accordingly, the air volume of the floating air and the side air may be increased. Accordingly, a floating force of the side air applied to the uppermost sheet P1 attracted to the suction belt <NUM> increases, and the pressing force of the sheet float regulators 13b against the uppermost sheet P1 attracted to the suction belt <NUM> further increases.

As described above, in the case of the thick paper, the pressing force applied by the sheet float regulators 13b to the uppermost sheet P1 attracted to the suction belt <NUM> is large. For this reason, a feeding load when the suction belt <NUM> is driven to rotate to feed the uppermost sheet P1 attracted to the suction belt <NUM> increases. For this reason, a feeding failure such as non-feeding may occur.

Further, in the case of a sheet having an uneven surface such as embossed paper, when the suction belt <NUM> is rotationally driven to feed the uppermost sheet P1 attracted by the suction belt <NUM>, the uppermost sheet P1 may be caught by the sheet float regulators 13b. Accordingly, in the case of the sheet having an uneven surface, the load to feed the sheet is large and non-feeding may occur.

As described above, when the sheet set in the accommodating tray <NUM> is the thick paper or the embossed paper, preferably the sheet float regulators 13b do not regulate the sheet from floating to prevent the feeding failure from occurring.

On the other hand, in the case of a sheet having a small basis weight such as thin paper, the sheet is light. Accordingly, excessive floating may occur. For this reason, unless floating of the sheet is regulated by the sheet float regulators 13b, for example, the sheet that floats may climb over the end fence <NUM> and move upstream in the sheet conveyance direction. Accordingly, the uppermost sheet P1 may not be attracted to the suction belt <NUM> by a predetermined timing and a feeding failure may occur. Accordingly, when the sheets are sheets of thin paper, the floating sheet needs to be regulated by the sheet float regulators 13b.

As described above, depending on the type of the sheet to be accommodated, there is a case in which it is better to regulate the sheet from floating by the float regulator 13b and a case in which it is better not to use the float regulator 13b. For this reason, in the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment, each of the sheet float regulators 13b is movable between a float regulating position at which the float regulator 13b projects from the side fence <NUM> to regulate the floating position of the sheet and a retracted position at which the float regulator 13b is sufficiently retracted inside the side fence <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the float regulator 13b in a state in which the float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position, as viewed from an upstream side of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction, according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the float regulator 13b in a state in which the float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position, as viewed from a downstream side of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction, according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, a support member <NUM> is disposed inside the side fence <NUM> to support the float regulator 13b such that the float regulator 13b is movable between the float regulating position and the retracted position at which the float regulator 13b is sufficiently retracted inside the side fence <NUM>. Two of the support members <NUM> are disposed at an interval in the sheet conveyance direction. <FIG> illustrates the support member <NUM> disposed on an upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction and <FIG> illustrates the support member <NUM> disposed on a downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction. Each of the support members <NUM> includes an elongated hole 160a extending in the width direction of the sheet, i.e., a left-right direction in <FIG> and <FIG> and an engaging hole 160b to hold the float regulator 13b at the retracted position.

The engaging hole 160b is connected to an end of the elongated hole 160a close to an inside of the side fence <NUM>. The length of the engaging hole 160b in the vertical direction is longer than the length of the elongated hole 160a in the vertical direction.

The float regulator 13b includes cylindrical support protrusions <NUM> on an upstream side surface of the side fence <NUM> in the sheet conveyance direction and on a downstream side surface of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction. Each of the cylindrical support protrusions <NUM> is fitted into the elongated hole 160a of the support member <NUM>. Further, the float regulator 13b includes a first rotation regulator <NUM> that contacts an upper end of the support member <NUM> and restricts a counterclockwise rotation of the float regulator 13b in <FIG>, on the upstream side surface and the downstream side surface of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction. In addition, the float regulator 13b includes a second rotation regulator <NUM> that contacts the lower end of the support member <NUM> and restricts the clockwise rotation of the float regulator 13b in <FIG>, on the upstream side surface and the downstream side surface of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second rotation regulator <NUM> disposed on the downstream side surface of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction has a quadrangular prism shape. As illustrated in <FIG>, the second rotation regulator <NUM> disposed on the downstream side surface of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction has a columnar shape. One end of a spring <NUM> is attached to the cylindrical second rotation regulator <NUM> disposed on the downstream side surface of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction. When the float regulator 13b illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> is located at the float regulating position, the float regulator 13b is biased clockwise by the spring <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG>. Accordingly, the second rotation regulator <NUM> contacts the lower end of the support member <NUM> to restrict the rotation of the float regulator 13b in the clockwise direction in <FIG>.

As described later, the first rotation regulator <NUM> on the downstream side surface of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction illustrated in <FIG> is detected by a detection sensor <NUM> including a reflective optical sensor when the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position. A push-in member <NUM> of a releasing mechanism in <FIG> releases the float regulator 13b located at the retracted position from the retracted position.

When the float regulator 13b is manually pushed toward the side fence <NUM> as indicated by an arrow in <FIG> and <FIG>, the float regulator 13b moves from the float regulating position to the retracted position.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the float regulator 13b in a state in which the float regulator 13b is in the middle of moving from the float regulating position to the retracted position, according to the present embodiment. Note that <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the float regulator 13b as viewed from the upstream side of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction.

When the float regulator 13b located at the float regulating position is manually pushed inside the side fence <NUM>, the float regulator 13b rotates counterclockwise in <FIG> about the support protrusion <NUM> against the biasing force of the spring <NUM>. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the first rotation regulator <NUM> contacts the upper end of the support member <NUM> and rotation of the float regulator 13b in the counterclockwise direction is restricted, the support protrusion <NUM> moves inside the side fence <NUM> while being guided by the elongated hole 160a of the support member <NUM>. Accordingly, the float regulator 13b moves to the retracted position while being guided by the elongated hole 160a.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the float regulator 13b in a state in which the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position, as viewed from an upstream side of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction, according to the present embodiment. Further, <FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view of the float regulator 13b in a state in which the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position, as viewed from the downstream side of the float regulator 13b in the sheet conveyance direction, according to the present embodiment.

When the float regulator 13b is manually pushed inside the side fence <NUM>, the support protrusion <NUM> of the float regulator 13b reaches the engaging hole 160b. When the support protrusion <NUM> reaches the engaging hole 160b, the support protrusion <NUM> is fitted into a recess in the upper portion of the engaging hole 160b by the biasing force of the spring <NUM>. Accordingly, the support protrusion <NUM> engages with the engaging hole 160b and the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position.

When the support protrusion <NUM> is fitted into the recess in the upper portion of the engaging hole 160b, the user obtains a click feeling. Thus, the user can grasp that the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position.

When the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position, the support protrusion <NUM> serving as the rotation fulcrum of the float regulator 13b is located on an outer side in the width direction with respect to a line connecting one end and the other end of the spring <NUM>. Accordingly, when the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position, the float regulator 13b receives a force to rotate counterclockwise in <FIG> by the spring <NUM>. Accordingly, even if the user releases his hand from the float regulator 13b after the float regulator 13b has reached the retracted position, the float regulator 13b continues to maintain the posture in <FIG> in which the first rotation regulator <NUM> contacts the support member <NUM> and regulates the rotation of float regulator 13b.

Note that in the above description, the float regulator 13b rotates and then moves toward the retracted position. However, depending on how the user pushes in the float regulator 13b, the float regulator 13b may rotate after moving to the retracted position. In this case, when the user releases his hand from the float regulator 13b after moving the float regulator 13b to the retracted position, the biasing force of the spring <NUM> causes the float regulator 13b to automatically rotate counterclockwise in <FIG>. Then, the first rotation regulator <NUM> contacts the upper end of the support member <NUM>, and the float regulator 13b is located as illustrated in <FIG>.

In the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM>, the float regulator 13b is rotated counterclockwise in <FIG> from the posture of the float regulating position and is stored in the side fence <NUM> in a state in which a tip end of the float regulator 13b that protrudes in the width direction when the float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position, faces upward. Such an arrangement as described above allows a length of the width of a space for accommodating the float regulator 13b in the side fence <NUM> to be reduced as compared with a case in which the float regulator 13b is accommodated in the side fence <NUM> without being rotated. Accordingly, the length of the side fence <NUM> in the width direction can be smaller than a case in which the float regulator 13b is accommodated in the side fence <NUM> without being rotated.

Next, the movement of the float regulator 13b from the retracted position to the float regulating position is described. The movement of the float regulator 13b from the retracted position to the float regulating position is performed by a release mechanism <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the release mechanism <NUM> provided for the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM>, according to the present embodiment.

The release mechanism <NUM> includes a release lever <NUM> and the push-in member <NUM> that pushes the float regulator 13b to the float regulating position.

The release lever <NUM> includes an operation portion 141a to be operated by a user on one end of the release lever <NUM> and a coupling portion 141c coupled with the push-in member <NUM> on the other end of the release lever <NUM>. A notch is formed in the coupling portion 141c, and a coupling protrusion 142b of the push-in member <NUM> is fitted into the notch.

The release lever <NUM> is swingably attached to a shaft 141b disposed on an upper portion of the side fence <NUM>. The operation portion 141a is located directly above a release member 13c for releasing a lock of the side fence <NUM>.

The push-in member <NUM> includes a shaft 142c rotatably supported by the side fence <NUM>, multiple push-in members 142a for pushing in the float regulator 13b, and the coupling protrusion 142b that is coupled to the release lever <NUM>.

When the float regulator 13b is moved from the retracted position to the float regulating position illustrated in <FIG>, the user pushes the operation portion 141a of the release lever <NUM> inward in the width direction. Then, the release lever <NUM> swings with the shaft 141b as a fulcrum and pushes the coupling protrusion 142b of the push-in member <NUM> outward in the width direction. Subsequently, the push-in member <NUM> rotates, and the multiple push-in members 142a of the push-in member <NUM> push the float regulator 13b located at the retracted position inward in the width direction. When the float regulator 13b is pushed by the push-in member <NUM>, the support protrusion <NUM> of the float regulator 13b is disengaged from the engaging hole 160b. Then, while the support protrusion <NUM> is guided by the elongated hole 160a, the float regulator 13b moves to the float regulating position.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the support protrusion <NUM> contacts an inner end portion of the elongated hole 160a in the width direction, the biasing force of the spring <NUM> and the pushing force of the push-in member <NUM> cause the float regulator 13b to rotate clockwise. Thus, and the float regulator 13b takes the posture illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Next, an operation of the detection sensor <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> for detecting the float regulator 13b is described.

<FIG> are enlarged perspective views of the vicinity of the detection sensor <NUM> as a detector according to the present embodiment.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position protruding from the side fence <NUM>, no member is present in a detection range of the detection sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, a light emitted from the detection sensor <NUM>, which is a reflective optical sensor, is not received by a light-receiving element of the detection sensor <NUM>, and the float regulator 13b is not detected. Accordingly, when the detection sensor <NUM> does not detect the float regulator 13b, it can be determined that the float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position.

On the other hand, as illustrated in <FIG>, when the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position inside the side fence <NUM>, the first rotation regulator <NUM> on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction is located in a detection range of the detection sensor <NUM>. Accordingly, the light receiving element of the detection sensor <NUM> receives light reflected from the first rotation regulator <NUM> and detects that the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position.

In the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM>, whether the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position or at the float regulating position when a sheet is fed is set in advance in accordance with the type of sheets to be fed. For example, a table indicating settings as illustrated in <FIG> is described in the user manual. The table indicating the settings illustrated in <FIG> includes sheet type information (sheet name, sheet type, basis weight category, etc.) and position information (protruding or retracted) of the float regulator 13b.

The user refers to the table described in the user manual as illustrated in <FIG> and confirms the position of the float regulator 13b corresponding to the sheets set on the accommodating tray <NUM>. When the position of the float regulator 13b corresponding to the sheets set on the accommodating tray <NUM> is "protrude", the float regulator 13b is set to protrude from the side fence <NUM> to be located at the float regulating position. On the other hand, when the position of the float regulator 13b corresponding to the sheets set in the accommodating tray <NUM> is "retracted", the float regulator 13b is sufficiently retracted inside the side fence <NUM>, and the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position at which floating of the sheet is not regulated. The basis weight classification indicated in the table of <FIG> is as follows.

Note that the above-described basis weight classification is an example and is not limited to the above-described classification. In the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment, in the case of a sheet having a basis weight <NUM> or more, the position of the float regulator 13b is set to the retracted position. Further, in the case of embossed paper which has a at basis weight <NUM> or more, the position of the float regulator 13b is set to the retracted position.

However, depending on the user, the user may forget to move the float regulator 13b based on a setting for the sheets set in the accommodating tray <NUM> and the position of the float regulator 13b may not correspond to the sheets set in the accommodating tray <NUM>. Accordingly, the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> determines whether the user has moved the float regulator 13b to a position corresponding to the sheets set on the accommodating tray <NUM>. When the float regulator 13b is not located at a correct position, the user is prompted to position the float regulator 13b at the correct position.

<FIG> is a control block diagram of the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> to determine whether the float regulator 13b is located at the correct position in accordance with the type of sheets, according to the present embodiment.

In <FIG>, a controller <NUM> of the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> includes a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and a network interface (I/F) <NUM>. The CPU <NUM>, the memory <NUM>, and the network I/F <NUM> are each connected to a bus B. The CPU <NUM> executes a program stored in the memory <NUM> to control the controller <NUM>. The memory <NUM> is a nonvolatile memory such as a solid-state drive (SSD) or a hard disk drive (HDD), or a volatile memory such as a dynamic RAM (DRAM). In either case, a program is stored in the memory <NUM>. Further, the memory <NUM> stores information received from the image forming apparatus body <NUM> and information held by the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> in advance. The network I/F <NUM> is a communication device for communicating with the image forming apparatus body <NUM> via a network such as a local area network (LAN) or the Internet.

The memory <NUM> stores, as the sheet type information, a determination table in which, for example, the sheet name, the sheet category, and the basis weight category indicated in the table of <FIG> are associated with the position information of the float regulator 13b. The memory <NUM> stores a notification program for transmitting positional information of the float regulator 13b to the image forming apparatus body <NUM> including the operation panel <NUM> based on the position of the float regulator 13b detected by the detection sensor <NUM>. The CPU <NUM> executes a notification program and determines whether the float regulator 13b is located at a correct position corresponding to sheets to be fed based on the position of the float regulator 13b detected by the detection sensor <NUM>. Then, when the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position corresponding to the sheets to be fed, information that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position corresponding to the sheets to be fed is transmitted to the image forming apparatus body <NUM>. That is, in the present embodiment, the controller <NUM> functions as a notification device that transmits the position information of the float regulator 13b to the notification device.

<FIG> is a flow chart of transmission of a notification based on a position information of the float regulator 13b, according to the present embodiment.

When a sheet feeding instruction is received from a host controller 100a of the image forming apparatus body <NUM>, the controller <NUM> starts a sheet feeding operation (S1). When a feeding failure occurs (YES in S2), the controller <NUM> determines the position of the float regulator 13b (S3).

To be more specific, in addition to the sheet feeding instruction, type information (at least one of the basis weight, the sheet name, and the sheet category) of sheets to be fed is sent from the host controller 100a of the image forming apparatus body <NUM> to the controller <NUM>. The sheet type information is input by a user operating a printer driver installed in a personal computer, for example, and is transmitted to the image forming apparatus body <NUM> together with a print command. The image forming apparatus body <NUM> transmits the sheet type information received from the personal computer to the controller <NUM> of the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> together with the sheet feeding instruction.

When the controller <NUM> executes processing of a float regulator position determination, the controller <NUM> specifies the position of the float regulator 13b based on the sheet type information of the fed sheets received together with the sheet feeding instruction and the determination table stored in the memory <NUM>. For example, in a case in which the basis weight of the sheets to be fed as the sheet type information is basis weight <NUM> or more of the basis weight classification, the position of the float regulator 13b corresponding to the fed sheets is set to be the retracted position. In a case in which the sheet classification as the sheet type information is the embossed paper and the basis weight is basis weight <NUM> or more of the basis weight classification, the position of the float regulator 13b corresponding to the fed sheets is set to be the retracted position". In a case in which the sheet classification is other than the embossed paper and the basis weight is basis weight <NUM> or smaller, the position of the float regulator 13b corresponding to the fed sheets is set to be the float regulating position. Further, in a case in which the sheet classification is the embossed paper and the basis weight is equal to or smaller than basis weight <NUM>, the position of the float regulator 13b corresponding to the fed sheets is set to be the float regulating position.

In addition, the controller <NUM> may specify the basis weight classification and the sheet classification of sheets from the sheet name as the sheet type information and specify the position of the float regulator 13b corresponding to the fed sheets.

Next, the controller <NUM> checks signals from the detection sensor <NUM> and determines whether the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position or at the float regulating position. When the detection sensor <NUM> has detected the float regulator 13b and transmits a signal (voltage) to the controller <NUM>, the controller <NUM> determines that the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position. On the other hand, when the detection sensor <NUM> has not detected the float regulator 13b and does not transmit a signal (voltage) to the controller <NUM>, the controller <NUM> determines that the float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position.

Then, the controller <NUM> determines whether the position of the float regulator 13b specified based on the detection result of the detection sensor <NUM> is located at a position corresponding to the fed sheets.

When the float regulator 13b is located at the position corresponding to the fed sheets (YES in S4), feeding failure is not caused by the float regulator 13b. Accordingly, at this time, the controller <NUM> instructs the image forming apparatus body <NUM> to display a jam removal instruction on the operation panel <NUM>. The host controller 100a of the image forming apparatus body <NUM> displays the jam removal instruction on a display of the operation panel <NUM> based on the jam removal instruction received from the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM>.

On the other hand, when the float regulator 13b is not located at the position corresponding to the fed sheets (NO in S4), the feeding failure may have been caused by the float regulator 13b. For example, in a case in which the fed sheets are sheets of plain paper having basis weight of <NUM> or smaller and the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position, excessive floating of the sheets may occur and cause a feeding failure. In addition, in a case in which the fed sheets are sheets having basis weight of <NUM> or more and the float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position, a feeding load may increase. Thus, a feeding failure may have occurred.

Accordingly, when the float regulator 13b is not located at the position corresponding to the fed sheets (NO in S4), the controller <NUM> transmits information indicating that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position to the image forming apparatus body <NUM> and instructs the image forming apparatus body <NUM> to display a warning message. The host controller 100a of the image forming apparatus body <NUM> displays the jam removal instruction on the display of the operation panel <NUM> and a warning message that instructs the user to move the float regulator 13b to the correct position as illustrated in <FIG> based on the information indicating that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position as the position information of the float regulator 13b received from the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> (S6).

In addition, the controller <NUM> may transmit information indicating that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position to a personal computer that has transmitted a print command to the image forming apparatus body <NUM>, and may display that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position on a monitor of the personal computer. Further, the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> may include a display panel as a notification device and display that the float regulator 13b is not located at a correct position.

The user moves the float regulator 13b to the correct position based on the warning message displayed on the operation panel <NUM> for the jam removal. When the detection sensor <NUM> detects that the float regulator 13b has reached the correct position, the warning message on the operation panel <NUM> is erased and a message indicating that printing is possible is displayed, and sheets are re-fed. Accordingly, when the sheets are re-fed after the jam is removed, a feeding failure caused by the float regulator 13b can be prevented from occurring.

Note that depending on, for example, the operating environment, a feeding failure may not occur and the sheets are fed even when the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position corresponding to the sheets to be fed. For this reason, it is troublesome for the user if feeding of sheets cannot be performed unless the user is notified to move the float regulator 13b to the correct position when the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position before the feeding operation and the float regulator 13b is moved to the correct position.

Accordingly, when a feeding failure occurs, the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> determines whether the float regulator 13b is located at the correct position corresponding to the sheets to be fed and notifies the user when the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position. For this reason, the user is notified that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position only when a feeding failure occurs. Thus, stress of the user can be reduced compared to a case in which the user is notified every time when the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position.

Note that a following advantage is obtained by determining whether the float regulator 13b is located at the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed before the feeding of the sheets is started, and notifying the user when the float regulator 13b is not located at the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed. In other words, the advantage is that the occurrence of a feeding failure caused by the float regulator 13b can be reliably prevented.

Further, in the above description, the retracted position of the float regulator 13b is a position at which the float regulator 13b is sufficiently retracted inside the side fence <NUM> and the float regulator 13b does not regulate the sheets from floating. However, the retracted position may be a partially retracted position at which the float regulator 13b is partially retracted into the side fence <NUM>. In a case in which the retracted position is the partially retracted position in which the float regulator 13b is partially retracted into the side fence <NUM>, unlike the sufficiently retracted position, a part of the float regulator 13b protrudes from the side fence <NUM> when the float regulator 13b is located at the partially retracted position. Accordingly, the float regulator 13b regulates the floating position of the sheets. However, the amount of protrusion of the float regulator 13b at the partially retracted position from the side fence <NUM> is smaller than the amount of protrusion of the float regulator 13b at the float regulating position. Accordingly, the pressing force of the float regulator 13b against the floated sheets is weakened. Accordingly, an increase in sliding resistance of the float regulator 13b when stiff sheets such as sheets of thick paper are fed, can be prevented. Accordingly, depending on the configuration of the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM>, the retracted position of the sheet float regulator 13b can be set as the partially retracted position to prevent a feeding failure when the basis weight classification is thick paper having a basis weight <NUM> or more or when the basis weight classification is embossed paper having a basis weight of <NUM> or more.

Further, for example, when sheets of thick paper having a basis weight classification of basis weight <NUM> or more, or when sheets of embossed paper having a basis weight classification of basis weight <NUM> or more, the float regulator 13b is positioned at the sufficiently retracted position at which the float regulator 13b is sufficiently retracted inside the side fence <NUM>. When sheets having a basis weight classification of basis weight <NUM> to basis weight <NUM>, the float regulator 13b is positioned at the partial retracted position at which a part of the float regulator 13b is retracted into the side fence <NUM>. When sheets having a basis weight classification of basis weight equal to <NUM> or less, the float regulator 13b may be positioned at any one of plurality of retracted positions and the float regulating position depending on the type of the sheets. For example, the float regulator 13b may be positioned at the float regulating position.

Note that, in the above description, a display such as the operation panel <NUM> or the monitor of the personal computer is used as the notification device for notifying the user of information indicating that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position as the position information of the float regulator 13b. However, the notification device is not limited to such a display. For example, a sound generation unit such as a speaker may be used as the notification device. As an example of notifying the user that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position by the sound generation unit, for example, a buzzer, and a voice guidance can be used.

In addition, the image forming apparatus body <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> may be used as a notification device that notifies the user that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position. In a case in which the image forming apparatus body <NUM> of the image forming apparatus <NUM> is used as the notification device, information that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position is printed on a sheet to notify the user. For example, a sheet may be fed from a feeding unit disposed in the image forming apparatus body <NUM>, and information indicating that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position may be printed on the sheet. Further, a sheet may be fed from the accommodating tray <NUM> different from the accommodating tray <NUM> of the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> in which a feeding failure has occurred, and information that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position may be printed on the sheet. Further, an image forming apparatus that is connected via a network at a remote destination and different from the image forming apparatus <NUM> according to the present embodiment may be used to print information indicating that the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position.

In the above description, the controller <NUM> determines whether the float regulator 13b is located at the correct position corresponding to the sheets set on the accommodating tray <NUM> and transmits a determination result to the image forming apparatus body <NUM> as the position information of the float regulator 13b. However, transmitting the determination result is not limited such a configuration. As the position information of the float regulator 13b, information that indicates whether the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position or at the float regulating position may be transmitted to the image forming apparatus body <NUM>. For example, when the float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position, information that indicates that the float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position is transmitted to the image forming apparatus body <NUM> as the position information of the float regulator 13b. The image forming apparatus body <NUM> may display a message, for example, "The float regulator 13b is located at the float regulating position. Please check whether the float regulator 13b is located at the correct position corresponding to the sheets with the user's manual", together with a jam removal instruction on the display of the operation panel <NUM>.

Further, the image forming apparatus body <NUM> may determine whether the float regulator 13b is located at the correct position corresponding to the sheets based on information indicating whether the float regulator 13b is located at the retracted position or at the float regulating position and display the determination result on the display of the operation panel <NUM>.

Further, in the above-described configuration, the user manually moves the float regulator 13b between the float regulating position and the retracted position. However, for example, the float regulator 13b may be automatically moved between the float regulating position and the retracted position by a driver such as a driving motor.

Such a configuration in which the float regulator 13b is automatically moved between the float regulating position and the retracted position by the driver as described above allows the driver to control such that the float regulator 13b is automatically moved either to the float regulating position or to the retracted position corresponding to sheets to be fed.

<FIG> is a flow chart of control of the movement of the float regulator 13b, according to the present embodiment.

When the controller <NUM> (see <FIG>) receives a sheet feeding instruction from the host controller 100a of the image forming apparatus body <NUM> (YES in S11), the controller <NUM> determines the position of the float regulator 13b in a similar manner as described above (S12). That is, the position of the float regulator 13b corresponding to the sheets to be fed is determined based on the sheet type information such as basis weight and sheet classification received together with the sheet feeding instruction and the determination table stored in the memory <NUM>.

Next, the controller <NUM> determines whether the float regulator 13b is located at a position corresponding to the sheets to be fed based on the detection result of the detection sensor <NUM> (S13). When the float regulator 13b is located at the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed (YES in S13), the feeding failure caused by the float regulator 13b is unlikely to occur. Thus, the controller <NUM> shifts to the feeding operation to feed the sheets (S15).

On the other hand, when the float regulator 13b is not located at the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed (NO in S13), a feeding failure caused by the float regulator 13b may occur. Accordingly, the controller <NUM> controls the driver to move the float regulator 13b from the position not corresponding to the sheets to be fed to the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed (S14). When the float regulator 13b is located at the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed, the feeding operation is started, and the sheets are fed (S15).

In the configuration in which the float regulator 13b is automatically moved between the float regulating position and the retracted position by the driver, the float regulator 13b can be moved to the correct position corresponding to the sheets to be fed without requiring the user's labor. Accordingly, the feeding operation after positioning the float regulator 13b at the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed can be performed. Accordingly, the occurrence of the feeding failure caused by the float regulator 13b can be favorably prevented.

In addition, in a configuration in which the float regulator 13b is automatically moved by the driver, the retracted position may be set to a partial retracted position at which a part of the float regulator 13b is retracted into the side fence <NUM> depending on the configuration of the image forming apparatus <NUM>.

Further, in the configuration in which the float regulator 13b is automatically moved by the driver, for example, in the case of the sheets of thick paper having a basis weight category of basis weight <NUM> or more or the sheets of embossed paper having a basis weight category of basis weight <NUM> or more, the float regulator 13b is located at the sufficiently retracted position at which the float regulator 13b is sufficiently retracted into the side fence <NUM>. When sheets having a basis weight category of basis weight <NUM> to basis weight <NUM> are to be fed, the float regulator 13b is positioned at the partially retracted position at which the float regulator 13b is partially retracted into the side fence <NUM>. When sheets having a basis weight category of a basis weight equal to <NUM> or less, the float regulator 13b may be positioned at any one of the plurality of retracted positions and the float regulating position depending on the type of the sheets to be fed. For example, the float regulator 13bmay be positioned at the float regulating position.

Note that, in the above description, when the sheets are fed, the sheet type information of the sheets to be fed is received and whether the float regulator 13b is positioned at a position corresponding to the sheets to be fed is determined. However, the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. For example, when sheets are set in the accommodating tray <NUM>, the user inputs the sheet type information of the sheets set in the accommodating tray <NUM> such as basis weight and sheet classification through the operation panel <NUM>. Then, when the accommodating tray <NUM> is set, whether the float regulator 13b is located at a position corresponding to the sheets to be fed may be determined. In a case in which the user manually moves the float regulator 13b, when the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position, the user may be notified to move the float regulator 13b to the correct position when the accommodating tray <NUM> is set. In addition, information that indicates that the position of the float regulator 13b is not correct may be stored in the memory <NUM>. When a feeding failure occurs, the user may be notified to move the float regulator 13b to the correct position. On the other hand, in a case in which the float regulator 13b is automatically moved, when the float regulator 13b is not located at the correct position, the float regulator 13b is moved to the correct position when the accommodating tray <NUM> is set.

The above description is merely an example, and specific effects are exerted for each of the following modes.

A sheet feeding apparatus such as the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> includes a sheet stacker such as the sheet stacking table <NUM> that loads sheets, an air blower such as the blower <NUM> that blows air to the sheets, and a sheet float regulator such as the sheet float regulator 13b that regulates a floating position of the sheets. The sheet float regulator is movable between a float regulating position at which the sheet float regulator regulates the floating position of the sheets and a retracted position. The sheet feeding apparatus transmits position information of the sheet float regulator such as information on whether the sheet float regulator is located at the correct position to a notification device such as the operation panel <NUM>.

For example, when sheets stacked on the sheet stacker have a large basis weight, such as thick paper, the sheets have high stiffness. Thus, the sheets contact the float regulator 13b strongly. Accordingly, a load for feeding the sheets increases and a feeding failure may occur. Unlike a sheet having a small basis weight such as a sheet of thin paper, a sheet having a large basis weight is less likely to be excessively floated. Accordingly, force of regulating the sheet from floating by the float regulator may be weak. In some cases, regulating the sheet from floating by the float regulator may not be necessary.

On the other hand, in the case of the sheet having a small basis weight such as the sheet of thin paper, unless the float regulator is projected from the side fence to some extent to regulate the sheet from floating, the sheet may be excessively floated and run over the end fence to cause a feeding failure. As described above, depending on the type of sheet, whether the float regulator is necessary and an optimum amount of protrusion of the float regulator from the side fence so as to prevent a feeding failure differ.

In the feeding device disclosed in <CIT>, the float regulator uniformly regulates floating of any type of sheet. Accordingly, regulating operation of the float regulator may cause a feeding failure depending on the type of sheet such as a sheet having a large basis weight.

In the first mode, based on the position of the sheet float regulator, when the user does not position the float regulator at a position corresponding to the sheets stacked on the sheet stacker, the position information of the float regulator is transmitted to the notification device such as the operation panel <NUM>, and the notification device can notify the user that the float regulator is not located at the correct position. Thus, when the float regulator is not located at the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed, the user can be prompted to operate the float regulator to move the float regulator to the position corresponding to the sheets. Accordingly, for example, feeding of a sheet having a large basis weight at a position at which the float regulator corresponds to thin paper can be prevented. Accordingly, a feeding failure caused by regulating operation of the float regulator can be prevented.

In the first mode, when the feeding failure occurs, the position information of the float regulator is transmitted to the notification device such as the operation panel <NUM>.

Such a configuration as described above allows, as described in the above embodiments, the stress of the user to be reduced as compared with a case in which the user is notified every time when the float regulator such as the float regulator 13b is not located at the position corresponding to the type of sheets to be fed.

In the first mode or the second mode, when the float regulator such as the float regulator 13b is not located at the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed, the position information of the float regulator is transmitted to the notification device such as the operation panel <NUM>.

Such a configuration as described above allows, as described in the above embodiments, the user to be prompted to operate the float regulator and move the float regulator to the position corresponding to the sheets to be fed when the float regulator such as the float regulator 13b is not located at the position corresponding to the sheets.

In any one of the first, second, and third modes, when the sheets stacked on a sheet stacker such as the sheet stacking table <NUM> have a basis weight equal to or greater than a predetermined value and the sheet float regulator such as the sheet float regulator 13b is not located at the retracted position, or when the sheets stacked on the sheet stacker have a basis weight smaller than the predetermined value and the sheet float regulator is not located at the float regulating position, the position information of the sheet float regulator is transmitted to the notification device such as the operation panel <NUM>.

Such a configuration as described above allows, as described in the embodiment, preventing the feeding failure caused by the sheet float regulator.

The sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> includes a sheet stacker such as the sheet stacking table <NUM> for loading sheets, a blower such as the blower <NUM> for blowing air to the sheets, and a float regulator such as the float regulator 13b for regulating the floating position of the sheets. The sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> includes a driver for moving the float regulator between the float regulating position for regulating the floating position of the sheets and the retracted position and a controller such as the controller <NUM> that controls the driver to move the float regulator to either one of the retracted position or the float regulating position depending on the type of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacker.

Such a configuration as described above allows, as described with reference to <FIG>, preventing the feeding failure caused by the sheet float regulator.

In the fifth mode, when the basis weight of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacker such as the sheet stacking table <NUM> is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, if the float regulator such as the float regulator 13b is not located at the retracted position, the float regulator is moved to the retracted position. When the basis weight of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacker such as the sheet stacking table <NUM> is smaller than the predetermined value, if the float regulator is not located at the float regulating position, the float regulator is moved to the float regulating position.

Such a configuration as described above allows preventing the feeding failure caused by the float regulator such as the float regulator 13b.

In any one of the first mode to sixth mode, the sheet feeding apparatus <NUM> includes a detector such as the detection sensor <NUM> that detects the position of the float regulator such as the float regulator 13b.

Such a configuration as described above allows determining whether the float regulator such as the float regulator 13b is located at the position corresponding to the type of the sheets stacked on the sheet stacker such as the sheet stacking table <NUM> based on the detection result of the detector such as the detection sensor <NUM>.

An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet fed by a feeding device includes the sheet feeding apparatus according to any one of the first mode to seventh mode as the sheet feeding apparatus.

Claim 1:
A sheet feeding apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a sheet stacker (<NUM>) configured to stack sheets;
an air blower (<NUM>) configured to blow air to the sheets;
a float regulator (13b) configured to regulate a floating position of the sheets, the float regulator (13b) being movable between a float regulating position at which the float regulator (13b) regulates floating of the sheets and a retracted position; and
a controller (<NUM>) configured to transmit position information of the float regulator (13b) to a notification device (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the controller (<NUM>) is configured to transmit the position information of the float regulator (13b) to the notification device (<NUM>) when a feeding failure occurs to notify a user that the float regulator (13b) is not located at the correct position.