Patent ID: 7526244

Claim:
An image forming apparatus comprising: a main body of the apparatus which forms an image on a sheet; a discharge tray which can move between a first position capable of loading a sheet discharged from the main body of the apparatus and a second position not capable of loading a sheet discharged from the main body of the apparatus; a sheet loading amount detection sensor, disposed at the main body of the apparatus, which detects a sheet detection flag moveable between a detecting position capable of detecting a loading amount of the sheet loaded on the discharge tray and a removal position not capable of detecting the sheet loading amount, wherein movement of the sheet detection flag to the removal position allows greater access to the apparatus for jam removal; a discharge tray detector member engaging with the sheet detection flag for movement of the sheet detection flag; and a projection on said discharge tray, said projection engaging with said discharge tray detector member when said discharge tray is in the first position, wherein when the discharge tray is moved from the first position to the second position, said projection disengages from said discharge tray detector member and the sheet detection flag moves to the removal position.