Patent ID: 8794619

Claim:
A sheet feeding apparatus including a sheet storage unit configured to store a sheet and being detachable by being drawn out from an apparatus main body, and a sheet feeding unit configured to feed the sheet from the sheet storage unit, the sheet feeding apparatus comprising: a stopper disposed moveably between a first position and a second position, wherein the stopper abuts to a stop abutment portion at the first position of the stopper to stop the sheet storage unit in a middle of drawing out the sheet storage unit from the apparatus main body; and the stopper is released from an abutment to the stop abutment portion at the second position of the stopper to enable detachment of the sheet storage unit from the apparatus main body; and a holding mechanism configured to hold the stopper at the second position while the sheet storage unit is drawn out after the stop of the sheet storage unit is released; and; a return mechanism configured to release the holding of the stopper at the second position by the holding mechanism in a middle of attaching the sheet storage unit to the apparatus main body, and to return to first position; wherein the holding mechanism includes: a guide portion configured to guide the stopper between the first position and second position, wherein the guide portion comprises an engagement portion with which the stopper is engaged at the second position, and an urging member configured to urge the stopper to the first position, wherein when the stopper is moved to the second position, the stopper is engaged with the engagement portion by component force of urging force from the urging member to be held at the second position.