Paper detecting device and image forming apparatus including the same

摘要

A paper detecting device includes a paper contact arm, one side of which contacts a surface of a sheet of paper and the other side is connected to a rotating member. A sensor unit senses the rotation of the paper contact arm. An elastic member elastically biases the paper contact arm in the direction in which the paper contact arm contacts the sheet of paper. A contact force regulating unit is installed to generate a rotational force in the direction opposite to the direction of an elastic force by the elastic member. Accordingly, because the paper contact arm is returned to its initial position by the elastic member, paper jams are substantially prevented. The contact force regulating unit regulates the paper contact force within a predetermined range to avoid damage and contamination of a sheet of paper. The simple structure of the paper detecting device improves mass-production thereof.