Paper feeding device and image processing apparatus

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• a paper feed cassette on which a paper bundle comprising a plurality of sheets of paper is able to be placed;
• an alignment component which is able to align the paper bundle placed on the paper feed cassette;
• a fan which is connected to the alignment component and able to generate airflow;
• a fan guiding duct component connected to the alignment component, positioned above the paper bundle placed on the paper feed cassette, and configured to generate a negative pressure between the fan guiding duct component and an uppermost sheet of paper in the paper bundle due to the airflow from the fan;
• and
• a connecting member which connects the fan and the fan guiding duct component, wherein
• the alignment component includes an engaging recess to which the connecting member is detachably engaged, and
• the connecting member has a rectangular cylindrical shape, and includes an air blowout port that opens so that airflow from the fan flows toward a space between an upper surface of the uppermost sheet of paper and a lower surface of the fan guiding duct component.