Sheet detecting apparatus, sheet conveying apparatus, and image forming apparatus

A sheet detecting apparatus configured to detect a sheet on a sheet conveying path on which the sheet is conveyed, the sheet detecting apparatus comprising:

• a rotatable holding member;
• a lever member held by the holding member, the lever member having an abutment surface against which a leading edge of the sheet abuts;
• and
• a detection sensor configured to detect movement of the lever member,
• wherein, when the lever member is pushed by the sheet of which the leading edge abuts against the abutment surface, the holding member rotates together with the lever member,
• wherein, the lever member moves relative to the holding member so that the lever member moves between a protruding position where the abutment surface abuts against the leading edge of the sheet and a passage position where the lever member allows the sheet to pass, and
• wherein, as the trailing edge of the sheet passes the lever member, the lever member is moved from the sheet passage position to the protruding position.

A sheet conveying apparatus, comprising:

• a roller configured to convey a sheet;
• a lever member provided downstream of the roller in a sheet conveying direction and having an abutment surface against which a leading edge of the sheet being conveyed by the roller abuts;
• a detection sensor configured to produce a signal corresponding to a position of the lever member;
• a holding member configured to rotatably hold the lever member;
• a spring configured to urge the lever member in a rotational direction in which the abutment surface is moved in the sheet conveying direction, the spring being provided between the holding member and the lever member;
• a pivot shaft configured to pivotably support the holding member, wherein the holding member and the lever member pivot integrally with each other about the pivot shaft by the lever member being pushed by the leading edge of the sheet;
• and
• an urging portion configured to urge the holding member so as to generate a reactive force applied from the lever member to the sheet when the holding member and the lever member pivot integrally with each other by the lever member being pushed by the leading edge of the sheet.