Sheet containing device, sheet feeder incorporating the sheet containing device, and image forming apparatus incorporating the sheet containing device

A sheet containing device comprising:

• a first sheet container;
• a second sheet container adjacent to the first sheet container;
• a transfer unit configured to transfer a bundle of sheets contained in the second sheet container to the first sheet container;
• a pair of side fences including a first side fence and a second side fence configured to regulate a position of the bundle of sheets in a width direction of the bundle of sheets loaded on the first sheet container;
• a bottom plate in the first sheet container and configured to load the bundle of sheets;
• a sheet conveying unit configured to feed a sheet from the bundle of sheets loaded on the bottom plate in the first sheet container;
• a lifting unit configured to elevate the bottom plate such that at least a downstream end in a sheet conveying direction of an upper most sheet of the bundle of sheets is located at a sheet feeding position;
• and
• a pressing unit on the first side fence,
• the pressing unit configured to press the bundle of sheets loaded on the first sheet container against the second side fence and including a projecting portion projecting from the first side fence;
• wherein the projecting portion is above a sheet full position, the sheet full position being a position at which a maximum number of sheets are in the first sheet container;
• and
• wherein the bundle of sheets do not contact the projecting portion when the bundle of sheets are transferred from the second sheet container to the first sheet container.