Patent ID: 6331002
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
A sheet feeding apparatus for separating and feeding sheets one by one, comprising:sheet stacking means for supporting sheets;a sheet feeding roller, provided at its periphery with a cylindrical surface and a cut-out portion, for feeding out the sheet stacked on said sheet stacking means by means of said cylindrical surface by rotating;separation means, capable of abutting against said sheet feeding roller, for separating the sheets one by one between said cylindrical surface of said sheet feeding roller and said separation means;spacing means for spacing apart said sheet feeding roller and said separation means when said cut-out portion of said sheet feeding roller is opposed to said separation means;biasing means for biasing said separation means to urge it against said sheet feeding roller or said spacing means; andconveying load reducing means for reducing a conveying load acting on the sheet being fed, by making an abutment force for pinching the sheet between said spacing means and said separation means smaller than an abutment force for pinching the sheet between said cylindrical surface and said separation means.