Patent ID: 8485518
Filing Date: 2013-07-16
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A sheet media feeding device comprising: a media insertion unit in which sheet media are inserted in a stack; a media feeder opening that communicates the media insertion unit with a media feed path; a pickup roller for feeding sheet media from the media insertion unit through the media feeder opening into the media feed path; a pressure member for pressing the sheet media loaded in the media insertion unit against the pickup roller; a first media separation unit formed by gradually reducing the width of the media feeder opening of the media insertion unit in the sheet media transportation direction; a second media separation unit composed of a separation pad disposed to the media feed path; and a third media separation unit disposed to the media feed path on the downstream side of the separation pad; wherein the third media separation unit includes a separation roller and a retard roller that is pressed against the separation roller and applies a torque load; the separation pad of the second media separation unit is disposed so that the sheet media are offset to the separation roller side when advanced toward a nipping part of the separation roller and the retard roller; and the retard roller is restricted from rotation.