Patent ID: 7097171
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A paper feeding apparatus comprising: a frame forming one of a paper stacker and a paper feed tray on which paper is stackable; a paper feed unit disposed above the frame and including a pickup roller which picks up the paper; and an active paper separator disposed at a lower part of the frame in the paper feeding direction thereof, contacting leading ends of sheets disposed in the frame, at a certain angle, rotatable in an anti-paper feeding direction opposite the feeding direction so as to actively rub the leading ends and thereby separate and feed the sheets one at a time when the sheets of paper are picked up by the pickup roller, wherein the active paper separator includes: a friction part disposed at the lower part in the paper feeding direction and rotatable while supporting the leading ends so that the sheets enter at a paper-entering angle; and a driving part which rotates the friction part in association with a driving source which drives the paper feed unit and includes a driving gear disposed so that at least a part thereof projects one of outwardly and upwardly from the lower part in the paper feeding direction and connected to the driving source which drives the paper feed unit via a gear train.