Sheet separating mechanism of an auto sheet feeder and auto sheet feeder incorporating the same

An auto sheet feeder for a device where separation of a single sheet from a plurality of sheets is desired, the feeder comprising:

• an upper frame;
• a pick roller;
• and
• a sheet separating mechanism secured on the upper frame, wherein the sheet separating mechanism comprising
• a bracket;
• a pair of spring arms disposed on the bracket and spring-biased toward the pick roller for maintaining the plurality of sheets on the pick roller during transportation of the sheets;
• a separator pad disposed on the bracket and spring-biased toward the pick roller for cooperating with the pick roller to permit further transportation of a lowermost sheet of the plurality of the sheets;
• a press plate positioned on the bracket and pressing against the separator pad;
• and
• a torsion spring mounted above the press plate and having at least two coil portions spaced and opposite to the adjacent coil portion, two adjacent ends of the coil portions extending toward the same side and then jointing each other to form a contact portion which always props the upper frame, two ends of the torsion spring having a retaining arm respectively, the two retaining arms pivotally engaging to two sides of the press plate respectively;
• wherein the torsion spring is compressed by the press plate when the sheets push the separator pad to detach from the pick roller and pushes the press plate and the separator pad to be reposition after the lowermost one of the sheets is separated.