Sheet feeding apparatus and automatic document using the same

An automatic document feeder apparatus disposed above a reading platen of an image reading apparatus to sequentially feed original sheets to the reading platen, comprising;

• at least one frame;
• an original sheet stacking tray mounted to the at least one frame;
• a guide member disposed at a leading edge of the stacking tray in a sheet feeding direction and having an inclined surface to shift leading edges of the sheets;
• a paper feed rotating member disposed at a downstream side of the stacking tray in the sheet feeding direction and feeding the sheets;
• a separating member pressed against the paper feed rotating member to prevent passing of more than one sheet, said separating member and the guide member being attached to a single holder member;
• urging means for urging the separating member to press against the paper feed rotating member;
• a curved transport path for guiding the original sheets from the paper feed rotating member to the reading platen;
• a discharge tray for storing the original sheets from the reading platen;
• and
• fixing means for freely detachably fixing a separation unit formed of the separating member, guide member and the holder member to the frame.

A sheet feeding apparatus for separating and feeding sheets one by one, comprising:

• at least one frame;
• a sheet stacking tray mounted to said frame;
• a paper feed rotating member for feeding the sheets disposed at a downstream side of said stacking tray in a sheet feeding direction;
• a separating member formed of a roller member and pressed against said paper feed rotating member for preventing more than one sheet from passing therethrough;
• urging means for pressing said separating member to the paper feed rotating member;
• a guide member having an inclined surface for shifting leading edges of the sheets and disposed to face the stacking tray in the sheet feeding direction;
• and
• a holder member mounted with the separating member and the guide member and formed of a bracket to support the roller member so that the separating member, the guide member and the holder member form a separating unit freely detachably fastened with fastening means to the frame.