Paper separation mechanism and paper feed apparatus with the paper separation mechanism

A paper feed apparatus for use with a paper storage capable of storing a plurality of sheets of paper, a paper feed mechanism having a paper feed roller for separating the paper stored in the paper storage sheet by sheet and capable of feeding the separated paper to a given convey path, and an inclined surface provided in the given convey path such that the inclined surface makes an obtuse angle relative to the paper stored in the paper storage, the paper feed apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of projections capable of engaging with ends of the plurality of sheets of paper and of projecting from the inclined surface;
• and
• a plurality of resilient arm portions that hold the respective projections at respective positions so as to project from a surface of the inclined surface, wherein the arm portions are aligned in at least one row along a conveying direction of the paper,
• wherein the inclined surface is provided with an elongated hole formed along the conveying direction of the paper,
• wherein the plurality of projections project from the inclined surface through the elongated hole.