JPH11208914A - Automatic paper feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To provide an automatic feeding device which has a very small and simple structure, and does not impair the portability of a detachable portable automatic paper feeding device, etc., and which can perform a jam clearing operation by an extremely simple operation. To provide a paper device. SOLUTION: A paper placing unit 2, a paper feed roller 31 for transporting the paper S to an image forming apparatus P, and urged by an urging means to contact the paper feed roller 31 to frictionally feed the paper S in double feed. The separation pad 320 which is prevented by force, the separation pad holder 321 which supports the separation pad and is disposed so as to partially expose the outside of the automatic sheet feeder main body, and by directly operating the separation pad from the outside An automatic paper feeder 1 that is detachable from the image forming apparatus P and includes a separation pad holder operation unit 324 that moves the paper feed roller to a position that does not come into contact with the paper feed roller.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a printer, for example,
The present invention relates to an automatic paper feeder for supplying paper to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and more particularly, to a separation pad which can easily perform processing when paper jam occurs and also reduces the occurrence of jam. The present invention relates to an automatic paper feeder provided.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a portable small image forming apparatus usually supplies paper for printing in a manual manner one by one in order to emphasize portability. There is a type in which an automatic paper feeder that automatically supplies a large number of sheets to an image forming apparatus while holding a large number of sheets is separately attached and performs printing. In this automatic paper feeder, the paper is pressed against the paper feed roller by a pressure plate, and the paper is conveyed to the image forming apparatus by the frictional force of the paper feed roller. To prevent the double feed of the second sheet or more by utilizing the frictional force.

However, when a sheet is conveyed, the sheet undesirably gets caught or bites during the conveyance,
A so-called jam may occur. As a place where the sheet is likely to be generated, there is a registration roller or the like outside of the transport roller or the separation pad, particularly, a register roller which bends the sheet to align the leading edge for correcting skew of the sheet.

[0004] When a jam occurs in such a place, a common measure is to pull out the entangled paper by hand, but if the paper is torn and fragmented, it is necessary to pull out the paper with a strong force. In some cases, the portion to be gripped is too small and it is difficult to apply force, or the sheet may be further torn if pulled with force. In particular, since the paper feed roller and the separation pad have a high coefficient of friction, it is sometimes difficult to remove a paper sheet or the like that has been entangled.

In such a case, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No.
A paper feeder described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-203629 has been proposed in which when a paper cassette is removed, a separation pad comes off to facilitate a jam clearance. Further, there has been proposed an information processing apparatus as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-355557 in which the pressing force of the separation pad is released by closing the display unit. Further, by operating the operation lever, the regulating block is separated from the feeding roller to facilitate the jam clearance as in a paper jam removing device of a paper sheet sending device described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-13042. Things have also been proposed. When the detector detects a paper jam as in the paper feeder described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Sho 56-43145, the solenoid is automatically energized to separate the brake plate from the separation roller to facilitate the jam clearance. Some have been proposed.

[0006]

However, in an automatic paper feeder used for a small-sized image forming apparatus that emphasizes portability, a paper feed cassette as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-203629 is not available. Originally, it is not equipped, so it is not possible to remove the paper cassette and perform jam clearance. Further, making the table on which the sheets are mounted detachable has a problem that the structure becomes complicated and portability is impaired. A device linked to a display unit as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-355557 is not originally provided in a detachable automatic sheet feeding device as in the present invention, but has the same configuration. There is a problem that can not be adopted. Further, the structure for operating the control block described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-13042 requires an increased number of parts, and the structure becomes complicated and compact in an automatic paper feeder where importance is placed on portability. Contrary to this, there is a problem that the portability is impaired because the weight increases. And JP-A-56-431
No. 45, the paper jam detection mechanism and the structure that automatically separates the brake plate from the separation roller by the solenoid are extremely complicated structures, so that portability is important. There is a problem that the paper feeding device cannot be used at all.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and has an extremely small and simple structure. Even if it is a detachable portable automatic paper feeder or the like, its portability is not impaired, and it is possible to perform the operation with extremely simple operation. It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic sheet feeder capable of performing jam processing.

[0008]

In order to achieve this object, an automatic paper feeder according to claim 1 is an automatic paper feeder detachable from an image forming apparatus, wherein a plurality of papers are placed. A paper loading section, a paper feed roller that transports the paper one sheet at a time to the image forming apparatus, and a biasing unit that is urged by the urging means to abut the paper feed roller to frictionally feed the multi-feed of the paper. A separation pad that prevents the separation pad, a separation pad holder that supports the separation pad, and is disposed so as to partially expose the outside of the automatic sheet feeder main body; And a separation pad holder operation unit that moves the separation pad to a position where the separation pad does not contact the paper feed roller by directly operating the separation pad.

In the automatic paper feeder according to this configuration, a paper piece sandwiched or entangled between the paper feed roller having a high coefficient of friction and the separation pad is connected to the paper feed roller by directly operating the separation pad holder from the outside. There are gaps between the separation pads and the paper pieces can be removed. In addition, even if it is an extremely small and simple structure and a detachable portable automatic paper feeder or the like, its portability is not impaired.

Further, in the automatic paper feeder according to claim 2, in addition to the configuration of the automatic paper feeder according to claim 1, the separation is performed only when the automatic paper feeder is separated from the image forming apparatus. The pad holder operation section is exposed outside the automatic sheet feeding apparatus main body.

In the automatic paper feeder according to this configuration, the sheet is not touched except for the time of jam clearance, and at the time of jam clearance, a portion where a paper jam is most likely to occur is separated from the automatic paper feeder to thereby operate the separation pad operating section. It is exposed to be operable outside.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the automatic sheet feeding apparatus of the first and second aspects,
The separation pad holder operation unit has a hook for hanging a finger.

[0013] In the automatic paper feeder according to this configuration, the operation of the separation pad for performing the jam clearing operation is facilitated because the automatic paper feeder has a hook portion for hanging a finger.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the automatic sheet feeding apparatus of the third aspect, the hook of the separation pad holder operating section has a projection. I do.

The automatic sheet feeder according to this configuration has a structure in which a finger can be more easily hung during jam clearance, and the location can be recognized even by groping, and the operation can be easily performed in a direction of pulling down.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the automatic sheet feeding apparatus according to the first to fourth aspects,
The separation pad holder is provided with the separation pad holder operation unit with respect to the separation pad so that the cross-sectional shape viewed from the paper width direction is substantially L-shaped, and the separation pad holder operation unit is provided on the surface thereof. It has a substantially flat or curved plate-shaped operation portion.

In the automatic sheet feeder according to this configuration, the automatic sheet feeder can be formed in a flat shape without providing an external projection.
In addition, by increasing the area of the separation pad operation section, the operation can be performed without directly confirming the position with the naked eye.

In the automatic paper feeder according to the sixth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the automatic paper feeder according to the third to fifth aspects,
Corresponding to the hook of the separation pad holder operation unit,
An opening is formed in the automatic sheet feeding device main body.

In the automatic sheet feeding apparatus according to this configuration, there is no need to provide a projection on the outside, and since it has a concave shape, the position can be easily confirmed even by groping, thereby facilitating the operation.

In the automatic paper feeder according to the seventh aspect, in addition to the configuration of the automatic paper feeder according to the first to sixth aspects,
A plurality of the separation pad holders are provided, and an interlocking unit that can simultaneously operate the plurality of separation pad holders is provided.

In the automatic paper feeder according to this configuration, even when a paper piece is sandwiched or entangled between the paper feed roller and the plurality of separation pads, each of the separation pad operation units is not operated separately, A plurality of separation pads can be separated from the paper feed roller by operating one operation unit with one touch with one finger.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the automatic sheet feeding apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the interlocking section connects the separation pad holders to each other. I do.

In the automatic paper feeder according to this configuration, all the separation pads can be separated from the paper feed roller with one finger, so that the jam processing can be extremely easily performed, and the number of parts is small and the structure is extremely simple. it can.

In the automatic paper feeder according to the ninth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the automatic paper feeder according to the first to eighth aspects,
The separation pad has a shape in which a downstream side in a sheet conveying direction of a contact portion of the separation pad with a sheet feeding roller has a bulging portion so as to bend the sheet along the sheet feeding roller side. I do.

In the automatic sheet feeding apparatus according to this configuration, the leading end of the sheet is bent upward by the bulging portion, enters the image forming apparatus, and contacts the upper part of the sheet insertion opening of the image forming apparatus to bend further downward. Therefore, the sheet can be sufficiently bent in a state in which the sheet has a sufficient space and is upwardly convex, and the deflection for correcting the skew of the sheet is reliably generated, and the skew correction can be correctly performed.

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment by referring to the drawings.

First, an outline of an automatic sheet feeder 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an outline of the external appearance of the automatic paper feeder 1. The automatic paper feeder 1 includes an image forming apparatus P
The printer is detachably mounted on the paper feed side of a portable small-sized inkjet printer. Body frame 8
Is a member which also has a main body case, is made of a plastic material, and has a horizontal angle of about 55
It is mounted obliquely upward, has a substantially rectangular box shape in front view in the Y direction in FIG. 1, and has a lower part slightly swelling forward. The automatic paper feeder 1 is separated from the image forming apparatus P, and a paper discharge port 84 is disposed below the main body frame 8 when viewed from the Y direction in FIG. Separation pad section 32 according to the invention
The operation unit 324 is disposed so as to be observable at two places from the outside.

As shown in FIG. 2, above the main body frame 8, there is disposed a paper placing section 2 for placing a plurality of sheets S of printing cut sheets, and a paper feed roller section 3 is provided below the sheet placing section 2. Be placed. A roller shaft driving unit 4 is provided on the right side of the paper feeding roller unit 3 in a front view.
Is provided. Further, an ink cartridge storage unit 5 for storing a spare ink cartridge 51 is disposed on the right side of the paper mounting unit 2 in a front view and above the roller shaft driving unit 4.

Next, the separation pad portion 32 which is a feature of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. The separation pad portion 32 below the sheet feeding roller 31 and the downstream side of the pressure plate 21 of the sheet placing portion 2 will be described. A separation pad 320 is provided immediately after the section. The separation pad 320 is supported by the holder 321 and the holder 32
The shape 1 is a substantially rectangular plate-like member, and a portion that comes into contact with the paper feed roller 31 forms a curved surface along the paper feed roller 31 according to the shape of the paper feed roller 31. The holder 321 supports the separation pad 320 at a position where it can come into contact with the paper feed roller 31, and can swing so as to be freely in a contact state or a non-contact state with the paper feed roller 31 or the collar 33. The support shaft 322 is pivotally attached to the main body frame 8. The holder 321 is urged toward the paper feed roller 31 by a spring 323 as urging means.
The separation pad 320 is made of a material having a high coefficient of friction such as rubber, and when two or more sheets are conveyed when the paper feed roller 31 conveys the sheet S, the sheet on the side of the separation pad 320 is separated by the separation pad 320. It is stopped by frictional force, thereby preventing double feeding of sheets. The length of the separation pad 320 in the paper width direction of the holder 321 is formed to be such a length as to face the left and right paper feed rollers 31 and the collar 33 as shown in FIG.

Next, the automatic paper feeder 1 according to the present embodiment
Will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 3, a paper placing portion lid 81 is pivotally supported on the paper placing portion 2 by a locking shaft 811 so as to be freely opened and closed. Further, when the paper placing portion lid 81 is opened, a projection-shaped locking stopper 813 for regulating the opening degree projects inward of the paper placing portion lid 81 at a position close to the locking shaft 811. Side plate 2 of the pressure plate 21
The opening degree of the sheet placing portion lid 81 is regulated by abutting the sheet placing portion 12. A paper insertion opening 83 is formed at the top of the paper mounting portion 2 so as to be an opening for inserting the paper S when the paper mounting portion lid 81 is closed.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the inside of the paper placing section 2 is the JIS, which is the maximum paper width used in the present embodiment.
A pressure plate 21 made of a rectangular plate-like member and having the same width as the U.S. letter size slightly wider than the A4 size and a length from the vicinity of the paper insertion opening 83 to the vicinity of the paper feed roller 31 is arranged. The pressure plate 21 is a bottom plate 21 that supports the paper from the back surface.
1 and side plates 212 for guiding wall-shaped paper from both side ends disposed on both sides of the bottom plate, and are supported by the body frame 8 near both ends of the paper insertion opening 83 by the pressure plate support shaft 213, and the paper feed roller 31 is provided. The sheet feed roller 3 is driven by a pressure plate spring 214 composed of two coil springs disposed on the back surface of the nearby pressure plate.
It is biased in one direction.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a side guide 23 slidable in the horizontal direction is provided on the left side of the pressure plate 21 when viewed from the front, as shown in FIGS. The bottom plate 231, which is a main part of the side guide 23,
Is formed of a rectangular thin plate member having a width of about 1/5 and a length of about two-thirds that of the pressure plate 21. The member is disposed in contact with the surface of the pressure plate 21 and has a wall at the left end of the bottom plate 231. The side wall 232 provided in the shape guides the sheet S side end. A connection port 236 forms a horizontal opening in the width direction in the bottom plate 211 of the pressure plate 21, and the side guide bottom plate 231 is formed through the connection port 236.
(Not shown) is connected to the slider 234. Press plate bottom plate 2
A ratchet rail 235 (not shown) is provided on the back surface of the sheet 11 so as to face horizontally in the sheet width direction. The slider 234 has ratchet pawls 237 (not shown) in the vertical direction, is guided by the ratchet rail 235, and is slidable in the horizontal direction.
Is slid in the horizontal direction on the surface of the pressure plate 21 guided by the slider 234. In the slider 234, the ratchet pawl 237 meshes with the teeth of the ratchet rail 235, and the side guide 23 is fixed at an arbitrary position.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the extension guide 6 has a pair of left and right extension guides 6R and 6L, each of which is pivotally supported at a corner. Hereinafter, the extension guide 6 will be described with reference to 6R on the right side in FIG. 2 as an example. When the bottom portion 61 is expanded to use the extension guide 6R as shown in FIG. 2, the entire upper left corner is cut off to form a pentagonal shape, and supports the sheet S from the back surface. . In addition, the bottom 61 is formed in the vicinity of the upper right corner, that is, on the upstream side in the sheet S transport direction, and a part of the end of the sheet S is formed in parallel with the square sheet surface to form a flat portion, and the other bottom is formed. The projection 611 is one step higher than the projection 611. A slope portion 612 is formed from the convex portion 611 so as to be continuous therearound, and a bottom portion 613 which is the lowest and is an L-shaped plane parallel to the sheet surface is formed below and to the left of the bottom portion 61.

A wall-shaped side guide wall 62 is provided to guide the paper S from the side around the entirety of the bottom 61 near the paper S end.
Are formed higher than the convex portion 611. On the back side of the side guide wall 62, a reinforcing portion 64, which is an annular hollow track-like projection (not shown), is provided.
It functions as a support member when the extension guide 6 is deployed. The side guide wall 62, the bottom portion 61, and the reinforcing portion 64 are continuously provided on the same plane at their outer ends to form a side wall 60.

The shaft support 63 is provided at the lower end of the reinforcing portion 64 so as to project in a two-stage cylindrical shape toward the rear surface. As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft support portion 63 is axially fixed from the outer back surface near both ends of the main body side peripheral edge 831 of the peripheral edge of the paper insertion opening 83 by a locking screw 631. Note that the extension guide 6L on the left side in the front view is formed similarly except that it is formed symmetrically with the extension guide 6R described above.

When the automatic paper feeder 1 is in use, the extension guide 6 is developed so as to extend substantially on the same plane as the pressure plate 21 on the upstream side in the transport direction of the paper S, as shown in FIG. When the sheet S is placed, both side edges of the sheet S are supported by the left and right convex portions 611 from the back surface, and a central portion of the sheet S in the sheet width direction is supported by the bottom portion 613. The central portion is located in a space above the gap between the left and right extension guides. Therefore, the extension guide 6 supports the upstream portion of the sheet S in a curved state so as to protrude downward.

When the extension guide 6 is carried, as shown at 6R in FIG. In this case, the bottom 61 of the extension guide 60 is
As described above, the pentagonal shape with the corners cut out allows the pentagonal shape to be accommodated without interfering with each other even if the pentagonal shape is rotated for storage. The stored bottom portion 61 is stacked on the pressure plate 21, and the side wall 60 is stored in the paper insertion opening 83. In this case, as described above, the end portions of the side guide wall 62, the bottom portion 61, and the reinforcing portion 64 are aligned on the same plane, and these are integrally configured to form the side wall 60, and serve as a lid for the paper insertion slot 83. Function. The stored extension guide 6 is a side guide wall 6.
The two ends are in close contact with the lid side peripheral edge 832 and the ends of the reinforcing portions 64 are in close contact with the main body side peripheral edge 831, respectively, so as to prevent entry of foreign matter from the outside. Further, the stored extension guide 6 is locked by a stopper 813 projecting in a semi-cylindrical shape on the main body side peripheral edge 831, thereby preventing undesired deployment and preventing the extension guide 6 from popping out when carrying. In.

In order to deploy the stored extension guide 6 again, it is possible to easily deploy the extension guide 6 by opening the sheet placing portion lid 81.

As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed roller 31 is located near the center of the downstream side of the pressure plate 21 in the paper S transport direction, which is closer to the center about one third in the paper width direction from the side edge of the paper S. To 2
And is provided so as to rotate integrally with the paper feed roller shaft 34. The paper feed roller 31 is provided so as to be in contact with the pressure plate 21 on the surface of the paper S on the downstream side in the transport direction. The paper feed roller 31 has a circumferential contact surface 312 that can contact the paper S with a high friction coefficient, and a paper S
Non-contact surfaces 313 and 31 composed of two planes that do not contact the
4 and has a substantially D-shaped side cross section. As shown in FIG. 2, on both sides of the left and right paper feed rollers 31, a color 33 made of a plastic having a low friction coefficient with respect to the paper S for preventing the paper S from bending is supplied. It is loosely fitted on the roller shaft 34. The outer radius of the collar 33 is slightly smaller than the outer radius of the contact surface 312 of the paper feed roller 31 and slightly larger than the distance between the non-contact surface 313 and the center of rotation. Therefore, when the contact surface 312 of the paper feed roller 31 faces the paper S, the paper feed roller 31 directly contacts the paper S, and when the non-contact surface 313 of the paper feed roller 31 faces, The paper feed roller 31 cannot make direct contact and the collar 33 comes into contact. The portion of the pressure plate 21 where the paper feed roller 31 and the collar 33 come into contact with the pressure plate 21 is a part of the paper feed roller 31 when the paper S runs out.
Is provided with a pressure plate pad 216 made of a thin sheet of cork material having a moderate coefficient of friction to prevent slippage of the sheet S and excessive slippage of the sheet S.

Here, the separation pad section 32 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. As described above, the separation pad 320 is provided immediately below the pressure plate 21 in contact with the paper feed roller 31, and the holder 321 provided with the separation pad 320 is provided. The holder 321 is pivotally supported by the support shaft 322 so that the separation pad 320 can contact and separate from the paper feed roller 31 and can be separated therefrom. The holder 321 is urged toward the paper feed roller 31 by a spring 323. I have. Therefore, when the paper S is between the paper feed roller 31 and the separation pad 320, the paper S is normally sandwiched between the separation pad 320 and either the contact surface 312 of the paper feed roller 31 or the collar 33. Further, the sheet feeding roller 31 and the separation pad 320
Is made of a material having a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, so that the sheet S sandwiched therebetween cannot be easily pulled out.

Here, since the holder 321 is rotatable and the holder downstream portion 321c is exposed to the outside and formed as an operating portion 324, a finger is put on the operating portion 324 and pushed upward in FIG. For example, the separation pad 320 rotates clockwise in FIG. 5 against the urging force of the spring 323 with the support shaft 322 as a fulcrum, and separates the contact surface 312 of the paper feed roller 31 from the separation pad 320. Can be
The paper S and the like sandwiched therebetween can be easily removed.

In the present embodiment, the operating section 324 has a shape in which the end of the downstream portion 321c of the holder 321 is bent downward as shown in FIGS. Various shapes can be adopted.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a projection 326 may be provided as the operation section 324 so that a finger can be easily put on the operation section 324 to improve operability. In this case, not only the finger is easily caught and the operation is facilitated, but also the position can be known only by touching, thereby eliminating the need for visual confirmation and improving the operability.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the end of the bent downstream portion 321c of the holder 321 is further extended downward to increase the area of the exposed surface, and a non-slip 327 or the like is processed there. It is also desirable to have a shape in which an opening is provided in the main body frame 8 corresponding to the above. In this shape, there is no projection 326, and there is no damage by being caught on other objects, and since it has a large area, it can be touched with a finger without visually confirming the position. , The operability is improved. Especially,
The operability can be further improved by applying a non-slip process 327 to this portion. As shown in FIG. 8, the shape of the holder 321 is the same as that of the present embodiment. It is also desirable to provide an opening 328 for insertion and operation. This shape does not have the above-mentioned problem because there are no protrusions.
8, it is extremely easy to push up the operation unit 324 upward with a finger, and the operability is high. Also in this case, the position can be confirmed by touching with a finger without visual observation. No special parts are required.

Furthermore, the number of separation pads 320 is arbitrary. However, when a plurality of separation pads 320 are arranged, it is troublesome to operate each operation section 324. Because it is necessary for
It is desirable that the holder 321 of the separation pad can be operated with one hand. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, it is desirable to provide a push-up member 325 that pushes up the holders 321 of the plurality of separation pads in conjunction with one member. Further, the respective separation pad holders 321 are connected to each other,
What is constituted as one separation pad holder is also desirable because of easy operation. In this case, it is necessary to use a material having elasticity so as not to impair the function as the original separation pad, and it is required to have elasticity so as not to restrict mutual fine movement.

Next, the downstream portion 321c of the holder 321 is provided with a swollen portion 329 that curves the leading end of the sheet S to be conveyed upward. Since the sheet S has its own elasticity, it tends to return to a flat surface if left unattended. Therefore, the leading end of the sheet S being conveyed by the sheet feeding roller 31 is
As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet slides on the separation pad 320 and the holder 321 while moving the leading end of the sheet in the α direction.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10A, a bulging portion 329 having a bulging portion is provided in the downstream portion 321c of the holder, and the leading end of the sheet S is curved upward along the bulging portion 329. It is.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the pressure plate cam 35 has a rod-like projection shape having a V-shaped concave portion at its tip, and is mounted around the roller shaft 34. At the downstream ends of the left and right side plates 212 of the pressure plate 21, a triangular protruding pressure plate follower 215 is provided, and the pressure plate follower 215 is disposed so as to be pressed against the paper feed cam 35. I'm done. Paper feed cam 3
5, the non-contact surface 313 of the paper feed roller 31 is in contact with the pressure plate pad 216 and the non-contact surface 314 of the paper feed roller 31
Are pressed against the pressure plate follower 215 when they come to positions facing the separation pad 320, respectively, and the pressure plate follower 215 is fitted into the recess at the tip. When the pressure plate follower 215 is pressed, the pressure plate 21 swings downward, and the paper feed roller 31 and the collar 33 form a gap with respect to the pressure plate pad 216. Further, the separation pad 32 faces the non-contact surface 314 of the paper feed roller 31, but since the outer periphery of the collar 33 is located outside as described above, the separation pad 320 is It is in contact.

In the following description, the state in which the paper feed cam 35 and the pressure plate follower 215 are fitted is called an initial phase,
The state in which the paper feed cam 35 is disengaged from the pressure plate follower 215 is called a rotation phase.

In the case of the rotation phase, the outer circumference of the contact surface 312 of the paper feed roller 31 has a larger radius than the outer circumference of the collar 33 as described above. Does not contact the paper S.

The roller shaft 34 is rotatably supported by a bearing plate 49 made of a thin iron plate screwed to the main body frame 8. A feed roller gear 48 is provided at an end of the roller shaft 34 supported by the bearing plate 49 on the right side in front view, and is driven by a drive motor and a transmission gear mechanism (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus P. The applied driving force is transmitted to the power transmission gear 41 of the automatic paper feeding device 1, and the driving force is transmitted to the paper feeding roller gear 48 via the roller shaft driving unit 4 to drive the roller shaft 34.

The roller shaft driving section 4 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, a gear A41, which is a power transmission gear protected by a gear protection plate 86 from a hole opened in the main body frame 8, protrudes outward. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the conveying roller gear P11 of the image forming apparatus P
Is provided with a driving force by a drive motor and a transmission gear mechanism (not shown). The automatic paper feeder 1 includes an image forming apparatus P using a leg locking hook 73 and a main body locking hook 85 described later.
The gear A41, which is a power transmission gear, and the conveying roller gear P11 mesh with each other to
1 is transmitted to the gear A41, and the gear A
Reference numeral 41 rotates in a forward direction F or a reverse direction R.

From the gear A41, a large gear B 42a,
The driving force is transmitted to the small gear B 42b, the large gear C 43a, and the small gear C 43b, the speed is reduced, and transmitted to the outside of the gear D 44a. A gear D inner 44b having the same diameter and the same number of teeth is continuously provided coaxially with the gear D outer 44a, and a pendulum gear E45, which is a planetary gear, is disposed on the gear D outer 44a. Is disposed.

Here, the direction in which the sheet is fed in the transport direction by the registration roller P1 of the image forming apparatus P is defined as the forward direction.
If the transport roller gear P11 rotates in the reverse direction, the gear A41 rotates in the R direction in FIG. Then, the outside of the gear D 44a and the inside of the gear D 4
4b rotates to the left, and the pendulum gear E45 rotates to the position of 45a and meshes with the gear F46. On the other hand, the pendulum gear G47 is rotated to the position 47b, and comes to a position where the engagement with the paper feed roller gear 48 is released.

Conversely, the registration roller P of the image forming apparatus P
1 rotates in the forward direction to feed the paper in the transport direction, the gear A
Reference numeral 41 denotes a rotation in the F direction in FIG. Then, the outside of the gear D 44a and the inside of the gear D 44
b rotates clockwise, and the pendulum gear E45 rotates to the position of 45b and disengages from the gear F46.
On the other hand, the pendulum gear G47 is rotationally moved to the position 47a and is at a position where it meshes with the paper feed roller gear 48. The feed roller gear 48 is provided with teeth all around so as to always mesh with the gear F46, but the surface meshing with the pendulum gear G47 has an intermittent portion 48 without teeth at a position as shown in FIG.
One.

Therefore, when rotating in the reverse direction, the driving force is constantly meshed with the feed roller gear 48 from the pendulum gear E45a via the gear F46, so that it always rotates clockwise in FIG. Driving force is transmitted to rotate the roller in the paper transport direction. However, in the case of rotating in the forward direction, even if the driving force is transmitted from the pendulum gear G47 to the paper feed roller gear 48, if the paper feed roller gear 48 rotates and the meshing portion comes to the intermittent portion 481, the pendulum gear will be subsequently rotated. No matter how much G47 rotates, the rotation of the feed roller gear 48 stops. The position where this rotation stops is in the state of the initial phase described above. That is, in the case of forward rotation, the paper feed roller 31 is in a state where the paper feed cam 35 and the pressure plate follower 215 are fitted, and the pressure plate follower 215
1 is pressed and swings downward, the rotation of the paper feed roller 31 stops at the position where the non-contact surface 313 and the pressure plate pad 216 face each other, and the paper feed roller 31 and the collar 33 move with respect to the pressure plate pad 216. Creates gaps. Also, the separation pad 32
0 faces the non-contact surface 314 of the paper feed roller 31, and the separation pad 32 comes into contact with the collar 33.

The ink cartridge 51 used in the image forming apparatus P of this embodiment is of an ink jet type using liquid ink, and has a built-in liquid ink in the cartridge. The cartridge 51 is a bag in which a bag-shaped ink bag is placed in a plastic case, and the ink cartridge storage section 5 is formed in a size that can fit the case.
Can be stored in two.

As shown in FIG. 1, at the bottom of the automatic paper feeder 1, an elongated, slightly elastic synthetic resin plate-like leg 7 connects the shaft support 72 to the leg locking screw 87. As a result, it is axially fixed to the main body frame 8 and is pivotally supported on the bottom surface of the main body frame 8 so as to rotate horizontally. As shown in FIG. 6, when the leg 7 is rotated and deployed so as to intersect the longitudinal direction of the leg 7 substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction (paper width direction) of the automatic paper feeder 1, the support portion 71 is expanded. Is extended rearward of the vertical position below the center of gravity of the automatic paper feeder, supports the weight of the automatic paper feeder 1, and makes the automatic paper feeder 1 stand alone. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6, the distal end of the supporting portion 71 is a rectangular plate-shaped protruding portion which is directed upward by about 45 degrees from the direction in which the leg portion 7 is unfolded. A stopper 74 is provided. The front end of the leg 7 has a hook 73 as a claw-shaped protrusion on the top surface of the tip. If the longitudinal direction of the leg 7 is rotated in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the automatic sheet feeder 1, the leg is stored under the bottom of the main body, so that a hindrance does not occur when the portable device is carried. In the case of storage, since the stopper 74 is provided, the rotation of the leg is restricted at the exactly stored angle. In addition, when pulling out the leg 7, it can be caused by putting a finger on the stopper 74.

As shown in FIG. 1, the main body frame 8 has two locking hooks 85 at both ends of the sheet feeding roller unit 3 and the roller shaft driving unit 4. The locking hook 85 has a concave portion below and is made of an iron thin plate having a hook-like tip. A protruding portion is provided on a part of a bearing plate 49 of the roller shaft 34 described later, and is formed by penetrating the main body frame 8. Things.

The automatic paper feeder 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus P as follows. The leg 7 is brought close to the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 1 while being rotated in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the main body bottom. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking hook 85 is inserted into the locking portion P6 provided in the image forming apparatus P, and the hook-like portion at the tip of the locking hook 85 is hooked on the locking portion P6. And fix it. Further, the locking hook 73 at the tip of the leg 7 is bent downward by utilizing the elasticity of the leg, and the projection of the locking hook 73 is fitted into the concave portion of the locking portion P7 of the image forming apparatus P. To stop. When the automatic paper feeder 1 is mounted on the image forming apparatus P as described above, the paper discharge port 84 of the automatic paper feeder 1 communicates with the paper insertion port P8 of the image forming apparatus P, and The conveyance roller gear P11 meshes with the power transmission gear A of the automatic paper feeder 1 and is fixed.

The operation when the automatic paper feeder 1 according to the present embodiment is mounted on the image forming apparatus P will be described below. First, the sheet placement unit cover 81 is opened to extend the extension guide 6, and the right side end of the predetermined number of sheets S in a front view is brought into contact with the side plate 212 of the pressure plate 21, and the width of the sheet S is adjusted to the sheet width. Then, the side guide 23 is slid so that the side wall 232 of the side guide 23 comes into contact with the other sheet side end. The leading end of the sheet is inserted into the sheet placing section 2 along the bottom plate 211 of the pressure plate 21. At this time, the leading end of the sheet S is set in contact with the upper end of the separation pad holder 321.

When predetermined image information is input to the image forming apparatus P, a drive motor (not shown) rotates according to a command from a controller (not shown) of the image forming apparatus P. In the case of the present embodiment, the drive motor is first set to the registration roller P1.
Is driven to rotate in the direction opposite to the sheet conveying direction.
The rotation of the drive motor rotates the transport roller gear P11 in the reverse direction via a power transmission mechanism (not shown), and the gear A4
1 is a clockwise clockwise rotation in FIG. 11 which is a right side cross section. Then, the outside 44a of the gear D and the inside 44b of the gear D rotate counterclockwise, and the pendulum gear E45 becomes
It rotates to the position 45a and meshes with the gear F46.
The pendulum gear G47 is rotated to the position 47b and comes to a position where the engagement with the paper feed roller gear 48 is released. Therefore, the driving force is transmitted from the pendulum gear E45a to the gear F46.
The driving force is always transmitted to the paper feed roller gear 48 via the .RTM. So as to rotate rightward in the drawing of FIG. 11, that is, rotate the paper feed roller 31 in the paper transport direction.

The paper feed roller 31 is initially in the initial phase, and the paper feed roller 31 is connected to the paper feed cam 35 and the pressure plate follower 2.
15 is pressed by the pressure plate follower 215 in a state in which the pressure roller 21 is
Reference numeral 1 denotes a position where the non-contact surface 313 and the pressure plate pad 216 face each other. The paper feed roller 31 and the collar 33 have a gap with respect to the pressure plate pad 216, and the printing paper S is stacked thereon. Further, the separation pad 320 faces the non-contact surface 314 of the paper feed roller 31,
Is in contact with the collar 33. Paper feed roller 31
With the rotation of, the paper feed roller 31 becomes the rotation phase. That is, the contact surface 312 of the paper feed roller 31 contacts the paper, and the collar 33 does not contact the paper surface. A large number of uppermost sheets S in contact with the contact surface are conveyed by the contact surface 312 of the paper feed roller 31, but the second and subsequent sheets are prevented from being conveyed by friction of the separation pad 320. Remain on the sheet placement unit 2 as it is. The transported single sheet S is carried into the image forming apparatus P from the sheet discharge port 84 of the automatic sheet feeding apparatus 1 through the sheet insertion port P8 of the image forming apparatus P. When the leading end of the conveyed sheet S reaches the registration roller P1 of the image forming apparatus P, the registration roller P1 is rotating in the opposite direction to the conveyance direction, so that the leading end of the sheet S is located between the registration roller P1 and the driven roller P2. The paper S is bent, but the paper S is bent and the leading end of the paper S is pressed uniformly against the registration roller P1 to correct the skew of the S paper.

In this skew correction, the separation pad 320
Since the holder 321 has the bulging portion 329, the following operation is provided. The bulging portion 329 curves the leading end of the sheet S upward against the elasticity of the sheet itself. And FIG.
As shown in (A), the leading end of the sheet S curved upward contacts the upper peripheral edge β of the sheet insertion port P8 of the image forming apparatus P. The leading edge of the sheet is curved downward by being guided by the periphery of the sheet insertion port P8. In this case, the holder 321
The paper S is supported by the lower portion of
The tip of the sheet S further enters the inside of the image forming apparatus P while curving upwardly. Then, the leading end of the sheet S reaches the registration roller P1. The registration roller P1 is a sheet S
Is rotated by a controller (not shown) in a direction opposite to the transport direction. The leading end of the sheet S being conveyed to the paper feed roller 31 is prevented from entering by the registration roller P1 and the driven roller P2 that follows the registration roller P1, and stops at the position of the registration roller P1 and the driven roller P2. However, in the upstream direction of the sheet S, the sheet feeding roller 31 continuously transports the sheet in the forward direction, so that the sheet S is bent by the surplus sheet at the intermediate position. In this case, FIG.
As shown in (B), the sheet S is already bent upward at this location due to the bulging portion 329. Therefore, even when the sheet S is bent, the sheet S bends at this position and in a state where it is upwardly bent. Occurs. Since a space can be provided above the bulging portion 329, the sheet S is sufficiently bent with a margin.
Even if the paper S enters the printer in a skew direction during that time, the leading ends of the paper S are aligned at the position of the registration roller P1. The registration roller P1 is controlled by a controller (not shown).
Is rotated in the forward direction, the leading end of the sheet S is simultaneously sandwiched between the registration roller P1 and the driven roller P2, and straightly enters the image forming apparatus P in a state where the skew is corrected. Are formed in the correct posture.

On the other hand, the separation pad holder 321
When the sheet S is not provided, the leading end of the sheet S similarly enters the sheet insertion port P8 of the image forming apparatus P from the separation pad holder 321 and is prevented from proceeding by the registration roller P1 as described above. At this time, since the sheet S does not have the swollen portion 329, the holder downstream portion 321c is in a state of protruding downward due to the elasticity of the sheet S itself. However, it is not possible to structurally allow the sheet S to be bent below.
Therefore, when the sheet S is conveyed from the sheet feeding roller 31 from the rear by the advance of the leading end being hindered by the registration roller P1, the sheet S is placed near the sheet insertion port P8 of the image forming apparatus P or near the registration roller P1. In this case, the sheet S bends, and if the sheet S bends in these places, there is no room for absorbing the sheet S, so that the sheet S causes a jam.

That is, by providing the bulging portion 329, it is possible to prevent the above-described jam.

When the skew correction is completed, the paper sensor
(Not shown), the drive motor (not shown) reverses and changes the rotation direction from the reverse direction to the forward direction. When rotating in the forward direction, the driving force from the pendulum gear G47
8, the paper feed roller gear 48 meshed with the pendulum gear G47 rotates the paper in the transport direction in the same manner as in the reverse rotation, and the paper feed roller 31 continuously transports the paper.
The sheet is jammed between the registration roller P1 and the driven roller P2 of the image forming apparatus P rotating in the forward direction, and is conveyed. When the paper feed roller gear 48 rotates and the meshing portion comes to the intermittent portion 481, the meshing of the pendulum gear G with the paper feed roller gear 48 is released, and the rotation of the paper feed roller gear 48 even if the pendulum gear G47 rotates. Stops. The rotation of the paper feed roller gear 48 stops when the above-described initial phase is reached, and the paper feed roller 31 leaves contact with the paper S and stops rotating. The sheet is conveyed by a P registration roller P1. Further, when the sheet S reaches a predetermined printing position, the position is detected by a second sheet sensor (not shown), and a carrier P5 having a print head P51 is guided by a guide from a controller (not shown) by a guide rod. P52, guide rail P
Printing on paper is started while moving while being guided by 53.
After the predetermined printing is completed, the sheet is transported until the sheet S is discharged from the sheet discharge port P9 according to a command from a controller (not shown).

Here, the operation when the paper is jammed will be described. First, in the case where the paper S placed on the paper loading unit 2 is jammed during transportation and jammed, the paper loading unit lid 81 is opened,
If the jammed sheet can be seen, the sheet is pulled out from the sheet tray 2.

If the jammed sheet cannot be seen, or if the sheet is broken by the above-described method and fragments remain inside, the automatic sheet feeding device 1 is removed from the image forming apparatus P, The jammed sheet is pulled out from the sheet discharge port 84 of the automatic sheet feeder 1. In this case, pulling out the jammed sheet from the sheet discharge port 84 from the structure of the separation pad section 32 works by compressing the sheet because the positional relationship of the fulcrum of the separation pad 320 and the coefficient of friction are high, It must be pulled out with an extremely large force, and the mechanisms of the paper feed roller 31 and the separation pad 32 may be damaged. Therefore, the operation unit 32 of the separation pad holder 321
The paper that has been jammed by a safe and small force without giving excessive force to the mechanism of the paper feed roller 31 and the separation pad part 32 without giving excessive force to the mechanism of the paper feed roller 31 and the separation pad part 32 by pulling out the paper while pushing up the paper 4 Paper can be eliminated without further fragmentation of the paper.

Since the present embodiment has the above-described configuration, the following effects are produced.

That is, without using any sensors or actuators, and without requiring any power, it has an extremely simple structure, and does not impair the portability of a detachable portable automatic paper feeder. You can clear the jam with a simple operation.

As described above, the present invention has been described based on one embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. What is possible can easily be inferred.

For example, the image forming apparatus P is not limited to an ink jet printer, but may be a thermal printer.

The difference in the structure of the separation pad section 32 is as follows.
The present invention can be applied not only to a well-known device but also to a device in which a separation pad holder is pivotally mounted, and a device that moves in parallel.

[0074]

As is apparent from the above description, the automatic paper feeder according to the first aspect is an automatic paper feeder that is detachable from the image forming apparatus, and is a paper loading device for loading a plurality of papers. And a paper feed roller that transports the paper one sheet at a time to the image forming apparatus, and separation that is urged by urging means to abut on the paper feed roller and prevent double feeding of the paper by a frictional force. A pad, a separation pad holder that supports the separation pad, and is disposed so as to partially expose the outside of the automatic sheet feeding device main body, and the part of the separation pad holder, which is directly operated from the outside. A separation pad holder operating section for moving the separation pad to a position where the separation pad does not come into contact with the paper feed roller, so that the paper is caught or entangled between the paper feed roller and the separation pad having a high friction coefficient. Scraps of paper Even if it is difficult to remove the jam, it is easy to operate the separation pad holder directly from the outside, there is a gap between the paper feed roller and the separation pad, and the paper piece can be easily removed. Has the effect of enabling jam processing.

In the structure, it is only necessary to expose a part of the separation pad so as to be operable to the outside, and the structure is extremely small and simple. Does not impair portability.

In the automatic paper feeder according to the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the automatic paper feeder according to the first aspect, the separation can be performed only when the automatic paper feeder is separated from the image forming apparatus. The pad holder operation section is exposed outside the main body of the automatic paper feeder, so it is not touched except during jam clearance. Are exposed by separating them, and at this time, the separation pad operation unit is exposed to be operable to the outside, so that there is an effect that the jam processing can be facilitated.

In the automatic paper feeder according to the third aspect, in addition to the effects of the automatic paper feeder according to the first and second aspects, the separation pad holder operating section is provided with a hook for hooking a finger. Because of the feature, the operation of the separation pad for performing the jam processing can be easily performed because the finger is easily put on the separation pad.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the third aspect, the hook of the separation pad holder operating portion has a projection. This makes it easier for your fingers to hook
In particular, there is an effect that it is easy to operate in a direction where the user can find the place even by groping and pull it down.

In the automatic paper feeder according to the fifth aspect, in addition to the effects of the automatic paper feeder according to the first to fourth aspects, the separation pad holder has a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional shape as viewed from the paper width direction. In such a manner, for the separation pad, the separation pad holder operation section is provided, and the separation pad holder operation section has a substantially flat or curved plate-shaped operation section on its surface, It is also possible to form a flat shape without providing a projection on the outside, and by increasing the area of the separation pad operation part, there is an effect that operation can be performed without directly checking the position by visual observation. .

In the automatic paper feeder according to the sixth aspect, in addition to the advantageous effects of the automatic paper feeder according to the third to fifth aspects, the automatic paper feeder according to the present invention, Since the opening is formed in the automatic sheet feeding device main body, even if the automatic sheet feeding device is separated without the need to provide a projection outside, it can be hit without being caught on other things unnecessarily. No damage. In addition, since the shape is concave, the position can be easily confirmed even by groping, and the operation can be performed reliably and easily.

In the automatic paper feeder according to the seventh aspect, in addition to the automatic paper feeder according to the first to sixth aspects, a plurality of the separation pad holders are arranged, and the plurality of the separation pad holders are arranged. It has an interlocking part that can operate the separation pad holder at the same time, so even if a paper piece is pinched or entangled between the paper feed roller and multiple separation pads, each separation pad operation part is separated. By operating one operation unit with one finger with one touch without operating the device, the separation pads can be separated from the paper feed roller, so that the jamming process can be easily performed with the other hand that is not used. This has the effect.

In the automatic paper feeder according to the eighth aspect, in addition to the effect of the automatic paper feeder according to the seventh aspect, the interlocking unit may
The separation pad holders are connected to each other, so that all the separation pads can be separated from the paper feed roller with one finger, so that not only the effect that the jam processing becomes extremely easy but also the parts There is also an effect that the number is small and the structure is extremely simple.

Further, in the automatic paper feeder according to the ninth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the automatic paper feeder according to the first to eighth aspects, the contact portion of the separation pad with the paper feed roller on the paper side surface is provided. Since the downstream side of the sheet in the sheet transport direction has a shape having a bulging portion so as to bend the sheet along the paper feed roller side, the sheet leading end is curved upward by the bulging portion, and the image is formed. In order to enter the forming device and contact the upper part of the paper insertion slot of the image forming device and bend further downward,
Since the sheet can be sufficiently bent upward to have a sufficient space, and does not bend downward due to the swollen portion, the deflection for correcting the skew of the sheet is reliably generated, and the skew correction is performed. Can be performed correctly. Therefore, there is an effect that the jam due to the failure of the skew correction can be prevented beforehand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing an external appearance of an automatic sheet feeding apparatus 1 according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example in which a separation pad holder 321 is connected in a view from the Y direction in FIG. 1 of the automatic sheet feeding device 1 in which a sheet placing portion lid and an upper portion of a main body case are omitted.

FIG. 3 includes a separation pad section 32 of the automatic sheet feeder 1.
3 is a cross-sectional view from the X direction in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the separation pad section 32 in a state where the separation pad 320 is in contact with a collar 33.

FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the separation pad portion 32 in a state where the separation pad 320 is not in contact with the collar 33.

FIG. 6 shows a projection 326 on the separation pad holder operation unit 324.
It is a figure showing the example which has.

FIG. 7 is an operating section 32 of an L-shaped separation pad holder.
4 is a diagram illustrating an example of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example in which an opening 328 is provided in the main body of the automatic sheet feeding apparatus 1 near the separation pad holder operation section 324.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state of a sheet S in a case where a separation pad 320 does not have a swollen portion 329.

FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating a state in which a sheet S enters when a separation pad 320 has a bulging portion 329. FIG. (B) is a diagram illustrating a bent state of the sheet S when the separation pad 320 has a bulged portion 329.

11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the roller shaft driving unit 4 from the X direction in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic paper feeder 2 Paper loading part 3 Paper feed roller part 31 Paper feed roller 32 Separation pad part 320 Separation pad 321 Separation pad holder 323 Spring (biasing means) 324 Operation part 325 Push-up member 326 Projection part 327 Slip stop 328 Opening part 329 Bulging part 4 Roller shaft driving part 5 Ink cartridge storage part 6 Extension guide 7 Leg part 8 Main body frame 81 Paper placing part cover P Image forming device S Paper

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An automatic paper feeder detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus, comprising: a paper mounting section for mounting a plurality of papers; and a paper feed roller for conveying the papers one by one to the image forming apparatus. A separation pad which is urged by an urging means to abut on the paper feed roller and prevent double feeding of the paper by a frictional force; and supports the separation pad, and a part is provided outside the automatic paper feeder main body. A separation pad holder disposed so as to be exposed, and a separation pad holder that is a part of the separation pad holder and moves the separation pad to a position where the separation pad does not contact the paper feed roller by directly operating from outside. An automatic paper feeder comprising an operation unit. 2. The automatic paper feeder according to claim 1, wherein the separation pad holder operation unit is exposed outside the automatic paper feeder main body only when the automatic paper feeder is separated from the image forming apparatus. Paper feeder. 3. The automatic sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the separation pad holder operation unit has a hook for hooking a finger. 4. The automatic sheet feeding device according to claim 3, wherein the hook of the separation pad holder operation unit has a projection. 5. The separation pad holder operating section is provided with respect to the separation pad so that the separation pad holder has a substantially L-shaped cross section when viewed from the paper width direction. The automatic paper feeder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the surface of the automatic paper feeder has a substantially flat or curved plate-shaped operation portion. 6. The automatic paper feeder body according to claim 3, wherein an opening is formed in the main body of the automatic paper feeder corresponding to the hook of the separation pad holder operation unit. Automatic paper feeder as described. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the separation pad holders are arranged, and an interlocking part is provided which can simultaneously operate the plurality of separation pad holders. Automatic paper feeder as described. 8. The automatic sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the interlocking section connects the separation pad holders to each other. 9. A downstream side in a sheet conveying direction of a contact portion of the separation pad with a sheet feeding roller on a sheet side surface of the separation pad has a shape having a bulging portion to bend the sheet along the sheet feeding roller side. 9. The automatic sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein