An arrangement is provided such that a pad pressing means for pressing a separation pad against a pick roller is formed in a reverse U-shape, and a pressing spring for pressing the pad pressing means to press the separation pad against the pick roller is provided on a central portion of the pad pressing means.The pad pressing means is structured so as to have a rotating fulcrum to be rotatable back and forth with respect to a rotating direction of the pick roller about a connecting portion of the pad pressing means for connection to the pressing spring.To ensure that a large load will not be applied to the entire pad pressing means when thick paper or the like is fed, a rotating arm may be provided so that the entire pressing means including the pad pressing means is rotatable about a predetermined position set at the rotating fulcrum which is the connecting portion for connection to the pressing spring.