Sheet feeding device

Abstract

When sheets were fed using a needle designed to prevent double feeding, fine paper dust generated by being caught on the tip of the needle, as well as torn paper fragments, could interfere with the function of downstream functional components. [Solution] The device includes a needle 51 whose tip contacts the upper surface of multiple sheets P loaded on a loading platform, and sensors and rollers that function with respect to the sheets P1 during the transport of the fed sheets P1. The needle 51 is positioned differently from the sensors and rollers in the width direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet feeding device.

Background Art

[0002] Sheet feeding devices that separate and feed out the topmost sheet one by one from a bundle of a plurality of sheets stacked on a stacking unit are widely used. As a mechanism for separating and feeding out sheets one by one, various known mechanisms are used. For example, a pressing plate formed of urethane or the like is pressed against a feeding roller formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and by utilizing the difference in frictional force generated between sheets, between the sheet and the feeding roller, and between the sheet and the pressing plate, only the topmost sheet is fed out and the next sheet is not fed out. In addition to such a structure, needles are set upright with their tips facing upward on the upper surface of the stacked sheets, and the next sheet is caught and locked by the tips of the needles, so that even under adverse conditions such as when the sheets are particularly strongly adhered to each other, the sheets can be surely separated and fed one by one (for example, Utility Model Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] Utility Model Document 1: Utility Model Registration No. 3121541, Paragraphs 0004 - 0005, FIGS. 5, 6

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when such needles are used, the topmost sheet is fed while being scratched by the tips of the needles, so that fine paper powder generated by the scratching or pieces of torn paper may interfere with the functions of the functional members on the downstream side.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in such a situation, and an exemplary object of one aspect thereof is to provide a sheet feeding device and a needle unit that do not cause interference to functional members due to paper powder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A sheet feeding device according to one aspect of the present invention, for solving the above-mentioned problems, In a sheet feeding device that separates and feeds one sheet from among multiple sheets loaded on a loading platform, A needle whose tip contacts the upper surface of the sheet on the loading platform, In the feeding of a sheet or the transport of a fed sheet, a functional member that functions with respect to the sheet, Having The needle is positioned in a width direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction, at a different location from the functional member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, there is an effect of obtaining a sheet feeding device that does not cause any damage to functional components due to paper dust. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic front view showing the collating device 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an external view showing the collation set S created by the collation device 1. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the feeding mechanism 2. [Figure 4] This is a top view of the feeding mechanism 2. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the needle unit 50. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, based on preferred embodiments. The embodiments are illustrative and not limiting, and not all features or combinations thereof described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the disclosure. The same or equivalent components, members, and processes shown in each drawing will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, the dimensions of members in each drawing will be enlarged or reduced as appropriate for ease of understanding. Also, some members that are not important for explaining the embodiments will be omitted in each drawing. In this disclosure, "feeding" means driving and feeding the sheet. "Sheet feeding direction" means the direction in which the sheet is fed, and "upstream side" and "downstream side" mean the upstream side and downstream side with respect to the direction in which the sheet is fed. "Width direction" means the direction parallel to the sheet surface and perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction. In this disclosure, "paper dust" includes paper that has been shaved into powder and paper that has been torn into fragments.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing a collating device 1 according to the present invention, and Figure 2 is an external view showing a collated set S produced by this collating device 1. As shown in Figure 2, this collated set S has a form in which a bundle of multiple sheets is sandwiched inside a single folded sheet.

[0011] In the collating device 1, ten feeding mechanisms 2a to 2j are arranged on the left side and ten feeding mechanisms 2k to 2t are arranged on the right side, stacked vertically (first feeding section), as shown in Figure 1. Feeding mechanisms 2a to 2j and feeding mechanisms 2k to 2t are identical in structure but mounted in opposite directions. Below the feeding mechanisms 2a to 2j on the left side of Figure 1, a folding feeding mechanism 3 is positioned. Frames 15 and 16 are erected on the front and back sides of Figure 1, respectively, and each feeding mechanism 2 is supported by these frames 15 and 16 between them.

[0012] The top sheet P1 of the sheet bundle P loaded on the feeding mechanism 2 is separated from the sheet bundle P and sent to the sheet transport path 6. A vertical transport path 7 is provided in the center of the collating device 1. In the vertical transport path 7, vertical transport rollers 71 and 72 that grip the sheets P1 sent out from each feeding mechanism 2 transport the sheets from top to bottom. All sheet transport paths 6 extending from each feeding mechanism 2 converge into the vertical transport path 7. Each feeding mechanism 2 sends out sheets at a timing such that the leading edges of the sheets P1 they have sent out align when they converge in the vertical transport path 7. The sheets sent out one by one from each feeding mechanism 2 are stacked on top of each other as they move along the vertical transport path 7.

[0013] The sheet fed from the folding feeding mechanism 3 is transported to the right in the diagram along the folding transport path 8, and its tip comes into contact with the folding stopper 9. The lower end of the vertical transport path 7 faces above the folding transport path 8, and the sheet that comes into contact with the folding stopper 9 stops so as to block the lower end of the vertical transport path 7. Then the folding knife 10 is driven and the sheet that is stopped in contact with the folding stopper 9 is wrapped around the folding roller 11 and folded in half, and the bundle of sheets P1 that have come down the vertical transport path 7 is placed inside the folded sheet to create a collated set S. The collated set S is then discharged from the paper output port 13 via the paper output transport path 12 and stored in the stacker 14.

[0014] Figure 3 is an enlarged front view of the feeding mechanism 2, and Figure 4 is a top view of Figure 3 as seen from above. Figures 3 and 4 show the feeding mechanism 2 arranged on the left side in Figure 1.

[0015] The feeding mechanism 2 has a plate-shaped loading plate 21. Sheet bundles P are loaded on the loading plate 21 in an angled manner, with the higher sheets positioned towards the front. The rear and front ends of the loaded sheet bundles P in Figure 3 are in contact with side guides that rise vertically upward from the loading plate 21 and have guide surfaces parallel to the feeding direction, but these are omitted from the illustration in Figures 3 and 4. Also, in Figure 4, the loaded sheet bundles P are omitted for ease of understanding.

[0016] A separation and feeding mechanism 4 is provided near the end on the downstream side in the feeding direction of the stack of sheets P, and separates the topmost sheet P1 from the stack of sheets P and sends it out to the downstream sheet conveyance path 6.

[0017] The separation and feeding mechanism 4 includes a feeding roller 22 that sends out the topmost sheet P1, a sabaki plate 23 that presses against the feeding roller 22 from below, and an auxiliary feeding roller 24 provided on the upstream side in the feeding direction of the feeding roller 22. The feeding roller 22 is formed by fitting an elastic body ring such as rubber or urethane onto a boss supported by a feeding shaft 27. Both ends of the feeding shaft 27 are supported by sub-frames 25 and 26. The sub-frames 25 and 26 are provided for each feeding mechanism 2 and have accommodating portions 25a and 26a covered with covers on both outer sides. The accommodating portions 25a and 26a accommodate drive system components for rotationally driving the feeding shaft 27, a control board for controlling the feeding mechanism 2, and the like. The accommodating portions 25a and 26a are supported by the frames 15 and 16 outside by a support mechanism not shown.

[0018] Below the sabaki plate 23, an adjustment mechanism 29 for adjusting the pressing force of the sabaki plate 23 against the feeding roller 22 is provided. Although a detailed description of the adjustment mechanism 29 is omitted, an appropriate known mechanism such as a mechanism that pushes up the sabaki plate 23 with an elastic member and adjusts its elastic force, or physically moves the sabaki plate 23 up and down, can be used.

[0019] The guide plate 30 supports the leading end portion of the stacked sheet bundle P and guides the lower surface of the topmost sheet P1 separated by the separation and feeding mechanism 4. Therefore, on the downstream side of the feeding roller 22, a sheet conveyance path is formed along the upper surface of the guide plate 30. On the upstream side of the sabaki plate 23, a sheet presence / absence detection sensor D1 is provided. The sheet presence / absence detection sensor D1 detects whether a sheet is loaded in the feeding mechanism 2. The sheet presence / absence detection sensor D1 is a reflection type optical sensor and detects whether a sheet exists on the guide plate 30. An opening is formed in the guide plate 30 at a position corresponding to the sheet presence / absence detection sensor D1.

[0020] The housing portion 26a houses the motor M. The motor M rotationally drives the feed shaft 27. The motor M is drivingly connected directly or via an appropriate drive transmission member so as to rotationally drive the feed shaft 27 extending to the right side in FIG. 4 with respect to the sub-frame 26.

[0021] The motor M is intermittently driven to intermittently apply a rotational driving force to the feed shaft 27. The feed roller 22 rotates intermittently together with the feed shaft 27 to feed out the uppermost sheet P1. The motor M can be rotated by an arbitrary number of pulses by detecting and feeding back its own rotation amount as pulses. Alternatively, the motor M may be rotated constantly and intermittent driving may be performed by a drive connection / disconnection mechanism such as an electromagnetic clutch.

[0022] The feed shaft 27 supports a roller support member 31. The roller support member 31 supports an auxiliary feed roller shaft 32 on the upstream side of the feed shaft 27. The auxiliary feed roller shaft 32 supports an auxiliary feed roller 24. The auxiliary feed roller 24 is formed by fitting an elastic body ring such as rubber or urethane onto a boss supported by the auxiliary feed roller shaft 32. A timing belt 33 is hung between the feed shaft 27 and the auxiliary feed roller shaft 32, and the auxiliary feed roller 24 rotates in the direction of feeding out the sheet together with the feed roller 22.

[0023] The auxiliary feed roller 24 presses against the upper surface of the stacked sheet bundle P and feeds out the uppermost sheet P1 in the direction of the feed roller 22. The sheet P1 passes between the feed roller 22 and the separating plate 23 and is carried out to the sheet conveyance path 6. When two or more sheets are overlapped, the second and subsequent sheets are blocked by the separating plate 23, so that only the uppermost sheet is carried out to the sheet conveyance path 6.

[0024] A sheet transport detection sensor D2 is provided on the downstream side of the feed direction of the handling plate 23. The sheet transport detection sensor D2 is located below the guide plate 30, and an opening is formed in the guide plate 30 at a position corresponding to the sheet transport detection sensor D2. In this embodiment, the sheet transport detection sensor D2 is a reflective optical sensor equipped with a light-emitting element that emits light in a direction along a predetermined optical axis, and detects the arrival of the leading edge of the sheet P1 by receiving light reflected from the surface of the sheet P1 passing over the guide plate 30. However, the sheet transport detection sensor D2 is not limited to this, and may also be a transmissive optical sensor in which light-emitting and light-receiving elements are provided above and below the sheet transport path, and the arrival of the sheet P1 is detected based on whether or not the optical axis emitted from the light-emitting element is blocked, or an area sensor that detects the arrival of the sheet P1 by acquiring an image of a predetermined area.

[0025] Downstream of the sheet transport detection sensor D2, an ultrasonic sensor D3 is provided. The ultrasonic sensor D3 consists of an oscillating element and a receiving element, which are positioned above and below the sheet transport path. One of the oscillating element and the receiving element is located below the guide plate 30, and an opening is formed in the guide plate 30 at a position corresponding to the ultrasonic sensor D3 (in Figure 4, only the element located below the guide plate 30 is shown). The ultrasonic sensor D3 may be used as a double-feed detection sensor, taking advantage of the fact that the amplitude of the received ultrasonic waves differs depending on whether there is one sheet P1 passing through the sheet transport path 6 or two or more sheets, or it may be used as a sensor to detect the arrival and passage of sheets.

[0026] A thickness detection mechanism 34 is provided downstream of the ultrasonic sensor D3. The thickness detection mechanism 34 has a reference roller 35 and a displacement roller 36. The displacement roller 36 contacts the reference roller 35 from above. The shaft of the displacement roller 36 is fixed to one end of the lever member 37. The lever member 37 is rotatable around a pivot axis (not shown). A detection surface 37a (upper surface) is provided at one end (upper part) of the lever member 37, and the detector 38a of the displacement sensor 38 contacts the detection surface 67a. The detector 38a is rotatable relative to the body of the displacement sensor 38, and the displacement sensor 38 acquires the amount of rotation using a built-in encoder or the like. In a configuration (not shown), the reference roller 35, the pivot axis that serves as the pivot center of the lever member 37, and the body of the displacement sensor 38 are directly or indirectly fixed to the subframe 25 or 26.

[0027] In this configuration, the displacement roller 36 is able to move relative to the reference roller 35, and the lever member 37 rotates by an amount corresponding to this relative displacement. The displacement of the detection surface 37a at this time is detected by the displacement sensor 38. The displacement roller 36 moves by an amount equal to the thickness of the sheet P1 that passes between the reference roller 35 and the displacement roller 36. Therefore, the thickness of the sheet P1 can be determined by detecting the rotation of the detector 38a.

[0028] Downstream of the thickness detection mechanism 34, a conveyor roller 39 and a conveyor roller 40 are provided. The conveyor rollers 39 and 40 are fixedly supported on the conveyor roller shafts 41 and 42, respectively, and press against each other in the vertical direction to form a nip, which holds the sheet P1 between them for conveyance. The conveyor rollers 39 and 40 have the same axial width. The conveyor rollers 39 and 40 are elastic rollers in which an elastic material such as rubber or urethane is baked or press-fitted onto a metal boss portion formed on the inner circumference to form the outer circumference. The conveyor roller shafts 41 and 42 are supported at both ends in the width direction by frames 15 and 16. A drive mechanism that provides drive to the conveyor roller shafts 41 and 42 is provided on the outside of frames 15 and 16.

[0029] Jam sensors D4 are provided at approximately the same position as the conveyor rollers 39 and 40 in the sheet feeding direction, and at a suitable distance in the width direction. Jam sensors D4 are optical sensors that detect sheets P1 passing through the conveyor path. If a sheet is detected by the sheet presence detection sensor D1, and the feed roller 22 is driven, but the jam sensor D4 does not detect the passage of the sheet within a predetermined time, it generates an empty feed error signal. In addition, if the time from when the jam sensor D4 detects the front end of the sheet in the feeding direction until when it detects the rear end exceeds a predetermined time, it generates a paper jam error signal.

[0030] The jam sensor D4 is located below the guide plate 30, and an opening is formed in the guide plate 30 at a position corresponding to the jam sensor D4. In this embodiment, the jam sensor D4 is a reflective optical sensor similar to the sheet transport detection sensor D2. However, the jam sensor D4 is not limited to this; it may also be a transmissive optical sensor located above or below the sheet transport path that detects the arrival / passage of the sheet P1 based on the presence or absence of optical axis obstruction, or an area sensor that acquires an image of a predetermined area to detect the arrival / passage of the sheet P1.

[0031] A guide plate 43 is provided downstream of the conveyor rollers 39 and 40 and the jam sensor D4. The guide plate 43 is provided so as to continue downstream of the guide plate 30. The sheet P1 that has been conveyed on the guide plate 30 is conveyed with its leading edge upper surface guided by the guide plate 43. The guide plate 43 is curved downward and is configured to change the orientation of the sheet P1 downwards and merge it into the vertical conveyor path 7.

[0032] Downstream of the guide plate 43, vertical conveying rollers 71 and 72 are provided. The vertical conveying rollers 71 and 72 have nips formed to sandwich the sheet and convey it from top to bottom in the vertical conveying path 7. When the sheet P1 enters the vertical conveying path 7, it merges with and stacks sheets P1 sent from other feeding mechanisms 2, and is then fed into the nips of the vertical conveying rollers 71 and 72 and conveyed downwards.

[0033] The vertical conveying rollers 71 and 72 are elastic rollers that are intermittently fixed in the width direction to a single metal shaft supported by frames 15 and 16, and have an elastic material such as rubber or urethane baked onto or press-fitted onto the shaft to form the outer circumference. A drive mechanism is provided on the outside of frames 15 and 16 to provide drive to the shaft supporting the vertical conveying rollers 71 and 72.

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the needle unit 50. The needle unit will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5.

[0035] The needle unit 50 includes a needle 51 with a pointed tip, and can be attached to the feeding mechanism 2 such that the pointed tip of the needle 51 contacts the upper surface of the sheet on the loading platform. The needle 51 is supported by a block 52. The block 52 has a perforation facing the upper surface of the sheet bundle P, and the end of the needle 51 opposite to the pointed tip is inserted into this perforation and secured with a screw 53.

[0036] Furthermore, a perforation is formed in the block 52 in a direction substantially parallel to the upper surface of the sheet bundle P, and a shaft 54 ​​is inserted into this perforation. The shaft 54 ​​supports the block 52 at one end, and a mounting seat 55 is fixed to the other end. A recess 55a is provided in the mounting seat 55. The needle unit 50 is attached to the feeding mechanism 2 by fitting this recess 55a into the end of the auxiliary feeding roller shaft 32 opposite to the side supported by the roller support member 31. Figures 3 and 4 show the feeding mechanism 2 with the needle unit 50 attached.

[0037] When attached to the feeding mechanism 2, the shaft 54 ​​extends from one end to the other, approximately parallel to the upper surface of the sheet bundle P, above the upper surface of the sheet bundle P. At the one end, the tip of the needle 51, which extends downward from the block 52, abuts against the upper surface of the sheet bundle P. The block 52 is fixed to the shaft 54 ​​by a screw 56, and its position along the shaft 54 ​​can be adjusted by loosening the screw 56.

[0038] The shaft 54 ​​forms a crank section 54a that is bent 2 degrees, or 90°, between one end and the other end. Due to this crank section 54a, the widthwise position of the one end and the other end are different.

[0039] Furthermore, a weight 57 is provided between the crank section 54a and the block 52. The weight 57 is made of metal or the like, and the needle 51 is subjected to a load on the upper surface of the sheet bundle P. The position of this weight 57 can also be changed along the shaft 54 ​​by a screw 58, thereby adjusting the load on the needle 51. The weight 57 can also be removed and used separately if necessary.

[0040] This needle unit 50 is used when separating and feeding the top sheet, especially in adverse conditions where separation is difficult, such as when coated papers are tightly packed together. When the top sheet is fed, the second sheet below it is prevented from being fed by being locked in place by the tip of the needle, thus ensuring that each sheet is reliably separated.

[0041] However, the first sheet is scratched by the tip of the needle as it is fed, generating paper dust. This paper dust moves in the feeding direction along with the fed sheet, interfering with the feeding mechanism 2 and the functional components located downstream of it to feed the sheet.

[0042] In this disclosure, the needle is positioned in the width direction at a location different from that of the optical sensor, which is a functional component.

[0043] Optical sensors may malfunction if paper dust accumulates on their light-emitting or light-receiving elements, as the dust obstructs the passage of light. As shown in Figure 3, the sheet presence detection sensor D1 is located below the sheet bundle P loaded on the feeding mechanism 2. In contrast, the optical elements of the sheet transport detection sensor D2 and the jam sensor D4 face the sheet transport path through the opening in the guide plate 30 without being obstructed by the loaded sheet bundle P, making them prone to paper dust accumulation.

[0044] In Figure 4, line W1, shown by a dashed line, indicates the position of the needle 51 in the width direction. Line W2, also shown by a dashed line, indicates the position of the optical axis of the sheet transport detection sensor D2 in the width direction. Lines W1 and W2 are in different positions in the width direction and are separated by a distance W12 from each other. Line W3, also shown by a dashed line, indicates the position of the jam sensor D4 in the width direction. Lines W1 and W3 are in different positions in the width direction and are separated by a distance W13 from each other.

[0045] Distances W12 and W13 are sufficient to prevent the accumulation of paper dust generated by the needle 51, which would block or weaken the light of the light-emitting element of the sheet transport detection sensor D2 or jam sensor D4, thereby preventing the detection function from working. Therefore, the larger the distances W12 and W13, the better, but in practice, a position that provides sufficient effect can be found under the structural constraints of the sheet feeding device. For example, the position of the needle 51 in the width direction can be set outside the width direction range of the optical lens of the sheet transport detection sensor D2 or jam sensor D4. It is even better if it is set outside the width direction range of the opening of the guide plate 30 provided according to the arrangement of the sheet transport detection sensor D2. Distances W12 and W13 are of course preferable to be even larger, and for example, from the inventor's experiments and experience, it has been found that setting W12 and W13 to 10 mm or more provides an even better effect in avoiding the accumulation of paper dust on the sheet transport detection sensor D2 or jam sensor D4. In this embodiment, W12 is 63 mm and W13 is 74 mm.

[0046] In this way, by positioning line W2 or W3 at a different widthwise location from line W1, it is possible to prevent paper dust generated by the needle 51 from accumulating and blocking or weakening the light of the light-emitting element of the sheet transport detection sensor D2 or jam sensor D4, thereby preventing the detection function from being performed.

[0047] In the width direction, the needle may be positioned at a location different from the displacement sensor, which is a functional component.

[0048] When paper dust accumulates on a displacement sensor, it can make it difficult for the sensor's encoder to move, or it can obstruct the optical axis of the optical sensor that detects the encoder's movement, potentially preventing proper displacement detection. As shown in Figure 3, the displacement sensor 38 faces the sheet transport path without being obstructed by the stacked sheet bundle P, making it prone to accumulating paper dust.

[0049] In Figure 4, the dashed line W4 indicates the widthwise position of the detector 38a of the displacement sensor 38. Lines W1 and W4 are at different positions in the widthwise direction and are separated by a distance W14 from each other.

[0050] The distance W14 is sufficient to prevent the accumulation of paper dust generated by the needle 51, which could make it difficult for the displacement sensor 38 to move. Therefore, a larger distance W14 is better, and in practice, a position that provides sufficient effect can be found under the structural constraints of the device. For example, the position of the needle 51 in the width direction can be set outside the width direction range of the detector 38a of the displacement sensor 38. A larger distance W14 is certainly preferable, and for example, from the inventor's experiments and experience, it has been found that setting W14 to 10 mm or more provides an even better effect in avoiding the accumulation of paper dust on the displacement sensor 38 (detector 38a). In this embodiment, W14 is set to 15 mm.

[0051] In this way, by positioning line W4 at a different widthwise location from line W1, it is possible to prevent paper dust generated by the needle 51 from accumulating and causing the detection element 38a of the displacement sensor 38 to become inoperable.

[0052] In the width direction, the needle may be positioned at a location different from that of the ultrasonic sensor, which is a functional component.

[0053] If paper dust accumulates on the oscillator or receiver element of an ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic transmission and reception may not function properly. As shown in Figure 3, the ultrasonic sensor D3 faces the sheet transport path without being obstructed by the stacked sheet bundle P, making it prone to paper dust accumulation.

[0054] In Figure 4, the dashed line W5 indicates the position of the ultrasonic sensor D3 in the width direction. Lines W1 and W5 are at different positions in the width direction and are separated by a distance W15 from each other.

[0055] The distance W15 is sufficient to prevent the accumulation of paper dust generated by the needle 51, which could cause the ultrasonic sensor D3 to malfunction. Therefore, a larger distance W15 is better, and in practice, a position that provides sufficient effect can be found under the structural constraints of the device. For example, the position of the needle 51 in the width direction can be set outside the width direction range of the ultrasonic sensor D3's transmitting and receiving elements. It is even better if it is set outside the width direction range of the opening of the guide plate 30, which is provided according to the arrangement of the ultrasonic sensor D3. A larger distance W15 is certainly preferable, and for example, from the inventor's experiments and experience, it has been found that setting W15 to 10 mm or more provides an even better effect in avoiding the accumulation of paper dust on the ultrasonic sensor D3. In this embodiment, W15 is set to 87 mm.

[0056] In this way, by positioning line W5 at a different width from line W1, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of paper dust generated by the needle 51, which would prevent the ultrasonic sensor D3 from functioning properly.

[0057] In the width direction, the needles may be positioned at a different location from the rollers, which are functional components for conveying the sheet P1.

[0058] Rollers transport sheets through friction between their outer surfaces and the sheets. If paper dust adheres to the outer surfaces of the rollers, the frictional force decreases, which can prevent the sheets from being fed properly. As shown in Figure 3, the feed roller 22, auxiliary feed roller 24, transport rollers 39 and 40, and vertical transport rollers 71 and 72 have a structure that makes them prone to paper dust adhesion because their outer surfaces are in direct frictional contact with the sheet P1. Furthermore, the fact that their outer surfaces are made of elastic materials such as rubber or urethane also contributes to paper dust adhesion due to their high grip properties. However, the reduction in frictional force due to paper dust adhesion is the same for rollers made of materials other than elastic materials, such as resin or metal.

[0059] In Figure 4, range W6 represents the widthwise range of the feed roller 22 and the auxiliary feed roller 24. Line W1 and range W6 are located at different positions in the widthwise direction. The distance from the end of range W6 on the line W1 side (left end in Figure 4) to line W1 is W16. Range W7 represents the widthwise range of the conveying rollers 39 and 40. Line W1 and range W7 are located at different positions in the widthwise direction. The distance from the end of range W7 on the line W1 side (left end in Figure 4) to line W1 is W17.

[0060] In Figure 4, range W8 represents the range of existence of the vertical conveyor rollers 71 and 72 in the width direction. Line W1 is located at a different position in the width direction from any of the multiple ranges W8 that exist in the width direction. The distance from the end of the range W8 closest to line W1 (the range W8 adjacent to the right side of line W1 in Figure 4) on the line W1 side (the left end in Figure 4) to line W1 is W18.

[0061] Distances W16, W17, and W18 are sufficient to prevent paper dust generated by the needle 51 from adhering to each roller, reducing the frictional force of each roller and preventing the normal transport of the sheet P1. Therefore, the larger the distances W16, W17, and W18, the better, and in practice, it is sufficient to find a position where sufficient effect can be obtained under the structural constraints of the device. Preferably, the position of the needle 51 in the width direction is outside the width direction range of each roller, and preferably, from the inventor's experiments and experience, it has been found that an even better effect can be obtained by setting W16, W17, and W18 to 10 mm or more. In this embodiment, W16 is 20 mm, W17 is 10 mm, and W18 is 15 mm.

[0062] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in combinations of their components and processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications will be described below.

[0063] In this embodiment, the configuration of the left-side feeding mechanisms 2a to 2j of the collating device 1 in Figure 1 was explained using Figures 3 and 4, but the folding feeding mechanism 3 in Figure 1 may be configured similarly. Similarly, the right-side feeding mechanisms 2k to 2t of the collating device 1 in Figure 1 may also be configured similarly. In the case of feeding mechanisms 2k to 2t, the front view is a horizontal reversal of Figure 3, and the top view is a horizontal reversal of Figure 4.

[0064] In this embodiment, the widthwise position of the needle 51 is different from the widthwise position of the sheet transport detection sensor D2 or jam sensor D4. However, the widthwise position of the needle 51 may be different from the widthwise position of the sheet presence / absence detection sensor D1. The sheet presence / absence detection sensor D1 is located below the sheet bundle P loaded in the feeding mechanism 2, but when the last sheet is fed, the sheet presence / absence detection sensor D1 also faces the sheet P1 being fed out, which may cause paper dust to accumulate.

[0065] In this embodiment, the sheet transport detection sensor D2 or jam sensor D4, which is a reflective sensor, is configured to have a widthwise position different from or at a predetermined distance from the widthwise position of the needle 51. However, the same configuration can be used when the sheet transport detection sensor D2 or jam sensor D4 is a transmissive sensor. Furthermore, if the sheet transport detection sensor D2 or jam sensor D4 is an area sensor, the widthwise position of the needle 51 should be configured to be outside the widthwise range of the detection area of ​​the area sensor. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1: Collating device, 2: Feeding mechanism, 22: Feeding roller, 24: Auxiliary feeding roller, 38: Displacement sensor, 39, 40: Conveyor roller, 50: Needle unit, 51: Needle, 71, 72: Vertical conveyor roller, D2: Sheet conveyance detection sensor, D3: Ultrasonic sensor, D4: Jam sensor, W1, W2, W3, W4, W5: Line, W6, W7, W8: Range

Claims

1. In a sheet feeding device that separates and feeds one sheet from among multiple sheets loaded on a loading platform, A needle whose tip contacts the upper surface of the sheet on the loading platform, In the feeding of a sheet or the transport of a fed sheet, a functional member that functions with respect to the sheet, Having The needle is positioned in a width direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction, and is located at a different position from the functional member. Sheet feeding device.

2. The needle is positioned in the width direction at a predetermined distance from the location or range where the functional member exists. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

3. The guide member guides the sheet surface of the sheet being fed and has an opening at a position corresponding to the functional member for the functional member to function relative to the sheet, The needle is positioned in the width direction at a location different from the opening. The sheet feeding device according to claim 1.

4. The needle is positioned at a predetermined distance from the opening in the width direction. The sheet feeding device according to claim 3.

5. The functional component is a sensor. A sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The sensor is an optical sensor equipped with a light-emitting element that emits light along the optical axis, The needle is positioned in the width direction at a location different from the optical axis. The sheet feeding device according to claim 5.

7. The functional member is a roller that makes frictional contact with the sheet. A sheet feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The roller is formed of an elastic material. The sheet feeding device according to claim 7.

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