Mounting unit, feeding device, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a placing unit, a feeding device, an image formation device and an image formation system capable of satisfactorily feeding a conveyed object in which thickness of an end part in a conveyance direction is thicker than that of a center.SOLUTION: A placing unit which can be installed on an ascending / descending member 11 of a feeding device and on which a conveyed object bundle is placed comprises: a first movable base 142 which is rotatable and on which a downstream side in a conveyance direction of the conveyed object bundle is placed; and a second movable base 143 which is rotatable and is arranged on an upstream side in the conveyance direction of a conveyed object than the first movable base 142 and on which an upstream side in the conveyance direction of the conveyed object bundle is placed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 29

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting unit, a feeding device, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a loading unit is known that is detachably provided on a lifting member of a feeding device and that loads a bundle of materials to be conveyed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a loading unit that is attached to a bottom plate serving as a lifting member and that loads a bundle of envelopes. This loading unit includes an auxiliary tray, a fixed, non-rotatable platform on which the bottom sides of thicker envelopes on the downstream side in the transport direction are placed, and a tilting table, a rotatable, movable platform located upstream of the auxiliary tray in the transport direction and on which the open sides of thinner envelopes on the upstream side in the transport direction are placed. When the bottom plate is in a lowered position, the tilting table is tilted so that the upstream side in the transport direction is higher than the downstream side. As the bottom plate is raised, the tilting table rotates, lowering the upstream side in the transport direction. This allows the elevation difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the top surface of the envelope stack to be reduced, even when the number of envelopes in the stack is small. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is a problem in that the thickness of the end portions of the bundle of conveyed objects in the conveying direction is thicker than that of the center, and there is a risk that the conveyed objects may not be fed well. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a loading unit for loading a bundle of conveyed materials, which can be installed on a lifting member of a feeding device, and which includes a rotatable first movable table on which the downstream side of the bundle of conveyed materials is loaded in the conveying direction, and a rotatable second movable table which is arranged upstream of the first movable table in the conveying direction of the conveyed materials and on which the upstream side of the bundle of conveyed materials is loaded in the conveying direction.the bundle of objects to be conveyed is placed in a state in which the first movable table is inclined so that the downstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the upstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction, and the second movable table is inclined so that the upstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the downstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction, At a downstream end of the first movable table in the conveying direction, When the conveyed object bundle placement surface of the first movable table is parallel to the horizontal direction, the downstream end of the conveying direction is positioned higher than the upstream end of the conveying direction, The first movable table is characterized by the provision of an inclined member inclined with respect to the surface on which the bundle of transported objects is placed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to effectively feed objects whose thickness at the end portions in the conveying direction of the bundle of objects is greater than that at the center. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a feeding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which a fan-shaped sheet bundle is set in a conventional sheet feeding device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a characteristic part of the feeding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a mounting unit. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the feeding tray viewed from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration when the fixing table reaches the feeding position. [Figure 13] 10 is a perspective view of the sheet feeding tray viewed from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction when the fixed table has reached the feeding position. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the mounting unit when the fixed table reaches the feeding position. [Figure 15]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the mounting unit when the fixed table reaches the feeding position. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the mounting unit as viewed from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction. [Figure 17] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating how the loading unit is attached to the sheet loading table. [Figure 18] 17(c) and (b) is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. 17(c). [Figure 19] 10 is a side view showing a state in which a sheet stack made up of sheets having thickness deviation in the sheet conveyance direction is set. FIG. [Figure 20] 10A and 10B are perspective views of a sheet feed tray in which a sheet stack made up of sheets having thickness deviation in the sheet conveyance direction is set, as viewed from different directions. [Figure 21] Enlarged view of part A in Figure 19. [Figure 22] 10 is a schematic diagram of a sheet stack with fan-shaped sides set on the sheet stacking table. [Figure 23] FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a movable-movable mounting unit. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a platform support member of the movable-movable mounting unit. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a link mechanism of a movable-movable mounting unit. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third rotating member of the link mechanism of the movable-movable mounting unit. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a feeding device in which a movable-movable mounting unit is installed. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the movable-movable loading unit when the sheet loading table is in a lowered position. [Figure 31] 1 is a schematic diagram of a movable-movable loading unit with the sheet loading platform in a lowered position. [Figure 32] 10 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a sheet stack with both sides fanning out is set in a feeding device to which a movable-movable loading unit is attached. FIG. [Figure 33] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the movable-movable placement unit places the last sheet of the sheet stack. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An embodiment of a feeding device to which the present invention is applied will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100 as an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet, and a feeding device 200 for feeding a sheet to the image forming apparatus. The feeding device 200 is provided on the side of the main body of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0009] There are no particular limitations on the recording method of the image forming apparatus 100 to which the sheet feeding device of this embodiment can be applied, and any method such as electrophotography or inkjet can be used. A sheet carrying-in section from the sheet feeding device 200 is provided on the right side of the main body of the apparatus 100 in FIG. 1. This sheet carrying-in section is provided with an opening for receiving sheets and a conveying means for conveying sheets.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a feeding device 200 of this embodiment provided on the side of the device main body. The feeding device 200 includes two upper and lower feeding trays 10. Each feeding tray 10 includes a sheet stacking table 11, which is a sheet stacking section for stacking a sheet stack P. In this embodiment, each feeding tray 10 can store approximately 2,500 sheets at maximum.

[0011] Examples of sheets to be conveyed include paper, coated paper, label paper, overhead projector sheets, films, and prepregs. Prepregs are primarily used as materials for laminates and multilayer printed wiring boards. For example, they are processed into sheet materials by continuously impregnating a long substrate such as glass cloth, paper, nonwoven fabric, or aramid cloth with a resin varnish primarily composed of a thermosetting resin such as epoxy resin or polyimide resin, heating and drying the material, and then cutting it. Furthermore, examples of sheets include bag-shaped items such as envelopes and packaging materials.

[0012] Above each feeding tray 10, a feeding unit 20 is disposed as a conveying means for adsorbing and conveying the uppermost sheet of the sheet stack stacked on the feeding tray 10. The feeding unit 20 includes an adsorption belt 21 and a suction device 23, which are conveying members.

[0013] The sheets stacked on the lower feed tray 10 are conveyed to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 by the pair of exit rollers 80 through the lower conveying path 82. The sheets stacked on the upper feed tray 10 are conveyed to the main body of the image forming apparatus 100 by the pair of exit rollers 80 through the upper conveying path 81.

[0014] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the feed tray 10. In Fig. 3, for ease of understanding, the feed unit 20 is shown shifted in the direction of the arrow in the drawing from its original location. The suction belt 21 of the feeding unit 20 is stretched by two tension rollers 22a and 22b, and has suction holes that penetrate the belt from its front side to its back side over the entire circumferential area. A suction device 23 is provided inside the suction belt 21. The suction device 23 is connected to a suction fan that sucks air through an air duct, which is an air flow path. The suction device 23 generates negative pressure downward, which acts to attract sheets to the underside of the suction belt 21.

[0015] The feeding tray 10 is also provided with a blower 17, which is an air blowing means for blowing air onto the upper sheets of the sheet stack P. The blower 17 has a front blower 12 and a side blower 14.

[0016] The side blowers 14 are provided on the pair of side fences 13 and blow air toward the side surfaces of the upper portion of the sheet stack P in the direction indicated by the arrow b in the figure. The side blowers 14 are provided with side lifting nozzles that guide air in a direction to separate and lift the sheet stack P, and have side blowers 14a that send air into the nozzles. The air blown from the side lifting nozzles in the direction indicated by the arrow b in the figure is called side air. This side air is discharged from side nozzles 13a provided at positions on each side fence 13 facing the upper portion of the sheet stack P, and is blown toward the side surfaces of the upper portion of the sheet stack P. The air blown from the front blower 12 and the outlets of the pair of side fences 13 lifts up the upper sheets of the sheet stack.

[0017] The feed tray 10 is also provided with an end fence 25 that aligns the rear ends of the sheet stack P stacked on the sheet stacking table 11. The sheet stacking table 11 is configured to be able to rise and fall in the direction of arrow A in the figure by an elevation device 19 serving as an elevation means.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the front blower 12, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the front blower 12. As shown in FIG. The front blower 12 blows air toward the leading end (downstream end in the feeding direction) of the upper part of the sheet stack P. The front blower 12 is provided with a floating nozzle 15a that guides air in a direction to float the sheet stack P, a separation nozzle 16a that guides air between the uppermost floating sheet and the second floating sheet to separate them, and a downward suction nozzle 15b that sucks air downward near the leading end of the upper part of the sheet stack P.

[0019] Of the nozzles, the air blown from the floating nozzle 15a is called floating air, the air blown from the separation nozzle 16a is called separation air, and the air sucked from the lower suction nozzle 15b is called lower suction air.

[0020] 3 and 5 from a position facing the leading edge of the upper portion of the sheet stack P (the downstream end in the feeding direction), and is blown onto the leading edge of the upper portion of the sheet stack P (the downstream end in the feeding direction). Separation air is blown out in the direction of arrow a2 in FIGS. 3 and 5 from a position facing the leading edge of the upper portion of the sheet stack P (the downstream end in the feeding direction), and is blown onto the gap between the uppermost sheet adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21 and the second floated sheet.

[0021] The downward suction air flows in the direction of arrow a3 in Figure 5 and is sucked by the downward suction nozzle 15b, generating a negative pressure near the leading edge of the upper part of the sheet stack P. This generates a force in the direction away from the suction belt 21, causing the second and subsequent floating sheets to quickly drop back onto the sheet stack.

[0022] Next, the feeding operation will be described. When a command to start feeding is received from a host controller of the image forming apparatus 100 main body, the lifting device 19 is driven to raise the sheet stacking table 11. Then, when the sheet detection sensor 31 detects the top surface of the sheet stack, the driving of the lifting device 19 is stopped. Next, with the suction belt 21 stopped, the blowing device 17 starts blowing air, and blowing control begins. Also, the suction device 23 starts suction, and suction control begins. By starting blowing air from the blowing device 17, floating air, separation air, and side air are blown onto the front end of the top of the sheet stack from the floating nozzle 15a, separation nozzle 16a, and side nozzle 13a.

[0023] The blowing of the floating air and side air causes the leading edges of multiple sheets at the top of the sheet stack to float, and the suction of the suction device 23 generates negative pressure below the suction belt 21, causing the floated uppermost sheet P1 to be adsorbed to the suction belt 21. When the uppermost sheet P1 is adsorbed to the suction belt 21, separation air is blown from the separation nozzle 16a between the uppermost sheet P1 and the second sheet P2, separating the adsorbed uppermost sheet P1 from the second and subsequent sheets.

[0024] Next, the suction belt 21 is rotated to feed the top sheet P1. At this time, if the second or subsequent sheets float excessively or behave erratically and come into contact with the top sheet, they may be transported together with the top sheet. Therefore, in this embodiment, when starting to feed the top sheet P1 (when rotating the suction belt 21), the blowing of the front floating air and separation air is stopped, and air suction from the lower suction nozzle 15b is started. This causes the second or subsequent floating sheets to quickly fall so that they do not come into contact with the top sheet, thereby preventing double feeding.

[0025] When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of feeding (when the leading edge of the uppermost sheet P1 is fed to a predetermined next process downstream of the adsorption belt (for example, a pair of conveying rollers)), the suction by the suction device 23 is stopped, and the first sheet adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21 is released. In addition, the drive of the feeding motor is stopped, and the rotation of the adsorption belt 21 is stopped.

[0026] If there is a sheet to be fed next, the blowing of the front floating air and separation air is resumed, and the air suction from the lower suction nozzle 15b is stopped to prevent the lower suction air from interfering with the floating of the next sheet to be fed. Next, the suction device 23 resumes suction of the sheet to the suction belt 21. After that, the same feeding process as described above is performed.

[0027] When forming an image on a sheet that has a large deviation in thickness in the sheet conveyance direction, such as a bag member with a zipper at the opening, the sheet is generally set in the feed tray 10 with the thinner side at the leading edge in the conveyance direction, taking conveyance performance into consideration. This is because if the thicker side is set at the leading edge in the conveyance direction, the leading edge of the sheet may hit a guide member or a conveyance roller, preventing it from being conveyed smoothly to the nip of the conveyance roller pair, increasing the risk of a jam.

[0028] In a stack of sheets in this manner, where multiple sheets have a large deviation in thickness in the sheet transport direction, the thicker sheet spreads out like a fan. If the sheet stack is set on the feed tray 10 with the fan-shaped side facing the rear end in the sheet transport direction, the following problem occurs.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional sheet feeder in which a fan-shaped sheet stack P is set. As described above, the thicker side is positioned rearward in the sheet conveyance direction for ease of conveyance, and as shown in FIG. 6 , the fan-shaped side of the sheet stack is set in the feed tray 10 with the sheet conveyance direction rearward. Even if the end fence 25 is then moved in the sheet conveyance direction to regulate the sheet stack, a gap a is created between the end fence 25 and the upper side of the sheet stack, and the position of the upper side of the sheet stack is no longer regulated by the end fence 25. When gap a is created in this way, the lifted top sheet retreats by the gap a, and the top sheet and the leading edge of the second sheet face the suction belt 21, and the leading edge of the second sheet is attracted to the suction belt 21 together with the top sheet. As a result, two sheets are conveyed, resulting in a problem of double feeding.

[0030] Furthermore, the height of the rear end side of the sheet stack stacked on the sheet stacking tray 11 becomes higher. An end sensor 32 that detects the presence or absence of sheets and detects the sheet end is provided upstream of the suction belt 21 in the sheet conveyance direction. As the height of the rear end side of the sheet stack stacked on the sheet stacking tray 11 becomes higher, the end sensor 32 detects the presence of sheets, but the sheet detection sensor 31 detects the absence of sheets.

[0031] In this feeding device, the sheet detection sensor 31 receives reflected light from a sheet or the sheet stacking tray 11 to detect the presence of a sheet, and when the end sensor 32 receives reflected light from the sheet and detects the presence of a sheet, the driving of the lifting device 19 is stopped. On the other hand, when the sheet detection sensor 31 detects the presence of a sheet but the end sensor 32 does not receive reflected light and detects the absence of a sheet, the sheet stacking tray 11 is further raised a predetermined amount, and when the end sensor 32 still detects the absence of a sheet, it is determined that the sheet has ended and the feeding device is prompted to set a sheet. In this way, when the end sensor 32 detects the presence of a sheet, the driving of the lifting device 19 is always controlled based on the sheet detection sensor 31 detecting the presence of a sheet. Therefore, when an irregular state occurs in which the sheet detection sensor 31 detects the absence of a sheet, although the presence of a sheet is detected, problems such as incorrect lifting control may occur depending on how the driving of the lifting device 19 is controlled.

[0032] In addition, because the rear side of the top sheet of the sheet stack is curved upward significantly, a restoring force acts downward on the leading edge of the sheet, making it difficult for the leading edge of the sheet to float up, and there is a risk that the top sheet will not be attracted to the suction belt 21.

[0033] In this way, when multiple sheets with thickness deviations in the transport direction are bundled together, the fan-shaped spread becomes large, causing the problems described above. Therefore, when forming images on sheets with large thickness deviations in the transport direction, only a few sheets can be set in the feed tray 10, resulting in low productivity.

[0034] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a sheet stack consisting of many sheets with thickness deviations in the sheet conveying direction is set on the feed tray 10, the above-mentioned problems do not occur and the sheets can be conveyed smoothly. Below, the characteristic features of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the characteristic parts of the feeding device of this embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the vicinity of the feeding tray 10. As shown in FIG. 7 and 8, the end fence 25 of this embodiment includes a support pillar 25a supported on the bottom of the sheet feed tray 10 so as to be movable in the sheet conveyance direction. The surface of the support pillar 25a facing the sheet stack includes a lower regulating member 35 that abuts against the lower rear end of the sheet stack to regulate the position of the lower rear end, and an upper regulating member 34 that abuts against the upper rear end of the sheet stack to regulate the position of the upper rear end.

[0036] Further, a pair of belt regulating portions 33 are provided on both sides of each regulating member in the sheet width direction. Each belt regulating portion 33 includes an upper tension roller 33b rotatably supported by an upper regulating member 34, a lower tension roller 33a rotatably supported by a lower regulating member 35, and a belt member 33c as an elastically deformable member stretched between the tension roller 33a and the tension roller 33b.

[0037] Furthermore, the pair of belt regulating units 33 have the same configuration, and the tension of the belt member 33c of one belt regulating unit 33 is the same as the tension of the belt member 33c of the other belt regulating unit. Furthermore, it is preferable that the tension of the belt member 33c be weak. A weak tension in the belt member 33c allows it to easily elastically deform and conform to the fan-shaped spread of the trailing end of the sheet stack. However, if the tension is weakened, the belt member 33c cannot properly regulate the position of the trailing end, and the leading end of the sheet stack cannot be pressed against the front fence 27. However, in this embodiment, an upper regulating member is provided, which can properly regulate the position of the trailing end, preventing problems such as double feeding.

[0038] Furthermore, a plurality of holes for rotatably supporting the tension rollers may be provided in a vertical line in at least one of the upper regulating member 34 and the lower regulating member 35, making it possible to adjust the tension of the belt member 33c. In this configuration, the tension applied to the belt member 33c can be adjusted by changing the holes that support the tension rollers.

[0039] Furthermore, since each of the tension rollers 33a and 33b is rotatably supported by a regulating member, as will be described later, the belt member 33c that hits the rear end of the sheet can move endlessly following the rising of the sheet. Also, the surface of the belt member 33c is rough with bumps, making it difficult for the sheet that comes into contact with the belt member to slip on the belt surface.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, the upper regulating member 34 is attached to the upper part of the support portion 25a, and the surface facing the sheet stack has an abutment surface 34b that is parallel to the vertical direction, and a guide inclined surface 34a that is inclined so as to be positioned in a direction away from the sheet stack as it moves downward from the lower end of the abutment surface 34b.

[0041] The lower regulating member 35 has the same shape as the upper regulating member 34, and is attached to the lower part of the support pillar 25a in a vertically opposite orientation to the upper regulating member 34. Therefore, the guide inclined surface 35a of the lower regulating member 35 is inclined upward from the upper end of the abutment surface 35b so as to be positioned in a direction away from the sheet stack.

[0042] The abutment surfaces 34b and 35b of the respective regulating members are located B mm closer to the sheet bundle than the stretched region of the belt member 33c on the sheet bundle side.

[0043] Furthermore, a fixed-movable loading unit 40 serving as a second loading unit is attached downstream in the sheet conveying direction of the sheet stacking table 11 serving as a lifting member. This fixed-movable loading unit 40 has a fixed base 41 that supports the leading end of the sheet stack in the conveying direction, and a movable base 42 that rotates by a link mechanism 48. The link mechanism 48 has a first rotating member 45 and a second rotating member 46, and the first rotating member 45 is provided with a movable protrusion 45a that abuts against a first protrusion 51 provided in a guide groove 27a that guides the sheet stacking table 11 of the front fence 27, thereby moving the movable base 42.

[0044] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the fixed-movable type mounting unit 40, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fixed-movable type mounting unit 40. As shown in FIG. One end of a first rotating member 45 constituting the link mechanism 48 is rotatably supported on an opposing surface 41b that faces the front fence 27. A movable protrusion 45a is provided on the other end of the first rotating member 45. A through-hole 45c, through which a connecting portion 46b of a second rotating member 46 passes, is provided adjacent to the movable protrusion 45a.

[0045] The opposing surface 41b is provided with a restriction hole 41a that restricts the rotation range of the first rotation member 45, and a restriction protrusion 45b that is provided approximately in the center of the first rotation member 45 and is formed so as to be bent toward the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction is inserted into this restriction hole 41a. With this configuration, the rotation range of the first rotation member is restricted to less than 90°.

[0046] The second rotating member 46 has a substantially central portion rotatably supported by a table support portion 41c that supports the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction of the fixed table 41. As described above, the downstream end of the second rotating member 46 in the sheet conveying direction is formed with a connecting portion 46b that connects to the first rotating member 45. In addition, the upstream end of the second rotating member 46 in the sheet conveying direction is provided with an abutting portion 46c that abuts against the back surface of the movable table 42 to rotate the movable table 42.

[0047] The connecting portion 46b of the second rotating member 46 is connected to the first rotating member 45 whose rotation range is restricted, so that the rotation range of the second rotating member 46 is also restricted to less than 90°. In this way, by restricting the rotation range of each rotating member constituting the link mechanism 48 to less than 90°, it is possible to prevent the fixed-movable type mounting unit 40 from becoming large.

[0048] When the movable protrusion 45a is not in contact with the first protrusion 51, the weight of the movable base 42 presses the contact portion 46c of the second rotating member 46, lowering the contact portion 46c and causing the movable base 42 to assume an inclined position. The second rotating member 46 assumes an attitude in which the contact portion 46c is lowered and the connecting portion 46b is raised, and the first rotating member 45 assumes an attitude in which the movable protrusion 45a is positioned upward.

[0049] 11(a) is a perspective view of the feeding tray 10 as seen from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction, and FIG. 11(b) is a perspective view of the stopper member 50. FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, a stopper member 50 is screwed to the top of a guide groove 27a of the front fence 27, which is abutted by the leading edge of the sheet stack in the feed tray 10 and regulates the position of the leading edge of the sheet stack, and which guides the lifting and lowering of the sheet stacking table 11.

[0050] A first protrusion 51 against which a movable protrusion 45a of the fixed-movable type loading unit 40 abuts is provided at the upper end of the stopper member 50, and a second protrusion 52 against which a movable protrusion 181a of a movable-movable type loading unit 140 (see FIG. 23) described later abuts is provided at the lower end of the stopper member 50. The first protrusion 51 is provided at a position offset from the second protrusion 52 in the sheet width direction.

[0051] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of the configuration when the fixed base 41 reaches the feeding position, and Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the feeding tray 10 seen from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction when the fixed base 41 reaches the feeding position. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the fixed-movable loading unit 40 at that time, and Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the fixed-movable loading unit 40 at that time. As the fixed-movable loading unit 40 attached to the sheet stacking table 11 rises together with the sheet stacking table 11, the movable protrusion 45a abuts against the first protrusion 51. If the unit 40 further rises from this state, the first protrusion 51 restricts the lifting of the movable protrusion 45a. Then, the first rotating member 45 rotates in the direction of arrow X as shown in FIG. 14 against the weight of the sheet stack placed on the movable table 42 and the fixed-movable loading unit 40, and the movable protrusion 45a moves downward relative to the fixed-movable loading unit 40. The rotation of the first rotating member 45 in the X direction in the figure pushes down the connecting portion 46b of the second rotating member 46. As a result, the second rotating member 46 rotates in the direction of arrow Y as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, and the abutting portion 46c lifts the movable table 42. This causes the movable table 42 to rotate in the direction of arrow Z in the figure, reducing the inclination. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, when the fixed table 41 reaches the feeding position, the movable table 42 assumes a horizontal position.

[0052] In this embodiment, a link mechanism 48 is provided, and the movable table 42 is configured to rotate as the sheet stacking table 11 rises, thereby eliminating the need for a motor to rotate the movable table 42, thereby reducing the cost of the device.

[0053] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fixed-movable loading unit 40 as seen from the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction, and Fig. 17 is a diagram for explaining the attachment of the fixed-movable loading unit 40 to the sheet stacking table 11. Also, Fig. 18(a) is an enlarged view of part A in Fig. 17(c), and Fig. 18(b) is an enlarged view of part B in Fig. 17(c). 16, the fixed-movable type loading unit 40 has a fixing portion 49 on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction to fix the fixed-movable type loading unit 40 to the sheet stacking table 11. The fixing portion 49 has an elongated hole 49a formed therein, which extends in the sheet conveying direction.

[0054] The fixed-movable loading unit 40 is attached to the sheet loading table 11 using a unit fixing plate 47 . The unit fixing plate 47 is provided at its downstream end in the sheet conveying direction with a hook-shaped fixing claw 47a and a positioning protrusion 47b. First, as shown in Fig. 17(a), the fixed claw portion 47a of the unit fixing plate 47 is inserted into the elongated hole 49a of the fixed-movable loading unit 40 from below the sheet stacking table 11. As shown in Fig. 17(a), a first hole portion 11a and a second hole portion 11b are formed in the sheet stacking table 11, and the fixed claw portion 47a of the unit fixing plate 47 is inserted into the elongated hole 49a through the first hole portion 11a.

[0055] 17(a) and 17(b), the unit fixing plate is rotated clockwise in the drawing using the fixed claw 47a as a fulcrum, and the positioning protrusion 47b of the unit fixing plate is passed through the second hole 11b of the sheet stacking table 11 and the elongated hole 49a of the fixed-movable loading unit 40. The length from the fixed claw 47a to the positioning protrusion 47b is approximately equal to the length from the upstream end of the first hole 11a of the sheet stacking table 11 in the sheet conveying direction to the downstream end of the second hole 11b in the sheet conveying direction. Therefore, when the positioning protrusion 47b is inserted through the second hole 11b, the fixed claw 47a comes into contact with the upstream end of the first hole 11a in the sheet conveying direction, as shown in Fig. 18(a), and the positioning protrusion 47b comes into contact with the upstream end of the second hole 11b in the sheet conveying direction, as shown in Fig. 18(b), so that the unit fixing plate 47 is positioned in the sheet conveying direction. Then, as shown in Fig. 17(c), by screwing the screw 49b into the screw hole 47c of the unit fixing plate 47, the fixed claw 47a and the head of the screw 49b press the bottom surface of the fixed-movable loading unit 40 toward the sheet stacking table 11. As a result, the fixed-movable loading unit 40 is attached to the sheet stacking table 11 such that the area between the first hole 11a and the second hole 11b of the sheet stacking table 11 is sandwiched between the fixed-movable loading unit 40 and the unit fixing plate 47.

[0056] The fixed-movable loading unit 40 is fixed to the sheet stacking table by being fixed to a unit fixing plate 47 positioned on the sheet stacking table. The fixed-movable loading unit 40 is an extension unit used when setting a stack of sheets having a thickness deviation in the sheet transport direction on the feed tray 10, and is removed from the apparatus when setting a stack of sheets having no thickness deviation in the sheet transport direction on the feed tray 10.

[0057] In this embodiment, the fixed-movable type loading unit 40 is configured to be attached to the sheet stacking table 11 with a single screw, so the fixed-movable type loading unit 40 can be easily attached to and detached from the sheet stacking table 11. This makes it possible to easily expand the device to one that can set a stack of sheets having thickness deviations in the sheet conveyance direction on the feed tray 10.

[0058] Figure 19 is a side view showing the state in which a sheet stack Pf consisting of sheets with thickness deviation in the sheet transport direction has been set, and Figure 20 is an oblique view of the feed tray in which the sheet stack Pf has been set, viewed from different directions.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the number of sheets in the sheet stack Pf is large and the fan-shaped opening at the rear end is large, as shown in FIG. 19, the sheet stacking table 11 is positioned downward, and the movable protrusion 45a of the loading unit is separated from the first protrusion 51. Therefore, at this time, the movable table 42 is tilted. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the rear end side of the lower sheet of the sheet stack is tilted following the inclination of the movable table 42. As a result, the fan-shaped opening at the rear side of the upper sheet of the sheet stack can be suppressed more effectively than in the conventional example shown in FIG. 6. This can prevent a situation in which the end sensor 32 detects the presence of a sheet but the sheet detection sensor 31 detects the absence of a sheet, thereby enabling good lift control.

[0060] In addition, since the rear side curvature of the upper sheet of the sheet stack can be suppressed, the downward restoring force on the leading edge side of the sheet can be reduced, and the topmost sheet can be effectively floated and adsorbed to the adsorption belt 21.

[0061] In this embodiment, the end fence 25 is provided with a belt regulating portion 33 . As a result, even if the rear side of the sheet stack spreads out like a fan and the position of the rear end in the sheet conveying direction varies in the vertical direction, the belt member 33c as an elastic deformation member of the belt regulating section 33 elastically deforms to imitate the fan-shaped spread of the rear side of the sheet stack, allowing the end fence 25 to abut against the rear end of the sheet stack without any gaps.

[0062] In this embodiment, the inclination of the movable table 42 cannot completely absorb the fan-shaped spread at the rear, so the rear end of the sheet stack set in the feed tray 10 spreads out at both the top and bottom, as shown in Figure 20, and the center part of the sheet stack is located furthest upstream in the sheet conveying direction.

[0063] In this embodiment, non-elastically deformable regulating members are provided at the top and bottom of the end fence 25, protruding beyond the belt member 33c. Conversely, the belt member 33c protrudes beyond the regulating members at the vertical center portion. This allows the vertical center portion, where the trailing edge is located furthest upstream in the sheet conveyance direction, to abut against the belt member 33c, causing the belt member 33c to elastically deform so as to be recessed toward the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction. This allows the end fence 25 to move downstream in the sheet conveyance direction even after the vertical center portion abuts against the belt member 33c, allowing the abutment surface 34b of the upper regulating member 34 to abut against the trailing edge of the upper sheet of the sheet stack, and the abutment surface 35b of the lower regulating member 35 to abut against the trailing edge of the lower sheet of the sheet stack.

[0064] Furthermore, since the tensions of the belt members 33c of the pair of belt regulating portions 33 are the same, the elastic force applied to the sheet stack when the end fence 25 hits the sheet stack can be made the same, thereby suppressing bending of the sheets.

[0065] Furthermore, by configuring the tension of the belt member 33c to be adjustable, for example, if the sheet is weak, the tension of the belt member 33c can be weakened, and the elastic force of the belt member 33c can be prevented from bending the sheet.

[0066] In this embodiment, the belt member 33c is supported by the tension rollers 33a and 33b so as to be able to move endlessly. Therefore, when the sheet stacking table 11 is raised from the state shown in Fig. 19 to feed sheets, the belt member 33c fixed to the sheet stacking table 11 by the belt fixing member 36 rotates clockwise in Fig. 19, as indicated by the arrow. This allows the sheet stack to be smoothly raised.

[0067] In this embodiment, the vertical center portion of the belt member 33c is recessed toward the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, so the upper side of the belt member 33c is inclined toward the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction, which creates resistance to the lifting of the sheet stack. Furthermore, the belt member 33c is made of rubber and has a large sliding resistance with the sheets. Therefore, if the belt member 33c is not configured to move endlessly, there is a risk of problems such as the trailing ends of the sheets bending downward when the sheet stack is lifted. Therefore, by configuring the belt member 33c to be movable endlessly and moving the belt member 33c endlessly as the sheet stack is lifted, as in this embodiment, problems such as the trailing ends of the sheets bending downward can be effectively prevented.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the belt surface is roughened to have an uneven shape, so that the belt member 33c can reliably move endlessly as the sheet stack rises, thereby realizing smooth lifting of the sheet stack.

[0069] In this embodiment, the abutment surface 34b of the upper regulating member 34 is located closer to the sheet stack than the belt member 33c, so that the rear end of the rising sheet stack switches contact with the upper regulating member 34b instead of the belt member 33c.

[0070] In this embodiment, the lower end of the abutting surface 34b of the upper regulating member 34 has a guide inclined surface 34a that is positioned on the upstream side in the sheet conveying direction as it goes downward.

[0071] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. As shown in Figure 21, by providing the upper regulating member 34 with the guide inclined surface 34a, the sheet can be smoothly transferred from the belt member 33c to the upper regulating member 34, and when the sheet is transferred from the belt member 33c to the upper regulating member 34, problems such as the rear end of the sheet getting caught on the upper regulating member 34 and bending downward can be prevented.

[0072] Furthermore, as the sheet stack rises, the contact of the trailing ends of the sheets of the sheet stack with the lower regulating member 35 switches from the lower regulating member 35 to the belt member 33c. In this embodiment, the lower regulating member 35 is also provided with the guide inclined surface 35a that is positioned upstream in the sheet conveying direction as it extends upward, so that the sheets can be smoothly transferred from the lower regulating member 35 to the belt member 33c.

[0073] Then, when the top sheet of the sheet stack reaches the feeding position and stops rising, the rear end of the top sheet of the sheet stack is regulated by the abutment surface 34b of the non-elastically deformable upper regulating member 34. This makes it possible to reliably regulate the position of the sheet rear end by the abutment surface 34b, prevent the floated top sheet from moving backward, and, as described above, the leading edge of the second sheet and the top sheet are attracted to the suction belt, thereby preventing double feeding.

[0074] In addition, the rear ends of the lower sheets of the sheet stack are also regulated by the abutment surface 35b of the non-elastically deformable lower regulating member 35. As described above, the rear sides of the lower sheets of the sheet stack Pf are inclined downward following the inclination of the movable table 42. Therefore, although there is a risk that the lower sheets of the sheet stack will sag due to their own weight, such sagging can be firmly regulated by the abutment surface 35b of the lower regulating member 35.

[0075] In this way, by firmly regulating the position of the rear end of the sheet stack with the regulating members at the top and bottom of the end fence, the tension of the belt member 33c that contacts the center of the sheet stack can be weakened so that it can easily elastically deform, thereby achieving both good feeding by regulating the position of the rear end and the function of following the fan-shaped spread of the rear end of the sheet stack.

[0076] Furthermore, as sheet feeding progresses and the number of sheets remaining in the sheet stack Pf decreases, the fan-shaped spread at the rear of the sheet stack decreases. Therefore, if the movable table 42 is inclined at the same angle as it was initially, when the number of sheets remaining in the sheet stack decreases, the rear side of the top sheet of the sheet stack will move down in accordance with the inclination of the movable table 42. As a result, when the top sheet is floated, the top sheet may move back, causing double feeding.

[0077] However, in this embodiment, as described above, as the sheet stacking tray 11 rises, the movable protrusion 45a abuts against the first protrusion 51, causing the movable base 42 to rotate and the inclination of the movable base 42 to gradually become gentler. This allows the inclination of the movable base 42 to become gentler in accordance with the decrease in the fan-shaped spread of the rear side of the sheet stack as the number of sheets in the sheet stack decreases. This prevents the rear side of the top sheet of the sheet stack from dropping, and prevents the top sheet from receding when floating. This prevents double feeding from occurring.

[0078] In this way, in this embodiment, good feeding can be achieved even with a stack of sheets that consists of sheets with a large thickness deviation in the sheet transport direction, such as a bag member with a zipper on one side of the sheet transport direction, and whose rear side spreads out widely like a fan.

[0079] The sheets to be fed include a bag member having a zipper at the opening, a bottom folded inward, and a thickness at the bottom and opening compared to the center. In a stack of such sheets, each of which is made up of multiple sheets whose bottom and opening are thicker than the center, the thicker opening and bottom spread out like a fan. When a sheet stack with a thicker opening and bottom spread out like a fan is set in the sheet feeder, the leading and trailing edges of the top surface of the sheet stack in the conveying direction are higher than the center, as shown in FIG. 22 . Furthermore, even if the fixed-movable loading unit 40 described above is set on the sheet stacking table 11 and a stack of sheets whose bottom and opening are thicker than the center is set, the leading edge of the sheet stack in the conveying direction remains higher than the rest.

[0080] If the leading edge of the sheet stack is high like this, even if the sheet detection sensor 31 detects the sheet, the end sensor 32 may not detect the sheet, and even though the sheet stack is set, it may be determined that the sheet has reached the end, and control may be performed to instruct the user to set the sheet stack.

[0081] Furthermore, because the leading edge of the sheet is curved, a restoring force acts downward on the leading edge of the sheet, making it difficult for the leading edge of the sheet to float up, and there is a risk that the topmost sheet will not be attracted to the attraction belt 21.

[0082] Therefore, in this embodiment, a plurality of loading units having different configurations can be selectively attached to the sheet stacking table 11, and when a sheet stack that spreads out like a fan on both sides in the conveying direction is set and fed, the fixed-movable loading unit 40, which is compatible with sheet stacks that spread out like a fan only on the upstream side in the conveying direction, can be changed to a loading unit compatible with sheet stacks that spread out like a fan on both sides in the conveying direction. Below, a description will be given of a movable-movable loading unit, which has a convex sheet loading surface that is compatible with sheet stacks that spread out like a fan on both sides in the conveying direction.

[0083] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the movable-movable type placement unit 140. Fig. 23(a) is a perspective view of the movable-movable type placement unit 140 seen from the upstream side in the transport direction, and Fig. 23(b) is a view of the movable-movable type placement unit 140 seen from the upstream side in the transport direction. Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the movable-movable type placement unit 140, and Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the movable-movable type placement unit 140.

[0084] The movable-movable placement unit 140 has a fixed base 141, a first movable base 142 on which the leading end of the sheet stack in the conveying direction is placed, and a second movable base 143 on which the trailing end of the sheet stack in the conveying direction is placed. The fixed base 141 is screwed to a base member 149 and has a support surface 141c that supports the downstream side of the first movable base 142 in the conveying direction and the leading end of the sheet stack, and an opposing surface 141b that faces the front fence 27. As is clear from a comparison of FIG. 23(b) with FIG. 10, the opposing surface 141b of the movable-movable placement unit 140 is provided on the opposite side in the sheet width direction from the opposing surface 41b of the fixed-movable placement unit 40. Similar to the opposing surface 41b of the fixed-movable placement unit 40, this opposing surface 141b has a restriction hole 141a that restricts the rotation range of the first rotating member 181.

[0085] The first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 are rotatably attached by a stepped screw 148c to the top of a table lifting member 148 that is provided so as to be movable in the up and down direction. The table lifting member 148 is moved in the up and down direction by a link mechanism 180 that is made up of a first rotating member 181, a second rotating member 182, and a third rotating member 183.

[0086] At the tip of first movable table 142, there is provided tip scooping member 153 as an inclined member made of resin, which has better sliding properties than metal first movable table 142. Tip scooping member 153 has an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to first sheet placing surface 142a of first movable table 142.

[0087] A plurality of notches 143b extending in the conveying direction are provided on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the second movable table 143. Also, as shown in Fig. 24, a spacer member 155 serving as a weight member is attached to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the back surface (the surface opposite to the sheet placement surface) of the second movable table 143.

[0088] A rear end support member 154 is attached to the upstream end in the conveying direction of the second movable table 143. The rear end support member 154 supports the rear end of the sheet stack stacked on the movable-movable loading unit 140. A pair of protrusions 154a is provided on the rear end support member 154. These protrusions 154a are provided at positions that do not face the end fence 25, so that the end fence 25 can fit between the pair of protrusions 154a.

[0089] For a sheet stack that is short in the conveying direction, the end fence 25 fits between the pair of protrusions 154a, causing the end fence 25 to abut against the rear end of the sheet stack, thereby regulating the rear end of the sheet stack. This allows the movable-movable mount unit 140 to accommodate a plurality of sheets with different lengths in the conveying direction, thereby reducing costs compared to when multiple movable-movable mount units are provided according to the sheet lengths. Furthermore, there is no need to replace the mount unit every time a sheet stack with a different length in the conveying direction is changed, thereby improving convenience compared to when multiple movable-movable mount units are provided according to the sheet lengths.

[0090] Furthermore, the rear end support member 154 is configured to be detachable from the second movable table 143, and when placing a sheet stack that is longer in the conveying direction, it can be replaced with a rear end support member 154' having a longer protrusion 154a as shown in Figure 24. This allows the rear end of a sheet stack made up of sheets that are long in the conveying direction to be supported by this rear end support member 154'. This makes it possible to accommodate sheet stacks of various lengths at a lower cost than when multiple movable-movable loading units are prepared according to the length of the sheet stack.

[0091] Supporting the rear end of the sheet bundle with the rear end support member 154 prevents the rear end of the sheet bundle from bending downward. If the rear end of the sheet bundle is not supported and protrudes beyond the second movable table 143, the rear end of the sheet bundle will bend downward. If the rear end of the sheet bundle is bent downward, the end fence 25 cannot properly regulate the rear end of the sheet bundle, and the lower sheets of the sheet bundle may slide downstream in the conveying direction. Furthermore, when feeding a sheet from a sheet bundle with its rear end bent downward, the sheet being fed may get caught on the downwardly bent portion of the rear end of the sheet bundle, resulting in a feeding failure. Therefore, the rear end of the sheet bundle is supported by the rear end support member 154, preventing the rear end of the sheet bundle from bending downward. This allows the end fence 25 to properly regulate the rear end of the sheet bundle, preventing the lower sheets of the sheet bundle from sliding upstream in the conveying direction. Furthermore, feeding failures can be suppressed.

[0092] The platform lifting member 148 has guided portions 148f extending downward on both sides in the width direction, and a guide hole 148d extending up and down in the center in the width direction. The platform lifting member 148 also has a pair of roller mounting portions 148e at the lower end in the center in the width direction to which connecting rollers 148a, which are rotating members connected to the third rotating member 183, are attached. The connecting rollers 148a are rotatably attached to these roller mounting portions 148e by shoulder screws 148b.

[0093] The base member 149 has a first guide portion 149d1 and a second guide portion 149d2 for guiding the platform lifting member 148 (see FIG. 23). The first guide portion 149d1 faces the width direction end of the platform lifting member 148 from the upstream side in the conveying direction. The second guide portion 149d2 faces the guided portion 148f of the platform lifting member 148 from the downstream side in the conveying direction. A shoulder screw 147 attached to the platform support member 147 passes through the guide hole 148d of the platform lifting member 148. The platform lifting member 148 is guided by the first guide portion 149d1, the second guide portion 149d2, and the shoulder screw 147h to move in the up and down direction.

[0094] 24 and 25, the movable-movable mount unit 140 has a mount support member 147 that supports the second movable mount 143. FIG. The table support member 147 has support rollers 147a as rotating members that abut against the back surface of the second movable table 143 and support the second movable table 143. The support rollers 147a are rotatably attached by shoulder screws 147b to the tips of a pair of roller support parts 147e that extend upward from a base part 147f.

[0095] A torsion spring 147c serving as a biasing member is held by a stepped screw 147b via a hexagonal nut 147d (FIG. 24) that rotatably mounts the support roller 147a on the front side of the figure. One end of the torsion spring 147c is fixed to the roller support part 147e with tape or the like, and the other end of the torsion spring 147c abuts against the back surface of the second movable table 143, as shown in FIG. 25, and biases the second movable table 143 upward.

[0096] The platform support member 147 also has a facing portion 147g that faces the platform lifting member 148 from the upstream side in the conveying direction. A shoulder screw 147h that passes through a guide hole 148d of the platform lifting member 148 is screwed into this facing portion 147g. A through hole 147i through which a roller mounting portion 148e of the platform lifting member 148 passes is provided in this facing portion 147g.

[0097] The multiple notches 143b of the second movable table 143 are formed upstream in the conveying direction from the support point where the table support member 147 abuts against the support rollers 147a, making the upstream side of the support point in the conveying direction lighter. Also, as described above, a spacer member 155 is attached to the downstream side in the conveying direction of the back surface of the second movable table 143, making the downstream side of the support point in the conveying direction heavier. With these configurations, the center of gravity of the second movable table 143 is located downstream of the support point of the table support member 147. By locating the center of gravity of the second movable table 143 downstream in the conveying direction from the support point of the table support member 147, the second movable table 143 generates its own weight to rotate around the support point of the table support member 147 as a fulcrum so that its downstream end in the conveying direction descends (counterclockwise in FIG. 23 ).

[0098] Furthermore, a torsion spring 147c provided on the platform support member 147 biases the second movable platform 143 upward on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the support point of the platform support member 147. This assists the rotation of the second movable platform 143 due to its own weight, such that the downstream end in the conveying direction drops about the support point of the platform support member 147 as a fulcrum. A sliding sheet is attached to the contact portion of the second movable platform 143 with the torsion spring 147c.

[0099] FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of the link mechanism 180. As shown in FIG. The first rotating member 181 of the link mechanism 180 that moves the platform lifting member 148 has the same shape as the first rotating member 45 of the fixed-movable type mounting unit 40 described above. Specifically, one end of the first rotating member 181 is rotatably attached to the opposing surface 141b of the fixed platform 141 by a shoulder screw 181e, and the other end is provided with a movable protrusion 181a. In addition, a through-hole 181c, through which the connecting portion 182b of the second rotating member 182 passes, is provided adjacent to the movable protrusion 181a. In addition, the first rotating member 181 has a restricting protrusion 181b at approximately the center thereof that fits into a restricting hole 141a provided in the opposing surface 141b.

[0100] In addition, a link stopper 152 that restricts the rotation of the first rotation member 181 is attached to the fixed base 141. In this way, in the movable-movable type mounting unit 140, as in the fixed-movable type mounting unit 40, the rotation range of the first rotation member 181 is restricted to less than 90°.

[0101] The movable-movable type mounting unit 140 is in an initial state in which the other end on the movable protrusion 181a side is positioned lower than one end, while the above-mentioned fixed-movable type mounting unit 40 is in an initial state in which the other end on the movable protrusion 181a side is positioned higher than one end, as shown in Fig. 10. Also, the movable protrusion 181a of the movable-movable type mounting unit 140 is positioned closer to the front in the width direction than the movable protrusion 45a of the fixed-movable type mounting unit 40.

[0102] The second rotating member 182 of the link mechanism 180 is rotatably attached to a link support member 151 fixed to the base member 149 by a shoulder screw 151c. A connecting portion 182b is provided at the downstream end of the second rotating member in the conveying direction, and passes through a through-hole portion 181c of the first rotating member 181. Furthermore, a pair of link rollers 182a, which are rotating members, are provided at the upstream end of the second rotating member 182 in the conveying direction and come into contact with a first roller abutment portion 183a, which serves as a connected portion, of a third rotating member 183. The link rollers 182a are rotatably attached to the second rotating member 182 by a shoulder screw 182c.

[0103] The third rotating member 183 of the link mechanism 180 is rotatably attached to the fixed base 141 by a shoulder screw 183e.

[0104] FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the third rotating member 183 of the link mechanism 180. As shown in FIG. The third rotating member 183 has a pair of first roller contact portions 183a against which the link rollers 182a contact, and a pair of support holes 183d through which shoulder screws 183e pass and which are rotatably supported by the shoulder screws 183e. The third rotating member 183 also has a pair of second roller contact portions 183c as connected portions against which the connecting rollers 148a of the platform lifting member 148 contact. A leaf spring member 183b serving as a pressing member is attached to the third rotating member 183, and the second roller contact portions 183c and the leaf spring member 183b sandwich the connecting roller 148a in the vertical direction.

[0105] By providing support hole 183d closer to first roller contact portion 183a than the center position in the conveying direction and providing second roller contact portion 183c lower than first roller contact portion 183a, the center of gravity is configured to be closer to second roller contact portion 183c than support hole 183d, which is the fulcrum for rotation of third rotating member 183. As a result, third rotating member 183 rotates by its own weight in a direction lifting link roller 182a.

[0106] The weight of the platform lifting member 148 is applied to the second roller contact portion 183c of the third rotating member 183. Furthermore, as described above, a downward force is applied to the platform lifting member 148 from the second movable platform 143, and this downward force is also applied to the second roller contact portion 183c. In addition, as described above, the third rotating member 183 is also configured to rotate under its own weight in a direction to lift the link roller 182a. As a result, the third rotating member 183 rotates clockwise in the figure, the link roller 182a is lifted, the connecting roller 148a is lowered, and the platform lifting member 148 is positioned in the lowered position.

[0107] The distance from the pivot point (step screw 183e) of third rotating member 183 to the point of contact with link roller 182a is shorter than the distance from the pivot point (step screw 183e) to the point of contact with connecting roller 148a. This makes it possible to amplify the force (such as the weight of the platform lifting member) applied from connecting roller 148a to second roller abutment portion 183c, which acts on the point of contact between link roller 182a and first roller abutment portion 183a, and to lift link roller 182a well.

[0108] Furthermore, as described above, the connecting roller 148a is sandwiched between the second roller contact portion 183c and the leaf spring member 183b in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the third rotating member 183 rotates to lift the link roller 182a, even if the platform elevating member 148 becomes caught on the first guide portion 149d1 or the second guide portion 149d2 of the base member and is difficult to lower, the platform elevating member 148 can be lowered by the biasing force of the leaf spring member 183b that abuts the connecting roller 148a from above.

[0109] As the link roller 182a of the second rotating member 182 is lifted, the second rotating member 182 rotates counterclockwise in the figure and pushes down the first rotating member 181. As a result, in the initial state, the first rotating member 181 abuts against the link stopper 152 and assumes a posture in which the movable protrusion 181a is positioned downward.

[0110] Figure 29 is a schematic diagram showing a feeding device equipped with a movable-movable loading unit 140, where (a) shows the sheet stacking table 11 in a lowered position, and (b) shows the movable tables 142, 143 when they have reached the feeding position. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the movable-movable loading unit 140 when the sheet loading platform 11 is in the lowered position, and FIG. 31 is a schematic view of the movable-movable loading unit 140 when the sheet loading platform 11 is in the lowered position.

[0111] The movable-movable type loading unit 140 is fixed to the sheet stacking table 11 by a unit fixing plate 47, similar to the fixed-movable type loading unit 40.

[0112] When the sheet stacking table 11 to which the movable-movable loading unit 140 is attached is lowered to the lowered position, the movable protrusion 181a abuts against the second protrusion 52. When the sheet stacking table 11 is further lowered from this state, the movable protrusion 181a is lifted by the second protrusion 52. Then, as shown in FIG. 30(b), the first rotating member 181 rotates in the direction of arrow A1, and the movable protrusion 181a moves upward relative to the fixed-movable loading unit 40. The first rotating member 181 rotates in the direction A in the figure, thereby pushing up the connecting portion 182b of the second rotating member 182. As a result, the second rotating member 182 rotates in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 31, and pushes down the first roller contact portion 183a of the third rotating member 183.

[0113] When second rotating member 182 rotates, link roller 182a moves on the surface of first roller contact portion 183a of third rotating member 183. In this embodiment, link roller 182a is rotatably attached to second rotating member 182, and therefore moves on the surface of first roller contact portion 183a while rotating. This reduces resistance during movement, allowing second rotating member 182 to rotate smoothly and press down first roller contact portion 183a of third rotating member 183.

[0114] When the first roller abutment portion 183a of the third rotating member 183 is pressed down by the second rotating member 182, the third rotating member 183 rotates in the direction of arrow C in the figure and lifts the connecting roller 148a. When the connecting roller 148a is lifted, the platform lifting member 148 rises, and the upstream end of the first movable platform 142 in the conveying direction and the downstream end of the second movable platform 143 in the conveying direction are lifted.

[0115] When the third rotating member 183 rotates, the connecting roller 148a moves relatively on the surface of the second roller abutting portion 183c of the third rotating member 183. Because the connecting roller 148a is also rotatably attached to the platform lifting member 148, it moves relatively on the surface of the second roller abutting portion 183c while rotating. This reduces resistance during movement, allowing the third rotating member 183 to rotate smoothly and lift the connecting roller 148a smoothly.

[0116] As the table lifting member 148 is raised by the third rotating member 183, the first movable table 142 rotates around its upstream end in the conveying direction as a fulcrum, and the second movable table 143 rotates around its upstream end in the conveying direction as a fulcrum. As a result, the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 tilt. Then, as shown in FIG. 29(a), when the sheet stacking table 11 is lowered to the lowered position, the sheet placing surface of the movable-movable table unit 140, which is made up of the first sheet placing surface 142a of the first movable table 142 and the sheet placing surface 143a of the second movable table 143, becomes convex with the center protruding upward.

[0117] When the upstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction is lifted and the first movable table 142 tilts, the leading edge scooping member 153 attached to the leading edge of the first movable table 142 moves toward the upstream side in the conveying direction relative to the support surface 141c of the fixed table 141. In this embodiment, the leading edge scooping member 153 is made of a material with better sliding properties than the first movable table 142, so the leading edge scooping member 153 slides smoothly on the support surface 141c of the fixed table 141. Therefore, the first movable table 142 can be tilted smoothly.

[0118] Furthermore, when the downstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction is lifted and the second movable table 143 tilts, the support roller 147a moves relatively along the back surface of the second movable table 143. The support roller 147a is rotatably attached to the table support member 147, and therefore moves relatively along the back surface of the second movable table 143 while rotating. This allows the second movable table 143 to tilt smoothly.

[0119] A sliding sheet is attached to the contact point with the torsion spring 147c that biases the second movable table 143 from the rear surface, so that the torsion spring 147c smoothly slides on the surface of the sliding sheet when the second movable table 143 tilts. This allows the second movable table 143 to tilt smoothly.

[0120] When the sheet stacking table 11 rises from the lowered position, the movable protrusion 181a is no longer subjected to the upward force from the second protrusion 52. When the first movable table 142 is in an inclined state, the weight of the first movable table 142 acts on the upstream end of the first movable table 142 in a downward direction. As a result, the table lifting member 148 receives a downward force from the first movable table 142. As described above, the second movable table 143 is provided with the notch 143b on the upstream side in the conveying direction and the spacer member 155 on the downstream side in the conveying direction, so that the center of gravity of the second movable table 143 is located downstream in the conveying direction from the support point of the table support member 147. Therefore, when the second movable table 143 is in an inclined state, the second movable table 143 tries to rotate due to its own weight so that the downstream end of the second movable table 143 descends, with the support point of the table support member 147 as a fulcrum. Furthermore, the second movable table 143 is biased upward by a torsion spring 147c on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the support point of the table support member 147, and the torsion spring 147c assists the rotation of the downstream end portion downward with the support point of the table support member 147 as a fulcrum. As a result, the table lifting member 148 also receives a downward force from the second movable table 143.

[0121] Therefore, the weight of platform lifting member 148, the force of first movable platform 142 pressing down platform lifting member 148, and the force of second movable platform pressing down platform lifting member 148 are applied via connecting roller 148a to second roller abutment portion 183c of third rotating member 183. This force applied via connecting roller 148a to second roller abutment portion 183c of third rotating member 183 acts as a force to lift link roller 182a at the point of contact between link roller 182a and first roller abutment portion 183a.

[0122] Furthermore, the distance from the pivot point of third rotating member 183 to the contact point (point of force) between connecting roller 148a and second roller contact portion 183c is longer than the distance from the pivot point of third rotating member 183 to the contact point (point of action) between link roller 182a and first roller contact portion 183a. Therefore, the force applied to second roller contact portion 183c of third rotating member 183 via connecting roller 148a is amplified and acts on the contact point between link roller 182a and first roller contact portion 183a.

[0123] Furthermore, a force that lifts the link roller 182a acts at the contact point between the link roller 182a and the first roller contact portion 183a due to the rotation of the third rotating member 133 under its own weight. As a result, the force that tries to lift the link roller 182a that is applied to this contact point exceeds the force that presses down the first roller contact portion 183a of the link roller 182a, and the third rotating member 183 rotates in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow C in FIG.

[0124] As a result, the platform lifting member 148 descends, and the inclination of the first movable platform 142 and the second movable platform 143 becomes gentler. At this time, just as when the platform lifting member 148 ascends, the relative movement points of each member move smoothly, allowing the platform lifting member 148 to descend smoothly. Furthermore, as described above, the connecting roller 148a is biased against the second roller abutment portion 183c by the leaf spring member 183b, so that even if the resistance during the descent of the platform lifting member 148 increases slightly, the platform lifting member 148 can descend without stopping midway.

[0125] Then, when the movable bases 142, 143 approach the feeding position, the first rotating member 181 hits the link stopper 152, restricting the rotation of the first rotating member 181 in the direction opposite to the direction of arrow A in Figure 30(b), and the second protrusion 52 moves away from the movable protrusion 181a. As a result, the movable-movable loading unit 140 returns to its initial state, and as shown in Figure 29(b), when the movable bases 142, 143 reach the feeding position, the first sheet loading surface 142a of the first movable base 142 and the second sheet loading surface 143a of the second movable base are in an approximately horizontal state.

[0126] By changing the link stoppers 152, it is possible to adjust the inclination angle of each movable platform and the timing at which the second protrusion 52 separates from the movable protrusion 181a. For example, by attaching a link stopper 152 that is lower in height than the link stopper 152 shown in Fig. 23, it is possible to increase the inclination angle of the sheet loading surfaces 142a, 143a when the sheet stacking platform 11 is in the lowered position, and delay the timing at which the sheet stacking platform 11 separates from the movable protrusion 181a when it is raised.

[0127] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a state in which a sheet stack Pf1, both sides of which are fan-shaped, is set in a feeding device to which a movable-movable mounting unit is attached. When a sheet stack is set, the sheet stacking table 11 is in the lowered position. At this time, the movable protrusion 181a is raised by the second protrusion 52, the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 are tilted, and the sheet placement surface is convex. Therefore, when a sheet stack Pf1 with fan-shaped edges is set on the movable-movable placement unit 140, both sides of the lower sheets of the sheet stack Pf1 are tilted in accordance with the inclination of the movable tables 142 and 143. As a result, the fan-shaped spread of the upper sheets of the sheet stack Pf1 is suppressed, and the upper surface of the sheet stack Pf1 can be made substantially flat. This allows for excellent lift control based on the detection results of the sheet detection sensor 31 and the end sensor 32, just as when a sheet stack with no thickness deviation is set. Furthermore, by making the upper surface of the sheet stack Pf1 substantially flat, the uppermost sheet can be lifted and attracted to the suction belt 21.

[0128] Furthermore, the convex portion of the sheet placing surface of the movable-movable placing unit 140, which is composed of the first sheet placing surface 142a of the first movable table 142 and the second sheet placing surface 143a of the second movable table 143 (the position raised and lowered by the table raising and lowering member) does not necessarily have to be the center in the conveying direction of the sheet stack, but may be slightly downstream in the conveying direction. This is because, as can be seen from Figure 32, the suction belt 21 for feeding sheets, and the end sensor 32 and sheet detection sensor 31 for controlling the elevation of the sheet stacking table 11 are located downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet stack. Therefore, as long as at least the downstream side of the upper surface of the sheet stack in the conveying direction is horizontal, good feeding can be performed even if the upstream side of the sheet stack in the conveying direction is slightly higher than the downstream side.

[0129] In this embodiment, a leading edge scooping member 153 having an inclined surface inclined relative to the first sheet placement surface 142a of the first movable table 142 is attached to the downstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction. This allows for a gentler inclination angle with respect to the support surface 141c of the fixed table 141 on which the leading edge of the sheet stack is placed when the first movable table 142 is in an inclined position, as shown in FIG. 30(b) and FIG. 31 . This prevents the bottom sheet of the sheet stack Pf1 from getting caught when the sheet stack is moved downstream in the conveying direction during setting. Furthermore, because the leading edge scooping member 153 is made of a material with better sliding properties than the first movable table 142, the sheet stack can be moved smoothly downstream in the conveying direction during setting, further preventing the bottom sheet of the sheet stack from getting caught.

[0130] 33 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the movable-movable placement unit 140 has placed the last sheet of a sheet stack. Px1, indicated by a solid line in the figure, is a sheet of the maximum length that can be placed by this movable-movable placement unit 140, and Px2, indicated by a dashed line in the figure, is a sheet of the minimum length that can be placed by this movable-movable placement unit 140. In the case of a sheet of the maximum length Px1, the abutment surface 34b of the end fence 25 is located at the position indicated by the solid line in the figure, and in the case of a sheet of the minimum length Px2, the end fence 25 fits between the protrusions 154a of the trailing end support member 154, and the abutment surface 34b is located at the position indicated by the dashed line in the figure.

[0131] When the last sheet is being placed, the movable protrusion 181a is separated from the second protrusion 52, and the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 are in their initial positions. In this state, the leading edge scooping member 153 is raised above the support surface 141c of the fixed table 141. The second movable table support position of the support roller 147a is located lower than the second movable table support position (the position of the stepped screw 148c) of the table lifting member 148. Therefore, the second movable table 143 is gently inclined such that the upstream side in the conveying direction is located lower than the downstream side. The downstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction covers the upstream side of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the leading edges of a pair of protrusions 154a of the trailing edge support member 154 attached to the upstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction are located higher than the upstream side of the second placement surface of the second movable table 143.

[0132] Therefore, as shown in Figure 33, the final sheet of the sheet stack is supported at three points: the tip S1 of the tip scooping member 153, the downstream end S2 of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction, and the area between the tip S31 and the base S32 of the protrusion 154a of the rear end support member 154.

[0133] The leading edge S1 of the leading edge scooping member 153 and the downstream end S2 of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction are at approximately the same position in the vertical direction, so the sheet is placed on the movable-movable loading unit 140 with the surface of the leading edge of the sheet facing the suction belt 21 and the surface facing the end sensor 32 in a nearly horizontal state. Therefore, suction to the suction belt 21 and sheet detection by the end sensor 32 can be performed well.

[0134] Also, in this movable-movable type placement unit 140, the rotation range of each rotation member of the link mechanism 180 is set to less than 90°. This allows the movable-movable type placement unit 140 to be made smaller in size.

[0135] In the above description, the table lifting member 148 serving as a support member rotatably supporting the upstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction and the downstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction is raised and lowered so that the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 assume an inclined position as shown in Fig. 29(a) and a substantially horizontal position as shown in Fig. 29(b), but this is not limiting. For example, by raising and lowering the downstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction using a solenoid or the like in conjunction with the raising and lowering of the sheet stacking table 11, the first movable table 142 is rotated around the upstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction as a fulcrum to assume an inclined position and a substantially horizontal position. The upstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction may be raised and lowered using a solenoid or the like, so that the second movable table 143 can be rotated around the downstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction as a fulcrum, thereby taking an inclined position or an approximately horizontal position.

[0136] In the feeding device of this embodiment, when feeding a sheet stack that spreads out like a fan on both sides, attaching the movable-movable loading unit 140 to the sheet stacking table 11 allows for good feeding. When feeding a sheet stack that spreads out like a fan on one side, attaching the fixed-movable loading unit 40 to the sheet stacking table 11 allows for good feeding. For sheet stacks that are uniform in thickness and do not spread out like a fan, placing the sheets directly on the sheet stacking table 11 without attaching a loading unit to the sheet stacking table 11 allows for good feeding. In this way, this embodiment allows for good feeding of sheet stacks of various sheets, increases the versatility of the device, and makes it possible to provide a user-friendly feeding device.

[0137] The above description is merely an example, and each of the following aspects provides unique effects. (Aspect 1) A loading unit such as a movable-movable loading unit 140 for loading a bundle of conveyed objects such as a stack of sheets, which can be installed on a lifting member such as the sheet stacking table 11 of the feeding device 200, is provided with a rotatable first movable table 142 for loading the downstream side of the bundle of conveyed objects in the conveying direction, and a rotatable second movable table 143 which is positioned upstream of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction of the conveyed objects such as sheets, and for loading the upstream side of the bundle of conveyed objects in the conveying direction. With this configuration, both the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 are rotatable, allowing both the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 to be tilted. This allows the first movable table 142 to be tilted so that its downstream side in the conveying direction is lower than its upstream side, and the second movable table 143 to be tilted so that its upstream side in the conveying direction is lower than its downstream side. This allows the placement section for the bundle of conveyed objects, which is formed by the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143, to have a convex shape with the center higher than the sides. Therefore, when a bundle of conveyed objects that fan out on both sides in the conveying direction and are thicker on both sides in the conveying direction than the center is placed on the placement section, the height difference between the center and both sides in the conveying direction of the top surface of the bundle of conveyed objects can be reduced. As a result, conveyed objects that are thicker on both sides in the conveying direction than the center can be fed efficiently. Then, as the height difference between the center of the bundle of conveyed objects and both sides in the conveying direction becomes smaller with the decrease in the number of sheets in the bundle of conveyed objects, the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 are rotated so as to reduce the inclination of the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143. This makes it possible to reduce the height difference between the center of the top surface of the bundle of conveyed objects and both sides in the conveying direction even when the number of sheets in the bundle of conveyed objects becomes smaller, and conveyed objects whose thickness on both sides in the conveying direction is thicker than the center can be fed well until the end. Furthermore, even if only the thickness on the downstream side in the conveying direction is thick, if the length of the conveying bundle in the conveying direction is longer than the length of the loading unit in the conveying direction, when the conveying bundle is placed on the loading unit, the upstream side in the conveying direction may also spread out in a fan shape, and both sides of the conveying direction of the conveying bundle may spread out in a fan shape.

[0138] (Aspect 2) In (Aspect 1), the loading unit is characterized in that the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 rotate as the lifting member such as the sheet loading table 11 rises. As a result, as described in the embodiment, the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 can be rotated so that the inclination of the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 decreases as the number of sheets in the bundle of conveyed objects decreases. This makes it possible to reduce the height difference between the center and both sides in the conveying direction of the top surface of the bundle of conveyed objects, even when the number of sheets in the bundle of conveyed objects decreases, and conveyed objects whose thickness on both sides in the conveying direction is thicker than the center can be fed well to the end.

[0139] (Aspect 3) In the first or second embodiment, a support member is provided that rotatably supports the upstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction and that rotatably supports the downstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction. According to this, by rotating the first movable table 142 around the support member as a fulcrum, the first movable table 142 can be tilted so that the downstream side in the conveying direction is lower than the upstream side, or can be made horizontal. Also, by rotating the second movable table 143 around the support member as a fulcrum, the second movable table 143 can be tilted so that the upstream side in the conveying direction is lower than the downstream side, or can be made horizontal.

[0140] (Aspect 4) In aspect 3, the support member is a table lifting member 148 that raises and lowers the upstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction and the downstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction, and the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143 rotate as the table lifting member 148 rises and falls. According to this, as described in the embodiment, by raising the upstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction and the downstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction by the table lifting member 148, it is possible to incline the first movable table 142 so that the downstream side in the conveying direction is lower than the upstream side, and to incline the second movable table 143 so that the upstream side in the conveying direction is lower than the downstream side. As a result, the placement portion, such as the sheet placement surface on which the conveyed object bundle is placed, which is formed by the first movable table 142 and the second movable table 143, can be made to have a convex shape with the approximate center being higher than both sides. As the number of sheets in the bundle of conveyed objects decreases, the platform lifting member 148 is lowered from its raised position, thereby reducing the inclination of the first movable platform 142 and the second movable platform 143. This makes it possible to reduce the difference in height between the upstream and downstream sides of the top surface of the bundle of conveyed objects in the conveying direction, even when the number of sheets in the bundle of conveyed objects decreases, and conveyed objects that are thicker on both sides in the conveying direction than in the center can be fed well until the end.

[0141] (Aspect 5) In the fourth embodiment, when the lifting member such as the sheet stacking table 11 is in the lowered position, the table lifting member 148 is in the raised position, and the table lifting member 148 is lowered as the lifting member rises. As a result, as described in the embodiment, as the number of sheets in the bundle of transported objects decreases, the platform lifting member 148 descends from the raised position, and even when the number of sheets in the bundle of transported objects decreases, the difference in height between the upstream and downstream sides of the top surface of the bundle of transported objects in the transport direction can be reduced, and transported objects that are thicker on both sides in the transport direction than in the center can be fed well until the end.

[0142] (Aspect 6) In the fourth or fifth embodiment, a link mechanism 180 is provided to raise and lower the platform lifting member 148 . In this way, the platform lifting member 148 can be raised and lowered by the link mechanism 180.

[0143] (Aspect 7) In aspect 6, the link mechanism 180 is composed of multiple link members (in this embodiment, a first rotating member 181, a second rotating member 182, and a third rotating member 183), and at least one of the multiple link members (in this embodiment, the second rotating member 182) has a rotating member such as a link roller 182a that abuts against another link member (in this embodiment, the third rotating member). According to this, as described in the embodiment, when a link member such as the second rotating member 182 or another link member such as the third rotating member 183 rotates, a rotating member such as the link roller 182a moves relatively on the surface of the other link member while rotating. This allows the link members to rotate smoothly, and the platform elevating member 148 to be smoothly raised and lowered.

[0144] (Aspect 8) In the sixth or seventh embodiment, the platform lifting member 148 is connected to the link mechanism 180 via a rotating member such as a connecting roller 148a. According to this, as described in the embodiment, when a link member such as third rotating member 183 of link mechanism 180 rotates, a rotating member such as connecting roller 148a moves relatively on the surface of the link member while rotating. This allows the link member to rotate smoothly, and platform elevating member 148 to be smoothly raised and lowered.

[0145] (Aspect 9) In any of aspects 6 to 8, the link mechanism 180 has a pressing member such as a leaf spring member 183b that presses a connecting portion such as the connecting roller 148a of the platform lifting member 148, which is connected to a connected portion such as the second roller abutment portion 183c, against the connected portion. According to this, as described in the embodiment, when the connected portion, such as the second roller abutment portion 183c, of the link mechanism 180, such as the third rotating member, rotates in a direction away from the connecting portion, such as the connecting roller 148a, the connecting portion can be made to follow the connected portion well. This allows the platform elevating member 148 to be lifted and lowered well by the link mechanism.

[0146] (Aspect 10) In any of the fourth to ninth aspects, the platform lifting member 148 is lowered from the raised position to the lowered position by the weight of at least one of the platform lifting member 148, the first movable platform 142, and the second movable platform 143. This allows the platform lifting member 148 to be lowered without using a drive source such as a motor.

[0147] (Aspect 11) In the tenth aspect, a platform support member 147 that supports the second movable platform 143 is provided, and the center of gravity of the second movable platform 143 is located downstream in the conveying direction from the second movable platform support point of the platform support member 147. According to this, as described in the embodiment, the second movable table can be rotated by its own weight around the second movable table support point of the table support member 147 as a fulcrum so that the downstream side of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction lowers. As a result, the table lifting member 148 receives a downward force from the second movable table 143 due to its own weight, and the table lifting member 148 can be lowered by the weight of the second movable table 143.

[0148] (Aspect 12) In the eleventh aspect, the second movable table 143 has a plurality of notches 143b on the upstream side of the second movable table support point of the table support member 147 in the conveying direction. As a result, as described in the embodiment, the upstream side of the second movable table support point of the table support member 147 in the conveying direction can be made lighter, and the center of gravity of the second movable table 143 can be located downstream of the second movable table support point of the table support member 147 in the conveying direction.

[0149] (Aspect 13) In the eleventh or twelfth embodiment, a weight member such as the spacer member 155 is provided downstream of the second movable table support position of the table support member 147 in the conveying direction. As a result, as described in the embodiment, the downstream side in the conveying direction of the second movable table support point of the table support member 147 can be made heavier, and the center of gravity of the second movable table 143 can be made downstream in the conveying direction of the second movable table support point of the table support member 147.

[0150] (Aspect 14) In any of the embodiments 11 to 13, a biasing member such as a torsion spring 147c is provided to bias the upstream side of the second movable table support portion of the table support member 147 of the second movable table 143 upward in the conveying direction. This allows the rotation of the second movable table 143 due to its own weight, such that the downstream side of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction drops, with the second movable table support point of the table support member 147 as the fulcrum, to be assisted by the biasing force of a biasing member such as the torsion spring 147c.

[0151] (Aspect 15) In any of the embodiments 11 to 14, the contact portion of the table support member 147 that contacts the second movable table 143 is a rotating member such as the support roller 147a. According to this, as described in the embodiment, when the second movable table 143 rotates, the rotating members such as the support roller 147a rotate while moving relatively on the surface of the second movable table 143. This reduces the sliding resistance between the second movable table 143 and the table support member 147 when the second movable table 143 rotates, and allows the second movable table 143 to rotate smoothly.

[0152] (Aspect 16) In any of the fourth to fifteenth aspects, the platform lifting member 148 is located at the center in the conveying direction of the placed bundle of conveyed objects, or downstream of the center in the conveying direction of the bundle of conveyed objects. As described in the embodiment, this allows the upper surface of at least the upstream side of the center of the conveyed bundle, where the suction belt 21, the sheet detection sensor 31, and the end sensor 32 are arranged, to be approximately horizontal, thereby enabling good lifting and lowering control of the lifting members such as the sheet stacking table 11 and feeding.

[0153] (Aspect 17) In any of aspects 1 to 16, an inclined member such as a leading edge scooping member 153 inclined relative to the conveyed object bundle placing surface, such as the first sheet placing surface 142a of the first movable table 142, is provided at the downstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction. As described in the embodiment, this makes it possible to make the angle between the first movable table 142 and the support surface of the fixed table 141 that supports the downstream side of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction gentler when the first movable table 142 is inclined. This makes it possible to prevent curling or the like from occurring at the tip of the lowest conveyed object of the conveyed object bundle when setting the conveyed object bundle, such as a sheet bundle.

[0154] (Aspect 18) In the seventeenth aspect, the inclined members such as the tip scooping member 153 are made of a material (resin in this embodiment) that has better sliding properties than the first movable table 142. As described in the embodiment, this allows the leading edge of the lowest conveyed object of the conveyed object stack, such as a sheet bundle, to smoothly slide along the inclined member when the conveyed object stack is set, thereby further preventing the leading edge of the lowest conveyed object from getting caught. This further prevents the leading edge of the lowest conveyed object from being turned up.

[0155] (Aspect 19) In any of aspects 1 to 18, a rear end support member 154 is attached to the upstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction, and has a pair of protrusions 154a that protrude upstream in the conveying direction from a position that does not face the end fence 25 of the feeding device in the width direction of the conveyed object, such as a sheet, and supports the rear end of the placed bundle of conveyed objects. As described in the embodiment, this prevents the rear end of the conveyed material bundle from bending downward, and allows the end fence 25 to abut against the rear ends of conveyed material bundles having different lengths in the conveying direction. This reduces costs compared to when multiple movable-movable placement units are provided according to the length of the conveyed material bundle. Also, there is no need to replace the placement unit every time conveyed materials of different lengths are fed, which improves convenience compared to when multiple movable-movable placement units are provided according to the sheet lengths.

[0156] (Aspect 20) In the nineteenth aspect, a plurality of rear end support members 154 having protruding portions 154a of different lengths can be selectively attached to the upstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction. As described in the embodiment, this makes it possible to accommodate bundles of conveyed objects of various lengths by replacing the rear end support member 154.

[0157] (Aspect 21) In a feeding device 200 including a loading unit provided on a lifting member such as a sheet stacking table 11 for loading a bundle of conveyed objects such as a sheet stack, a conveying means such as a feeding unit 20 for conveying the topmost conveyed object among the bundle of conveyed objects loaded on the loading unit, and an end fence 25 movable in the conveying direction of the conveyed objects and abutting against the rear end of the bundle of conveyed objects in the conveying direction to regulate the position of the rear end of the bundle of conveyed objects, the loading unit is a loading unit of any of aspects 1 to 20. This allows for the satisfactory feeding of an object whose thickness on both sides in the conveying direction is greater than that of the center, as described in the embodiment.

[0158] (Aspect 22) In the twenty-first embodiment, an elastically deformable member such as a belt member 33c is disposed at a predetermined portion of the end fence 25 excluding at least the upper portion. When objects with a large thickness variation in the conveying direction are bundled, the thicker side spreads out like a fan. When the objects are set on the stacker with the fan-shaped end facing the rear end in the conveying direction, the rear end of the upper part of the bundle of objects is located downstream in the conveying direction relative to the rear ends of the other parts. Therefore, even if a user moves the end fence and abuts it against the rear end of the bundle of objects in the conveying direction, a gap still remains between the upper side of the bundle of objects and the end fence. This can cause the upper objects in the bundle of objects to recede during feeding, potentially resulting in poor or delayed feeding and preventing proper feeding. In the 22nd aspect, an elastically deforming member is provided at a predetermined portion of the end fence, excluding at least the upper portion. As a result, when the end fence is moved and the elastically deforming member abuts against the rear end of a stack of conveyed objects set in the stacking section, the rear end of which is fan-shaped in the conveying direction, the elastically deforming member elastically deforms to conform to the fan-shaped expansion, allowing the end fence to move further toward the conveyed objects. As a result, the upper portion of the end fence can abut against the rear ends of the conveyed objects above the stack, particularly the topmost conveyed object. Therefore, the end fence can effectively regulate the rear end positions of the conveyed objects above the stack, preventing the conveyed objects above the stack from receding during feeding. As a result, feeding problems and delays can be prevented, enabling smooth feeding.

[0159] (Aspect 23) In the twenty-second aspect, the predetermined portion is the vertical center portion of the end fence. According to this, by making the predetermined portion the center portion in the vertical direction of the end fence, the stack of sheets can be stacked more stably.

[0160] (Aspect 24) In aspect 23, a loading section such as a feed tray 10 is provided with a lifting member such as a sheet loading table 11 that raises and lowers the loaded transported object, and at least the opposing portion of an elastic deformation member such as a belt member 33c that faces the transported object is configured to be movable in the vertical direction. As a result, as described in the embodiment, an elastic deformation member such as belt member 33c can be moved up and down together with the bundle of transported objects, and the bundle of transported objects can be raised and lowered more smoothly than in a case where the rear end of the bundle of transported objects in the transport direction slides up and down against the elastic deformation member.

[0161] (Aspect 25) In the twenty-fourth embodiment, the surface of an elastically deformable member such as the belt member 33c has an uneven shape. This increases the frictional force between the elastically deforming member such as the belt member 33c and the rear end of the bundle of conveyed objects, thereby ensuring that the elastically deforming member can move up and down as the conveyed objects are raised and lowered.

[0162] (Aspect 26) In the twenty-fourth or twenty-fifth embodiment, the elastically deformable member is a belt member 33c supported by an end fence so as to be capable of endlessly moving on its surface. This allows at least the portion of the elastically deformable member that faces the object to be conveyed to be movable in the vertical direction with a simple configuration.

[0163] (Aspect 27) In the twenty-sixth embodiment, an adjustment mechanism is provided that can adjust the tension of the belt member. As a result, as described in the embodiment, the tension can be adjusted to the optimum level according to the stiffness of the transported material, and when the belt member is pressed against the rear end of the sheet stack and elastically deformed, problems such as the sheet bending due to the tension can be suppressed.

[0164] (Aspect 28) In any of the aspects 22 to 27, elastically deforming members such as the belt members 33c are disposed on both sides of the end fence 25 in the width direction of the transported object. According to this, the rear end of the sheet stack can be regulated by the pair of elastically deformable members such as the belt members 33c, and the position of the rear end can be regulated stably.

[0165] (Aspect 29) In the twenty-eighth embodiment, the elastic deformation members disposed on both sides of the end fence 25 have the same elastic force. As a result, as described in the embodiment, the elastic force applied from the elastic deformation member to one side and the other side of the bundle of transported objects in the width direction can be made the same, thereby suppressing bending of the transported objects.

[0166] (Aspect 30) In any of the aspects 22 to 29, the elastic deformation member moves integrally with the end fence 25 in the conveying direction. According to this, when the end fence 25 is brought into contact with the rear end of the sheet bundle, the elastically deformable member can be brought into contact with the rear end of the sheet bundle.

[0167] (Aspect 31) In any of the aspects 22 to 30, an upper regulating member 34 is provided on the upper portion of the end fence 25, protruding further toward the conveyed object than the elastic deformation member and regulating the position of the rear end of the conveyed object in the conveying direction above the bundle of conveyed objects. As described in the embodiment, this allows the position of the rear end to be more reliably regulated than when an elastic deformation member is used to regulate the upper rear end of a bundle of transported objects, such as a stack of sheets, and reliably prevents the transported object at the top of the stack of sheets from receding.

[0168] (Aspect 32) In the 31st aspect, the lower part of the upper regulating member 34 is provided with an inclined portion such as a guide inclined surface 34a that is inclined downward so as to move away from the transported object. As a result, as described in the embodiment, when the sheet stack is lifted, the contact between the rear end of the sheet stack and the elastic deformation member such as the belt member 33c and the upper regulating member can be smoothly transferred.

[0169] (Aspect 33) In any of aspects 22 to 32, a lower regulating member is provided at the lower part of the end fence 25, which protrudes toward the conveyed object further than the elastic deformation member such as the belt member 33c and regulates the position of the rear end of the conveyed object in the conveying direction at the bottom of the bundle of conveyed objects. This makes it possible to more reliably regulate the position of the rear end of the lower part of the sheet stack than when the position of the rear end of the lower part of the sheet stack is regulated by an elastic deformation member such as belt member 33c, as described in the embodiment.

[0170] (Aspect 34) In the third aspect, the upper portion of the lower regulating member 35 is provided with an inclined portion such as a guide inclined surface 35a that is inclined so as to move away from the conveyed object such as a sheet as it goes upward. As described in the embodiment, this allows smooth transfer of contact of the rear end of the sheet bundle from the lower regulating member 35 to an elastically deforming member such as the belt member 33c when the sheet bundle is lifted.

[0171] (Aspect 35) In any of the aspects 21 to 34, the lifting member such as the sheet stacking table 11 can be selectively installed between a fixed table 41, a second placing unit such as a fixed-movable placing unit 40 having a rotatable movable table 42 arranged upstream of the fixed table 41 in the conveying direction of the conveyed object, and a placing unit such as a movable-movable placing unit 140, and the placing unit is configured such that the upstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction and the downstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction are rotatably attached, and the upstream end of the first movable table 142 in the conveying direction and the downstream end of the second movable table 143 in the conveying direction are rotatably attached. The second loading unit has a link mechanism 48 that moves the movable platform 42, and has a first drive part such as a second protrusion 52 that abuts against the link mechanism of the loading unit as the lifting member descends, thereby driving the link mechanism of the loading unit, and the first drive part has a second drive part such as a first protrusion 51 that is provided at a different position in the width direction of the transported object, and abuts against the link mechanism of the second loading unit as the lifting member ascends, thereby driving the link mechanism 48 of the second loading unit. This allows the link mechanisms of the loading unit and the second loading unit to be driven in conjunction with the elevation of the sheet loading table 11.

[0172] (Aspect 36) In an image forming apparatus equipped with an image forming means for forming an image on a transported object such as a sheet, and a feeding means for feeding the transported object toward the image forming means, a feeding device described in any one of aspects 21 to 35 is used as the feeding means. This allows for good feeding even when a bundle of conveyed objects having thickness deviations in the conveying direction is set.

[0173] (Aspect 37) In an image forming system including an image forming device having at least an image forming means for forming an image on a transported body, and a feeding device for feeding the transported body toward the image forming device, the feeding device is any one of aspects 21 to 35. This allows for good feeding even when a bundle of conveyed objects having thickness deviations in the conveying direction is set. [Explanation of symbols]

[0174] 1: Image forming system 10: Feeder tray 11: Sheet loading platform 11a: First hole 11b:Second hole part 12: Front air blower 13: Side fence 13a: Side nozzle 14: Side ventilation device 14a: Side blower 15a: Floating nozzle 15b: Downward suction nozzle 16a: Separation nozzle 17: Air blower 19: Lifting device 20: Feeding unit 21: Suction belt 23:Suction device 25: End fence 25a: Support section 27: Front fence 27a: Guide groove 31: Sheet detection sensor 32: End sensor 33: Belt regulation part 33a: Lower tension roller 33b: Upper tension roller 33c: Belt member 34: Upper regulating member 34a: Guide inclined surface 34b: Abutment surface 35: Lower regulating member 35a: Guide inclined surface 35b: Abutment surface 36: Belt fixing member 40: Fixed-movable mounting unit 41:Fixed stand 41a: Restriction hole 41b: Opposing surface 41c: Platform support part 42: Movable platform 45: First rotating member 45a: Movable protrusion 45b: Restriction protrusion 45c: Through hole part 46: Second rotating member 46b:Connection part 46c: Contact part 47: Unit fixing plate 47a: Fixed claw part 47b: Positioning protrusion 47c: screw hole 48: Link mechanism 49:Fixed part 49a: Long hole 49b: Screw 50: Stopper member 51:First protrusion 52:Second protrusion 80: Exit roller pair 81: Upper transport 82: Lower transport path 100: Image forming device 133: Third rotating member 140: Movable-movable mounting unit 141:Fixed stand 141a: Regulation hole 141b: Opposite surface 141c: Support surface 142:First movable platform 142a: First sheet placement surface 143:Second movable platform 143a: Second sheet placement surface 143b: Notch 147: Base support member 147a: Support roller 147b: shoulder screw 147c: Torsion spring 147d: Hexagon nut 147e: Roller support part 147f: Base part 147g: Opposing part 147h: shoulder screw 147i :Through hole 148: Platform lifting member (support member) 148a: Connecting roller 148b: Shoulder screw 148c: shoulder screw 148d: Guide hole 148e: Roller mounting part 148f: Guided part 149: Base material 149d1: First guide part 149d2: Second guide part 151: Link support member 151c: shoulder screw 152: Link stopper 153: Tip scooping member 154: Rear end support member 154a:Protrusion 155: Spacer member 180: Link mechanism 181: First rotating member 181a: Movable protrusion 181b: Regulatory protrusion 181c: Through hole part 181e: shoulder screw 182: Second rotating member 182a: Link Roller 182b:Connection part 182c: shoulder screw 183: Third rotating member 183a: First roller contact portion 183b: Leaf spring member 183c: Second roller contact portion 183d: Support hole 183e: shoulder screw 200: Sheet feeding device [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0175] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-203536

Claims

1. A loading unit for loading a bundle of materials to be conveyed, which can be installed on a lifting member of a feeding device, a rotatable first movable table on which the downstream side of the bundle of conveyed objects is placed in the conveying direction; and a rotatable second movable table which is arranged upstream of the first movable table in the conveying direction of the conveyed objects and on which the upstream side of the bundle of conveyed objects is placed in the conveying direction; the first movable table is inclined so that the downstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the upstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction, and the second movable table is inclined so that the upstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the downstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction, and the bundle of objects to be conveyed is placed in this state; A loading unit characterized in that an inclined member is provided at the downstream end of the first movable table in the transport direction, which is inclined with respect to the transported object bundle loading surface of the first movable table so that when the transported object bundle loading surface of the first movable table is parallel to the horizontal direction, the downstream side in the transport direction is positioned higher than the upstream side in the transport direction.

2. The mounting unit according to claim 1, The placement unit is characterized in that the inclined member is made of a material with better sliding properties than the first movable table.

3. A loading unit for loading a bundle of materials to be conveyed, which can be installed on a lifting member of a feeding device, a rotatable first movable table on which the downstream side of the bundle of conveyed objects is placed in the conveying direction; and a rotatable second movable table which is arranged upstream of the first movable table in the conveying direction of the conveyed objects and on which the upstream side of the bundle of conveyed objects is placed in the conveying direction; the first movable table is inclined so that the downstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the upstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction, and the second movable table is inclined so that the upstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the downstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction, and the bundle of objects to be conveyed is placed in this state; a pair of protrusions protruding from a position at an upstream end of the second movable table in the conveying direction that does not face an end fence of the feeding device in the width direction of the conveyed object toward the upstream side in the conveying direction, A loading unit characterized in that a rear end support member for supporting the rear end of a bundle of objects to be transported placed thereon is attached.

4. The mounting unit according to claim 3, A loading unit characterized in that a plurality of rear end support members, each having a protrusion of different lengths, are selectively attachable to the upstream end of the second movable table in the transport direction.

5. A loading unit for loading a bundle of materials to be conveyed, which can be installed on a lifting member of a feeding device, a rotatable first movable table on which the downstream side of the bundle of conveyed objects is placed in the conveying direction; and a rotatable second movable table which is arranged upstream of the first movable table in the conveying direction of the conveyed objects and on which the upstream side of the bundle of conveyed objects is placed in the conveying direction; a support member that rotatably supports an upstream end of the first movable table in the conveying direction and a downstream end of the second movable table in the conveying direction, the first movable table is inclined so that the downstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the upstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction, and the second movable table is inclined so that the upstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the downstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction, and the bundle of objects to be conveyed is placed in this state; the support member is a platform lifting member that lifts and lowers an upstream end of the first movable platform in the conveying direction and a downstream end of the second movable platform in the conveying direction, A loading unit characterized in that the first movable table and the second movable table rotate as the table lifting member rises and falls, thereby changing the inclination of the first movable table and the inclination of the second movable table.

6. The mounting unit according to claim 5, A mounting unit, characterized in that when the lifting member is in a lowered position, the platform lifting member is in a raised position, and the platform lifting member descends as the lifting member ascends.

7. 7. The mounting unit according to claim 5 or 6, A mounting unit comprising a link mechanism for raising and lowering the platform lifting member.

8. The mounting unit according to claim 7, The link mechanism is composed of a plurality of link members, A mounting unit, wherein at least one of a plurality of link members has a rotating member that abuts against another link member.

9. The mounting unit according to claim 7 or 8, The placement unit is characterized in that a connecting roller connected to a link member of the link mechanism is rotatably attached to the platform lifting member.

10. The mounting unit according to any one of claims 7 to 9, The mounting unit further comprises a pressing member for pressing a connecting portion of the platform lifting member, which is connected to a connected portion of the link mechanism, against the connected portion.

11. The mounting unit according to any one of claims 5 to 10, A mounting unit characterized in that the platform lifting member is lowered from a raised position to a lowered position by the weight of at least one of the platform lifting member, the first movable platform, and the second movable platform.

12. The mounting unit according to claim 11, a platform support member for supporting the second movable platform; A loading unit, characterized in that the center of gravity of the second movable table is located downstream in the conveying direction from the second movable table support point of the table support member.

13. The mounting unit according to claim 12, The loading unit is characterized in that the second movable table has a plurality of notches on the table support member upstream of the second movable table support point in the transport direction.

14. 14. The mounting unit according to claim 12 or 13, The loading unit further comprises a weight member provided on the platform support member downstream of the second movable platform support position in the transport direction.

15. 15. The mounting unit according to claim 12, The loading unit further comprises a biasing member that biases the second movable table upward on an upstream side of the table support member in the conveying direction relative to the second movable table support position.

16. 16. The mounting unit according to claim 12, A mounting unit, wherein the abutment portion of the table support member that abuts against the second movable table is a rotating member.

17. 17. The mounting unit according to claim 5, The loading unit is characterized in that the platform lifting member is located at the center of the loaded bundle of transported objects in the transport direction or downstream of the center of the loaded bundle of transported objects in the transport direction.

18. 18. The mounting unit according to claim 1, The placement unit is characterized in that the first movable table and the second movable table rotate as the lifting member rises.

19. a placement unit provided on the lifting member for placing the bundle of objects to be conveyed; a conveying means for conveying the uppermost object of the bundle of objects stacked on the placement unit; an end fence that is movable in a conveying direction of the conveyed objects and abuts against a rear end of the conveyed object bundle in the conveying direction to regulate the position of the rear end of the conveyed object bundle, A feeding device, wherein the loading unit is the loading unit according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. a placement unit provided on the lifting member for placing the bundle of objects to be conveyed; a conveying means for conveying the uppermost object of the bundle of objects stacked on the placement unit; an end fence that is movable in a conveying direction of the conveyed objects and abuts against a rear end of the conveyed object bundle in the conveying direction to regulate the position of the rear end of the conveyed object bundle, the lifting member is selectively provided with a placement unit comprising a rotatable first movable table on which the downstream side of the bundle of conveyed materials is placed, and a rotatable second movable table, which is arranged upstream of the first movable table in the conveying direction of the conveyed material and on which the upstream side of the bundle of conveyed materials is placed, the first movable table being inclined so that the downstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the upstream side of the first movable table in the conveying direction, and the second movable table being inclined so that the upstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the downstream side of the second movable table in the conveying direction; and a second placement unit comprising a fixed table and a rotatable movable table, which is arranged upstream of the fixed table in the conveying direction of the conveyed material and on which the bundle of conveyed materials is placed, the movable table being inclined so that the upstream side of the movable table in the conveying direction is lower than the downstream side of the movable table in the conveying direction, the mounting unit has an upstream end of the first movable table in the conveying direction and a downstream end of the second movable table rotatably attached, and includes a link mechanism that raises and lowers a table lifting member that raises and lowers the upstream end of the first movable table in the conveying direction and the downstream end of the second movable table in the conveying direction, the second placement unit has a link mechanism that moves the movable table, a first drive unit that abuts against the link mechanism of the loading unit as the lifting member descends, thereby driving the link mechanism of the loading unit; and a second drive unit that is provided at a different position in the width direction of the transported body from the first drive unit, and that abuts against the link mechanism of the second loading unit as the lifting member ascends, thereby driving the link mechanism of the second loading unit.

21. 21. The feeding device according to claim 19 or 20, A feeding device characterized in that an elastically deformable member is disposed at a predetermined portion of the end fence excluding at least an upper portion thereof.

22. 22. The feeding device of claim 21, The feeding device is characterized in that the predetermined portion is a vertically central portion of the end fence.

23. 23. The feeding device according to claim 21 or 22, A feeding device characterized in that at least a facing portion of the elastically deformable member facing the object to be conveyed is configured to be movable in the vertical direction.

24. 24. The feeding device of claim 23, A feeding device characterized in that the surface of the elastically deformable member has an uneven shape.

25. 25. The feeding device according to claim 23 or 24, The feeding device is characterized in that the elastically deformable member is a belt member supported by the end fence so as to be capable of endlessly moving on its surface.

26. 26. The feeding device of claim 25, A feeding device comprising an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the tension of the belt member.

27. 27. The feeding device according to any one of claims 21 to 26, A feeding device characterized in that the elastic deformation members are arranged on both sides of the end fence in the width direction of the transported object.

28. 28. The feeding device of claim 27, A feeding device characterized in that the elastic deformation members disposed on both sides of the end fence have the same elastic force.

29. 29. The feeding device according to any one of claims 21 to 28, The feeding device is characterized in that the elastic deformation member moves integrally with the end fence in the conveying direction.

30. 30. The feeding device according to any one of claims 21 to 29, A feeding device characterized in that an upper regulating member is provided at the upper part of the end fence, protruding toward the transported object further than the elastic deformation member and regulating the position of the rear end of the transported object in the transport direction at the upper part of the transported object bundle.

31. 31. The feeding device of claim 30, A feeding device comprising a lower portion of the upper regulating member, the lower portion being inclined downward so as to move away from the object to be conveyed.

32. 32. The feeding device according to any one of claims 21 to 31, A feeding device characterized in that a lower regulating member is provided at the lower part of the end fence, protruding toward the transported object side more than the elastic deformation member and regulating the position of the rear end of the transported object in the transport direction at the lower part of the transported object bundle.

33. 33. The feeding device of claim 32, A feeding device comprising an inclined portion at an upper portion of the lower regulating member, the inclined portion being inclined so as to move away from the transported body as it goes upward.

34. an image forming means for forming an image on the conveyed body; a feeding means for feeding an object to be conveyed toward the image forming means, 34. An image forming apparatus, comprising the feeding device according to claim 19 as said feeding means.

35. an image forming apparatus including at least an image forming means for forming an image on a conveyed body; a feeding device that feeds an object to be conveyed toward the image forming device, 34. An image forming system using the feeding device according to claim 19 as the feeding device.

Images