Claims
- 1. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising at least one rotary feeding member; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means including at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for applying a frictional force on the sheets wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts at separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU7## where: K is a ream weight of the sheets and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 2. A sheet feeding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one rotary feeding member comprises at least one roller.
- 3. A sheet feeding device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said friction member includes a friction roller in pressing contact with the at least one rotary supply member.
- 4. A sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one rotary supply member rotates in only one direction from one sheet feeding operation to the next sheet feeding operation.
- 5. A sheet feeding device according to claim 1, wherein the number of feeding members is at least equal to the number of supply members.
- 6. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of not more than 55 kg at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheets to a next processing station, the sheet feeding device comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising a plurality of rotary feeding members separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to a sheet feeding direction; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means comprising at least one rotary supply member and a corresponding friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU8## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 7. A sheet feeding device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said feeding members are rollers.
- 8. A sheet feeding device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said friction member includes a friction roller in pressing contact with the at least one rotary supply member.
- 9. A sheet feeding device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said feeding members include a plurality of feeding rollers, and said separating means comprises a plurality of sets of a supply roller and a friction member, with the feeding rollers and the plurality of sets of supply rollers and friction members being arranged alternately.
- 10. A sheet feeding device as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least three feeding rollers and two sets of supply rollers and friction members are provided.
- 11. A sheet feeding device according to claim 6, wherein said at least one rotary supply member rotates in only one direction from one sheet feeding operation to the next sheet feeding operation.
- 12. A sheet feeding device according to claim 6, wherein the number of feeding members is at least equal to the number of supply members.
- 13. A sheet feeding device for separating sheets having a ream weight of no more than about 55 kg and being stacked in a first position on a feed tray for feeding a separated sheet in a direction toward a second position, comprising:
- means for feeding a sheet from a stack of sheets in the first position by exerting a force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets of the stack, including at least two rotary feeding members spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction; and
- means for separating each sheet from the other sheets by offering resistance to each sheet at a location which is closer to the second position than is the feeding means,
- wherein the separating means comprises at least one rotary supply member and at least one friction member in pressing contact with each other for applying a frictional force on each sheet, and the rotary supply member and friction member being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced rotary feeding members wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU9## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 14. A sheet feeding device according to claim 13, wherein each sheet is an individual sheet.
- 15. A sheet feeding device according to claim 13, wherein the feeding members are feeding rollers.
- 16. A sheet feeding device according to claim 13, wherein the supply member includes two parallel wheels defining a space therebetween.
- 17. A sheet feeding device according to claim 15, wherein the feeding rollers are arranged on both sides of the separating means.
- 18. A sheet feeding device according to claim 13, wherein said at least one rotary supply member rotates in only one direction from one sheet feeding operation to the next sheet feeding operation.
- 19. A sheet feeding device according to claim 13, wherein the number of feeding members is at least equal to the number of supply members.
- 20. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg and less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising at least one rotary feeding member; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means including at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for applying a frictional force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point in which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU10## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 21. A sheet feeding device according to claim 20, wherein said at least one rotary supply member rotates in only one direction from one sheet feeding operation to the next sheet feeding operation.
- 22. A sheet feeding device according to claim 20, wherein the number of feeding members is at least equal to the number of supply members.
- 23. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of not more than 55 kg at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising at least one rotary feeding member; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means comprising at least one rotary supply member and a corresponding friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU11## where: K is the ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 24. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising at least one rotary feeding member; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means comprising at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member for exerting a friction force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU12## where: K is the ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 25. A sheet feeding device for separating one very thin sheet at a time from a stack of very thin sheets piled on a sheet feed tray and feeding same to a next processing station, comprising:
- rotary feeding means for exerting a feeding force on one or more of the sheets piled on the sheet feed tray;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray in relation to the rotary feeding means;
- separating means for offering a reaction force to the sheets fed by the rotary feeding means;
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU13## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm, and P is a frictional feeding force acting between an uppermost sheet and a second sheet of the stack pressed by said pressing means.
- 26. A sheet feeding device according to claim 25, wherein said pressing means forces the stack of sheet against said rotary feeding means.
- 27. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet at a time from a stack of sheets having a ream weight of no more than 55 kg piled on a sheet feed tray and feeding same to a next processing station, comprising:
- rotary feeding means for exerting a feeding force on the stack of the sheets piled on the sheet feed tray;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheet piled on the sheet feed tray relative to the rotary feeding means;
- separating means for offering a reaction force to the sheets fed by the feeding means;
- wherein a pressing force W exerted by the pressing means has the following relationship:
- W=F.sub.p /.mu.p
- where, F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stack pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the adjacent sheets, and
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU14## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm, and P is said frictional feeding force F.sub.p acting between the adjacent sheets.
- 28. A sheet feeding apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said pressing means forces the stack of sheets against said rotary feeding means.
- 29. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet at a time from a stack of thin sheets piled on a sheet feed tray and feeding same to the next processing station, comprising:
- rotary feeding means for exerting a feeding force on the stack of the thin sheets piled on the sheet feed tray;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of thin sheets piled on the sheet feed tray relative to the rotary feeding means;
- separating means for offering a reaction force to the sheets fed by the feeding means;
- wherein a pressing force W exerted by the pressing means against the feeding means has the relationship:
- W=F.sub.p /.mu.p
- where, F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between the uppermost sheet and the second sheet pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the first and second sheets;
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU15## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm, and P is said frictional feeding force F.sub.p acting between the first and second sheets.
- 30. A sheet feeding device according to claim 29, wherein said pressing means forces the stack of thin sheets against the rotary feeding means.
- 31. A sheet feeding device for separating one small thickness sheet at a time from a stack of small thickness sheets piled on a sheet feed tray and feeding same to the next processing station, comprising:
- rotary feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on one or more surfaces of the small thickness sheets piled on the sheet feed tray;
- separating means for offering a reaction force to the sheets fed by the rotary feeding means;
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU16## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 32. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray, comprising:
- rotary feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the rotary feeding means, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point in which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU17## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 33. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising at least one rotary feeding member; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means comprising at least one rotary supply member, and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for applying a frictional force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point in which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU18## where: K is a ream weight of sheets and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 34. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of not more than 55 kg at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheets to a next processing station, the sheet feeding device comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising a plurality of rotary feeding members separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to a sheet feeding direction; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means comprising at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU19## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 35. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of not more than 55 kg at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising at least one rotary feeding member; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means comprising at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU20## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 36. A sheet feeding method, comprising the steps of:
- (a) stacking very thin sheets on a sheet feeding tray;
- (b) exerting a feeding force P on a surface of at least one of the sheets to feed each of the sheets one at a time from the tray in a sheet feeding direction;
- (c) separating each of the sheets by exerting a separating force which offers resistance to the sheets being fed in the sheet feeding direction at a distance from a point at which the feeding force is exerted of less than 0.83K.sup.3/2 /.sqroot.P, wherein K is a ream weight of the sheets and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm; and
- (d) feeding each of the separated sheets to another location.
- 37. The sheet feeding method according to claim 36, wherein the step of exerting a feeding force includes rotating at least one rotary feeding member in contact with the stacked sheets.
- 38. The sheet feeding method according to claim 36, wherein the step of separating includes pressing at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member into contact with each other.
- 39. The sheet feeding method according to claim 36, wherein the step of exertng a feeding force including spacing a plurality of feeding members at a distance from each other in a direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction.
- 40. The sheet feeding method according to claim 36, wherein the sheets have a ream weight of 55 kg or less.
- 41. The sheet feeding method according to claim 37, wherein the step of exerting a feeding force includes pressing the sheets on the sheet feed tray in relation to the at least one rotary member for exerting the feeding force.
- 42. The sheet feeding method according to claim 41, wherein the step of pressing includes forcing the sheets on the sheet feed tray against the at least one rotary member.
- 43. The sheet feeding method according to claim 41, wherein the step of pressng exerts a pressing force W equal to F.sub.p /.mu.p, where F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets, and .mu.p is a coefficient of friction between the first and second sheets.
- 44. The sheet feeding method according to claim 43, wherein the step of pressing includes forcing the sheets on the sheet feed tray against the at least one rotary member.
- 45. The sheet feeding method according to claim 36, wherein the step of separating includes rotating in only one direction at least one rotary supply member in relation to an associated friction member from one sheet feeding operation to the next sheet feeding operation.
- 46. The sheet feeding method according to claim 45, wherein the step of separating includes putting the at least one rotary supply member and the associated friction member into pressing contact.
- 47. The sheet feeding method according to claim 36, wherein the step of separating includes defining a space between the parallel supply members, and applying a frictional force on the sheets with an associated friction member arranged to face the space into a direction perpendicular to the sheets.
- 48. The sheet feeding method according to claim 36, wherein the step of separating includes defining a space between the parallel rotary supply members, and applying a frictional force on the sheets with an associated friction member arranged to face the space and overlap with the supply members in a direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction.
- 49. A method of making a sheet feeding apparatus comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a sheet feed tray for stacking very thin sheets;
- (b) arranging at least one feeding member in relation to the sheet feed tray for exerting a feeding force on the stacked sheets P in a sheet feeding direction; and
- (c) locating a means for exerting a separating force on the sheets being fed in the sheet feeding direction at a distance from a point at which the feeding force is exerted, which distance is less than 0.83K.sup.3/2 /.sqroot.P, wherein K is a ream weight of the sheets and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm.
- 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of arranging includes positioning one rotary feeding member so as to contact the stacked sheets.
- 51. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of locating the separating force means includes positioning of at least one supply member and a corresponding friction member so as to be in pressing contact with each other for exerting the separating force on the sheets.
- 52. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of locating the separating force means includes positioning two parallel wheels to define a space therebetween and arranging a corresponding friction member to face the space in a direction perpendicular to the sheets.
- 53. The method of claim 49, wherein the at least one feeding member is a roller.
- 54. The method of claim 49, wherein at least one feeding member comprises a plurality of feeding rollers and the means for exerting the separating force comprise a plurality of sets of a supply roller and a friction member, and the steps of arranging at least one feeding member and locating the separating force means include positioning the feeding rollers and the plurality of sets of supply rollers and friction members alternatively.
- 55. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of locating at least one feeding member includes spacing at least two rotary feeding members from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction.
- 56. The method of claim 55, wherein the step of locating the separating force means includes locating the separating force means not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding members.
- 57. The method of claim 49, including the step of providing a station toward which the sheets are fed, and the step of locating the separating force means includes locating the means closer to the station than is the at least one feeding member.
- 58. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of arranging at least one feeding member includes providing a means for pressing the sheets in the tray in relation to the feeding member.
- 59. The method of claim 58, wherein the step of providing the pressing means includes establishing a pressing force of F.sub.p /.mu.p, where F.sub.p is a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stack pressed by the pressing means, and .mu.p is a co-efficient of friction between the adjacent sheets.
- 60. The method of claim 58, wherein the step of providing the pressing means includes establishing a pressing force of F.sub.p /.mu.p, where F.sub.p is a frictional force acting between an uppermost sheet of the stack and a second sheet pressed by the pressing means, and .mu.p is a coefficient of friction between the first and second sheets.
- 61. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of arranging at least one feeding member includes providing that the at least one feeding member is rotatable in only one direction from one sheet feeding operation to the next sheet feeding operation.
- 62. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of locating the separating force means includes providing a plurality of rotary supply members to define a space therebetween and an associated friction member arranged to face the space and overlap with the supply members in a direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction.
- 63. A sheet feeding device for separating one very thin sheet at a time from a stack of very thin sheets piled on a sheet feed tray and feeding same to a next processing station, comprising:
- rotary feeding means for exerting a feeding force on one or more of the sheets piled on the sheet feed tray;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the rotary feeding means;
- separating means for offering a reaction force to the sheets fed by the rotary feeding means;
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU21## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm, and P is a frictional feeding force acting between an uppermost sheet and a second sheet of the stack pressed by said pressing means, and the pressing means exerts a force on the stack at a position substantially the same as a level defined by a line between where the feeding force and the reaction force are applied to the sheets.
- 64. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet at a time from a stack of sheets having a ream weight of no more than 55 kg piled on a sheet feed tray and feeding same to a next processing station, comprising:
- rotary feeding means for exerting a feeding force on the stack of the sheets piled on the sheet feed tray;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the rotary feeding means;
- separating means for offering a reaction force to the sheets fed by the feeding means;
- wherein a pressing force W exerted by the pressing means has the following relationship:
- W=F.sub.p /.mu.p
- where, F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stack pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the adjacent sheets, and
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU22## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm, and P is said frictional feeding force F.sub.p acting between the adjacent sheets, and the pressing force exerted by the pressing means is at a position substantially the same as a level defined by a line between where the feeding force and the reaction force are applied to the sheets.
- 65. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet at a time from a stack of thin sheets piled on a sheet feed tray and feeding same to the next processing station, comprising:
- rotary feeding means for exerting a feeding force on the stack of the thin sheets piled on the sheet feed tray;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of thin sheets piled on the sheet feed against the rotary feeding means;
- separating means for offering a reaction force to the sheets fed by the feeding means;
- wherein a pressing force W exerted by the pressing means against the feeding means has the relationship:
- W=F.sub.p /.mu.p
- where, F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between the uppermost sheet and the second sheet pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the first and second sheets;
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU23## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm, and P is said frictional feeding force F.sub.p acting between the first and second sheets, and the pressing means exerts a force on the stack at a position substantially the same as a level defined by a line between where the feeding force and the reaction force are applied to the sheets.
- 66. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the feeding means; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means including two parallel rollers defining a space therebetween and an associated friction member arranged to face said space in a direction perpendicular to the sheets for applying a frictional force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point in which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU24## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm, and the pressing means exerts a force on the stack at a level substantially defined by a line between where the feeding force and the resistance are applied to the sheets.
- 67. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of not more than 55 kg at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheets to a next processing station, the sheet feeding device comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising a plurality of rotary feeding members separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to a sheet feeding direction;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the feeding means; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means comprising two parallel rollers defining a space therebetween and an associated friction member arranged to face said space in a direction perpendicular to the sheets for exerting a friction force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU25## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm, and the pressing means exerts a force on the stack at a level substantially defined by a line between where the feeding force and the resistance are applied to the sheets.
- 68. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of not more than 55 kg at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray comprising:
- feeding means for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on surfaces of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray, said feeding means comprising at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the feeding means; and
- separating means for offering resistance to the sheets fed by the feeding means, said separating means comprising a plurality of rotary supply members defining a space therebetween and an associated friction member arranged to face the space and to overlap with the supply members in a direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction for exerting a friction force on the sheets, wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction between a point at which the feeding means exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the separating means exerts a separating force on the sheets is less than: ##EQU26## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm, and the pressing means exerts a force on the stack at a level substantially defined by a line between where the feeding force and the resistance are applied to the sheets.
- 69. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray in relation to the rotary feeding member;
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU27## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 70. A sheet feeding device according to claim 69, wherein the at least one rotary feeding member comprises at least one roller.
- 71. A sheet feeding device according to claim 69, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 72. A sheet feeding device according to claim 69, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 73. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- at least one rotary feeding member for exerting a feeding force P (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray in relation to the rotary feeding member,
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU28## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 74. A sheet feeding device according to claim 73, wherein the at least one rotary feeding member comprises at least one roller.
- 75. A sheet feeding device according to claim 73, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 76. A sheet feeding device according to claim 73, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 77. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- at least one rotary feeding member for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the rotary feeding member at a level defined substantially by a line between where the feeding force and the fricton force are applied to the sheets,
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU29## where: k is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 78. A sheet feeding device according to claim 77, wherein the at least one rotary feeding member comprises at least one roller.
- 79. A sheet feeding device according to claim 77, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 80. A sheet feeding device according to claim 77, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 81. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- at least one rotary feeding member for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the rotary feeding member with a force W having the relationship F.sub.p /.mu.p, where F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stack pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the adjacent sheets,
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated frcition member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU30## where: k is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 82. A sheet feeding device according to claim 81, wherein the at least one rotary feeding member comprises at least one roller.
- 83. A sheet feeding device according to claim 81, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 84. A sheet feeding device according to claim 81, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 85. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- at least one rotary feeding member for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the rotary member with a force W having the relationship F.sub.p /.mu.p, where F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stack pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the adjacent sheets,
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU31## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 86. A sheet feeding device according to claim 85, wherein the at least one rotary feeding member comprises at least one roller.
- 87. A sheet feeding device according to claim 85, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 88. A sheet feeding device according to claim 85, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 89. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- at least one rotary feeding member for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the rotary member at a level defined substantially by a line between where the feeding force and the friction force are applied to the sheets, with a force W having the relationship F.sub.p /.mu.p, where F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stack pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the sheets.
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU32## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 90. A sheet feeding device according to claim 89, wherein the at least one rotary feeding member comprises at least one roller.
- 91. A sheet feeding device according to claim 89, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 92. A sheet feeding device according to claim 89, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 93. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- a plurality of rotary feeding members for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray in relation to the rotary member,
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU33## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 94. A sheet feeding device according to claim 93, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise rollers.
- 95. A sheet feeding device according to claim 93, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 96. A sheet feeding device according to claim 93, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 97. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- plurality of rotary feeding members for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member is pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets plied on the sheet feed tray in relation to the rotary feeding member;
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU34## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 98. A sheet feeding device according to claim 97, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise rollers.
- 99. A sheet feeding device according to claim 97, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 100. A sheet feeding device according to claim 97, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 101. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets stacked on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- a plurality of rotary feeding members for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheet fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the rotary feeding member at a level defined substantially by a line between where the feeding force and the friction force are applied to the sheets;
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU35## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm .times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 102. A sheet feeding device according to claim 101, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise rollers.
- 103. A sheet feeding device according to claim 101, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 104. A sheet feeding device according to claim 101, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers. tray.
- 105. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- a plurality of rotary feeding members for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray in relation to the rotary member where a force W has the relationship F.sub.p /.mu.p, where F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stack pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the sheets,
- wherein a distance L (mm), in sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU36## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 106. A sheet feeding device according to claim 105, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise rollers.
- 107. A sheet feeding device according to claim 105, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 108. A sheet feeding device according to claim 105, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 109. A sheet feeding device for separting one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- a plurality of rotary feeding members for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray in relation to the rotary member where a force W has the relationship F.sub.p /.mu.p, where F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stack pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the sheets,
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU37## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 110. A sheet feeding device according to claim 109, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise rollers.
- 111. A sheet feeding device according to claim 109, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 112. A sheet feeding device according to claim 109, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 113. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a nex processing station, comprising:
- a plurality of rotary feeding members for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member and an associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the rotary member at a level defined substantially by a line between where the feeding force and the friction force are applied, with a force W having the relationship F.sub.p /.mu.p, where F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stack pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the sheets,
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU38## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and p is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 114. A sheet feeding device according to claim 113, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise rollers.
- 115. A sheet feeding device according to claim 113, wherein the number of feeding members in the form of rollers is at least equal to and aligned with the number of supply members also in the form of rollers.
- 116. A sheet feeding device according to claim 113, wherein the rotary feeding members comprise two feeding rollers spaced from each other in a direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, and the at least one rotary supply member comprises at least one roller being located not outside boundaries defined in the feeding direction by the spaced feeding rollers.
- 117. A sheet feeding device for separating one sheet of a ream weight of 55 kg or less at a time from a stack of sheets on a sheet feed tray and for feeding the sheet to a next processing station, comprising:
- at least one feeding member for exerting a feeding force (gf) on a surface of one or more sheets of the stack of sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray;
- at least one rotary supply member equal in number to and aligned with the at least one feeding member and associated friction member in pressing contact with each other for exerting a friction force on the sheets fed by the at least one rotary feeding member;
- pressing means for forcing the stack of sheets piled on the sheet feed tray against the rotary member at a level defined substantially by a line between where the feeding force and the friction force are applied, with a force W having the relationship F.sub.p /.mu.p where F.sub.p designates a frictional feeding force acting between adjacent sheets of the stacked pressed by said pressing means and .mu.p designates a coefficient of friction between the sheet,
- wherein a distance L (mm), in a sheet feeding direction, between a point at which the at least one rotary feeding member exerts the feeding force on the sheets and a point at which the at least one supply member and associated friction member exerts the friction force on the sheets is less than ##EQU39## where: K is a ream weight of the sheet and is defined by a weight (kgf) of a thousand sheets of sizes 788 mm.times.1091 mm and P is the feeding force on surfaces of the sheets stacked on the sheet feed tray.
- 118. A sheet feeding device according to claim 117, wherein the at least one feeding member is a roller.
Priority Claims (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
56-130087 |
Aug 1981 |
JPX |
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Parent Case Info
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/131,272, filed Dec. 9, 1987, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 06/642,259, filed Aug. 20, 1984, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 06/407,902, filed Aug. 13, 1982, now abandoned.
US Referenced Citations (15)
Foreign Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Date |
Country |
119638 |
Sep 1980 |
JPX |
37937 |
Apr 1981 |
JPX |
Non-Patent Literature Citations (1)
Entry |
Canon NP 8500 Sorter ADF Service Manual, Jan. 1980, pp. 1-1 to 1-6 and 3-6. |
Continuations (2)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
131272 |
Dec 1987 |
|
Parent |
642259 |
Aug 1984 |
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Continuation in Parts (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
407902 |
Aug 1982 |
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