Patent ID: 8047532
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A feed device comprising: a loading unit configured to receive a plurality of sheet members loaded in a stacked state; a delivery member configured to perform a feed operation in a state in which a contact surface thereof is in contact with the uppermost sheet member of the sheet members loaded on the loading unit and is configured to deliver the uppermost sheet member in a feed direction using the frictional force with the uppermost sheet member as the feeding force; a gate member which is configured to move in a direction to and from the contact surface of the delivery member and has an inclined surface that is inclined in the feed direction, the front end of the uppermost sheet member colliding with the inclined surface in response to being delivered by the delivery member; a gate energizing member configured to energize the gate member in a direction approaching the contact surface of the delivery member; and a rotary member having a first arm which is configured to engage with the sheet member at a position which is downstream from the loading unit and a second arm which is in contact with the gate energizing member, the rotary member configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, causing the second arm to vary the level of energizing force applied to the gate member by the gate energizing member, such that the rotary member causes the gate energizing member to apply a first level of energizing force when the rotary member is located in the first position and to apply a second level of energizing force when the rotary member is located in the second position, wherein the second level of energizing force is greater than the first level of energizing force, wherein the gate member is configured to move away from the delivery member against the first level of energizing force of the gate energizing member to form a gap in response to the uppermost sheet member of the plurality of sheet members colliding with the inclined surface of the gate member, the gap formed thereby being large enough for only the uppermost sheet member of the plurality of sheet members to pass between the delivery member and the gate member, and wherein the rotary member is displaced from the first position to the second position by the first arm engaging with the sheet member at the position which is downstream from the gap.