Patent ID: 7762544
Filing Date: 2010-07-27
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A paper sheet feeding device, comprising: a supply mechanism configured to move a plurality of paper sheets simultaneously received upright and to feed a leading one of the paper sheets toward a pickup position; a pickup mechanism configured to be brought into contact with the leading paper sheet fed toward the pickup position, and then to rotate to thereby pick up the leading paper sheet in a direction parallel to a surface of the leading paper sheet; a suction mechanism configured to produce a flow of air upstream of a position, at which the pickup mechanism is brought into contact with the leading paper sheet, with respect to a direction in which the leading paper sheet is picked up, the flow of air being used to draw the leading paper sheet to the pickup position; curving means configured to cooperate with the suction mechanism to curve the leading paper sheet drawn to the pickup position; and handling means configured to supply air into a gap formed between the leading paper sheet and a subsequent paper sheet superposed on the leading paper sheet, by curving the leading paper sheet using the curving means, thereby separating the leasing paper sheet from the subsequent paper sheet, wherein the suction mechanism includes a guide plate with a surface opposing the pickup position, a suction hole formed through the guide plate, and a blower which draws air from a reverse of the guide plate through the suction hole; and the curving means is formed of two projections projecting from an obverse of the guide plate toward the pickup position, the two projections being provided only in positions that are separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the leading paper sheet is picked up, the suction hole being interposed therebetween.