Device for feeding paper sheets or the like

Abstract

A device for feeding paper sheets or the like has a feed path whereby paper sheets are fed, a distribution unit for distributing the paper sheets that are fed thereto, and a stacking unit that holds the paper sheets that are distributed, wherein the stacking unit comprises: a rotary feed unit having a rotary shaft; gripping claws that extend in a spiral fashion with respect to this rotary shaft and grip and feed one edge of a paper sheet therebetween; an extraction unit that extracts the paper sheets fed by the rotary feed path from the gripping claws; a stage that conforms with the rotary feed unit and that holds between itself and the rotary feed unit one edge of a paper sheet that has been extracted from the gripping claws; and a stopping element that abuts one edge of a paper sheet that is held on the stage.

1 . A device for feeding paper sheets or the like having
 a feed path whereby paper sheets are fed,   a distribution unit for distributing said paper sheets that are fed thereto by the feed path, and   a stacking unit that holds said paper sheets distributed by said distribution unit,   wherein said stacking unit comprises:   (1) a rotary feed unit having   (a) a rotary shaft;   (b) a plurality of gripping claws that extend in a spiral fashion with respect to said rotary shaft and grip and feed one edge of a paper sheet therebetween;   (2) an extraction unit that extracts said paper sheets fed by said rotary feed unit from said gripping claws;   (3) a stage that conforms with said rotary feed unit and that holds between itself and said rotary feed unit one edge of said paper sheet that has been extracted from said gripping claws; and   (4) a stopping element that abuts one edge of a paper sheet that is held on said stage.   
   
   
       2 . The device for feeding paper sheets or the like according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 a suction feed unit arranged above said rotary feed unit, that suctionally attaches thereto the other end of said paper sheet and thereby feeds this other end.   
   
   
       3 . The device for feeding paper sheets or the like according to  claim 2 ,
 wherein said suction feed unit comprises:   a suction fan that applies suction to said paper sheets; and   a suction feed belt that feeds said other end of said paper sheet to which suction is being applied at a surface, passing over said suction fan, facing said rotary feed unit.   
   
   
       4 . The device for feeding paper sheets or the like according to any of  claims 1  to  3 ,
 wherein said stage comprises:   a groove with which part of a periphery of said rotary feed unit conforms in a manner such as to permit rotation, and that holds said paper sheet between itself and said periphery.   
   
   
       5 . The device for feeding paper sheets or the like according to any of  claims 1  to  3 ,
 wherein a gap between said stage and said rotary feed unit is variable in accordance with a quantity of sheets loaded.   
   
   
       6 . The device for feeding paper sheets or the like according to  claim 4 ,
 wherein said gap between said stage and said rotary feed unit is variable in accordance with a quantity of sheets loaded.