To stably separate and take out a tray upward from an upper end of a tray group 100 even when the height of the uppermost tray 1A of the tray group 100 varies.

A tray separation unit 25 is provided with a rotating separation part 27 having an upper semilunar plate 28 selectively inhibiting upward movement of an inside outer end part 1b of the uppermost tray 1A of the tray group 100 and a lower semilunar plate 29 arranged below the upper semilunar plate 28 by predetermined quantity in side view and inserted into plan view of an outer edge collar part 1a of a tray 1B immediately below the uppermost tray 1A when rotated at a predetermined angle; and with a rotating drive part 26a for rotating the rotating separation part 27 at a predetermined angle. When the uppermost tray 1A is separated and taken out upwardly, the rotating separation part 27 is rotated at the predetermined angle.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT