US Patent 7380782 Automatic document feeder having a replaceable friction roller assembly

An automatic document feeder (ADF) having a replaceable friction roller assembly. The ADF includes a housing having a back plate which may be raised and a base pivotalby connected to the back plate, a supporting element disposed on the housing and having a shaft hole, a first engaging structure disposed on the housing, and a friction roller assembly. The friction roller assembly includes a rotating shaft, a friction roller and a first sleeve. The friction roller is fixed to the rotating shaft. The first sleeve is rotatably mounted on the rotating shaft. The first sleeve has a second engaging structure which is engaged with the first engaging structure in order to rotatably and firmly mount the rotating shaft to the housing. The friction roller assembly may be replaced when the second engaging structure and the first engaging structure are disengaged.