Patent ID: 8757613
Filing Date: 2014-06-24
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A feed assembly configured to feed a sheet, comprising: a feed roller configured to feed the sheet; a support element configured to support the feed roller detachably and rotatably; a base including a guide surface configured to guide the sheet; and a frictional element configured to apply a frictional force on the sheet guided by the guide surface; wherein the frictional element includes: (i) a frictional piece configured to press the sheet against the feed roller, (ii) a main plate configured to support the frictional piece, (iii) an elastic member configured to bias the main plate toward the feed roller, (iv) a side plate configured to support the main plate rotatably, and (v) a backup plate configured to support the elastic member, wherein the guide surface is provided with a recess in which the frictional element is stored; the elastic member rotates the main plate with respect to the side plate so that the main plate protrudes from the guide surface and places the main plate in a position where the frictional element is detachable from the base when the feed roller is removed from the support element, the base includes a first side surface and a second side surface which define side surfaces of the recess, the first side surface and the second side surface facing each other in a direction in which a rotational axis of the feed roller elongates, the first side surface of the base is provided with a first groove extending toward the rotational axis, the second side surface of the base is provided with a second groove extending toward the rotational axis, both of the first and second grooves form openings on the guide surface, and the frictional element includes ribs complementary with the first and second grooves.