Patent ID: 6837488

Claim:
An automatic document feeder for supplying an original to a reading position for reading the same and discharging the original read at the reading position, comprising: a supply unit including a sheet supply member for supplying the original toward the reading position, a transport unit including a transporting member for receiving the original from the sheet supply member and transporting the original to the reading position, a discharge unit including a discharge member for discharging the original read at the reading position, and one unitary support frame for carrying and supporting the supply, transport and discharge units, said one support frame having a flat plate portion, a sheet supply opening disposed in one lateral side of the flat plate portion for guiding the original from the supply unit to the transport unit, and a sheet discharge opening disposed in the other lateral side of the flat plate portion for guiding the original from the transport unit to the discharge unit, said supply unit and said discharge unit being mounted at the lateral sides on an upper side of the support frame, said transport unit being disposed and mounted on a back side of the flat plate portion between the sheet supply and discharge openings.