Automatic document feeding apparatus and document reading apparatus

An automatic document feeder for transferring an original through a reading position, comprising:

• an apparatus frame for the automatic document feeder;
• first transport means disposed at an upstream side of the reading position in an original transfer direction for transporting the original to the reading position;
• second transport means disposed at a downstream side of the reading position in the original transfer direction for transporting the original passing through the reading position;
• a curved reading path extending from the first transport means to the second transport means;
• a reading guide unit formed separately from the apparatus frame and including as one unit a first guide member for guiding the original from the first transport means to the reading position;
• a second guide member for guiding the original passing through the reading position to the second transport means;
• and a transparent film member formed of a flexible material for forming at least a part of the curved reading path between the first guide member and the second guide member;
• and
• support means formed on the apparatus frame and the reading guide unit for detachably attaching the reading guide unit as one unit to the apparatus frame, said support means supporting the reading guide unit rotatably to the automatic document feeder.