Automatic document feeder for an image forming apparatus

Abstract

In an automatic document feeder (ADF) for an image forming apparatus, a table is loaded with multiple documents or a single document, as desired. A transport section transports the document or one of the documents fed from the table to a predetermined position on a glass platen included in a body of the apparatus, and then transports it away from the predetermined position. A feed section has a feeding member for feeding the document from the table to the transporting section, and a separating member movable in opposite direction to an intended direction of document feed into frictional engagement with the feeding member. A mode selecting section is accessible for selecting either of a multiple feed mode for sequentially feeding the multiple documents from the table while separating the individual documents, and a single feed mode for feeding the single document therefrom. A drive source drives the separating member while switching the drive direction thereof. A controller controls the drive source such that when the multiple feed mode is selected, the separating member contacts the feeding member with friction acting therebetween, while when the single feed mode is selected, the former contacts the latter without friction acting therebetween. In the single feed mode, the separating member is driven in the feed direction and feeds a document in cooperation with the separating member, thereby preventing the document from being damaged or displaced.