Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, in an image forming apparatus, two document reading sections, a document conveying unit and a fixing unit are efficiently laid out so as to occupy a minimum of space available in the apparatus. Also, the document reading device is capable of reading even a relatively thick or a relatively long document conveyed by a turn-over type sheet-through document conveying device and not feasible for a turn-over path.

Abstract: An image sensor unit, and method, used in an image reading apparatus such as a facsimile machine, image scanner, copier machine, includes a feeding path through which a feeding document, having an imaged to be read, is passed. In the feeding path, the feeding document is passed over a contact glass through which a light from a light source illuminates an image on the feeding document. Reflected light is then detected with a detection and converted into image data. However, unless appropriate measures are taken, the integrity of the image data is subject to corruption as a result of electric noise generated from discharging of excess charge developed on the contact glass when the feeding sheet moves along side of the contact glass. The present image sensor includes a method and mechanism for passing the accumulated charge to ground, thereby avoiding the possibility of electrical discharge and associated electrical noise.

Abstract: An image sensor unit, and method, used in an image reading apparatus such as a facsimile machine, image scanner, copier machine, includes a feeding path through which a feeding document, having an imaged to be read, is passed. In the feeding path, the feeding document is passed over a contact glass through which a light from a light source illuminates an image on the feeding document. Reflected light is then detected with a detection and converted into image data. However, unless appropriate measures are taken, the integrity of the image data is subject to corruption as a result of electric noise generated from discharging of excess charge developed on the contact glass when the feeding sheet moves along side of the contact glass. The present image sensor includes a method and mechanism for passing the accumulated charge to ground, thereby avoiding the possibility of electrical discharge and associated electrical noise.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, in an image forming apparatus, two document reading sections, a document conveying unit and a fixing unit are efficiently laid out so as to occupy a minimum of space available in the apparatus. Also, the document reading device is capable of reading even a relatively thick or a relatively long document conveyed by a turn-over type sheet-through document conveying device and not feasible for a turn-over path.