Patent ID: 6353727
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: B65H,G03G,H04N

Abstract:
An image forming apparatus comprising:an image forming section for forming a toner image, a transfer section for transferring the formed toner image on paper sheets, a fixing section for fixing the toner image transferred to the paper sheets, and a main body housing containing a conveying path for conveying the paper sheets such that the toner image is transferred and fixed, wherein said main body housing includes: a staple processing section for collectively binding a predetermined number of paper sheets, on which the image has been fixed, by staples, a lower housing, an upper housing, and a connecting housing which connects the lower and upper housings, a paper stacking space which is formed between the lower and upper housing in a vertically intermediate portion of the main housing, the stacking space extending into the connecting housing and entering in an approximately horizontal direction from an outer surface of the housing, wherein the paper sheets, on which the image has been fixed, are discharged into the stacking space, the stacking space having a tray on which the paper sheets are discharged, and a paper stacking tray, arranged above the stacking space tray, for retaining paper sheets that will be stapled.