Patent Publication Number: US-6336016-B1

Title: Image forming apparatus and image forming method

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a multifunction image forming apparatus having a developed image forming portion to be shared by a copier, printer, facsimile and so forth, and an image forming method thereof. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the art of electronic photo type image forming apparatus, now toward practical applications is an image forming apparatus called Multifunction Peripheral having a developed image forming portion to be shared by plural image forming apparatus that are incorporated therein and have different functions such as a copier, printer, facsimile and so forth (hereinafter referred to as MFP). 
     This MFP, that incorporates plural image forming functions of a copier, printer, facsimile and so forth as a single image forming apparatus, is already publicly known to those skilled in the art. 
     In such an MFP, irrespectively of plural image forming functions, a large size sorter is generally arranged so as to sort output paper sheets after forming images, in order to increase its image forming efficiency. And since such an MFP is operated by plural users in various manners, developed is such MFP as conventionally disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication No.7-267482, which is equipped with a sorter where users place output paper sheets into sorter bins for their respective purposes in advance, thereby they can get their respective output paper sheets in a swift manner without hesitation. 
     In the MFP, however, it has been necessary to arrange a special base for its operation or to install it directly onto floor, therefore, it has been required to secure installation space exclusive for such an MFP. And further so as to increase image forming efficiency in various functions, such an MFP is equipped with a large size sorter, which in turn requires wider installation space, in this way, the installation of an MFP has deteriorated space saving property in offices. 
     While, in offices and so forth where MFP&#39;s are used, flat plate shaped partitions to easily partition office space are generally arranged so as to separate working areas from passages. These partitions have a large area of flat sections so that they hide working areas from people passing through passages. 
     However, in the prior art, the flat sections of partitions have failed to be made effective for other purposes than blindfold. 
     Accordingly, expected in offices and so on is an effective utilization of the wide flat sections of partitions. And in offices and so forth using MFP&#39;s, there is a demand for space saving in installation space for MFP&#39;s, and also expected is a development of an highly operational MFP that enables plural users to use one in a convenient manner. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to save installation space for MFP in offices and so forth. 
     Another object of the present invention is to improve convenience in which users may get output paper sheets for their respective functional purposes in a swift manner without hesitation, and may handle output paper sheets. 
     Still further object of the present invention is to make the most of wide flat sections of partitions to be arranged in offices. 
     According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus comprising a holder configured to hold a record medium vertically; a feeder configured to feed the record medium in the holder to image forming direction in a vertically held status; a printer configured to form a developed image onto the record medium in accordance with image information while the record medium fed from the holder goes through in vertically held status; a sorter configured to sort the record media discharged from the printer for respective users and collect the record media vertically into plural sorter bins; and a frame configured to incorporate at least the holder, the printer, and the sorter into one body in vertically flat shape. 
     Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus comprising a paper feed cassette configured to hold a record medium vertically; a paper feed roller configured to feed the record medium in the paper feed cassette to image forming direction in a vertically held status; a developed image forming portion configured to form a developed image onto the record medium in accordance with image information while the record medium fed from the holder goes through in vertically held status; a sorter configured to sort the record media discharged from the developed image forming portion for respective users and collect the record media vertically into plural sorter bins; and a panel configured to incorporate at least the paper feed cassette, the developed image forming portion, and the sorter into one body in vertically flat shape. 
     Still further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming method comprising the steps of assembling a paper feed cassette configured to hold a record medium vertically, a developed image forming portion configured to form a developed image onto the record medium fed from the paper feed cassette in accordance with image information, and a sorter configured to sort the record media discharged from the developed image forming portion for respective users and collect the record media vertically into plural sorter bins into a flat panel as one body so that the discharge end of the record media should meet the input end of the record media; forming the developed image onto the record media in a status where the record media are held vertically; and collecting the record media into the plural sorter bins for respective users. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic diagonal view of an MFP according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic frontal view of a document reading portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a document reading portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed at the line A-A′ in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a document reading portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, opened to the frontal side of a partition; 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic frontal view of a paper feed cassette according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a schematic frontal view of a paper feed cassette according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed at the line B-B′ in FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a paper feed cassette according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6, opened to the frontal side of a partition; 
     FIG. 8 is a schematic frontal view of a developed image forming portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a schematic cross section of a developed image forming portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed at the line C-C′ in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a frontal side unit of a developed image forming portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9, opened to the frontal side of a partition; 
     FIG. 11 is a schematic frontal view of a first transfer direction changing portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the back side of a first transfer direction changing portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed transparently from its frontal side; 
     FIG. 13 is a schematic cross section of a first transfer direction changing portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed at the line D-D′ in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 14 is a schematic frontal view of a first or third reversing portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the back side of a first or third reversing portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed transparently from its frontal side; 
     FIG. 16 is a schematic cross section of a first or third reversing portion according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed at the line E-E′ in FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 17 is a schematic frontal view of a sorter according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 18 is a schematic cross section of a sorter according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, viewed at the line F-F′ in FIG. 17; 
     FIG. 19 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a sorter according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 18, opened to the frontal side of a partition; 
     FIG. 20 is a schematic explanatory diagram showing a cross section of a sorter as a first modified example according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, attached to a partition; 
     FIG. 21 is a schematic diagonal view of an MFP as a first modified example according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 22 is a schematic diagonal view of an MFP as a second modified example according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention is illustrated in more details by reference to the following referential examples and preferred embodiments wherein. 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic diagonal view of one preferred embodiment according to the present invention, showing an MFP  10  as an image forming apparatus incorporating an electronic photo type copier, printer and facsimile functions in a single unit. This MFP  10  is incorporated into a second and third partitions  11   b  and  11   c,  with a first to third plate type partitions  11   a  to  11   c  that are panels that conventionally separate sections, passages and so forth in offices and so on as its installation means. 
     Namely, assembled into the second partition  11   b  are a first to third paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c  that hold a document reading portion  12  and paper sheet P as record media. Further assembled into the second partition  11   b  are a developed image forming portion  14  that forms a development image in accordance with image information output from the document reading portion  12  or image information output from a computer or facsimile image information sent from a communication line, and a first transfer direction change portion  16  that configures a transfer direction change portion. 
     Still further assembled into the second partition  11   b  are a first reversing portion  17   a  as a second transfer direction change portion to configure a transfer direction change portion, and a first to fourth sorters  18   a  to  18   d  that sort output paper sheets P on which images have been formed by the developed image forming portion  14  and collect them vertically. 
     While, assembled into the third partition  11   c  are a second and third reversing portions  17   b  and  17   c  as a second transfer direction change portion, and a fifth to twelfth sorters  18   e  to  18   l  that sort output paper sheets P on which images have been formed and collect them vertically. 
     The document reading portion  12 , the first to third paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c,  the developed image forming portion  14 , the first transfer direction change portion  16 , the first to third reversing portion  17   a  to  17   c,  the first to the twelfth sorters  18   a  to  18   l  that are assembled into these second and third partitions  11   b  and  11   c  are so assembled that their frontal cover portions  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  26 ,  27  and  28  should be flat with the front sides of the second or third partition  11   b  or  11   c  in normal conditions including conditions for image formation. 
     And all the cover portions  22 ,  23 ,  24 ,  26 ,  27  and  28  may be opened and closed at taking out paper sheets P or at maintenance work, by pulling their knobs  22   a,    23   a,    24   a,    26   a,    27   a  and  28   a,  and turning them to the front sides of the second or third partition  11   b  or  11   c.    
     MFP  10  assembled into the second and third partitions  11   b  and  11   c  in the manner mentioned above, at image forming operation, output paper sheets P through the arrow direction m and the arrow direction n, in the arrow direction o, p or q. 
     The document reading portion  12  has a first transfer guide  30  that conveys sheet shape document G while holding document vertically, and also has a second to fourth transfer guides  31  to  33  that guide the reverse rotation of document G by a first and second transfer rollers  37   a  and  37   b  around the first transfer guide  30 . At the paper feed side of the first transfer guide  30 , arranged are a paper feed sensor  35  that detects document G, a pickup roller  34  that takes in document G, and a separate roller  36  that conveys document G one by one separately. 
     At the position facing against the first transfer guide  30  between the first transfer roller  37   a  and the second transfer roller  37   b,  arranged are a radiation device  38  comprising a lamp  38   a  and a reflection plate  38   b,  and a reading sensor  40  that detects reflected light from document G radiated by the radiation device  38 . And inside of the cover portion  22  of the document reading portion  12 , formed is a waste paper tray  22   b.    
     When to read document G for copying operation, an operator pulls the knob  22   a  formed on the cover portion  22 , and turns the document reading portion  12  to the front side of the second partition  11   b  as shown in FIG. 4, and sets document G to the paper feed side of the first transfer guide  30 . When the paper feed sensor  35  detects document G and document reading operation starts, the pickup roller  34 , the separate roller  36 , and the first and second transfer rollers  37   a  and  37   b  are driven, thereby document G is conveyed in the arrow direction s. Further after reading document image information by the radiation device  38  and the reading sensor  40 , the document G is discharged into the waste paper tray  22   b.    
     Each of the paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c  is equipped with a paper feed unit  40  for supplying various sizes of paper sheets P for example in B 5 , A 4 , A 3  and other sizes to the arrow direction m in the direction of the developed image forming portion  14  while holding paper sheets vertically. The paper feed unit in turn is equipped with a rib  41 , a press roller  42  for holding paper sheets P vertically, a pickup roller  43  for taking out paper sheets P at the highest stage, and a separate roller  44  for separately conveying paper sheets P one after another. 
     At the rear sides of the first and second paper feed cassettes  13   a  and  13   b,  formed is a transfer route  47  that has a transmission roller  46  for transmitting paper sheets P taken out from the second and third paper feed cassettes  13   b  and  13   c  at lower stage to the developed image forming portion  14 . And the first paper feed cassette  13   a  has an adjusting guide  48  for guiding paper sheets P to the paper sheet input end of the developed image forming portion  14  at the top thereof. 
     When developed image forming operation starts, at optional paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c,  the pickup roller  43  and the separate roller  44  are driven in accordance with the image forming timing of the developed image forming portion  14 , and thereby paper sheets P are taken out in the direction of the developed image forming portion  14 . If paper sheets P are taken out from the second and third paper feed cassettes  13   b  and  13   c,  paper sheets P are supplied to the developed image forming portion  14  through the transfer route  47  and then through the adjusting guide  48 , while if paper sheets P are taken out from the first paper feed cassette  13   a,  paper sheets P are supplied to the developed image forming portion  14  directly through the adjusting guide  48 . 
     And when to replenish paper sheets P, as shown in FIG. 7, an operator pulls the knob  23   a,  and turns the specified paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c  until they become level at the front side of the second partition  11   b,  and further lifts up the rib  41  and then replenishes paper sheets P. After then, an operator sets the rib  41  onto the paper sheets P, and resets the paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c  so that they get flat with the front side of the second partition  11   b.    
     In the next place, the developed image forming portion  14  has a photosensitive drum  50 . Around the photosensitive drum  50 , arranged in the rotating direction in the arrow direction t of the photosensitive drum  50  are an electrification charger  51 , an exposure portion  53  of an exposure device  52  that convert document image information read by the document reading portion  12 , facsimile image information sent via communication line (not illustrated herein), or image information output from a computer (not illustrated herein) into optical signal, a developing device  54 , a transfer conveyor belt  56 , a release nail  57 , a cleaning device  58  and an electricity removing lamp  60 . 
     Further, at the upstream side from the photosensitive drum  50  of the developed image forming portion  14 , formed is a guide  63  for conveying paper sheets P vertically by a transfer roller  61  and a resist roller  62 , while at the downstream side from the transfer conveyor belt  56  of the developed image forming portion  14 , arranged are a fixation roller coupling  64  and paper discharge roller coupling  66 . And at the downstream side of the paper discharge roller coupling  66 , formed is an adjusting guide  67  for guiding paper sheets P to the paper sheet input end of the first transfer direction change portion  16 . 
     At the start of developed image forming operation, the photosensitive drum  50  is made to carry out developed image forming process orderly in accordance with the rotation in the arrow direction t, and first it is charged uniformly by the electrification charger  51 . Then exposure operation is carried out on this uniformly charged photosensitive drum  50  by the exposure device  52 , and a latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum  50  by optical signal converted from document image information, facsimile image information or computer output image information. After then, the photosensitive drum  50  is developed by the developing device  54 , thereby a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum  50 . 
     On the other hand, in synchronization with the toner image formation operation onto the photosensitive drum  50 , the pickup roller  43  and the separate roller  44  are driven at any of the paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c,  and the supply of specified paper sheets P is started from any of the paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c.  When one of these paper sheets P goes to the developed image forming portion  14 , it is guided vertically by the guide  63 , and made to go through the transfer roller  61 , and its end is rearranged by the resist roller  62 , and then sent to the transfer conveyor belt  56 , and a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum  50  is transferred onto it. 
     After then, the paper sheet P is absorbed electrostatically by the transfer conveyor belt  56 , and is conveyed in the direction of the fixation roller coupling  64 , and toner image is fixed onto it, then the paper sheet P is made to go through the paper discharge roller coupling  66  and the adjusting guide  67 , and then output to the first transfer direction change portion  16 . 
     By the way, at maintenance work such as to remove clogged paper sheets or so, as shown in FIG. 10, the knob  24  a is pulled, and so as to release the paper sheet route of the developed image forming portion  14 , the front side unit  14   a  incorporated with the cover  24  is turned, thereby maintenance such as to remove clogged paper sheets or so is carried out. After completion of maintenance work, the cover  24  is reset so that it should be flat with the front side of the second partition  11   b.    
     The first transfer direction change portion  16  and the first to third reverse portions  17   a  to  17   c  are for changing the transfer direction of paper sheets P by 90 degrees, and after paper sheets P are discharged from the developed image forming portion  14 , and made to go through any of the first transfer direction change portion  16  and the first to third reverse portions  17   a  to  17   c,  the transfer direction of paper sheets P is changed by 180 degrees. 
     The first transfer direction change portion  16  has a first change guide  70  that is inclined by 45 degrees to the arrow direction m as the output direction of the paper sheets P of the developed image forming portion  14 . In the front side of the first change guide  70 , arranged are a first to fourth front rollers  71   a  to  71   d  that convey the paper sheets P in the arrow direction m along the first change guide  70 . While in the rear side of the first change guide  70 , arranged are a first to fourth rear rollers  72   a  to  72   d  that convey the paper sheets P in the arrow direction n along the first change guide  70 . 
     When a paper sheet P having a developed image is output from the developed image forming portion  14 , the first front roller  71   a  is driven, and further in accordance with the size of the paper sheet P concerned, the second to fourth front roller  71   b  to  71   d  are driven, and the paper sheet P is conveyed through the first change guide  70 , and its transfer direction is changed by 90 degrees in the arrow direction n as the first reverse portion  17   a  direction along the inclination of the first change guide  70 , and the paper sheet is discharged in the first reverse portion  17   a  direction. 
     By the way, in the case of paper clogging, the knob  26   a  is pulled, and the first transfer direction change portion  16  is turned to the front side of the second partition  11   b,  and paper is removed, and after then, the first transfer direction change portion  16  is reset so that it should be flat with the front side of the second partition  11   b.    
     The first to third reverse portions  17   a  to  17   c  have a second change guide  73  that is inclined by 45 degrees to the arrow direction n as the output direction of the paper sheets P of the first transfer direction change portion  16 , and a pass guide  74  that passes paper sheets P in the direction of the rear reverse portions  17   b  and  17   c.  At the paper sheets P take-in position from the first transfer direction change portion  16  of respective reverse portions  17   a  to  17   c,  arranged is a gate  76  that switches whether to take in paper sheets P in the second change guide  73  direction, or pass paper sheets P in the pass guide  74  direction. 
     In the rear side of the second change guide  73 , arranged are a fifth to eighth rear rollers  72   e  to  72   h  that convey the paper sheets P in the arrow direction n along the second change guide  73 . While in the front side of the second change guide  73 , arranged are a fifth to eighth front rollers  71   e  to  71   h  that convey the paper sheets P in the arrow direction o, the arrow direction p or the arrow direction q along the second change guide  73 . And to the pass guide  74 , arranged are a first to fourth pass roller  77   a  to  77   d  that convey paper sheets P in the arrow direction n along the pass guide  74 . 
     At conveyance of paper sheets P, a paper sheet P output from the first transfer direction change portion  16  in the arrow direction n is sorted whether to the second change guide  73  direction or the pass guide  74  direction by the gate  76  at the reverse portion  17   a.  When the paper sheet P is sorted to the second change guide  73  direction by the gate  76 , the paper sheet P is conveyed through the second change guide  73  in the arrow direction n by the fifth to eighth rear rollers  72   e  to  72   h,  and its direction is changed by 90 degrees in the arrow direction o along the inclination of the second change guide  73 , and the paper sheet is output in the first sorter  18   a  direction. 
     When the paper sheet P is sorted to the pass guide  74  direction by the gate  76 , the paper sheet P is conveyed through the pass guide  74  in the arrow direction n by the first to fourth pass rollers  77   a  to  77   d,  and is discharged in the second reverse portion  17   b  direction. 
     The paper sheet P that has reached at the second reverse portion  17   b  is sorted whether to the second change guide  73  direction or the pass guide  74  direction by the gate  76  as same as at the first reverse portion  17   a,  and its transfer direction is converted by the second change guide  73 , and the paper sheet is output to the fifth sorter  18   e  direction, or made to go up to the third reverse portion  17   c  by the pass guide  74 . 
     The paper sheet P that has reached at the third reverse portion  17   c  is sorted to the second change guide  73  direction by the gate  76 , and is output in the ninth sorter  18   i  direction. 
     By the way, at the event of paper clogging of the paper sheets P at the first to third reverse portions  17   a  to  17   c,  the knob  27   a  of any of the reverse portions  17   a  to  17   c  concerned is pulled, and the reverse portions  17   a  to  17   c  are turned to the front side of the second or third partition  11   b  or  11   c,  and paper sheet P is removed, and the reverse portions  17   a  to  17   c  are reset so that they should be flat with the front side of the second or third partition  11   b  or  11   c.    
     In the next place, respective sorter  18   a  to  18   l  have a transfer guide  80 , and a sorter bin  81  that collects paper sheets P vertically. The transfer guide  80  is equipped with a transfer roller  82 . At the entrance end of the sorter bin  81 , arranged is a gate  83  that switches whether to take in paper sheets P in the sorter bin  81  direction, or pass paper sheets P in the pass guide  80  direction so as to pass it in the sorter  18  direction at the downstream side. 
     Respective sorters  18   a  to  18   l  are specified to respective users, and the cover  28  is equipped with a key  28   b  so that only a specified user can use his own specified sorter. 
     Sorting of paper sheets P is conducted so that paper sheets P are collected to a specially selected sorter  18  that is designated at developed image formation. Namely, in the case of facsimile image information, and addressee transmission number is input at sending image information, and thereby a sorter  18  to collect paper sheets P is specified. And in the case of output image information from a computer, automatically according to a computer to be used, or by designating a sorter bin  81  at outputting image information, sorter  18  to collect paper sheets P is specified. By the way, in the case of document image information read by the document reading portion  12 , for example, the key  28   b  is unlocked at the first sorter  18   a,  and this first sorter  18   a  may be made a freely available common sorter, and paper sheets P may be output thereto. 
     At sorting of paper sheets P, if for example the second sorter  18   b  is the specified sorter, the gate  83  is displaced in a direction to close the transfer guide  80  as shown in the continuous line in FIG,  18  so that paper sheets P discharged from the reverse portion  17   a  to  17   c  should be taken in by the second sorter  18   b.  As for other sorter  18  than the second sorter  18   b,  the gate  83  is displaced in a direction to close the sorter bin  80  side as shown in dot line in FIG. 18 so that paper sheets P should be passed in the transfer guide  80  direction. 
     After completion of developed image formation, an operator releases for example the key  28   b  of the second sorter  18   b,  pulls the knob  28   a,  and turns the second sorter  18   b  to the front side of the second partition  11   b,  and takes out output paper sheets P. And an operator resets the second sorter  18   b  so that it should be flat with the front side of the second partition  11   b,  and then locks the key  28   b.    
     Now hereafter actions are described. When to copy a document image, an operator sets a document G at the paper feed side of the first transfer guide  30  of the document reading portion  12 . Thereby, when the paper feed sensor  35  of the document reading portion  12  detects the document G, MFP  10  starts copied image forming operation according to document image information. Namely, the document reading portion  12  conveys the document G in the arrow direction s along the second to fourth transfer guides  31  to  33 , and discharges the document to the paper discharge tray  22   b.  At this moment, the reading sensor  40  reads the reflected light from the document G by the radiation device  38  as image information, and inputs the document image information to the exposure device  52  of the developed image forming portion  14 . The developed image forming portion  14  turns the photosensitive drum  50  in the arrow t direction by the document image information input into the exposure device  52 , and thereby starts developed image forming operation. While the photosensitive drum  50  turns in the arrow t direction, through electrification operation, exposure operation and development operation, a toner image is formed according to the document image information. 
     While a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum  50 , at the paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c,  paper sheets P of a specified size are taken out by the pickup roller  43  and the separate roller  44 , and fed to the resist roller  62  through the transfer roller  61  of the developed image forming portion  14 . The paper sheets P that have reached to the resist roller  62  are supplied to the transfer conveyor belt  56  position in synchronization of the toner image on the photosensitive drum  50 , and are transferred the toner image on the photosensitive drum  50 . 
     After then, the toner image is are heated, pressed and fixed onto the paper sheets P by the fixation roller coupling  64 , and developed images are completed thereon, and the paper sheets P are output via the paper discharge roller coupling  66 , the adjusting guide  67  to the first transfer direction change portion  16 . On the other hand, the photosensitive drum  50  after the toner image is transferred continues rolling, and remaining toner and paper powder are cleaned by the cleaning device  58 , and electric potential on the surface of the photosensitive drum  50  is removed by the electricity removing lamp  60 , and the next developed image forming process is awaited. 
     The paper sheets P output from the developed image forming portion  14  are collected to a specified sorter  18 , however in the case of image formation by document image from the document reading portion  12 , the key  28   b  is unlocked, so the paper sheets are collected to the freely available common first sorter  18   a.    
     Therefore, the paper sheets P discharged from the developed image forming portion  14  are made to go through the first change guide  70  of the first transfer direction change portion  16 , and the transfer direction is changed from the arrow m direction to the arrow n direction by 90 degrees, and the paper sheets are sorted into the second change guide  73  direction by the gate  76  of the first reverse portion  17   a,  and the transfer direction is further changed by 90 degrees along the inclination of the second change guide  73  from the arrow n direction to the arrow o direction. 
     During this moment, at the first to fourth sorters  18   a  to  18   d  positioned at the downstream side of the reverse portion  17   a,  the gate  83  of the first sorter  18   a  is controlled so as to be displaced to close the transfer guide  80  so as to take the paper sheets P into the sorter bin  81 , and the paper sheets P whose direction has been changed into the arrow o direction by the first reverse portion  17   a  are taken in by the first sorter  18   a,  and collected into the sorter bin  81 . After this, an operator takes out the paper sheets P on which document image is output from the sorter bin  81  of the first sorter  18   a,  and further takes out the document G on the paper discharge tray  22  of the document reading portion  12 , and gets developed image by copying function. 
     In the next place, in the case of image formation of image information sent via facsimile on communication line, by the sending operation of facsimile image information, a user of MFP  10  is automatically designated, and the collection address of the paper sheets P after image formation is designated, for example, as the tenth sorter  18   j.    
     At receipt of facsimile image information, MFP  10  starts facsimile image forming operation, and inputs facsimile image information to the exposure device  52  of the developed image forming portion  14 . After then, MFP  10  forms developed image onto the paper sheets P supplied from the paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c  at the developed image forming portion  14 , in the same manner as in the document image information formation, and outputs paper sheets P to the first transfer direction change portion  16  direction. 
     Paper sheets P output from the developed image forming portion  14 , so as to be collected into the specified tenth sorter  18   j,  are made to go through the first change guide  70  of the first transfer direction change portion  16 , and the transfer direction is changed by 90 degrees from the arrow m direction to the arrow n direction, and paper sheets are sorted to the pass guide  74  direction by the gate  76  of the first reverse portion  17   a,  and reach to the second reverse portion  17   b.  Further, the paper sheets P are sorted to the pass guide  74  direction by the gate  76  of the second reverse portion  17   b  and reach to the third reverse portion  17   c,  and the transfer direction is changed by 90 degrees from the arrow n direction to the arrow q direction along the inclination of the second change guide  73  of this third reverse portion  17   c.    
     During this process, at the ninth to twelfth sorters  18   i  to  18   l  positioned in the downstream side of the third reverse portion  17   c,  the gate  83  of the tenth sorter  18   j  is controlled to be displaced to close the transfer guide  80  so that paper sheets P should be taken in the sorter bin  81  by the gate  83  of the tenth sorter  18   j.  On the other hand, the gate  83  of other sorters  18   i,    18   k,  and  18   l  is controlled to be displaced to release the transfer guide  80  and close the sorter bin  81 . 
     Accordingly, the paper sheets P whose direction has been changed to the arrow q direction by the third reverse portion  17   c  are taken into the tenth sorter  18   j,  and collected into the sorter bin  81 . After then, a user who has received facsimile information releases the key  28   b  of the tenth sorter  18   j,  and take out the output paper sheets P having facsimile image information. After taking out paper sheets P, user locks the key  28   b  of the tenth sorter  18   j  once again, and gets developed image by facsimile function. 
     In the next place, in the case of image formation of computer output image information, a user of MFP  10  is automatically designated per computer to be used and registered, and the collection address of the paper sheets P after image formation is designated automatically. While, the collection address of the paper sheets P after image formation may be designated by designating a sorter  18  through a keyboard or so to a computer. 
     When output image information is input from a computer to be used and registered, without designation of collection address of the paper sheets P. MFP  10  specifies a user, and automatically designates the collection address of the paper sheets P to, for example, the tenth sorter  18   j.  Then, MFP  10  starts its image forming operation as a printer, and inputs image information output from computer to the exposure device  52  of the developed image forming portion  14 . After then, MFP  10  forms developed image onto the paper sheets P supplied from the paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c  at the developed image forming portion  14 , in the same manner as in the document image information formation, and outputs paper sheets P to the first transfer direction change portion  16  direction. 
     Paper sheets P output from the developed image forming portion  14  are collected into the sorter bin  81  of the specified tenth sorter  18   j,  in the same manner as in the facsimile image information formation. Accordingly, user releases the key  28   b  of the tenth sorter  18   j,  and take out the output paper sheets P having computer output image information, and gets developed image by printer function. 
     In MFP  10  as configured as mentioned heretofore, making the most of plane shaped second and third partitions  11   b  and  11   c  to be used a partitions in office, the second and third partitions  11   b  and  11   c  are installed therein, even though it is equipped with the sorter  18 , there is no need for wide installation space exclusive for MFP  10 , consequently, it is possible to save space to a great extent. 
     And, since the sorter  18  to collect the paper sheets P output after image formation is designated in advance for users, though plural users use it in common at multifunctional image formation, a specific user can obtain his output paper sheets P without confusion with paper sheets output for other users, thus it is possible to remarkably improve users&#39; convenience. 
     By the way, the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, for example, MFP may not always be equipped with a document reading device, and sizes of paper sheets and so forth are not limited. And so far as paper sheets are held vertically, their feed direction or output direction may be optional longitudinally or laterally or so. Moreover, the number of paper feed cassettes to be incorporated in panel, and the number of sorters may be optionally decided at necessity, so in the case where many paper feed cassettes and sorters are needed, the number of panels to which these are to be incorporated may be increased. 
     Further, the shape, change method and so forth of the transfer direction change portion for changing paper sheet transfer directions in flat type panels are not limited, and as for sorters too, in order to assemble more sorters in a single panel, as shown in the first modified example in FIG.  20  and FIG. 21, sorters  90   a  and  90   b  that are adjacent to each other vertically may be arranged so that part of them pile up to each other. These sorters  90   a  and  90   b  have a reverse guide  93  for reversing paper sheets P that are taken into the sorter bin  91  side by the gate  98  after they pass the transfer guide  92  so that paper sheets P are smoothly collected vertically into the sorter bin  91 . 
     In addition, the transfer guide  92  is equipped with a transfer roller  94 , and inside of the reverse guide  93 , arranged are a take-in roller  96 , and a discharge roller  97 . The gate  98  is arranged at the entrance end of the reverse guide  93 , and switches whether to take the paper sheets P into the reverse guide  93  side, or to pass them to the sorter  90  direction at the downstream side. As a result, in this first modified example MFP  99 , as shown in FIG. 21, it is possible to incorporate more sorters  90  into the second and third partitions  11   b  and  11   c  than in the case of the sorters  18  in the mentioned embodiments. 
     And further, the transfer method of paper sheets on panel of MFP to be assembled into panel is optional, for example, as MFP  100  of a second modified example shown in FIG. 22, in the second partition  11   b,  the developed image forming portion  14  may be arranged in the downstream side of paper feed cassettes  13   a  to  13   c,  and paper sheets P may be transferred in the arrow v direction and thereby developed image formation may be carried out, still further, at output, paper sheets P may be transferred in the arrow w direction, x direction or y direction, and be collected into a sorter  101 . 
     As mentioned heretofore, according to the present invention, by making the most of wide flat surface of partitions used as space separating panels in offices and so forth, and by assembling a multifunctional image forming apparatus having sorters into flat planes of partitions, there is no need for wide space exclusively for installation of such an image forming apparatus as in prior art, consequently it is possible to save space in offices. 
     And, since the sorters for users to use are designated in advance for respective users, even though an image forming apparatus has multiple functions as a copier, facsimile, printer and so forth, and is used in common by plural users, a specific user can obtain his output paper sheets without confusion with paper sheets output for other users, thus it is possible to remarkably improve users&#39; convenience. 
     The embodiments shown above are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.