Patent ID: 8398066

Claim:
An image forming apparatus with a stapling function, said image forming apparatus comprising: a printing device for printing images on plural papers, wherein said printing device comprises: a printing device casing having a first surface and a second surface, wherein an opening is formed in a first surface of said printing device casing; a paper feed tray for supporting said papers; a first transport path arranged between said paper feed tray and said opening; a first transport roller assembly for transporting said papers which are disposed within said first transport path; and a printing module disposed in said first transport path for printing said images on said papers; and a stapling device connected with said first surface and said second surface of said printing device casing of said printing device for receiving said papers from said opening, stapling said papers, and then outputting said papers, wherein said stapling device comprises: a second transport path in communication with said first transport path, and arranged between said opening and a paper ejecting tray; a second transport roller assembly for transporting said papers which are disposed within said second transport path; and a stapling part comprising said paper ejecting tray, wherein said papers from said second transport path and supported on said paper ejecting tray are stapled by said stapling part, wherein said first surface and said second surface of said printing device casing are non-coplanar.