Patent ID: 7938398
Filing Date: 2011-05-10
Classification: B65H

Abstract:
1. A paper feeding apparatus in combination with an exterior housing of an image forming apparatus and configured for use in a state where the paper feeding apparatus accumulates paper sheets for the image forming apparatus to form images thereon when the paper feeding apparatus is attached to a main body of the image forming apparatus, the paper feeding apparatus comprising: an engaging-holding member is provided on an exterior wall face of the paper feeding apparatus, and the engaging-holding member engages and holds the paper feeding apparatus with the exterior housing of the image forming apparatus so as to enable the paper feeding apparatus to move into/from the exterior housing of the image forming apparatus, the exterior wall face being parallel to a moving direction of the paper feeding apparatus, the paper feeding apparatus comprises a supporting member on a bottom wall of the paper feeding apparatus to support the paper feeding apparatus, the supporting member is disposed around an inside of an intersection of a plurality of exterior wall faces of the paper feeding apparatus, and is configured to move inside the main body of the image forming apparatus while supporting the paper feeding apparatus when the paper feeding apparatus moves in the moving direction, the plurality of exterior wall faces includes an exterior wall positioned respectively on an opposite side of the exterior wall face to which the engaging-holding member of the image forming apparatus is fitted, and to a bottom wall of the exterior housing, a groove portion is provided for two directions which are orthogonal to each other, and the groove portion receives the supporting member to guide the movement of the supporting member.