Patent ID: 8565645

Claim:
A fixing unit which is configured to be attachable to and detachable from a body of an apparatus by opening a cover provided at said apparatus body, wherein the fixing unit comprises: a holding portion disposed at an end portion in a longitudinal direction of the fixing unit so that the holding portion is integrated with a housing of the fixing unit; and a lock mechanism comprising an engaging portion for fixing the fixing unit to said apparatus body and an operating portion to be operated by a user; wherein the holding portion is to be exposed, by opening the cover, so as to be visible by the user, the operating portion is to be moved to a direction of attachment/detachment of the fixing unit, by an operation of the user to hold the holding portion, so that the fixing between the engaging portion and said apparatus body is cancelled, and the fixing unit is to be detached from said apparatus body under a condition where the holding portion is held by the user, wherein the operating portion of the lock mechanism is to be retracted inside the holding portion by an operation to hold the holding portion.