Patent ID: 7804628
Filing Date: 2010-09-28
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording sheet; an image reading unit provided above the image forming unit so as to open and close with respect to the image forming unit; an automatic document feeder provided above the image reading unit so as to open and close with respect to the image reading unit; and an open-close regulation mechanism that regulates opening and closing movements of the automatic document feeder so that wherein the open-close regulation mechanism includes a lock mechanism that includes: wherein when the image reading unit is closed with respect to the image forming unit, the contact member remains in contact with the arm and the lock lever remains separated from the hook against an elasticity of the spring to thereby automatically disengage the image reading unit and the automatic document feeder, and wherein when the image reading unit is opened with respect to the image forming unit, the contact member is separated from the arm and the lock lever engages with the hook by the elasticity of the spring to thereby automatically engage the image reading unit and the automatic document feeder.