Patent ID: 8807743
Filing Date: 2014-08-19
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
1. An open-close cover assembly of an image forming apparatus, comprising: an open-close cover supported for rotation in opening and closing directions relative to an image forming apparatus main unit and configured in an open state to be stacked with sheets; bearing portions formed in one of the image forming apparatus main unit and said open-close cover and each formed with an opening; elastically deformable arm portions extending to another of the image forming apparatus main unit and said open-close cover respectively from vicinities of parts of the one of the image forming apparatus main unit and said open-close cover where said bearing portions are formed; first stopper portions respectively provided at tip ends of said arm portions; second stopper portions respectively provided in the one of the image forming apparatus main unit and said open-close cover at locations spaced away from said first stopper portions; shaft portions provided in the other of the image forming apparatus main unit and the open-close cover and configured to be fitted respectively into said bearing portions through the openings; first receiving portions provided in the other of the image forming apparatus main unit and the open-close cover and configured to be engaged respectively with said first stopper portions when said open-close cover is in the open state, thereby restricting an open angle of said open-close cover; and second receiving portions provided in the other of the image forming apparatus main unit and the open-close cover and configured to be engaged respectively with said second stopper portions, wherein in a case where said open-close cover, which is in the open state that said first stopper portions are engaged respectively with said first receiving portions, is applied with a force acting in a direction to open said open-close cover, said first stopper portions are elastically deformed respectively so as to be disengaged respectively from said first receiving portions, whereas said second stopper portions are engaged respectively with said second receiving portions so as to prevent said shaft portions from being disengaged respectively from said bearing portions, wherein in a case where said open-close cover, which is in a state that said second stopper portions are engaged respectively with said second receiving portions, is applied with a further force acting in the direction to open said open-close cover, said second stopper portions are disengaged respectively from said second receiving portions so as to allow said shaft portions to be disengaged from said bearing portions through the openings respectively, and wherein the force which is required to disengage said first stopper portions from said first receiving portions and acts in the direction to open said open-close cover is greater than the force which is required to disengage said second stopper portions from said second receiving portions and acts in the direction to open said open-close cover.