Patent ID: 8513551

Claim:
An interlock mechanism comprising: a first cover hinged to an apparatus body and openably closable relative to the apparatus body; a second cover hinged to the apparatus body and openably closable relative to the apparatus body; an interlock switch provided inside the first cover and the second cover in the apparatus body; a first pressing portion provided on the first cover; a second pressing portion provided on the second cover; a first cam unit pivotably supported on the apparatus body by a first shaft provided on the apparatus body to contact the first pressing portion in a state in which the first cover is closed; and a second cam unit pivotably supported on the first cam unit by a second shaft to contact the second pressing portion in a state in which the second cover is closed; wherein, when the first pressing portion contacts the first cam unit and the second pressing portion contacts the second cam unit, the first cam unit and the second cam unit rotate to push the interlock switch, the second cam unit turns on the interlock switch, and the closing of the first and second covers are detected simultaneously.