Patent ID: 7407200

Claim:
A cover opening and closing device for switching a cover body between a closed position and an open position, comprising: one operation button to be operated when the cover body is switched between the closed position and the open position, a forcing device for forcing the cover body toward the closed position at least from a position close to the closed position when the cover body is closed, and a switching device for releasing the cover body at the open position so that the cover body rotates toward the closed position when the operation button is operated, said switching device including a cam rotating when the operation button is operated, a gear linked to the cam and engaging a gear part provided on the cover body, and an engaging device for holding the cover body at the open position and releasing the cover body when the operation button is operated, wherein said engaging device includes a sliding body disposed between the operation button and the cam and forming a cam groove, a trace pin for tracing the cam groove, and a lock member linked to the sliding body for moving in a direction intersecting with the sliding body.