Open/close mechanism and image forming apparatus using the same

An image forming apparatus comprising an open/close mechanism for opening/closing an external member provided on a cabinet of an image forming apparatus body, wherein the open/close mechanism comprises:

• a first pivot shaft fixedly mounted on the cabinet and supporting the external member for pivotal movement;
• a second pivot shaft fixedly mounted within the image forming apparatus body at a location spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first pivot shaft inwardly of the image forming apparatus body and supporting an internal member for pivotal movement, the internal member being disposed opposite to the external member;
• and
• a link member interlinking the external member and the internal member for causing the internal member to pivot about the second pivot shaft in cooperation with the external member pivoting about the first pivot shaft.