Abstract:
An image recording apparatus typically comprises a first housing provided with a feeding tray for containing recording mediums before recording by a recording section, a second housing provided with an outlet tray for storing the recording mediums carried from the first housing, and a coupling and carrying device for coupling the first housing and the second housing in such a manner as to be able to displace them relatively. This coupling and carrying device forms a flexible carrier path to guide each recording medium carried from the first housing to the second housing. With the structure thus arranged, this recording apparatus can achieve significant space saving when installed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus that records on a recording medium in accordance with image information. 
     2. Related Background Art 
     Computers and their peripheral equipment have made progress year after year in performance while, at the same time, being made smaller and available at lower costs. Particularly, with the appearance of notebook type personal computers, for example, the popularity of personal computers is remarkable due to their portability and capability to save installation space. Also, the recording apparatus of ink jet type, which is used as output means thereof, has a considerable market share for personal use, because it is comparatively inexpensive, and is smaller but capable of recording in colors. 
     Nevertheless, since a conventional recording apparatus of the above-described type is installed horizontally on a desk or the like, it requires at least an area approximately the same size of a recording medium to be used even when it has been made smaller as those currently available on the market. Also, if the unit that contains recording mediums and the unit that carries them out are arranged to face each other in the horizontal direction, the area occupied by the apparatus becomes inevitably larger. There is also a problem that considerable space should be secured on a desk for the installation thereof. With the notebook type personal computer which has increasingly become more popular, the problems of space saving and mobility no longer exist for the computer. Nevertheless, it is still required that the recording apparatus, such as a printer, be capable of saving space when serving as a peripheral device of such computer. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To meet such demand, the present invention has been designed. It is an object of the invention to provide an image recording apparatus capable of being installed with the smallest space possible. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an image recording apparatus capable of being installed in various places with increased selectivity of installation modes with a smaller space requirement. 
     It is still another object of the invention to provide an image recording apparatus for recording images on a recording medium by use of recording means, which comprises a first housing provided with a feeding tray for containing recording mediums before recording by use of recording means; a second housing provided with an outlet tray for storing the recording mediums carried from the first housing; and coupling and carrying means for coupling the first housing and the second housing in such a manner as to be able to displace them relatively. This coupling and carrying means forms a flexible carrier path to guide a recording medium carried from the first housing to the second housing. 
     Other objectives and advantages besides those discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which follows. In the description, reference is made to accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which illustrate an example of the invention. Such example, however, is not exhaustive of the various embodiments of the invention, and therefore reference is made to the claims which follow the description for determining the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIGS. 1A and 1B are views which illustrate an image recording apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 2A and 2B are views which illustrate a feeding cassette. 
     FIG. 3 is a view which illustrates carrying means and recording means. 
     FIGS. 4A and 4B are views which illustrate the way to fix a frame to a desk. 
     FIG. 5 is a view which illustrates a frame in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 6A and 6B are views which illustrate a frame in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a view which illustrates a frame in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In conjunction with FIG. 1A to FIG. 4B, description will be made of an image recording apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 1A and 1B are views which illustrate an image recording apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B are views which illustrate a feeding cassette. FIG. 3 is a view which illustrates carrying means and recording means. FIGS. 4A and 4B are views which illustrate the way to fix a frame to a desk. 
     The image recording apparatus of the present embodiment is an ink jet recording apparatus  1  that records images by discharging ink, and which comprises an apparatus main body  2  and a frame  3 . As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the apparatus main body  2  comprises a feeding cassette container  4 ; a recording unit A; an outlet tray  5 ; an auxiliary guide  7 ; and a hooking unit  6 . As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the feeding cassette container  4  is structured to contain a feeding cassette  8 . When replenishing recording mediums P, the feeding cassette  8  is removed out from the feeding cassette container  4 . As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the feeding cassette  8  comprises a spring  9 , a stacking plate  10 , nails  11 , and a cassette cover  12 . The spring  9  presses the stacking plate  10  on the nail  11  side so that the recording mediums P can be fed even when the number thereof on the stacking plate  10  is small. 
     The apparatus main body  2  performs image recording by recording means on a recording medium P in the recording unit A when the recording medium P housed in feeding cassette  8  is carried by carrying means to the recording unit A. As shown in FIG. 3, the carrying means comprises a pulse motor  13 , carrying rollers  14  and  15 , and pinch rollers  16 . Then, the recording medium P is carried by means of the carrying rollers  14 , which are connected with the pulse motor  13 , toward the position where recording is made by recording means, thus arriving at the nipping portion formed by the carrying rollers  15  and the pinch rollers  16 . Here, the carrying roller  15  rotates by means of a carrying motor (not shown) serving as the driving source so as to lead out the recording medium P to the lead-out tray  5 , while image recording is being made by recording means. 
     The recording means of the present embodiment has a recording head  17  of ink jet type which is detachably mounted on a carriage  18 . The carriage  18  is carried by means of a timing belt (not shown). The carriage  18  is guided by a guide shaft  19  to reciprocate and scan in the main scanning directions (directions indicated by a double arrow A) that intersect with the carrying direction of the recording medium P when driven by means of a carriage motor (not shown). Thus, accompanied by the conveyance of the recording medium P using carrying means, image recording is made by discharging ink from the recording head  17  in accordance with the image information which is transmitted through a communication cable. 
     In this respect, the structure is arranged to record by discharging ink from ink discharge ports by means of the growth and shrinkage of bubbles by utilization of film boiling created in the ink by the application of thermal energy generated by electrothermal converting elements when energized in accordance with recording signals. The typical structure and principle of this ink discharge should preferably be those using the fundamental principle disclosed in the specifications of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796, for example. The method thus disclosed is applicable both to the so-called on-demand type and continuous type apparatuses. Particularly for the on-demand type, each of the electrothermal converting elements, which is arranged to face a sheet or liquid flow path that retains ink, can generate thermal energy by the application of at least one driving signal corresponding to recording information, which gives rapid temperature rise beyond nucleate boiling, hence creating film boiling on the thermoactive surface of the recording head to make the resultant formation of bubbles possible in liquid effectively corresponding to driving signals one to one. With the growth and shrinkage of each bubble, liquid is discharged through each of discharge ports so as to form at least one droplet. It is more preferable to arrange the driving signals to be in pulse configuration, because the growth and shrinkage of each bubble is then made instantaneous appropriately, hence attaining excellent liquid discharges in particular. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the outlet tray  5  is provided with guides  20  and  21  to keep the recording medium P which has been led out in an appropriate position. The outlet tray  5  is set outside the recording means against a desk, wall, or the like in such a manner that the apparatus main body  2  is fixed to the desk or wall serving as a fixing member, and that the direction in which the recording mediums P are kept is downward. Then, the outlet tray  5  is made rotative in an angle of 180 degrees or more centering on a shaft  22  arranged between the recording unit A and the outlet tray  5  so that the apparatus main body  2  can be fixed in a desired position, while the outlet tray  5  is placed in such rotative condition. Therefore, the outlet tray  5  can be set at an appropriate angle freely depending on the fixing condition of the apparatus main body  2  whether it is installed on the wall, against a desk, on a desk, or the like. For example, when the tray is not in use, it may be directed downward to facilitate storage or when in use, it may be set horizontally so as to make it easier to observe recording mediums P. 
     The guide  20  is arranged on a part of the upper side of the outlet tray  5  to guide the recording medium P when being led out, and at the same time, it is structured so that the recording medium P can be observed by eye-sight. The guide  21  is arranged on the leading end portion of the outlet tray  5  to support recording mediums P so as not to allow them to fall off when the leading end portion of the outlet tray  5  is set at a position lower than the shaft  22 . 
     Also, an appropriate step is arranged in the vicinity of the outlet portion of the outlet tray  5  in order to keep recording mediums P from returning reversely when the outlet tray is set at an angle so that its leading end portion is positioned upward. 
     The auxiliary guide  7  is a guide for leading recording mediums P into the outlet tray  5 , and is positioned to face the shaft  22 . This guide is a flexible member which is deformably interlocked with the inclination of the outlet tray  5  so that the recording mediums P can be brought into the outlet tray  5 . 
     In this respect, the auxiliary guide  7  connects across the housing (a first housing) which comprises the feeding cassette container  4  and the recording unit A, and the outlet tray  5  (a second housing), and at the same time, guides the conveyance of the recording mediums P between these housings. This guide itself is a flexible member strong enough to maintain and support the outlet tray  5  in a condition where it rotates at an arbitrary angle to the housing of the recording unit A. 
     Here, also, it may be possible to maintain and support the outlet tray  5  by use of the shaft  22  without depending on the auxiliary guide  4  in a condition where it rotates at an arbitrary angle to the housing of the recording unit A. Further, it may be possible to maintain and support both housings after rotation by the cooperation of the auxiliary guide  4  and the shaft  22 . 
     In this way, depending on the space of the place where the recording apparatus main body is installed, the outlet tray  5  is rotated appropriately with respect to the recording unit A so as to allow the housing of the feeding cassette container  4  and recording unit A and the housing of the outlet tray  5  to be kept in a position at a conveniently rotated angle, and not to allow them to get in the way when installed, thus making it possible to perform desired image recording on a recording medium. If there is still any applicable strength of the auxiliary guide  4  or the shaft  22 , the recording unit A side may be rotated appropriately with respect to the outlet tray  5  and held in such position. 
     Here, in the outlet tray  5  and the auxiliary guide  7 , the leading end of the recording medium P with images recorded thereon abuts against the auxiliary guide  7  of the outlet tray  5  in the carrying direction, and guided by the auxiliary guide  7  to be led out to the outlet tray  5 . In the outlet tray  5 , the upward position of the recording medium P is regulated by the guide  20  when being led out. Then, when the leading end of the recording medium P abuts against the guide  21 , it is kept in the outlet tray  5 . 
     The hooking unit  6 , that forms the fixing means that fixes the apparatus main body  2  to a desk, wall, or the frame  3  which will be described later, is arranged on the back side of the apparatus main body  2  so that the recording medium P can be carried vertically upward. 
     As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the frame  3  is arranged to mount the apparatus main body  2  detachably, which forms a part of fixing means to fix the apparatus main body to a desk or wall. It comprises a coupling recess  23 , hooking portions  24 , and a threaded hole  25 . Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, the coupling recess  23  is coupled with the ceiling plate  26   a  of a desk  26  to fix the frame  3  to the desk  26  by means of a screw  27  from under the coupling recess  23 . 
     Then, the hooking unit  6  is hooked to the hooking portions  24  which protrude upward, and the screw  28  is tightened through the threaded hole  25  to fix the frame  3 . The apparatus main body  2  is then positioned to place the feeding cassette container  4  below the recording means so that the recording medium P can be carried upward in the vertical direction. 
     Also, the apparatus main body  2  can be installed on a desk for use so as to carry recording mediums P in the horizontal direction if the apparatus main body is removed from the frame  3 . Also, the outlet tray can be used in a horizontal inclination, so as to carry recording mediums P in the horizontal direction. Here, if the condition of the installation is insecure, it is possible to make the installation secure by use of a pedestal or the like. 
     As described above, with the apparatus main body  2  being fixed to the edge of the ceiling plate  26   a  of a desk  26 , it becomes possible to free up more working space on the desk. Also, the range of selection is increased such as to fix the apparatus main body to a desk or wall or to fix it on a desk vertically or horizontally, among others orientations. As a result, the installation thereof becomes possible on various places selectively. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Now, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an image recording apparatus will be described in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view which illustrates a frame for use in a wall installation. For the parts which overlap with those of the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals are used, and the description thereof will be omitted. 
     As shown in FIG. 5, the frame  3  fixed to the ceiling plate  26   a  as described in the previous embodiment is now arranged to be a frame  29  to be installed on hooks  30  for the image recording apparatus of the present embodiment. For the frame  29 , holes  31  are provided instead of the coupling recess  23 . The frame  29  is fixed to a desk  26 , wall, or the like by hooking it to the hooks  30  by way of the holes  31 . 
     Then, in the same manner as the first embodiment, the hooking unit  6  is hooked to the hooking portions  24  to fix the apparatus main body  2  to the frame  29  by tightening the screws  28  to the threaded holes  25 . 
     For the embodiment described above, the frame is used as means for fixing the image recording apparatus, but it may be possible to fix the apparatus main body  2  directly to a desk, wall, or the like. Also, even when the frame is used, the frame is not necessarily limited to the configuration of the above embodiment. It may be possible to change the configuration or the like depending on the room arrangement, the material of a desk or wall, among other considerations. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Now, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, description will be made of an image recording apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. For the parts where the description is overlapped with those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used, and the description thereof will be omitted. 
     In FIG. 6A, a reference numeral  56  designates the sheet storing inlet which is arranged on the upper part of a sheet container  51 ;  57 , the rotational shaft which is provided to incline the sheet container  51  for placing the sheet storing inlet  56  forward;  58 , the front sheet pressure plate which is provided for the front side of the sheet container  51 ;  59 , a spring, serving as an elastic member to act on the front sheet pressure plate  58 ;  60 , the rear sheet pressure plate which is provided for the rear side of the sheet container  51 ; and  61 , a spring serving as an elastic member to act on the rear sheet pressure plate  60 . 
     Now, description will be made of procedures to be taken in supplying sheets to the sheet container  51 . 
     In FIG. 6A, a sheet outlet tray  54  is raised at an appropriate angle to retract it from the front of the sheet container  51 . Then, the sheet container  51  is inclined forward centering on the rotational shaft  57  in order to place the sheet storing inlet  56  forward. In this case, the springs  59  and  61  are provided with a mechanism to allow them to contract if the angle of the sheet container  51  is increased beyond a specific angle, thus making it easier to supply sheets to or remove them from the container. 
     Now, as shown in FIG. 6B, the sheet pressure plates  58  and  60  press and fix sheets by action of the springs  59  and  61  subsequent to recording sheets having been inserted from the sheet storing inlet  56 . Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the sheet container  51  is returned to the original position, and also, the sheet outlet tray  54  is returned to an appropriate position. With the pressure exerted by the sheet pressure plates  58  and  60 , it becomes possible to prevent sheets from being buckled when stored irrespective of the number of sheets, large or small. In the case of the present embodiment, a recording sheet  63  on the rear side of the sheet container  51  is carried by means of a carrying roller to the recording unit A where images are recorded on the recording sheet by discharging ink from an ink jet recording head serving as recording means in the direction indicated by an arrow  64 . Therefore, the reverse side of the recording sheet which is led out to the outlet tray  54  becomes the recording surface, but when recording is made on plural pages, this setup is convenient, because the page order is not reversed. Also, on the side face and back side of the recording apparatus, no mechanism is arranged for attaching or detaching any member to or from the apparatus. Only the front side thereof needs space, thus making it possible to achieve more space saving. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Now, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, description will be made of an image recording apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. For the parts where the description is overlapped with those of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are used, and the description thereof will be omitted. 
     In FIG. 7, a reference numeral  62  designates a spring that acts upon the front sheet pressure plate  58 , and  63 , a spring that acts upon the rear sheet pressure plate  60 . As is clear from FIG. 7, the structural difference of the present embodiment from the third embodiment described above is that the biasing direction of the springs  62  and  63  to the sheets is reversed. With this arrangement, the upper part of each of the sheets is inclined forward when stored, which makes it possible to handle recording sheets in such a manner that the sheets are not allowed to face the perpendicular direction when recording sheets are inclined along with the insertion or removal thereof. Therefore, the present embodiment thus structured enables recording sheets to be handled in a condition which is more stable than that of the third embodiment. 
     Now, for each of the embodiments described above, the description has been made by exemplifying the use of an apparatus of the ink jet recording type as the recording means, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the use of the ink jet recording type. The invention is applicable to thermal transfer recording, heat sensitive recording, wire-dot or some other impact recording, or recording types other than those mentioned above.