JP3050435B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording apparatus for recording on a recording material by recording means based on recording data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A recording device having a function such as a printer, a copying machine, a facsimile or the like, or a recording device used as an output device of a multifunction machine or a workstation including a computer or a word processor, etc., is based on a data signal. An image (including characters and symbols) is recorded on a recording material (recording medium) such as an OHP (such as an OHP). The recording apparatus can be classified into an ink jet type, a wire dot type, a thermal type, a thermal transfer type, a laser beam type, and the like according to a recording method of a recording unit to be used.

In a serial type recording apparatus employing a recording method in which a main scanning is performed in a direction crossing a conveying direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording material, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position, and then the recording material is set. An image is recorded (main scanning) by a recording means (recording head) mounted on a carriage moving along the line, and after a recording of one line is completed, a predetermined amount of paper is fed (sub-scanning). By repeating the operation of recording (main scanning) the image of the row, image recording of the entire recording material is performed. On the other hand, in a line type recording apparatus that performs recording only by sub-scanning in which the recording material is fed in the transport direction, the recording material is set at a predetermined recording position, and recording is performed for one line at a time. By performing a fixed amount of paper feed (pitch feed) and repeating the operation of collectively recording the next line, image recording of the entire recording material is performed.

The ink jet type (ink jet recording apparatus) performs recording by discharging ink from a plurality of discharge ports formed in a recording means (recording head) to a recording material based on a data signal. It is easy to make the recording means compact, can record high-definition images at high speed, can record on plain paper without requiring special processing, running cost is low, and it is non-impact method. Therefore, there are advantages such as low noise and easy recording of a color image using multicolor inks.

[0005] In particular, an ink jet type recording means (recording head) for discharging ink by using thermal energy,
Through a semiconductor manufacturing process such as etching, vapor deposition, sputtering, etc., an electrothermal converter, an electrode,
By forming the liquid path wall, the top plate, and the like, it is possible to easily manufacture a device having a high-density liquid path arrangement (discharge port arrangement), and to further reduce the size.

[0006] In recent years, as seen in personal computers and the like, the size of host computers has been reduced.
Notebook shapes of size have become widespread. In line with this, small-sized recording devices have been developed as output devices, and notebook-shaped or long and narrow rectangular objects have emerged, making it possible not only to carry them but also to store them in desk drawers. .

[0007]

However, as miniaturization progresses and carrying and storage become possible, the difference (gap) between the optimal form when used and the optimal form when not in use becomes larger, which causes inconvenience. It has become For example, when not in use, a thin shape is advantageous so as to be easy to carry and store, but when in use, a form suitable for conveying paper is required, and a thin shape is disadvantageous. Also, an interface (I / F) connector, power supply connector, or device function setting
Unnecessary items such as regular DIP switches when not in use need to be protected from being stained or damaged when carrying or storing. The present invention is all SANYO been made in view of such problems, an object of the present invention, the recording head
That is suitable for performing recording on the recording material
It is a form suitable for use when carrying the recording device
The electrical configuration can be changed to the form when not in use
Is easy to use, and with a simple configuration,
Unnecessary connectors and device function setting switches
Does not get dirty or damaged when carrying or storing
To provide a recording device that can be protected automatically
Is Rukoto.

[0008]

The invention of claim 1 has the above object.
Is achieved by the recording head based on the recording data.
Recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording material,
The first case for accommodating the recording head and the control board
And the rotational displacement relative to the first case is
Operatively connected to the first case
Of the recording device according to the relative rotational displacement
Changes to the form when the recording device is used and when it is not used
And a second case to be used.
In the non-use mode.
Part of the second case covered by the first case
Connector for connection to the outside of the recording device
It is characterized by being provided.

The invention of claim 4 achieves the above object.
The recording head based on the recording data
In a recording apparatus for performing recording, the recording head is stored.
A first case for accommodating the control board,
It is possible to rotate relative to the first case.
Recording device by coupling with the first case.
The recording device is configured in accordance with the relative rotational displacement.
The second case that changes between the form when using and the form when not using
And is exposed in the form at the time of use.
And the first case in the non-use mode.
The portion of the second case covered by the
That a switch for setting the recording device function is provided.
Features.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a first embodiment of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. Note that a solid line in FIG. 1 indicates a state when the recording apparatus is used, and a two-dot chain line indicates a state when the recording apparatus is not used. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a recording mechanism. The recording mechanism 1 includes a recording head (recording unit) 11 and a platen 1.
2. Guide shaft 1 for guiding paper feed roller 13 and reciprocating movement (main scanning) of recording head 11 along recording material 4
4. Mechanism (mechanical) parts required for recording, such as a drive motor (not shown) for reciprocating the recording head 11 (or carriage), a belt mechanism (not shown) for transmitting the power of the drive motor, and a sensor And a motor. Reference numeral 2 denotes a control unit. The control unit 2 includes components related to control and interface, such as a control board 21, an interface connector 22, and a panel switch unit 23.

FIG. 1 illustrates a case where the recording apparatus is an ink jet recording apparatus, and the recording head (recording means) 11 is used.
Is an ink jet recording means for ejecting ink using thermal energy, which comprises an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy. The recording means 11 performs recording by discharging ink from a discharge port by utilizing a pressure change caused by growth and shrinkage of bubbles caused by film boiling caused by thermal energy applied by the electrothermal transducer. It is.

FIG. 2 shows the recording means (recording head) 11.
FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view schematically illustrating the structure of an ink ejection unit of FIG. In FIG. 2, a predetermined gap (for example,
A plurality of discharge ports 52 are formed at a predetermined pitch on the discharge port forming surface 51 facing at a distance of about 0.5 to 2.0 mm), and the common liquid chamber 53 communicates with each discharge port 52. An electrothermal converter (heating resistor, etc.) 55 for generating energy for ink ejection is provided along the wall surface of each liquid passage 54. In this example, the recording heads 11 are mounted in a positional relationship such that the ejection openings 52 are arranged in a direction crossing the main scanning direction (the moving direction of the recording head 11).
Thus, the corresponding electrothermal converter 55 is driven (energized) based on the image signal (print data) or the ejection signal,
The recording head 11 is configured to boil the ink in the liquid passage 54 and discharge the ink from the discharge port 52 by the pressure generated at that time.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the recording apparatus (first embodiment) shown in FIG.
(Two places on the left and right) so as to be rotatable. FIG. 3 shows a state when not in use, which is a thin notebook type, which is very convenient for carrying and storing. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a state when the recording apparatus (first embodiment) of FIG. 1 is used. 3 and 4, the recording mechanism 1
From the non-use state of FIG.
4, the recording material 4 can be inserted from the rear of the apparatus and discharged to the front of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the use state of FIG. 4 as viewed from the rear side. In the use state, as shown in FIG. 5, an interface connector 22, a power supply connector 26, and a DIP switch 27 are provided on the rear surface of the control unit 2 exposed by bending, and are protected when not in use (FIG. 3). These input / output units (I / O) are made usable when used (FIGS. 4 and 5). That is,
When the apparatus is not operated (not used), it is thin as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG.
The recording mechanism unit 1 and the control unit 2 are bent by about 90 degrees so that the recording operation can be performed. At the time of the recording operation, as shown in FIG.
Power switch (not shown)
Is turned on to start the recording operation.

In the first embodiment, a paper feed tray 15 which can be opened and closed is provided in a portion which is a rear surface when the recording mechanism 1 is used upright (a bottom surface when not in use). At times, the sheet feed tray 15 is opened, and the recording material 4 such as a sheet or a thin plastic plate is inserted. Then, the recording material 4 is transferred to the paper feed roller 13 and the pinch roller 16.
Is set to ON-LINE in a state where paper is fed between and the recording is started. The recording signal is sent from the controller 2 to the motor of the recording mechanism 1 and the recording head 11 via a signal line (not shown) connected to the recording mechanism 1 via the hinge 3.

After the recording material 4 is conveyed onto the platen 12 and set at a predetermined cue position, the recording head 11 is reciprocated along a guide shaft 14 by a driving source such as a pulse motor (not shown) (mainly). (Scanning) while recording. When recording for one line is completed, the recording material 4 is fed by a predetermined amount of paper, and
After stopping at the position of the next row, printing of the next row is performed while moving the print head 11 again. Such main scanning and sub-scanning are repeated to print one page. The recording mechanism 1 for performing such recording is housed in a case 17 different from the controller 2.

In this embodiment, an ink jet recording head integrated with an ink tank is used as the recording head 11. However, an ink jet recording head and a separate ink jet recording head, a thermal transfer method, a heat sensitive method, a wire dot method, and the like are used. Alternatively, a recording head of another type or form, such as a recording head of a laser beam type, may be used.

The recorded material 4 is sequentially recorded on the recording mechanism 1
And is discharged onto the case 24 of the control unit 2. An extension tray 25 made of wire or the like is provided in the case 24 of the control unit so as to be able to be taken in and out. If the extension tray 25 is pulled out at the time of recording, the recorded material 4 is dropped from the recording device. Without being stacked on the extension tray 25. The panel switch unit 23 is provided on the upper surface of the case 24 of the control unit 2. However, the panel switch unit 23 can be operated even when the recording material 4 is stacked, so that the panel switching unit 23 is located at a position off the conveyance path of the recording material 4, It is arranged on the right or left end of the upper surface of the case 24.

As described above, according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the recording mechanism 1 and the control
7 and 24, the cases 17 and 24 are rotatably connected to each other by the hinge portion 3 (rotatably about 90 degrees), and are in a form suitable for transporting the recording material 4 when the apparatus is used, and are carried when not in use. And a thin form that is convenient for storage,
A small recording device with excellent handling was obtained. In addition, the interface connector 22, the power supply connector 26, and the DIP switch 27 for setting the device functions provided on the control unit 2 or its case 24 are arranged on the surface covered with the case 17 of the recording mechanism unit 1 when not in use. A recording device capable of effectively protecting them from contamination and breakage during storage and storage is obtained.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view showing a second embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In this embodiment, the recording mechanism unit 1 is configured to rotate about 180 degrees about the hinge unit 3 with respect to the control unit 2 so as to take a use state indicated by a solid line and a non-use state indicated by a two-dot chain line. I have. In FIG. 6, portions corresponding to the respective portions of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also according to the present embodiment, it is possible to take a thin form that is convenient for carrying and storing when not in use, and to take a form that is convenient for transporting the recording material 4 when in use, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. can get. Further, according to the second embodiment of FIG. 6, even in the use state, the cross section can be a rectangle close to a square, so that there is no extra protrusion. That is, in both the use state and the non-use state, it is advantageous for carrying and storing, and the user can select the non-use state.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a third embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In this embodiment, as in the case of the first embodiment, the recording mechanism 1 is connected to the controller 2 via the hinge 3 so as to be rotatable by about 90 degrees.
However, an openable and closable discharge tray 1 is provided on the front of the recording mechanism 1.
Further, a notebook-type personal computer 40 as a host computer is connected to and integrated with a connector section 28 such as an interface connector 22, a power connector 26, and a DIP switch 27 provided on the back of the control section 2. It is constituted so that it can be made. The other parts have substantially the same configuration as that of the first embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, respectively.
A detailed description thereof will be omitted. The solid line in FIG. 7 shows the recording device in use when connected to the personal computer 40, and the two-dot chain line shows the recording device in non-use when it is thin and stored under the personal computer 40.

According to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the connector 28 of the control unit 2 is directly connected to the personal computer (host) 40. Thus, it is possible to omit the cord for electrical connection. When not in use, the recording device can be made thin and compactly stored under the personal computer (host) 40.

FIG. 8 shows a first reference example of the recording apparatus related to the present invention.
It is a schematic side view showing the Reference Example, FIG. 9 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view showing the internal structure of the recording mechanism section 1 of the recording apparatus of FIG. In the first reference example , as shown in FIG. 8, the recording mechanism unit 1 has two links (joints) on the left and right sides with respect to the control unit 2.
It is connected at 41, and is configured to change the form at the time of use and at the time of non-use by translation instead of rotation. That is, the recording mechanism 1 is configured to be movable between a non-use position (down position) indicated by a two-dot chain line and a use position (up position) indicated by a solid line. The recording material 4 is transported in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a state in use. 9, a pickup roller 43, a separation plate 44, a separation spring 45, and the like are arranged near the recording material insertion opening 42 of the recording mechanism unit 1. The friction coefficient of the surface of the separation plate 44 is set higher than the recording material 4 and lower than the pickup roller 43, and the separation plate 44 is pressed against the pickup roller 43 by a separation spring 45. The plurality of recording materials 4 inserted between the pickup roller 43 and the separation plate 44 are separated one by one on the slope of the separation plate 44 and sent to the paper feed roller 13. Then, platen 1
After being recorded by the recording head 11 at the position 2, the recording paper is discharged onto the discharge tray 18 by the discharge roller 46. According to the first reference example of FIGS. 8 and 9, in addition to obtaining the same effects as in the above-described first embodiment, the upper surface of the control unit 2 can also be used as a paper feed tray. Space can be effectively utilized.

FIG. 10 shows a second example of the recording apparatus related to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state when the reference example is not used, FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a state when the recording apparatus in FIG. 10 is used, and FIG. 12 is a control unit of the recording apparatus in FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic partial perspective view showing a connector section 28 such as an interface connector arranged on the upper surface of a connector 2; The second reference example is configured to change the state of use and non-use by shifting the upper recording mechanism unit 1 and the lower control unit 2 left and right. On the left side of the recording mechanism 1, there are provided operation units such as a paper feed operation knob 47 and a switching operation lever 48, and an interface connector 22 and a power supply Connector 2
6. A connector section 28 including a dip switch 27 for function setting and the like is arranged.

In the second reference example shown in FIGS.
When not in use, as shown in FIG.
The projection 8 (height from the left side) is substantially flush with the left side of the control unit 2 or lower (retracted) so as not to be in the way. In addition, when not in use, the connector 28 including the interface connector 22, the power connector 26, the function setting DIP switch 27 and the like arranged at the right end of the upper surface of the controller 2 is covered by the recording function 1. I have. On the other hand,
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the height position of the knob 47 and the lever 48 to the side protrudes (projects) from the side surface of the recording device (the left side surface of the recording function unit 1 and the control unit 2), and These are easier to operate and at the same time,
A connector section 28 such as the interface connector 22 is exposed as shown in FIG. 12, and is configured to be connectable.

According to the second reference example shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the recording mechanism 1 and the control unit 2 are provided in separate cases 17, 24, respectively.
The case 17 and 24 are connected to each other so as to be relatively movable in the left-right direction, and when used, the operation parts such as the knob 47 and the lever 48 are projected, and the interface connector 22 and the power supply connector 26 are exposed. When used, the operation parts such as the knob 47 and the lever 48 are retracted, and the interface connector 22 and the power supply connector 26 are covered by the recording mechanism 1. Therefore, the apparatus is suitable for transporting the recording material 4 when the apparatus is used. It can be in a form that can be conveniently carried and stored when not in use, and can effectively protect the connector portion 28 such as the interface connector 22 from being soiled or damaged when being carried or stored. Equipment was provided.

According to the embodiment and the reference example described above, the recording apparatus is divided into the recording mechanism section 1 and the control section 2, and the respective sections are accommodated in the respective cases 17, 24, and these are housed in the hinge section 3 and the joint. And so on, and the connector portions 28 such as the interface connector 22 and the power supply connector 26 are arranged on the mating surface of the recording mechanism 1 and the control unit 2, so that the use and non-use modes are different. A recording device that can be easily converted into an optimal form for each and that can reliably protect the connector portions 28 such as the interface connector 22 and the power supply connector 26 when not in use is obtained.

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to an ink jet recording apparatus has been described as an example. However, the present invention relates to a wire dot recording apparatus, a laser beam recording apparatus, a thermal transfer recording apparatus, and a thermosensitive recording apparatus. The present invention can be applied to various printing apparatuses irrespective of the printing method of a printing unit (print head) such as a type printing apparatus, and can achieve the same operation and effect. In each of the above embodiments,
The serial type recording apparatus in which the recording means (recording head) 11 is mounted on the carriage or the main scanning is performed along the recording material 4 in the state of the recording means itself has been described as an example. The present invention can be similarly applied to a line type recording apparatus using a line type recording unit corresponding to the whole or a part of the recording width of the material, and the same effect can be achieved.

Further, the present invention relates to a recording apparatus for monochromatic recording using one recording head, a recording apparatus for color recording using a plurality of recording heads for recording with inks of different colors, or a recording apparatus having the same color and density. For example, a recording device for gradation recording using a plurality of recording heads for recording with different inks,
The present invention can be applied similarly regardless of the number of recording heads, and can achieve the same operation and effect. further,
The recording means (recording head) includes a cartridge type in which the recording head and the ink tank are integrated, and a recording means and an ink in which the recording head and the ink tank are separated from each other and connected by an ink supply tube. Regardless of the configuration of the tank, the same can be applied and the same effect can be achieved.

When the present invention is applied to an ink-jet recording apparatus, it can be applied to, for example, an apparatus using a recording means (recording head) using an electromechanical transducer such as a piezo element. The present invention brings about an excellent effect in an ink jet recording apparatus using a recording means of a method of discharging ink using energy.
According to such a method, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.

The typical structure and principle are described in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740.
Preferably, this is done using the basic principles disclosed in US Pat. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, liquid (ink)
By applying at least one drive signal corresponding to the recorded information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to an electrothermal transducer arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path in which Then, heat energy is generated in the electrothermal transducer, and the film is boiled on the heat acting surface of the recording means (recording head). As a result, air bubbles in the liquid (ink) can be formed one-to-one corresponding to the driving signal. It is valid.

The liquid (ink) is ejected through the ejection opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble to form at least one droplet. When the drive signal is formed into a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of a liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable. As the pulse-shaped drive signal, US Pat.
Those described in 463359 and 4345262 are suitable. In addition, US Pat. No. 4,431,131 of the invention relating to the rate of temperature rise of the heat acting surface.
If the conditions described in the specification of JP-A No. 24 are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.

As the configuration of the recording head, in addition to the combination of the discharge port, the liquid path, and the electrothermal converter (linear liquid flow path or right-angled liquid flow path) as disclosed in the above-mentioned respective specifications, U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,333 which disclose a configuration in which a heat acting portion is arranged in a bending region.
A configuration using the specification of Japanese Patent No. 459600 is also included in the present invention. In addition, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 123670/1984 discloses a configuration in which a common slit is used as a discharge portion of an electrothermal converter for a plurality of electrothermal converters, and an aperture for absorbing pressure waves of thermal energy. The present invention is also effective as a configuration based on Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-138461, which discloses a configuration corresponding to a discharge unit. That is, according to the present invention, the recording can be reliably and efficiently performed regardless of the form of the recording head.

Further, the present invention can be effectively applied to a full line type recording head having a length corresponding to the maximum width of a recording material (recording medium) on which a recording apparatus can record. Such a recording head may have a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, or a configuration as one integrally formed recording head. In addition, even with the serial type printer as in the above example, the recording head fixed to the main unit or attached to the main unit enables electrical connection with the main unit and supply of ink from the main unit. The present invention is also effective when a replaceable chip type print head or a cartridge type print head having an ink tank provided integrally with the print head itself is used.

It is preferable to add recovery means for the printhead, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like provided as a configuration of the printing apparatus in the present invention since the effects of the present invention can be further stabilized. If you list these specifically,
For the recording head, a capping unit, a cleaning unit, a pressurizing or suctioning unit, a preheating unit using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof, and a discharge other than recording. Performing the preliminary ejection mode is also effective for performing stable printing.

The types and the number of recording heads to be mounted are, for example, not only one provided for a single color ink but also a plurality of inks having different recording colors and densities. May be provided in plurality. That is, for example, as the recording mode of the recording apparatus, not only the recording mode of only the mainstream color such as black,
The recording head may be formed integrally or by a combination of a plurality of recording heads, but the present invention is also extremely effective for an apparatus provided with at least one of multiple colors of different colors or full color by mixing colors.

In addition, in the embodiments of the present invention described above, the ink is described as a liquid. However, an ink which solidifies at room temperature or lower and which softens or liquefies at room temperature, or an ink jet ink is used. In general, in the method, the temperature of the ink itself is adjusted within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. What is necessary is just to be liquid. in addition,
Whether to positively prevent temperature rise due to thermal energy by using it as energy for changing the state of the ink from a solid state to a liquid state, or use ink that solidifies in a standing state to prevent evaporation of the ink In any case, the ink is liquefied by the application of the heat energy according to the recording signal, and the liquid ink is ejected,
The present invention is also applicable to a case where an ink having a property of being liquefied for the first time by thermal energy, such as one that starts to solidify when it reaches a recording medium, is used.

The ink in such a case is disclosed in
As described in JP-A-56847 or JP-A-60-71260, a form in which the liquid sheet or the solid sheet is opposed to the electrothermal converter while being held as a liquid or solid substance in the concave portion or through hole of the porous sheet. It may be. In the present invention, the most effective one for each of the above-mentioned inks is to execute the above-mentioned film boiling method.

In addition, the form of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention is not only used as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, but also a copying apparatus combined with a reader and the like, and a facsimile apparatus having a transmission / reception function. And the like.

[0041]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording material by a recording head based on recording data, for accommodating the recording head. The first case is coupled to the first case so as to accommodate the control board and to be capable of rotating relative to the first case. A second case that changes between a use mode and a non-use mode of the recording apparatus in accordance with the relative rotational displacement, and is exposed in the use mode and the non-use mode. In the first embodiment, a connector for connection to the outside of the recording apparatus is provided at a portion of the second case covered by the first case. Record to In addition to being able to be changed into a form at the time of use, which is a form suitable for the row, and a form at the time of non-use, which is a form suitable for carrying the recording apparatus, the control board and the connector are accommodated in the second case. Therefore, the electrical configuration is facilitated, and a connector for connection to the outside is provided at a portion of the second case which is exposed in the use mode and is covered by the first case in the non-use mode. Since the connector is provided, it is possible to obtain an effect that, with a simple configuration, the connector, which is unnecessary when not in use, can be automatically protected from being soiled or damaged when being carried or stored.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in a printing apparatus for performing printing on a recording material by a printhead based on print data, a first case for housing the printhead and a control board are provided. The first case is coupled so as to be capable of relative rotational displacement, and the form of the recording device by coupling with the first case is changed according to the relative rotational displacement. A second case that changes between a use mode and a non-use mode of the recording apparatus, and is exposed in the use mode and the first case in the non-use mode. A switch for setting the function of the recording apparatus is provided in the portion of the second case covered by the second case, so that the recording head is suitable for executing recording on a recording material during use. Form In addition to being able to be changed to a non-use mode that is suitable for carrying the recording apparatus, the control board and the connector are housed in the second case, so that the electrical configuration becomes easy, and A switch for setting the function is provided in a portion of the second case which is exposed in the form of use and is covered by the first case in the form of non-use, so it has a simple configuration and is unnecessary when not in use. The function setting switch can be automatically protected from being soiled or damaged when being carried or stored.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing a configuration of a first embodiment of a recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view schematically showing a structure of an ink ejection unit of the recording head in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a state when the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 is not used.

FIG. 4 is a schematic front perspective view showing a state when the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 is used.

5 is a schematic rear perspective view showing a state when the recording apparatus of FIG. 1 is used.

FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of a third embodiment of the recording apparatus to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a first reference example of a recording apparatus related to the present invention.

9 is a schematic vertical sectional view showing the internal structure of a recording mechanism of the recording apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a non-use state of a second reference example of the recording apparatus related to the invention.

11 is a schematic perspective view showing a state when the recording apparatus of FIG. 10 is used.

FIG. 12 is a schematic partial perspective view showing a connector section of the recording apparatus of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Recording mechanism part 2 Control part 3 Hinge part 4 Recording material 11 Recording means (recording head) 12 Platen 13 Paper feed roller 15 Paper feed tray 17 First case (case of recording mechanism part) 18 Discharge tray 21 Control board Reference Signs List 22 interface connector 23 panel switch unit 24 second case (control unit case) 26 power supply connector 27 dip switch 28 connector unit 40 personal computer (host) 41 link (joint) 42 recording material insertion opening 43 pickup roller 44 separation plate 46 Discharge roller 47 Knob 48 Lever 51 Discharge port forming surface 52 Discharge port 55 Electrothermal transducer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-3-51166 (JP, A) JP-A-2-175273 (JP, A) JP-A-63-252766 (JP, A) JP-A-63-252766 192113 (JP, A) JP-A-63-303777 (JP, A) JP-A-63-31948 (JP, U) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41J 29/00 G06F 15 / 02

Claims (9)

(57) [Claims] 1. A recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording material by a recording head based on recording data, wherein: a first case for accommodating the recording head; and a first case for accommodating a control board. The recording device is coupled to the first case so that the recording device can be rotated relative to the first case. And a second case that changes between a non-use mode and a second case that is exposed in the use mode and covered by the first case in the non-use mode. A recording device, wherein a connector for connection to the outside of the recording device is provided in a case portion. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said connector is an interface connector. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connector is a power connector. 4. A recording apparatus for performing recording on a recording material by a recording head based on recording data, wherein: a first case for accommodating the recording head; and a first case for accommodating a control board. The recording device is coupled to the first case so that the recording device can be rotated relative to the first case. And a second case that changes between a non-use mode and a second case that is exposed in the use mode and covered by the first case in the non-use mode. A recording device, wherein a switch for setting a function of the recording device is provided in a part of a case. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the switch is a dip switch. 6. The first case and the second case are rotatably connected to each other by a hinge, and are changed between the use state and the non-use state by a rotation displacement of about 90 degrees. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording is performed. 7. The first case and the second case are rotatably connected to each other by a hinge, and are changed between the use state and the non-use state by a rotation displacement of about 180 degrees. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording is performed. 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording head is an inkjet recording head that discharges ink. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the recording head includes an electrothermal transducer, and discharges ink using thermal energy generated by the electrothermal transducer.