Image recording apparatus with index information recording feature

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus for sequentially recording an original image onto an elongated microfilm as a recording medium.

#2. Related Background Art

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system in an image recording apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the image recording apparatus shown in FIG. 1;

#FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the image recording apparatus;

#A rotary camera as a phototaking apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the outer appearance of the apparatus, and FIGS. 3 and 12 are schematic views of the interior of the apparatus.

#In FIGS. 2 and 3, an image recording apparatus 21 comprises a supply unit 22 for supplying an object S into the apparatus, an exhaust unit 23 for exhausting the photographed object S outside the apparatus, a phototaking unit 24 as an image phototaking means arranged in the apparatus, an upstream convey unit 25 for connecting the supply unit 22 and the phototaking unit 24, and a downstream convey unit 26 for connecting the phototaking unit 24 and the exhaust unit 23. A sensor S.sub.1 detects passage of the leading edge of the object S. When the sensor S.sub.1 detects the object S, the phototaking unit 24 performs focusing/exposure control of the object S on a microfilm F (shown in FIG. 12) as a recording medium via an optical system 27.

#In the arrangement of the respective units of the apparatus 21, the upstream convey unit 25 and the phototaking unit 24 are arranged inside a first frame 45 assembled on a base 28, and the supply unit 22 for the object S is arranged on a front end portion 45a of the first frame 45. When viewed from the front side of the apparatus, the optical system 27 is mainly arranged on the left side of the first frame 45, and a drive system (not shown) is arranged on the right side of the frame 45. Furthermore, a film chamber 39 for storing the microfilm F is arranged in front of the supply unit 22 arranged on the front side of the first frame 45. On the other hand, a second frame 46 is mounted on the first frame 45 via a rear-end hinge portion 30 so as to be openable at the front side. The downstream convey unit 26 and the exhaust unit 23 are arranged on the second frame 46. Furthermore, an outer cover 31 covers the overall apparatus, and its lower edge is in contact with the peripheral edge of the base 28. The cover 31 is fixed to the rear end of the base 28 via a hinge portion 32 at the rear end, so as to be openable at the front side.