JP2023141582A - Feeding system, feeder, feeder control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: there is a possibility that a user cannot obtain usability in a feeder having a feeding part attachable to/detachable from a rotary shaft.SOLUTION: A system 501 is a feeding system comprising: a feeder 2 having a replaceable feeding part 73 which feeds a sheet S; an external device 201 which is connected to the feeder 2, and has a control part 290; and a display part 206. The control part 290 obtains the number of sheets S fed from the feeding part 73, and displays the number of sheets S fed from the feeding part 73 on the display part 206.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

The present disclosure relates to a feeding system, a feeding device, a method of controlling the feeding device, and a program.

Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet feeding device, which is an example of a feeding device that feeds sheets, and has a friction roller section and a paper feeding shaft that supports the friction roller section. Further, it is disclosed that the friction roller portion is removable from the paper feed shaft. The friction roller section is an example of a feeding section, the paper feeding shaft is an example of a rotating shaft, and the sheet is an example of a medium.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-208907

However, in the sheet feeding device disclosed in Patent Document 1 that has a friction roller section that is detachable from the paper feeding shaft, there is a possibility that the user may not be able to obtain usability.

The feeding system includes a feeding device that is a feeding section that conveys a medium and has a replaceable feeding section, and an external device that is connected to the feeding device and has a control section. and a display section, wherein the control section obtains the number of the media conveyed by the feeding section, and displays the number of the media conveyed by the feeding section as the number of media conveyed by the feeding section. Display on the display.

The feeding device includes a mounting section for mounting a medium, a feeding section for transporting the medium from the mounting section, a control section, and a display section, and the control section is configured to control the feeding section. The number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding section is counted, and the number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding section is displayed on the display section.

A method for controlling a feeding device is a method for controlling a feeding device having a replaceable feeding section that conveys a medium, the method comprising: controlling the number of media conveyed by the feeding section; and displaying the number of the media conveyed by the feeding section.

The program is a program that causes a control unit to control a feeding device that is a feeding unit that conveys a medium and has a replaceable feeding unit, and the number of sheets of the medium that is conveyed by the feeding unit. and displaying the number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding section.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a recording device as an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a recording device. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a recording device. FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a recording device. FIG. 7 is a top view of the feeding section and the rotating shaft in the exchange position, viewed from above the opening. 6 is a sectional view showing the VI-VI cross section shown in FIG. 5. FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along VII-VII shown in FIG. 5; FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which the feeding section is removed from the rotating shaft. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the feeding section and the rotating shaft at the home position. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when determining the usage state of the feeding section. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed when the usage state of the feeding section is determined to be a near-end state of the feeding section. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed when the usage state of the feeding section is determined to be the feeding section end state. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when displaying information related to replacing the feeding unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a display section on which a setting screen is displayed.

The present disclosure will be described below based on embodiments. In each figure, the same members are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. In addition, in this specification, "same", "identical", and "simultaneously" do not only mean completely the same, but also mean that they are the same taking into account measurement errors, taking into account manufacturing variations in the parts. This shall include cases where they are the same, and cases where they are the same to the extent that their functionality is not impaired. Therefore, for example, "the dimensions of both are the same" means that the dimensional difference between the two is within ±10% of one dimension, more preferably within ±5%, taking into account measurement errors and manufacturing variations of parts. Particularly preferably, it is within ±3%.

Furthermore, in each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three spatial axes that are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, directions along these axes are referred to as an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction. When specifying the direction, use "+" for the positive direction and "-" for the negative direction, and use both positive and negative signs in the direction notation. is explained as a - direction.

Further, the Z-axis direction indicates the direction of gravity, the +Z direction indicates vertically upward, and the -Z direction indicates vertically downward. Further, a plane including the X-axis and the Y-axis will be referred to as an XY plane, a plane including the X-axis and Z-axis will be referred to as an X-Z plane, and a plane including the Y-axis and Z-axis will be referred to as a YZ plane. Further, the XY plane is a horizontal plane. Furthermore, the three spatial axes of X, Y, and Z, which are not limited to the positive direction and the negative direction, will be described as the X axis, Y axis, and Z axis.

In each figure, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the casing 10, which will be described later, and is also the direction intersecting the transport direction in which the paper S is transported, that is, the width direction of the paper S. Of the X-axis directions, the -X direction is the right direction as seen from the user when the front surface of the housing 10 faces the user, and the +X direction is the left direction. In this embodiment, the side surface on which the operation panel 4 is provided among the side surfaces forming the periphery of the casing 10 becomes the front surface of the casing 10 .

The Y-axis direction is the depth direction. Of the Y-axis directions, the -Y direction is a direction from the front of the casing 10 to the back of the casing 10. Further, in the Y-axis direction, the +Y direction is a direction from the back surface of the casing 10 to the front surface of the casing 10.

1. Embodiment 1
The recording device 1 is, for example, an inkjet printer capable of recording on paper S. The recording apparatus 1 of this embodiment is capable of recording on A4 size and A3 size paper S. Paper S is an example of a medium.

As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 1 has a housing 10 that forms the exterior of the recording device 1. An opening/closing member 11 is provided on the upper surface side of the housing 10 in the +Z direction. In the Y-axis direction, the opening/closing member 11 has a rotation center on the back side, which is the -Y direction side of the housing 10, and is provided to be able to open and close the upper part of the housing 10. The Y-axis direction is an example of the depth direction of the housing 10. The housing 10 is an example of the main body of the device.

An operation panel 4 for operating the recording device 1 is provided on the front side of the housing 10 in the +Y direction. In the X-axis direction, the operation panel 4 is provided at the end of the housing 10 in the +X direction. The X-axis direction is an example of the width direction of the housing 10. The end of the housing 10 in the +X direction is an example of one end side of the housing 10 in the X-axis direction. The operation panel 4 is a horizontally elongated panel in the X-axis direction, and is provided with operation buttons 4p, 4a, 4b, and 4c, and light emitting sections 5a, 5b, and 5c.

The operation button 4p is a power button for turning on and off the power of the recording apparatus 1. The operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are operation buttons for performing various settings of the recording apparatus 1. For example, the operation button 4a is an operation button for setting wireless connection. Further, for example, the operation button 4b is an operation button for checking the connection state of the network. Further, for example, the operation button 4c is an operation button for canceling the recording operation. The operation panel 4 is an example of an instruction receiving unit IP that receives instructions from a user.

Further, the light emitting parts 5a, 5b, 5c are provided on the operation panel 4 at positions on the +Z direction side of the operation buttons 4a, 4b, 4c. Each light emitting part 5a, 5b, 5c is provided so that it can be turned on, turned off, and blinked. Thereby, the light emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c function as a notification unit that displays guidance for operating the recording device 1 and notifies information regarding the recording device 1. The light emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c are examples of notification units.

A display section 6 is provided on the front side of the housing 10 in the +Y direction. The display section 6 is provided at the end of the casing 10 in the -X direction. The end of the casing 10 in the −X direction is an example of the other end of the casing 10 in the width direction. The display unit 6 has a function as a notification unit that displays guidance for operating the recording device 1 and reports information regarding the recording device 1. Further, the display section 6 may be configured with a liquid crystal display module having a touch panel function. In this case, the operation buttons of the radio button section RB set on the display section 6 function as an input section for making various settings for the recording device 1. The radio button section RB will be described later. The radio button section RB is an example of an instruction receiving section IP that receives instructions from the user. Note that, for example, if the recording device 1 is connectable to an external device 201 to be described later, the display unit 6 may not be provided.

On the front side of the housing 10 in the +Y direction, a paper discharge stacker 50 on which sheets S discharged from the housing 10 are placed is arranged. The paper stacker 50 is configured to be able to be pulled out from the front of the housing 10 in the +Y direction. Further, in the housing 10, a paper feed tray 60 and a tray 80 are housed below the paper discharge stacker 50. The paper feed tray 60 and the tray 80 are configured to be removable from the housing 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the recording apparatus 1 is configured to be able to feed the paper S from the back side of the housing 10, which is the −Y direction side. Specifically, a medium supply port 12 that can supply paper S toward the inside of the housing 10 is provided at the top of the housing 10 . The medium supply port 12 is a rectangular opening extending in the X-axis direction. Attachment portions 59 are provided at both ends of the medium supply port 12 in the X direction. A paper feed tray 60 that has been removed from the lower part of the paper discharge stacker 50 is attached to the attachment portion 59 .

An opening/closing lid 13 that can open and close the medium supply port 12 is provided above the medium supply port 12 . The opening/closing lid 13 is rotatable about an axis extending in the X-axis direction. By opening the opening/closing lid 13, the medium supply port 12 and the attachment portion 59 are exposed, and the paper feed tray 60 can be attached to the attachment portion 59.

The paper feed tray 60 includes a paper feed tray main body 60a that is attached to the attachment portion 59 of the housing 10, and an extension tray 60b that can be accommodated and expanded with respect to the paper feed tray main body 60a. The paper feed tray main body 60a and the extension tray 60b are plate-like members, and are provided with a placement surface 61 on which the paper S can be placed. The paper feed tray 60 is an example of a loading section. The paper S placed on the placement surface 61 of the paper feed tray 60 is transported into the housing 10 by a transport section 20, which will be described later.

When performing recording processing on the paper S, the paper feed tray 60 is removed from the lower part of the paper discharge stacker 50 and attached to the attachment section 59. On the other hand, when the recording process is not performed, the paper feed tray 60 is removed from the attachment section 59 and stored in the lower part of the paper discharge stacker 50. Similarly, when performing recording processing using the tray 80, the tray 80 is removed from the lower part of the paper discharge stacker 50 and used. On the other hand, when the recording process using the tray 80 is not performed, the tray 80 is stored in the lower part of the paper discharge stacker 50.

As shown in FIG. 3, the recording apparatus 1 includes a conveyance section 20, a recording section 30, a discharge section 40, and a control section 90. A conveyance path 17 along which the paper S is conveyed is provided within the housing 10 . The paper S is conveyed along the conveyance path 17 in the conveyance direction. Note that, in the recording apparatus 1, a configuration that conveys the paper S toward the recording section 30 may be referred to as a feeding device 2.

The transport unit 20 is arranged downstream of the medium supply port 12 . The transport unit 20 transports the paper S placed on the paper feed tray 60 to the recording unit 30. The conveyance unit 20 includes a pair of feed rollers 21 that rotate as a result of driving a feed motor (not shown), and a pair of conveyance rollers 22 that rotate as a result of drive of a conveyance motor (not shown). The feed roller pair 21 and the transport roller pair 22 are arranged along the transport path 17 and transport the paper S in the transport direction. Further, the placement surface 61 of the paper feed tray 60 is arranged along the conveyance direction, and is inclined with respect to the Z axis when viewed from the direction along the X axis.

The feed roller pair 21 transports the paper S placed on the paper feed tray 60 in the transport direction. The feeding roller pair 21 includes a feeding drive roller 71 and a feeding driven roller 72. The feeding drive roller 71 includes a feeding section 73 that contacts the paper S and conveys the paper S, and a rotation shaft 74 that rotates the feeding section 73.

The feeding section 73 and the opening 10h are provided on the back side, which is on the −Y direction side from the center of the housing 10 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the feeding section 73 and the opening section 10h are provided at positions that do not overlap the operation panel 4 and the display section 6 in the Y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 1, the opening 10h is provided in the -X direction from the operation panel 4 in the X-axis direction and at a position that does not overlap with the operation panel 4. Further, the opening 10h is provided in the +X direction from the display section 6 in the X-axis direction and at a position that does not overlap with the display section 6. Note that the feeding section 73 located vertically below the opening 10h in the -Z direction is also provided at a position that does not overlap with the operation panel 4 and the display section 6 in the X-axis direction.

The feeding section 73 of this embodiment is replaceable by the user. The feeding section 73 is detachably provided with respect to the rotating shaft 74. The feeding section 73 is attached to and detached from the rotating shaft 74 from above on the +Z direction side of the rotating shaft 74. Therefore, an opening 10h is provided on the upper surface of the housing 10 at a position vertically above the feeding section 73 in the +Z direction. Thereby, when replacing the feeding section 73, the user can access the feeding section 73 through the opening 10h by opening the opening/closing member 11. In other words, the housing 10 has an opening 10h that exposes the feeding section 73 to the outside.

The feeding unit 73 is provided in the housing 10 so as to be rotatably movable between a home position and a replacement position where it can be removed from the rotating shaft 74. The home position of the feeding unit 73 is a standby position of the feeding unit 73 shown in FIG. 9, and is an example of a feeding position where the paper S placed on the paper feeding tray 60 can be transported. The replacement position of the feeding section 73 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 is a position where the feeding section 73 can be attached to and detached from the rotating shaft 74, and as shown in FIG. It can be removed from the shaft 74.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, when the feeding section 73 is in the replacement position, the removal direction T in which the feeding section 73 is removed from the rotating shaft 74 is directed toward the opening 10h located in the +Z direction, and as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, when the feeding section 73 is at the home position, the removal direction T is directed toward the inner surface 10w of the housing 10. The inner surface 10w is an example of a portion of the housing 10 that is different from the opening 10h.

As shown in FIG. 5, the feeding section 73 includes a feeding roller section 73a, an operating section 73f, and a spring 73s. The operating section 73f is provided on the -X direction side of the feeding roller section 73a. The operating section 73f is provided so as to be movable in the X-axis direction with respect to the feeding roller section 73a. By moving the operating section 73f in the X-axis direction with respect to the feeding roller section 73a, the feeding section 73 can be attached to and removed from the rotating shaft 74.

The operating portion 73f has a pair of protrusions 73h and 73k that protrude in the −X direction, and a pressing portion 73g that can be pressed in the +X direction indicated by a white arrow by the user. Further, a spring 73s is provided at a position between the feeding roller section 73a and the operating section 73f in the X-axis direction. The spring 73s biases the operating section 73f in a direction away from the feeding roller section 73a in the -X direction.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the feeding roller section 73a shown in FIG. An arcuate surface 73d that comes into contact with the circular arc surface 73d and a flat portion formed by cutting out a portion of the circle are provided. Further, the feeding section 73 includes a fitted section 73b. The fitted portion 73b has an attachment/detachment opening 73e that opens on the flat surface of the feeding roller portion 73a, and a regulated surface 73c.

As shown in FIG. 5, the rotating shaft 74 includes a shaft 74a and holding parts 74d and 74e. The shaft 74a is provided so that the center of the shaft 74a is along the X-axis. The feeding section 73 rotates around a shaft 74a. The plate-shaped holding parts 74d and 74e are provided at intervals in the X-axis direction so that the feeding part 73 can be held between the holding parts 74d and 74e. The holding parts 74d and 74e define the position of the feeding part 73 in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a fitting portion 74b into which the fitted portion 73b of the feeding portion 73 is fitted is provided between the holding portions 74d and 74e. The fitting portion 74b has a regulating surface 74c. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the holding portion 74e is provided with a pair of through holes 74h and 74k. Note that the outer shape of the shaft 74a is circular when viewed from the direction along the X-axis direction.

When the feeding section 73 is attached to the rotating shaft 74 and can transport the paper S, the regulated surface 73c of the fitted section 73b is regulated by the regulating surface 74c of the fitted section 74b, so that the feeding section 73 is positioned relative to the rotating shaft 74. Further, at this time, since the protrusions 73h and 73k of the operating portion 73f are inserted into the through holes 74h and 74k of the holding portion 74e, movement of the feeding portion 73 in the removal direction T is restricted.

When the user replaces the feeding section 73, as shown in FIG. 6, by opening the opening/closing member 11, the feeding section 73 can be accessed through the opening 10h. Then, with the feeding section 73 in the replacement position, as shown in FIG. 5, by pressing the pressing section 73g of the operating section 73f in the direction of the white arrow, The restriction on movement of the protrusions 73h and 73k is released. Then, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the user removes the feeding section 73 from the rotating shaft 74 by moving it in the removal direction T, which is the +Z direction with respect to the rotating shaft 74.

After taking out the feeding section 73 to the outside of the recording device 1 through the opening 10h, the user takes out the feeding section 73 to the outside of the recording device 1 through the opening 10h in the -Z direction, which is opposite to the removal direction T. Insert 73. Then, the feeding section 73 is positioned with respect to the rotating shaft 74 by inserting the feeding section 73 to a position where the regulated surface 73c of the fitted section 73b is regulated by the regulated surface 74c of the fitting section 74b. Furthermore, the protrusions 73h and 73k of the operating portion 73f are inserted into the through holes 74h and 74k of the holding portion 74e, and movement of the feeding portion 73 in the removal direction T is restricted. As a result, the new feeding section 73 is fixed to the rotating shaft 74, and the replacement of the feeding section is completed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the recording unit 30 is equipped with a recording head 31 that discharges ink, which is an example of liquid, toward the paper S, and is movable in the X direction that intersects with the transport direction. A certain carriage 32 is provided. A medium support member 34 is arranged below the recording head 31 with the transport path 17 in between.

The recording apparatus 1 also includes a liquid storage section 33 that supplies ink to the recording head 31, as shown in FIG. The liquid storage section 33 is a container that can store ink. The liquid storage section 33 and the recording head 31 are connected by a flexible tube (not shown). Ink in the liquid storage section 33 is supplied to the recording head 31 via a tube.

As shown in FIG. 3, the recording unit 30 discharges ink onto the paper S supported by the medium support member 34 based on print data. As a result, an image based on the print data is recorded on the paper S. The print data is data that is generated based on image data such as text data and image data to be printed on the paper S and is used to cause the recording device 1 to perform recording processing. Note that the sheet S on which the recording process has been performed is conveyed by the conveyance section 20 and sent to the discharge section 40 provided on the downstream side of the recording head 31 in the conveyance direction.

The discharge unit 40 includes a plurality of discharge roller pairs 41 that discharge the paper S that has been subjected to recording processing by the recording unit 30, and a discharge port 42 from which the paper S is discharged. The plurality of discharge roller pairs 41 are arranged along the X direction, and each roller of the discharge roller pairs 41 is connected to a common shaft extending in the X direction.

The discharge roller pair 41 is provided on the downstream side of the recording section 30 in the conveyance direction. Further, the discharge port 42 is provided above the discharge stacker 50. The discharge roller pair 41 conveys the paper S along the conveyance direction, and discharges the paper S from the discharge port 42 toward the paper discharge stacker 50 pulled out in the +Y direction. The paper S discharged from the discharge port 42 is placed on the discharge stacker 50. Note that the paper discharge stacker 50 can be stored in a stacker storage section 58 provided below the recording section 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the paper discharge stacker 50 is configured to be expandable and retractable along the Y-axis direction. When recording processing is not being performed, the discharge stacker 50 is stored in the stacker storage section 58 within the housing 10. On the other hand, when performing recording processing, the housed discharged sheet stacker 50 is pulled out from the stacker storage section 58 in the +Y direction and used.

The paper discharge stacker 50 includes a first stacker 50a, a second stacker 50b, and a third stacker 50c. The first stacker 50a is attached to the housing 10. The third stacker 50c can be stored in the second stacker 50b, and the second stacker 50b can be stored in the first stacker 50a. By unfolding the second stacker 50b and the third stacker 50c, the placement area of the paper discharge stacker 50 is expanded, and relatively large size paper S, for example, A3 size paper S can be stably supported.

In the upper part of the first stacker 50a, convex portions 56 that protrude in the +Z direction along the Y-axis direction are formed at both ends in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 4, when performing recording processing on the recording material placed on the tray 80, the tray 80 is inserted into the housing 10 from the discharge port 42. In other words, the discharge port 42 is an example of an insertion port into which the tray 80 is inserted. When the tray 80 is inserted from the discharge port 42 , the side surface of the tray 80 comes into contact with the inner wall of the convex portion 56 of the paper discharge stacker 50 to restrict movement in the X-axis direction, and the tray 80 moves toward the inside of the housing 10 . - Inserted in the Y direction.

The inserted tray 80 is conveyed by the ejection roller pair 41 to a recording position where the recording section 30 can record on the recording material. The recording unit 30 performs recording on the recording material on the tray 80, and after this process is completed, the tray 80 is discharged from the discharge port 42 by a pair of discharge rollers 41. In addition, the tray 80 of this embodiment is equipped with a card C having a size of 86.60 mm x 53.98 mm x 0.76 mm as defined by the international standard ISO/IEC 7810, a diameter of 120 mm, and a thickness of 1.2 mm. A disk D can be placed thereon.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 90 is provided within the housing 10. The control unit 90 may be provided in the feeding device 2. The control unit 90 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91 and a memory 92. The CPU 91 can execute various programs stored in the memory 92, and can, for example, perform various judgments and various commands. The memory 92 stores various programs such as a program for transporting the paper S, various programs such as a display method for displaying the status of the feeding device 2, various tables, various counter values, etc. .

The control unit 90 controls the feeding device 2 . Further, the control unit 90 controls the entire recording apparatus 1 . For example, the control unit 90 transports the paper S toward the recording unit 30 along the transport direction by controlling either the feeding roller pair 21 or the transport roller pair 22 included in the feeding device 2. .

Further, for example, when recording on the paper S, the control unit 90 controls the recording unit 30 to perform recording by ejecting ink onto the paper S conveyed to the feeding device 2. Further, for example, the control unit 90 controls the discharge roller pair 41 to convey the paper S recorded by the recording unit 30 along the conveyance direction.

The control unit 90 may be connected to the control unit 290 of the external device 201 through a communication interface, a communication cable, a wireless communication line, etc. (not shown) included in the recording device 1. The external device 201 may include a display section 206 and a control section 290 having a CPU 291 and a memory 292 similarly to the control section 90. Examples of the external device 201 include a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a mobile information terminal, and the like. The control unit 290 can be said to be an external control unit included in the external device 201. Note that the control unit 290 may be a program recorded in the external device 201.

The control unit 90 transmits the data and a signal requesting display of information based on the data to at least one of the display unit 6 and the control unit 290 of the external device 201, and causes the display unit 6 and the display unit 206 to display information based on the data. Performs notification processing to display and notify information. In this case, it can be said that the recording device 1 and the external device 201 constitute a system 501. When the control unit 90 controls the recording device 1, the system 501 is an example of a recording system. When the control unit 90 controls the feeding device 2, the system 501 is an example of a feeding system.

When the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 and the external device 201 constitute the system 501, the CPU 291 of the control unit 290 executes various programs stored in either the memory 292 or the memory 92 of the control unit 90, Various judgments and various commands regarding the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 may be made. Further, the memory 292 may store various programs such as a program for conveying the paper S, a program related to a display method for displaying the status of the feeding device 2, various tables, various counter values, and the like. In this case, it can be said that the recording device 1 and the external device 201 constitute a system 501. When the control unit 290 controls the recording device 1, the system 501 is an example of a recording system. When the control unit 290 controls the feeding device 2, the system 501 is an example of a feeding system.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, when the control unit 90 determines the usage state of the feeding unit 73 based on the number of sheets S transported by the feeding unit 73. The following describes the processing flow. In this embodiment, the flow of processing when the control unit 90 determines the usage status of the feeding unit 73 based on the number of sheets S transported by the feeding unit 73 depends on the method of controlling the feeding device. Applicable.

In the present embodiment, for example, the control unit 90 acquires a feeding counter value N based on the number of sheets S transported by the feeding unit 73 and life information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit 73 from the memory 92. do. The lifespan information LJ includes a first threshold value Nn and a second threshold value Ne. The first threshold value Nn and the second threshold value Ne are the number of sheets S transported by the feeding section 73, which is a guideline for replacing the feeding section 73. The second threshold Ne is a value larger than the first threshold Nn.

In step S01 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 90 checks whether the paper S has been conveyed by the feeding unit 73. If the paper S is transported by the feeding section 73, the answer to step S01 becomes YES, and the control section 90 moves the process to step S12. If the sheet S is not transported by the feeding section 73, the answer to step S01 is NO, and the control section 90 ends the process.

Note that whether or not the paper S has been transported by the feeding section 73 depends on the detection result of a paper detection sensor (not shown) provided in the transport path 17 at a position downstream of the feeding roller pair 21 in the transport direction. For example, when the feeding unit 73 is driven and the paper detection sensor detects passage of the paper S, the control unit 90 determines that the paper S has been conveyed. Further, for example, if the feeding unit 73 is driven and the paper detection sensor does not detect passage of the paper S, it is determined that the paper S has not been conveyed. In this case, the control unit 90 determines that the paper S has been misfed.

In step S02, the control unit 90 performs counter processing for the feeding counter value N. As a result, N=N+1. The control unit 90 stores the feeding counter value N that has been subjected to the counter processing in the memory 92 . After performing the process in step S02, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S03.

In step S03, the control unit 90 checks whether the feeding counter value N is greater than or equal to the first threshold value Nn. If the feeding counter value N is greater than or equal to the first threshold value Nn, step S03 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S04. If the feeding counter value N is smaller than the first threshold value Nn, the answer to step S03 is NO, and the control unit 90 ends the process.

In step S04, the control unit 90 checks whether the feeding counter value N is greater than or equal to the second threshold Ne. If the feeding counter value N is greater than or equal to the second threshold Ne, step S04 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S05. If the feeding counter value N is smaller than the second threshold Ne, the answer to step S04 is NO, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S06.

In step S05, the control unit 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is a feeding unit end state in which the feeding unit 73 needs to be replaced. After performing the process of step S05, the control unit 90 ends the process for determining the usage state of the feeding unit 73.

In step S06, the control unit 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is a feeding unit near-end state in which replacement of the feeding unit 73 is desirable. After performing the process of step S06, the control unit 90 ends the process of determining the usage state of the feeding unit 73.

Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 will be referred to regarding the flow of processing performed when the control unit 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is in the feeding unit near-end state in step S06 of the flowchart shown in FIG. I will explain. In the present embodiment, the flow of processing performed when the control unit 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is in the feeding unit near-end state corresponds to a method of controlling the feeding device.

In step S06 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, when it is determined that the usage state of the feeding section 73 is in the feeding section near-end state, in step S11 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Notify that this is the case. Specifically, the control unit 90 notifies the user by blinking Bn of the light emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c.

In the blinking Bn of the light emitting units 5a, 5b, 5c in this embodiment, the control unit 90 alternately causes the light emitting units 5a, 5c to blink one by one among the light emitting units 5a, 5b, 5c at one second intervals. After performing the process in step S11, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S12.

In step S12, the control unit 90 displays a message prompting replacement of the feeding unit 73. For example, the control unit 90 causes the display unit 6 to display a setting screen SC as shown in FIG. In this case, in consideration of the case where the user does not wish to replace the feeding section 73 at this timing, in addition to displaying a prompt to replace the feeding section 73 on the setting screen SC, the feeding section 73 may be replaced at this timing. A message asking whether or not to exchange 73 is displayed. The setting screen SC is an example of a display.

In this embodiment, the display section 6 has a touch panel function, and displays radio button sections RB shown in FIG. 13 and FIGS. 14 to 17, which will be described later. Further, when the control section 90 is connected to the external device 201, the setting screen SC and radio button section RB shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 may be displayed on the display section 206 of the external device 201. After performing the process in step S12, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S13.

In step S13, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an input by the user to replace the feeding unit 73. Specifically, when the user selects <Yes> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. It is determined that the instruction to replace the sending section 73 has been received. In this case, step S13 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S16. If the user selects <No> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. 13, the answer to step S13 is NO, and the control section 90 ends the process.

In step S16, the control unit 90 displays a display prompting a process to remove the paper S from the paper feed tray 60. For example, the control unit 90 causes the display unit 6 to display a setting screen SC as shown in FIG. In this case, on the setting screen SC, in addition to displaying a message asking the user to confirm that there is no paper S in the paper feed tray 60, it is also confirmed that there is no paper S in the paper feed tray 60 due to the user's processing. Display to the effect that Thereby, when there is paper S in the paper feed tray 60, the user is prompted to perform a process to remove the paper S from the paper feed tray 60. After performing the process in step S16, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S17.

In step S17, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an input by the user indicating that the process has been completed. Specifically, when the user selects <Yes> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. 14, the control section 90 displays a message indicating that the user has completed the process of removing the paper S from the paper feed tray 60 from the radio button section RB. is input, and it is determined that there is no paper S in the paper feed tray 60. In this case, step S17 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S18. If the user does not select <Yes> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. 14, the control section 90 moves the process to step S16 and continues the process of step S16.

In step S18, the control section 90 moves the feeding section 73 to the exchange position. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the feeding section 73 is at the home position, the control section 90 controls the feeding motor to move the feeding section 73 from the -X direction side to the +X direction. The rotating shaft 74 is rotated clockwise in the direction of the black arrow, and the feeding section 73 is moved to the replacement position shown in FIG. In other words, after receiving an instruction to replace the feeding unit 73 from the instruction receiving unit IP, the control unit 90 switches the position of the feeding unit 73 to the replacement position. After performing the process in step S18, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S19.

In step S19, the control unit 90 displays a message urging careful confirmation of the replacement operation. For example, the control unit 90 causes the display unit 6 to display a setting screen SC as shown in FIG. 15 so that the user confirms the replacement method and then replaces the feeding unit 73. After performing the process in step S19, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S20.

In step S20, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an input by the user indicating confirmation. Specifically, when the user selects <Yes> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. 15, the control section 90 determines that there has been an input from the radio button section RB by the user to perform a careful replacement operation. . In this case, step S20 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S21. If the user does not select <Yes> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. 15, the control section 90 moves the process to step S19 and continues the process of step S19.

While the user confirms the careful replacement operation and replaces the feeding section 73 according to the procedure described above, the control section 90 displays a display to confirm whether the replacement of the feeding section 73 is completed in step S21. indicate. For example, the control unit 90 causes the display unit 6 to display a setting screen SC as shown in FIG. After performing the process in step S21, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S22.

In step S22, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an input indicating that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed. Specifically, when the user selects <Yes> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. It is determined that the replacement of the sending section 73 has been completed. In this case, step S22 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S23. If the user selects <No> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. 16 or does not select any button, the control section 90 moves the process to step S21 and continues the process of step S21.

In step S23, the control section 90 moves the feeding section 73 to the home position. For example, assume that the user has finished replacing the feeding section 73 and the replaced feeding section 73 is at the replacement position as shown in FIG. In this case, the control unit 90 drives and controls the feeding motor to rotate the rotating shaft 74 in a clockwise direction when looking at the feeding unit 73 from the −X direction side to the +X direction, so that the replaced feed The sending section 73 is moved to the home position shown in FIG. After performing the process in step S23, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S24.

In step S24, the control unit 90 resets the feeding counter value N. As a result, N=0. The control unit 90 stores the feeding counter value N that has been subjected to the counter processing in the memory 92 . After performing the process in step S24, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S25.

In step S25, the control section 90 ends the notification of the near-end state of the feeding section 73 by blinking Bn of the light emitting sections 5a, 5b, and 5c. As a result, the light emitting parts 5a, 5b, and 5c are turned off. After performing the process of step S25, the control unit 90 ends the process performed when the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is determined to be in the feeding unit near-end state.

Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is referred to regarding the flow of processing performed when the control unit 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is the feeding unit end state in step S05 of the flowchart shown in FIG. I will explain. In this embodiment, the flow of processing performed when the control unit 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is the feeding unit end state corresponds to a method of controlling the feeding device. Note that the processing from step S12 and step S16 to step S24 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 is the same as the processing from step S12 and step S16 to step S24 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. .

In step S05 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, when it is determined that the usage state of the feeding section 73 is in the feeding section end state, in step S26 of the flowchart shown in FIG. Notify that this is the case. Specifically, the control unit 90 notifies the user by blinking Be of the light emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c.

In the blinking Be of the light emitting sections 5a, 5b, and 5c in this embodiment, the control section 90 causes two of the light emitting sections 5a, 5b, and 5c to blink simultaneously at one-second intervals. After performing the process in step S26, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S12.

In step S12, the control unit 90 performs the process of step S12, and then moves the process to step S13.

In step S13, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an input by the user to replace the feeding unit 73. Specifically, when the user selects <Yes> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. It is determined that the instruction to replace the sending section 73 has been received. In this case, step S13 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S16. If the user selects <No> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. 13, the answer to step S13 becomes NO, and the control section 90 moves the process to step S14.

In step S14, the control unit 90 displays a message prompting replacement of the feeding unit 73. In other words, when the feeding section 73 is in the end state, that is, when the feeding counter value N is equal to or greater than the second threshold Ne, the control section 90 displays a message prompting to replace the feeding section 73 multiple times. At this time, for example, the control section 90 causes the display section 6 to display a setting screen SC as shown in FIG. In this case, in consideration of the case where the user does not wish to replace the feeding section 73 at this timing, in addition to displaying a prompt to replace the feeding section 73 on the setting screen SC, the feeding section 73 may be replaced at this timing. A message asking whether or not to exchange 73 is displayed. After performing the process in step S14, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S15.

In step S15, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an input by the user to replace the feeding unit 73. Specifically, when the user selects <Yes> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. It is determined that the instruction to replace the sending section 73 has been received. In this case, step S15 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S16. If the user selects <No> in the radio button section RB shown in FIG. 17, the answer to step S15 is NO, and the control section 90 ends the process.

In steps S16 to S24, the control unit 90 performs the same processing as that in steps S16 to S24 in the flowchart shown in FIG. After performing the process in step S24, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S27.

In step S27, the control section 90 ends the notification of the end state of the feeding section 73 by blinking Be of the light emitting sections 5a, 5b, and 5c. As a result, the light emitting parts 5a, 5b, and 5c are turned off. After performing the process of step S27, the control unit 90 ends the process performed when the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is determined to be the feeding unit end state.

Next, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 will be referred to regarding the flow of processing performed when the recording apparatus 1 does not include the display unit 6 and the control unit 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is in the feeding unit near-end state. I will explain. Note that in an embodiment in which the recording device 1 does not include the display unit 6, the setting screen SC cannot be displayed, so the control unit 90 executes the processing of steps S12, S16, S17, S19, S20, and S21 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Not performed.

In step S11, the control unit 90 notifies that the feeding unit 73 is in a near-end state. Specifically, the control unit 90 notifies the user by blinking Bn of the light emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c. In the blinking Bn of the light emitting units 5a, 5b, 5c in this embodiment, the control unit 90 alternately causes the light emitting units 5a, 5c to blink one by one among the light emitting units 5a, 5b, 5c at one second intervals. After performing the process in step S11, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S13.

In step S13, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an input by the user to replace the feeding unit 73. When the user replaces the feeding unit 73 after confirming the notification of the near-end state of the feeding unit by the blinking Bn of the light emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c, in this embodiment, the user presses the operation buttons 4a and 4b of the operation panel 4. , 4c to input that the feeding section 73 is to be replaced.

Specifically, the user presses the two operation buttons 4b and 4c simultaneously for 5 seconds or more. Thereby, the control unit 90 determines that there is an input from the user to replace the feeding unit 73 and that the instruction to replace the feeding unit 73 has been received. In other words, the control unit 90 determines that a replacement instruction for the feeding unit 73 is issued when at least two of the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are pressed at the same time. In this case, step S13 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S18. If there is no input using the operation buttons 4b and 4c described above even after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the process in step S11, the result in step S13 is NO, and the control unit 90 ends the process.

In step S18, the control section 90 moves the feeding section 73 to the exchange position as described above. After performing the process in step S18, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S22. When the feeding section 73 is moved to the replacement position, the user replaces the feeding section 73 using the procedure described above.

In step S22, the control unit 90 checks whether there is an input indicating that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed. When the replacement of the feeding section 73 is completed, in this embodiment, the user uses the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c of the operation panel 4 to input that the replacement of the feeding section 73 has been completed.

Specifically, the user presses the two operation buttons 4a and 4c simultaneously for 5 seconds or more. As a result, the control unit 90 receives an input from the user indicating that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed, and determines that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed. In other words, the control unit 90 determines that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is completed when at least two of the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are pressed at the same time. In this case, step S22 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S23. If there is no input using the above-mentioned operation buttons 4a, 4c, the control unit 90 continues the process of step S22.

The control unit 90 performs the processes of steps S23, S24, and S25 in the same way as in the case where the recording device 1 includes the display unit 6, and performs the processes performed when the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is determined to be in the feeding unit near-end state. end.

Regarding the flow of processing performed when the recording device 1 does not include the display section 6 and the control section 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding section 73 is the feeding section end state, the recording device 1 cannot display the setting screen SC. Therefore, the control unit 90 does not perform steps S12, S14, S15, S16, S17, S19, S20, and S21 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

Therefore, the flow of processing performed when the recording device 1 does not include the display section 6 and the control section 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding section 73 is the feeding section end state is that the recording device 1 does not include the display section 6. The processing in steps S11 and S25 in the flow of processing performed when the control unit 90 determines that the usage state of the feeding unit 73 is in the feeding unit near-end state is the processing in steps S26 and S27 in the flowchart shown in FIG. Since they are the same except for , the explanation will be omitted.

Incidentally, the degree of deterioration in the conveying performance of the feeding section 73 may change depending on the type of paper S used by the user, the environment, etc. As a result, by comparing the feeding counter value N and the life information LJ, it is determined that the feeding section 73 is in a near-end state or an end state, and the timing at which a display prompting replacement of the feeding section 73 is displayed is changed. Due to the deterioration of the conveying performance of the conveying section 73, the timing at which it should be replaced may not match. As a result, the user may replace the feeding section 73 whose conveying performance has not deteriorated yet. Alternatively, the feeding section 73 whose conveying performance has deteriorated may be used without being replaced.

For this reason, in the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 of this embodiment, the user can set whether or not to notify the status of the feeding section 73 and display a prompt to replace the feeding section 73. A setting that does not notify the state of the feeding section 73 and a display that prompts the replacement of the feeding section 73, and a setting that performs the notification of the state of the feeding section 73 and the display that prompts the replacement of the feeding section 73. When the user performs the switching, the user presses the two operation buttons 4a and 4b simultaneously for 5 seconds or more. As a result, the control unit 90 or the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 (described later) determines that there is an input from the user requesting the above-mentioned setting change, and notifies the state of the feeding unit 73. Switching is performed between a setting that does not display a message prompting replacement of the feeding section 73 and a setting that displays a notification of the status of the feeding section 73 and a display prompting replacement of the feeding section 73.

In addition, in the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 of the present embodiment, information related to replacing the feeding portion 73, which is information for the user to judge the timing to replace the feeding portion 73, for example, the feeding portion 73. The control section 90 or the control section 290 can display the number of sheets S transported by the display section 6 or 206.

Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, in this embodiment, the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 executes a program stored in either the memory 92 or the memory 292. The flow of processing when displaying information related to replacing the feeding section 73 will now be described. In this embodiment, the flow of processing when the control unit 290 displays information related to replacement of the feeding unit 73 corresponds to a method of controlling the feeding system.

Further, the process performed when the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is that the system 501 displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73. This corresponds to the processing performed when displaying. Further, the program executed when the control unit 290 displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is a feeding device that transports the paper S and has a replaceable feeding unit 73. This corresponds to a program that causes the control unit 290 to perform the control in step 2.

In the recording device 1 or feeding device 2 of this embodiment, in the initial state, notification of the near-end state and end state of the feeding section 73, and display prompting to replace the feeding section 73 are set to not be performed. There is. Therefore, the user checks the number of sheets S conveyed by the feeding section 73 in order to determine the timing to replace the feeding section 73. In step S201, the control unit 290 confirms whether the display of the number of sheets conveyed by the feeding unit 73 has been requested. Specifically, the control unit 290 checks whether there is an input by the user requesting that the feeding unit 73 display the number of sheets transported.

For example, when the user selects the utility tab of the printer driver, the control unit 290 displays a setting screen SC as shown in FIG. 19 on the display unit 206. When the user selects <Printer option information> from the radio button section RB and selects <OK>, the control section 290 receives a request from the user to display the number of sheets conveyed by the feeding section 73. to decide. In this case, step S201 becomes YES, and the control unit 290 moves the process to step S202. If the radio button section RB is not selected as described above, the control section 290 determines that the user has not requested that the feeding section 73 display the number of sheets to be transported. In this case, step S201 becomes NO, and the control unit 290 ends the process.

In step S202, the control unit 290 displays the number of sheets conveyed by the feeding unit 73. The control unit 290 displays, for example, a setting screen SC as shown in FIG. 21 on the display unit 206. On the setting screen SC shown in FIG. 21, the number of sheets S, which is the number of sheets S transported by the feeding section 73, is displayed. The number of sheets in <Number of sheets to be conveyed> is the value of the feeding counter value N acquired by the control unit 290 from the memory 92. In other words, the control unit 290 acquires the number of sheets S transported by the feeding unit 73 from the memory 92 and displays the number of sheets S transported by the feeding unit 73 on the display unit 206.

Further, in this embodiment, the setting screen SC shown in FIG. 21 displays the number of times <borderless printing count>, which is the number of times the recording unit 30 records borderless printing over the outer edge of the paper S. . The number of recording times of borderless printing performed by the recording unit 30 is stored as a counter value in the memory 92, similar to the feeding counter value N. After performing the process in step S202, the control unit 290 moves the process to step S203. Note that borderless printing is included in the predetermined recording modes among the recording modes that the recording section 30 performs on the paper S.

Note that in step S202, when displaying the number of sheets <Number of sheets to be transported> and the number of recording times of <Number of borderless printing> as information related to replacing the feeding unit 73, the control unit 290, for example, A setting screen SC as shown in 20 may be displayed on the display unit 206.

In step S203, the control unit 290 confirms whether or not display of information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been further requested. Specifically, the control unit 290 receives an input requesting the display of information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 by the user in addition to the number of sheets <Number of sheets to be transported> and the number of times of <Number of borderless printing>. Check whether it was there or not.

For example, if the user selects <Others> in the radio button section RB in FIG. 21, the control section 290 determines that the user has further requested display of information related to replacing the feeding section 73. In this case, step S203 becomes YES, and the control unit 290 moves the process to step S205. If the radio button section RB is not selected as described above, the control section 290 determines that the user has not requested that the feeding section 73 display the number of sheets to be transported. In this case, step S203 becomes NO, and the control unit 290 moves the process to step S204.

In step S204, the control unit 290 checks whether a request has been made to end the display. Specifically, when the user selects <OK> in the radio button section RB in FIG. 21, the control section 290 determines that the user has requested to end the display of information related to replacing the feeding section 73. . In this case, step S204 becomes YES, and the control unit 290 ends the process. If the radio button portion RB is not selected, the answer to step S204 is NO, and the setting screen SC shown in FIG. 21 continues to be displayed.

In step S205, the control unit 290 displays information related to replacing the feeding unit 73. The control unit 290 displays, for example, a setting screen SC as shown in FIG. 22 on the display unit 206. The setting screen SC shown in FIG. 22 includes the above-mentioned <Number of sheets to transport>, the number of times of <Borderless printing>, the number of sheets of <Feeding section replacement guideline>, and the number of <Feeding section replacement times>. , is displayed. The number of sheets of the <feeding unit replacement guideline> is the value of the second threshold Ne, which is the life information LJ stored in the memory 92. The control unit 290 acquires the value of the second threshold Ne, which is the life information LJ stored in the memory 92, and displays it on the display unit 206 as the number of sheets <feeding unit replacement guideline>. The number of times the feeding section 73 has been replaced is the number of times the feeding section 73 has been replaced, and is stored as a counter value in the memory 92 similarly to the second threshold Ne.

Note that the display of the number of sheets <Number of sheets to be transported> and the number of times of <Number of borderless printing> does not have to be displayed on the setting screen SC shown in FIG. 22. Alternatively, in step S205, the control unit 290 may display a setting screen SC as shown in FIG. 23 on the display unit 206. The setting screen SC shown in FIG. 23 includes the above-mentioned number of <number of sheets to be transported>, number of times of <borderless printing>, number of sheets of <feeding unit replacement guideline>, and number of <number of times of feeding unit replacement>. The date of <last feeding unit replacement date>, the number of <number of misfeeds>, and the number of times of <number of double-sided printing> are displayed. Further, on the setting screen SC shown in FIG. 23, information that is more likely to be used as a point by the user when determining the timing to replace the feeding section 73 is displayed higher on the setting screen SC.

The date of <last replacement date of feeding unit> is the date when the feeding unit 73 was last replaced, and is stored in the memory 92 as a counter value. <Number of misfeeds> is the number of times the feeding unit 73 fails to convey the sheet S, and is stored in the memory 92 as a counter value. Misfeeds include non-feeding in which the feeding section 73 does not transport the paper S from the paper feed tray 60, multi-feeding in which multiple sheets S are transported at once from the paper feed tray 60, and transported paper S stagnates in the transport path 17. This includes jam, etc. The control unit 290 obtains the counter value of the number of misfeeds stored in the memory 92 and displays the number of misfeeds on the display unit 206. The number of times <Number of double-sided printing> is the number of times the recording unit 30 performs double-sided printing on both sides of the sheet S, and is stored in the memory 92 as a counter value. Note that double-sided printing is included in the predetermined recording modes among the recording modes that the recording unit 30 performs on the paper S.

After performing the process in step S205, the control unit 290 moves the process to step S206. In step S206, the control unit 290 checks whether a request has been made to end the display. Specifically, if the radio button section RB is not selected, the answer to step S206 is NO, and the control section 290 continues displaying the setting screen SC shown in FIG. 22 or 23. When the user selects <OK> in the radio button section RB in FIG. 22 or 23, the control section 290 determines that the user has requested termination of the display of information related to replacing the feeding section 73. In this case, step S206 becomes YES, and the control unit 290 ends the process for displaying information related to replacing the feeding unit 73.

Note that if the control unit 90 provided in the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 is not connected to the control unit 290 of the external device 201, the replacement of the feeding unit 73 described using FIGS. The control unit 90 performs the processing performed by the control unit 290 when displaying information. In this case, the control unit 90 displays information related to replacing the feeding unit 73 by executing a program stored in the memory 92. Furthermore, in this case, the flow of processing when the control unit 90 displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 corresponds to a method of controlling the feeding device. In this case, the control unit 90 displays the setting screen SC shown in FIGS. 19 to 23 on the display unit 6.

In this case, the process performed by the control unit 90 when displaying information related to replacing the feeding unit 73 is the process performed when the feeding device 2 displays information related to replacing the feeding unit 73. Applies to. Further, the program executed when the control unit 90 or the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 displays information related to replacing the feeding unit 73 is This corresponds to a program that causes the control section 90 or the control section 290 to control the feeding device 2 having the replaceable feeding section 73.

As described above, according to the feeding system, feeding device, feeding device control method, and program according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

The system 501 includes a feeding device 2 that is a feeding section 73 that conveys paper S and has a replaceable feeding section 73, and an external device 201 that is connected to the feeding device 2 and that controls a control section 290. A feeding system including an external device 201 and a display section 206, wherein the control section 290 acquires the number of sheets S conveyed by the feeding section 73, and obtains the number of sheets S conveyed by the feeding section 73. The number of S sheets is displayed on the display section 206. In this case, the user can check the number of sheets S transported by the feeding section 73 and determine the timing to replace the feeding section 73 based on the user's replacement guideline. According to this, for example, it is possible to replace a feeding section 73 whose carrying performance is higher than the carrying performance required of the feeding section 73 by the user, or whose carrying performance is lower than the carrying performance required of the feeding section 73 by the user. This can prevent the feeding section 73 from being used without being replaced. Therefore, usability can be provided to users.

The control unit 290 can display on the display unit 206 a display prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73 based on the number of sheets S transported by the feeding unit 73, and prompts the replacement of the feeding unit 73. It is possible to set whether or not to display the display on the display unit 206. According to this, by not displaying a display prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73 based on the replacement guide set by the system 501, the life of the feeding unit 73 changes depending on the type of paper S used by the user, the environment, etc. In this case, it is also possible to prevent the user from replacing the feeding section 73 even though the feeding section 73 still has some life left. Furthermore, if the user's replacement guideline matches the replacement guideline set by the system 501, a display prompting the user to replace the feeding unit 73 is displayed so that the user can replace the feeding unit 73 at an appropriate timing. be able to.

The control unit 290 acquires lifespan information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit 73 and displays the lifespan information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit 73 on the display unit 206. According to this, by comparing the user's replacement guideline with the lifespan information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit 73, the user can appropriately judge whether or not it is time to replace the feeding unit 73. .

The control unit 290 obtains the number of misfeeds, which is the number of times the feeding unit 73 fails to convey the sheet S, and displays the number of misfeeds on the display unit 206. According to this, the user can appropriately determine whether it is time to replace the feeding section 73 by considering the number of misfeeds.

The system 501 includes a recording unit 30 that records on the paper S conveyed by the feeding unit 73, the recording unit 30 is capable of recording on the paper S in a predetermined recording mode, and the control unit 290 displays the number of recordings in a predetermined recording mode by the recording unit 30 on the display unit 206. If the recording mode is different, the degree of contamination of the feeding roller section 73a of the feeding section 73 will vary due to dust and ink mist generated by recording on the recording section 30, and the life of the feeding section 73 may change. Even in such a case, the user can appropriately determine whether it is time to replace the feeding section 73 by considering the number of times the recording section 30 records in a predetermined recording mode.

The predetermined recording mode includes borderless printing in which the recording unit 30 records across the outer edge of the paper S. When borderless printing is performed, ink mist is likely to be generated due to recording in the recording section 30, and the feeding roller section 73a of the feeding section 73 is likely to become dirty. Even in such a case, the user can appropriately determine whether it is time to replace the feeding section 73 by considering the number of times borderless printing has been recorded.

The predetermined recording mode includes double-sided printing in which the recording unit 30 records on both sides of the paper S. When double-sided printing is performed using the feeding device 2, the sheet S with recorded information on one side is placed on the loading surface in such a direction that one side contacts the sheet S placed on the loading surface 61 and the feeding driven roller 72. 61. Then, double-sided printing may be performed by causing the recording unit 30 to perform recording on the other side of the paper S transported by the feeding unit 73. When double-sided printing is performed in this way, the ink attached to the paper S placed on the placement surface 61 or the feed driven roller 72 is removed by contact between one recorded side of the paper S and the ink attached to the feed roller 72. It is likely to be transferred to the feeding roller portion 73a of 73 and become dirty. Even in such a case, the user can appropriately determine whether or not it is time to replace the feeding section 73 by considering the number of times double-sided printing has been recorded.

The feeding device 2 includes a paper feeding tray 60 on which the paper S is placed, a feeding section 73 that transports the paper S from the paper feeding tray 60, a control section 90, and a display section 6. counts the number of sheets S conveyed by the feeding section 73 and displays the number of sheets S conveyed by the feeding section 73 on the display section 6. In this case, the user can check the number of sheets S transported by the feeding section 73 and determine the timing to replace the feeding section 73 based on the user's replacement guideline. According to this, for example, it is possible to replace a feeding section 73 whose carrying performance is higher than the carrying performance required of the feeding section 73 by the user, or whose carrying performance is lower than the carrying performance required of the feeding section 73 by the user. This can prevent the feeding section 73 from being used without being replaced. Therefore, usability can be provided to users.

The control unit 90 can display on the display unit 6 a display prompting to replace the feeding unit 73 based on the number of sheets S transported by the feeding unit 73, and can prompt the replacement of the feeding unit 73. It is possible to set whether or not to display the display on the display unit 6. According to this, by not displaying a display prompting the replacement of the feeding section 73 based on the replacement guide obtained by the control section 90, the life of the feeding section 73 can be reduced depending on the type of paper S used by the user, the environment, etc. Even if it changes, it is possible to prevent the user from replacing the feeding section 73 even though the feeding section 73 still has its lifespan. In addition, if the user's replacement guide matches the replacement guide obtained by the control unit 90, a display prompting the user to replace the feeding unit 73 is displayed so that the user can replace the feeding unit 73 at an appropriate timing. It can be carried out.

The method for controlling the feeding device is a method for controlling the feeding device 2 having a replaceable feeding section 73 that conveys the paper S, and the feeding device 2 that is a feeding section 73 that conveys the paper S and has a replaceable feeding section 73. This includes counting the number of sheets S, and displaying the number of sheets S conveyed by the feeding section 73 on the display section 6. In this case, the user can check the number of sheets S transported by the feeding section 73 and determine the timing to replace the feeding section 73 based on the user's replacement guideline. According to this, for example, it is possible to replace a feeding section 73 whose carrying performance is higher than the carrying performance required of the feeding section 73 by the user, or whose carrying performance is lower than the carrying performance required of the feeding section 73 by the user. This can prevent the feeding section 73 from being used without being replaced. Therefore, usability can be provided to users.

The method for controlling the feeding device includes setting whether or not to display a display prompting replacement of the feeding section 73 based on the number of sheets S conveyed by the feeding section 73. According to this, the user can replace the feeding section 73 at an appropriate timing by switching between displaying and not displaying a message prompting the replacement of the feeding section 73 in response to a user's request. I can do it.

The program is a program that causes either the control unit 90 or 290 to control the feeding device 2 which is the feeding unit 73 that conveys the paper S and has a replaceable feeding unit 73, and the feeding unit This includes causing one of the control units 90 and 290 to count the number of sheets S conveyed by the feeding section 73 and displaying the number of sheets S conveyed by the feeding section 73. In this case, the user can check the number of sheets S transported by the feeding section 73 and determine the timing to replace the feeding section 73 based on the user's replacement guideline. According to this, for example, it is possible to replace a feeding section 73 whose carrying performance is higher than the carrying performance required of the feeding section 73 by the user, or whose carrying performance is lower than the carrying performance required of the feeding section 73 by the user. This can prevent the feeding section 73 from being used without being replaced. Therefore, usability can be provided to users.

The program includes causing either the control unit 90 or 290 to set whether or not to display a display prompting replacement of the feeding unit 73 based on the number of sheets S transported by the feeding unit 73. . According to this, the user can replace the feeding section 73 at an appropriate timing by switching between displaying and not displaying a message prompting the replacement of the feeding section 73 in response to a user's request. I can do it.

The feeding system, feeding device, feeding device control method, and program according to the embodiments of the present disclosure basically have the configurations described above, but the gist of the present disclosure is Of course, it is also possible to change or omit partial configurations within the range. Further, the above embodiment and other embodiments described below can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range. Other embodiments will be described below.

In the above embodiment, the outer shape of the shaft 74a of the rotating shaft 74 constituting the feeding drive roller 71 does not have to be circular when viewed from the direction along the X-axis. For example, the outer shape of the shaft 74a may be the same shape as the fitting portion 74b when viewed from the direction along the X-axis. In this case, the rotating shaft 74 does not need to include the fitting portion 74b. Further, in this case, it can be said that the fitted portion 73b of the feeding portion 73 is fitted into the shaft 74a of the rotating shaft 74.

In the above embodiment, the home position of the feeding section 73 is a position where the removal direction T faces the inner surface 10w of the housing 10 and the attachment/detachment opening 73e of the feeding section 73 faces the placement surface 61 of the paper feeding tray 60. There may be.

In the embodiment described above, when the feeding section 73 is at the home position, the removal direction T does not need to be directed toward the inner surface 10w of the housing 10, as long as the removal direction T is not directed toward the opening 10h. For example, when the feeding section 73 is at the home position, the removal direction T may be toward the top or bottom surface of the housing 10, or may be toward the mounting surface 61 of the paper feed tray 60. In this case, the top surface and bottom surface of the casing 10 are examples of parts of the casing 10 that are different from the opening 10h.

In the above embodiment, a paper feed sensor capable of detecting the paper S placed on the paper feed tray 60 may be provided. Then, when the paper S is detected by the paper feed sensor, the control unit 90 may display a display prompting a process to remove the paper S from the paper feed tray 60. In this case, if the paper S is not detected by the paper feed sensor, the control unit 90 does not need to perform the process of step S16 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In the embodiment described above, the housing 10 does not need to have an upper surface on the +Z direction side. In this case, the housing 10 does not need to include the opening 10h.

In the embodiments described above, the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 does not need to include the opening/closing member 11.

In the embodiment described above, when the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 is connected to the external device 201, the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c do not need to be used when replacing the feeding section 73. For example, when replacing the feeding unit 73, the user presses an input key on the keyboard of the external device 201 to input that the feeding unit 73 is to be replaced or that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed. Good too.

In the embodiment described above, the operation panel 4 includes a feeding section exchange button used when replacing the feeding section 73 in addition to the operation buttons 4p, 4a, 4b, 4c and the light emitting sections 5a, 5b, 5c. It's okay. In this case, for example, when replacing the feeding section 73, the user may input information that the feeding section 73 is to be replaced or that the replacement of the feeding section 73 has been completed by pressing the feeding section replacement button. .

In the above embodiment, the feeding unit 73 may be replaced by the user while the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 is powered off. For example, if the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 does not include the display unit 6 and is not connected to the external device 201, the movement of the feeding unit 73 to the replacement position in step S18 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is controlled. When the user presses the operation button 4p after the section 90 performs the operation, the control section 90 turns off the power to the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 with the feeding section 73 located at the exchange position. Then, when the user finishes replacing the feeding section 73 and presses the operation button 4p, the control section 90 moves the feeding section 73 to the home position in step S23.

In the embodiment described above, the number of sheets displayed in the setting screen SC <Number of sheets to be transported> does not have to be the value of the feeding counter value N stored in the memory 92. For example, the counter value may be a counter value counted based on a print job sent to the control unit 90 from the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 and stored in the memory 92 or the memory 292.

In the embodiment described above, the second threshold Ne and the first threshold Nn, which are the life information LJ displayed as the number of sheets of <feeding section replacement guideline> on the setting screen SC, do not need to be stored in the memory 92. For example, it may be stored in a program that is executed when displaying information related to replacing the feeding section 73 stored in the memory 292 of the external device 201.

In the embodiment described above, the control unit 290 does not need to newly display the setting screen SC that displays information related to replacing the feeding unit 73 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. For example, in step S205 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 18, when displaying information related to replacing the feeding section 73, the control section 290 enlarges the setting screen SC shown in FIG. Information related to replacing the feeding section 73 similar to 23 may be displayed.

In the embodiment described above, the number of times the recording unit 30 records in high-definition printing with high print quality is included in the predetermined recording mode of the information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 displayed on the setting screen SC. May include. In high-definition printing, for example, more small ink droplets are used than in standard-quality recording, so ink mist is more likely to occur.

In the embodiment described above, the number of sheets of paper S of a type with a large amount of paper dust that has been transported by the feeding unit 73 may be displayed as information related to replacing the feeding unit 73 displayed on the setting screen SC. An example of paper to which paper powder adheres is coated paper whose surface is coated with paint.

In the embodiment described above, the number of times of printing on a medium other than the paper S may be displayed as information related to replacing the feeding section 73 displayed on the setting screen SC. For example, the number of times the card C has been printed and the number of times the disk D has been printed may be displayed on the setting screen SC shown in FIG.

In the embodiment described above, the settings are such that the notification of the state of the feeding section 73 and the display prompting the replacement of the feeding section 73 are not performed, and the setting that the notification of the state of the feeding section 73 and the display prompting the replacement of the feeding section 73 are not performed. When the user switches between the settings to be performed, it is not necessary to use the operation buttons 4a and 4b. For example, the user can display the setting screen SC shown in FIG. The unit 90 may determine that there is an input from the user requesting switching of the above settings. Further, for example, when the control unit 90 is connected to the external device 201, when the user presses an input key on the keyboard of the external device 201, the control unit 290 or the control unit 90 can input the above settings from the user. It may be determined that there is an input requesting switching.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Recording device, 2... Feeding device, 4... Operation panel, 4p, 4a, 4b, 4c... Operation button, 5a, 5b, 5c... Light emitting part, 10... Housing, 10h... Opening, 10w... Inner surface , 11... Opening/closing member, 12... Medium supply port, 13... Opening/closing lid, 17... Conveying path, 20... Conveying section, 21... Feeding roller pair, 22... Conveying roller pair, 30... Recording section, 31... Recording head, 32... Carriage, 33... Liquid storage section, 34... Medium support member, 40... Discharge section, 41... Discharge roller pair, 42... Discharge port, 50... Paper discharge stacker, 50a... First stacker, 50b... Second stacker, 50c...Third stacker, 56...Convex portion, 58...Stacker storage section, 59...Attachment section, 60...Paper feed tray, 60a...Paper feed tray main body, 60b...Extension tray, 61...Placement surface, 71...Feeding Drive roller, 72...Feeding driven roller, 73...Feeding part, 73a...Feeding roller part, 73b...Fitting part, 73c...Restricted surface, 73d...Circular surface, 73e...Detachment port, 73f...Operation part , 73g...pressing part, 73h, 73k...protrusion, 73s...spring, 74...rotating shaft, 74a...shaft, 74b...fitting part, 74c...regulating surface, 74d, 74e...holding part, 74h, 74k...through hole, 80...Tray, 90...Control unit, 91...CPU, 92...Memory, 201...External device, 206...Display unit, 290...Control unit, 292...Memory, 501...System, IP...Instruction reception unit, LJ...Life span information , N... Feeding counter value, Nn... First threshold, Ne... Second threshold, SC... Setting screen, RB... Radio button section, T... Removal direction.

Claims (13)

A feeding device that is a feeding section that conveys a medium and has a replaceable feeding section, an external device connected to the feeding device that has a control section, and a display section. A feeding system comprising:
The control unit includes:
obtaining the number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding unit;
displaying the number of the media conveyed by the feeding unit on the display unit;
A feeding system characterized by: The feeding system according to claim 1,
The control unit includes:
It is possible to display on the display section a display prompting to replace the feeding section based on the number of the media conveyed by the feeding section,
It is possible to set whether or not to display on the display unit a display prompting replacement of the feeding unit;
A feeding system characterized by: The feeding system according to claim 1 or 2,
The control unit includes:
Obtaining lifespan information regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit;
displaying lifespan information regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit on the display unit;
A feeding system characterized by: The feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The control unit includes:
obtaining a misfeed count that is the number of times the feeding unit fails to convey the medium;
displaying the number of misfeeds on the display section;
A feeding system characterized by: The feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
comprising a recording unit that records on the medium conveyed by the feeding unit,
The recording unit is capable of recording on the medium in a predetermined recording mode,
The control unit includes:
displaying the number of recordings in the predetermined recording mode by the recording unit on the display unit;
A feeding system characterized by: The feeding system according to claim 5,
The predetermined recording mode includes borderless printing in which the recording unit records across the outer edge of the medium.
A feeding system characterized by: The feeding system according to claim 5 or 6,
The predetermined recording mode includes double-sided printing in which the recording unit records on both sides of the medium.
A feeding system characterized by: a mounting section for mounting the medium;
a feeding unit that transports the medium from the loading unit;
a control unit;
A display section;
Equipped with
The control unit includes:
counting the number of media conveyed by the feeding unit;
displaying the number of the media conveyed by the feeding unit on the display unit;
A feeding device characterized by: The feeding device according to claim 8,
The control unit includes:
It is possible to display on the display section a display prompting to replace the feeding section based on the number of the media conveyed by the feeding section,
It is possible to set whether or not to display on the display unit a display prompting replacement of the feeding unit;
A feeding device characterized by: A method for controlling a feeding device having a replaceable feeding section that conveys a medium, the method comprising:
counting the number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding unit;
Displaying the number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding unit;
including,
A method of controlling a feeding device, characterized in that: The method for controlling a feeding device according to claim 10,
including setting whether or not to display a display prompting replacement of the feeding unit based on the number of the media conveyed by the feeding unit;
A method of controlling a feeding device, characterized in that: A program that causes a control unit to control a feeding device that is a feeding unit that conveys a medium and has a replaceable feeding unit, the program comprising:
counting the number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding unit;
Displaying the number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding unit;
causing the control unit to perform
A program characterized by: The program according to claim 12,
including causing the control unit to set whether or not to display a display prompting replacement of the feeding unit based on the number of the media conveyed by the feeding unit;
A program characterized by:

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