Feeding device, recording device, control method for feeding device

Abstract

The present application relates to a feeding device, a recording device, and a control method of a feeding device. In a feeding device having a feeding section detachable with respect to a rotation shaft, there is a possibility that a user cannot obtain ease of use. A feeding device (2) includes a housing (10), a paper feed tray (60) on which a paper sheet (S) is placed, a feeding section (73) that feeds the paper sheet (S) from the paper feed tray (60), the feeding section (73) being detachable from a rotation shaft (74), and a control section (90) that controls rotation of the feeding section (73), the feeding section (73) being provided so as to be rotatably movable to a feeding position at which the paper sheet (S) placed on the paper feed tray (60) is fed and a replacement position at which the feeding section (73) is detachable from the rotation shaft (74), and in a case where the feeding section (73) is replaced, the control section (90) switches the position of the feeding section (73) to the replacement position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a feeding system, a feeding device, and a control method and procedure for the feeding device. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet feeding device as an example of a feeding device, which includes a friction roller section and a paper feed shaft supporting the friction roller section for feeding sheet material. Furthermore, it discloses that the friction roller section can be detached from the paper feed shaft. The friction roller section is an example of a feeding section, the paper feed shaft is an example of a rotating shaft, and the sheet material is an example of a medium.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-208907

[0004] However, in the sheet feeding device disclosed in Patent Document 1, which has a friction roller section that can be detached from the paper feed shaft, there is a possibility that the user cannot obtain ease of use. Summary of the Invention

[0005] A feeding device includes: a device body; a mounting section for holding a medium; a feeding section for conveying the medium from the mounting section, the feeding section including a feeding roller and a mating section, the feeding roller contacting the medium to convey the medium, the mating section mating with the mating section, the mating section being disposed on a rotating shaft for rotating the feeding roller, and the feeding section being detachable from the rotating shaft; and a control unit for controlling the rotation of the feeding section, the feeding section being disposed within the device body in a manner that allows it to be rotatably moved to a feeding position for conveying the medium placed on the mounting section and a replacement position for being detachable from the rotating shaft, wherein, when the feeding section is replaced, the control unit switches the position of the feeding section to the replacement position.

[0006] The recording device includes the aforementioned feeding device and a recording unit that records on the medium being transported.

[0007] A method for controlling a feeding device, the feeding device comprising: a mounting section for mounting a medium; and a feeding section for conveying the medium from the mounting section, the feeding section comprising a feeding roller section and a mating section, the feeding roller section contacting the medium to convey the medium, the mating section mating with the mating section, the mating section being disposed on a rotating shaft for rotating the feeding roller section, the feeding section being detachable from the rotating shaft, and in the method for controlling the feeding device, when the feeding section is replaced, the position of the feeding section is switched from a feeding position for conveying the medium mounted on the mounting section to a replacement position where it can be removed from the rotating shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a recording device as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the recording device.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the recording device.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the recording device.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a top view of the feed section and rotary axis located at the changing position, viewed from above the opening.

[0013] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 The sectional view of section VI-VI shown.

[0014] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 The sectional view of section VII-VII shown.

[0015] Figure 8 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state in which the feed section has been removed from the rotating shaft.

[0016] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the feed section and the rotation axis at the starting position.

[0017] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of determining the usage status of the feed unit.

[0018] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of handling when the feed unit is determined to be nearing the end of its service life.

[0019] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed when the service status of the feed unit is determined to be at the end of its service life.

[0020] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0022] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0023] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0024] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0025] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of displaying information related to the change of the feed section.

[0026] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0027] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0028] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0029] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0030] Figure 23 This is a schematic diagram showing the display unit that displays the settings screen.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 1…Recording device, 2…Feeding device, 4…Operation panel, 4p, 4a, 4b, 4c…Operation buttons, 5a, 5b, 5c…Light-emitting part, 10…Housing, 10h…Opening, 10w…Inner side, 11…Opening and closing part, 12…Media supply port, 13…Opening and closing cover, 17…Conveying path, 20…Conveying part, 21…Feed roller pair, 22…Conveying roller pair, 30…Recording part, 31…Recording head, 32…Carriage, 33…Liquid container, 34…Media support part, 40…Discharge part, 41…Discharge roller pair, 42…Discharge port, 50…Paper stacker, 50a…First stacker, 50b…Second stacker, 50c…Third stacker, 56…Protrusion, 58…Stacker storage part, 59…Mounting part, 60…Paper supply tray, 60a…Paper supply tray body, 60b…Extension tray, 61…Placement surface, 71…Feed drive roller, 72…Feed driven roller, 73…Feed section, 73a…Feed roller section, 73b…Matched section, 73c…Restricted surface, 73d…Arc surface, 73e…Disassembly / reassembly port, 73f…Operating section, 73g…Pushing section, 73h, 73k…Protrusions, 73s…Spring, 74…Rotating shaft, 74a…Shaft, 74b…Matched section, 74c…Restricted surface, 74d, 74e…Retaining section 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…indicator receiver, LJ…lifetime information, N…feed count value, Nn…first threshold, Ne…second threshold, SC…setting screen, RB…radio button unit, T…removal direction. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present disclosure will now be described based on embodiments. Identical components are labeled with the same reference numerals in the figures, and repeated descriptions are omitted. It should be noted that in this specification, "identical," "same," and "simultaneously" not only refer to completely identical situations, but also include situations where they are identical considering measurement errors, manufacturing deviations of components, and situations where they are identical within the scope of non-destructive functionality. Therefore, for example, "both have the same dimensions" means that, considering measurement errors and manufacturing deviations of components, the dimensional difference between the two is within ±10% of the dimension of one of them, more preferably within ±5%, and particularly preferably within ±3%.

[0034] Furthermore, in each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes are designated as the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction. When a direction is specified, a positive direction is designated as "+", and a negative direction is designated as "-". The direction is described using positive and negative signs, with the direction the arrow points in each figure designated as the "+" direction and the opposite direction of the arrow designated as the "-" direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the Z-axis direction represents the direction of gravity, the +Z direction represents vertically upward, and the -Z direction represents vertically downward. The plane including the X and Y axes will be defined as the XY plane, the plane including the X and Z axes as the XZ plane, and the plane including the Y and Z axes as the YZ plane. The XY plane is horizontal. Moreover, the three spatial axes X, Y, and Z, whose positive and negative directions are not defined, will be described as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis.

[0036] It should be noted that in the figures, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the housing 10 (described later), and also the direction intersecting the conveying direction of the paper S, i.e., the width direction of the paper S. The -X direction in the X-axis direction is the rightward direction viewed from the user when the front surface of the housing 10 is facing the user, and the +X direction is the leftward direction viewed from the user when the front surface of the housing 10 is facing the user. In this embodiment, the side of the housing 10 around which the operation panel 4 is located is the front surface of the housing 10.

[0037] The Y-axis direction is the depth direction. The -Y direction in the Y-axis direction is from the front surface of the housing 10 toward the back surface of the housing 10. In addition, the +Y direction in the Y-axis direction is from the back surface of the housing 10 toward the front surface of the housing 10.

[0038] 1. Implementation Method 1

[0039] The recording device 1 is, for example, an inkjet printer capable of recording on paper S. The recording device 1 of this embodiment can record on A4 and A3 size paper S. Paper S is an example of a medium.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 1 has a housing 10 forming the outer casing 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 configured 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 device body.

[0041] An operation panel 4 for operating the recording device 1 is provided on the front surface side, which is the +Y direction side of the housing 10. In the X-axis direction, the operation panel 4 is located at the +X direction end of the housing 10. The X-axis direction is an example of the width direction of the housing 10. The +X direction end of the housing 10 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, 4c and light-emitting parts 5a, 5b, 5c.

[0042] Operation button 4p is a power button for turning the recording device 1 on or off. Operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are operation buttons for making various settings on the recording device 1. For example, operation button 4a is an operation button for setting the wireless connection. Furthermore, operation button 4b is an operation button for confirming the network connection status. Furthermore, operation button 4c is an operation button for stopping the recording operation. The operation panel 4 is an example of an instruction receiving unit IP that receives instructions from the user.

[0043] Furthermore, light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c are positioned on the operation panel 4 at the +Z direction side, corresponding to the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c. Each light-emitting unit 5a, 5b, and 5c is configured to be able to light up, turn off, and flash. Thus, the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c function as guidance displays for the operation of the recording device 1 and as notification units for information related to the recording device 1. The light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c are an example of a notification unit.

[0044] A display unit 6 is provided on the front surface side, which is the +Y direction side of the housing 10. The display unit 6 is located at the -X direction end of the housing 10. The -X direction end of the housing 10 is an example of the other end side in the width direction of the housing 10. The display unit 6 functions as a notification unit, which displays guidance for the operation of the recording device 1 and information related to the recording device 1. In addition, the display unit 6 may also be composed of a liquid crystal display module with touch panel functionality. In this case, the operation buttons of the radio button section RB provided on the display unit 6 function as inputs for making various settings on 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. It should be noted that, for example, if the recording device 1 can be connected to the external device 201 described later, the recording device 1 may not have a display unit 6.

[0045] A paper discharge stacker 50 is disposed on the front surface of the housing 10 in the +Y direction direction. This paper discharge stacker 50 carries the paper S discharged from the housing 10. The paper discharge stacker 50 is configured to be pulled out from the front surface of the housing 10 in the +Y direction. Furthermore, a paper supply tray 60 and a tray 80 are housed in the lower part of the paper discharge stacker 50 within the housing 10. The paper supply tray 60 and the tray 80 are configured to be detachable from the housing 10.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, the recording device 1 is configured to feed paper S from the back side, which is the Y-direction side of the housing 10. Specifically, a media supply port 12 is provided at the upper part of the housing 10 to supply paper S into the interior of the housing 10. The media supply port 12 is a rectangular opening extending in the X-axis direction. Mounting portions 59 are provided at both ends of the media supply port 12 in the X-direction. A paper feed tray 60, which is removed from the lower part of the paper stacker 50, is mounted on the mounting portions 59.

[0047] An opening / closing cover 13 is provided above the media supply port 12, which can be opened and closed. The opening / closing cover 13 can rotate about an axis extending in the X-axis direction. By opening the opening / closing cover 13 to expose the media supply port 12 and the mounting part 59, the paper supply tray 60 can be mounted on the mounting part 59.

[0048] The paper supply tray 60 includes a paper supply tray body 60a mounted on a mounting portion 59 of the housing 10, and an extension tray 60b that can be stored and unfolded relative to the paper supply tray body 60a. The paper supply tray body 60a and the extension tray 60b are plate-shaped components, each having a mounting surface 61 for holding paper S. The paper supply tray 60 is an example of a mounting portion. The paper S placed on the mounting surface 61 of the paper supply tray 60 is conveyed into the interior of the housing 10 via the conveying portion 20, described later.

[0049] When recording is performed on paper S, the paper feed tray 60 is removed from the bottom of the paper stacker 50 and installed in the mounting section 59. Conversely, when no recording is performed, the paper feed tray 60 is removed from the mounting section 59 and stored in the bottom of the paper stacker 50. Similarly, when recording is performed using the tray 80, the tray 80 is removed from the bottom of the paper stacker 50 for use. Conversely, when recording is not performed using the tray 80, the tray 80 is stored in the bottom of the paper stacker 50.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the recording device 1 includes a conveying unit 20, a recording unit 30, a discharge unit 40, and a control unit 90. A conveying path 17 for conveying paper S is provided inside the housing 10. Paper S is conveyed along the conveying direction in the conveying path 17. It should be noted that the configuration of the recording device 1 that conveys paper S to the recording unit 30 is sometimes referred to as the feeding device 2.

[0051] The conveying unit 20 is located downstream of the media supply port 12. The conveying unit 20 conveys the paper S placed on the paper supply tray 60 to the recording unit 30. The conveying unit 20 includes a feed roller pair 21 that rotates with the drive of a feed motor (not shown) and a conveying roller pair 22 that rotates with the drive of a conveying motor (not shown). The feed roller pair 21 and the conveying roller pair 22 are arranged along the conveying path 17 to convey the paper S in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the mounting surface 61 of the paper supply tray 60 is arranged along the conveying direction and is inclined relative to the Z-axis when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0052] The feed roller pair 21 conveys the paper S placed on the paper supply tray 60 in the conveying direction. The feed roller pair 21 consists of a feed drive roller 71 and a feed driven roller 72. The feed drive roller 71 consists of a feed section 73 that contacts the paper S to convey the paper S and a rotating shaft 74 that rotates the feed section 73.

[0053] The feed section 73 and the opening 10h are positioned on the rear side (as the -Y direction side) further than the center of the housing 10 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the feed section 73 and the opening 10h are positioned in the Y-axis direction without overlapping with the operation panel 4 and the display section 6. Figure 1 As shown, the opening 10h is positioned in the X-axis direction further in the -X direction than the operation panel 4 and does not overlap with the operation panel 4. Furthermore, the opening 10h is positioned in the X-axis direction further in the +X direction than the display unit 6 and does not overlap with the display unit 6. It should be noted that the feed unit 73, located vertically below the opening 10h in the -Z direction, is positioned in the X-axis direction without overlapping with the operation panel 4 and the display unit 6.

[0054] The user can replace the feed section 73 in this embodiment. The feed section 73 is configured to be detachable from the rotation axis 74. The feed section 73 is detachable from the rotation axis 74 from above on the +Z direction side. Therefore, an opening 10h is provided on the upper surface of the housing 10 at a position vertically above the feed section 73 in the +Z direction. Thus, when replacing the feed section 73, the user can access the feed section 73 via the opening 10h by opening the opening / closing member 11. In other words, the housing 10 has an opening 10h that exposes the feed section 73 to the outside.

[0055] The feed unit 73 is housed within the housing 10 in a manner that allows it to be rotatably moved to a starting position and removed from the rotating shaft 74 for replacement. The starting position of the feed unit 73 is... Figure 9 The standby position of the feed unit 73 shown is an example of a feed position in which paper S placed on the paper supply tray 60 can be conveyed. Figures 5 to 7The position where the feed unit 73 can be replaced is the position where the feed unit 73 can be detached and reattached relative to the rotating shaft 74, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the feed unit 73 can be removed from the rotating shaft 74.

[0056] like Figures 5 to 7 As shown, when the feed section 73 is in the changing position, the feed section 73 is removed from the rotating shaft 74 in the removal direction T toward the opening 10h located on the +Z direction side, as... Figure 9 As shown, with the feed section 73 in the starting position, the unloading direction T is toward the inner surface 10w of the housing 10. The inner surface 10w is an example of a location in the housing 10 that is different from the opening 10h.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, the feed unit 73 includes a feed roller 73a, an operating unit 73f, and a spring 73s. The operating unit 73f is located on the -X direction side of the feed roller 73a. The operating unit 73f is configured to be movable relative to the feed roller 73a in the X-axis direction. By moving the operating unit 73f relative to the feed roller 73a in the X-axis direction, the feed unit 73 can be detached from the rotation shaft 74.

[0058] The operating part 73f has a pair of protrusions 73h and 73k protruding in the -X direction, and a pressing part 73g that can be pushed by the user in the +X direction as indicated by the hollow arrow. Furthermore, a spring 73s is provided in the X-axis direction between the feed roller part 73a and the operating part 73f. The spring 73s applies force to the operating part 73f in the -X direction away from the feed roller part 73a.

[0059] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, in Figure 5 The feed roller section 73a shown has an arcuate surface 73d and a flat surface. When viewed along the X-axis, the arcuate surface 73d has an arcuate shape formed by cutting a portion of a circle into an arc shape and contacts the paper S. The flat surface is formed by cutting off a portion of the circle. Furthermore, the feed section 73a includes a fitting portion 73b. The fitting portion 73b has a mounting opening 73e that opens into the flat surface of the feed roller section 73a and a restrained surface 73c.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, the rotating shaft 74 includes a shaft 74a and holding portions 74d and 74e. The shaft 74a is positioned such that its center is along the X-axis. The feed portion 73 rotates about the center of the shaft 74a. The plate-shaped holding portions 74d and 74e are spaced apart in the X-axis direction so that the feed portion 73 can be held between the holding portions 74d and 74e. The holding portions 74d and 74e define the position of the feed portion 73 in the X-axis direction. Figures 7 to 9As shown, a fitting portion 74b is provided between the holding portions 74d and 74e, which fits into the fitting portion 73b of the feed portion 73. The fitting portion 74b has a limiting surface 74c. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 As shown, a pair of through holes 74h and 74k are provided in the retaining part 74e. It should be noted that when viewed from the direction along the X-axis, the shape of the shaft 74a is circular.

[0061] With the feed unit 73 mounted on the rotating shaft 74 and capable of feeding paper S, the limiting surface 73c of the fitting part 73b is restricted by the limiting surface 74c of the fitting part 74b, thereby positioning the feed unit 73 relative to the rotating shaft 74. Furthermore, at this time, the protrusions 73h and 73k of the operating part 73f are inserted into the through holes 74h and 74k of the holding part 74e, thus restricting the feed unit 73 from moving in the unloading direction T.

[0062] If the user replaces the feed unit 73, such as Figure 6 As shown, by opening / closing member 11 to the open state, the feed section 73 can be accessed via opening 10h. Then, with the feed section 73 in the changing position, as... Figure 5 As shown, by pushing the pushing part 73g of the operating part 73f in the direction of the hollow arrow, the restriction on the movement of the protrusions 73h and 73k by the through holes 74h and 74k of the holding part 74e is released. Then, as... Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the user removes the feed unit 73 from the rotation axis 74 by moving the feed unit 73 relative to the rotation axis 74 in the unloading direction T, which is the +Z direction.

[0063] After the user removes the feed unit 73 from the outside of the recording device 1 through the opening 10h, a new feed unit 73 is inserted through the opening 10h in the -Z direction, which is opposite to the removal direction T. Then, by inserting it into the position where the limiting surface 73c of the fitting part 73b is limited by the limiting surface 74c of the fitting part 74b, the feed unit 73 is positioned relative to the rotation axis 74. Furthermore, the protrusions 73h and 73k of the operating part 73f are inserted into the through holes 74h and 74k of the holding part 74e, restricting the movement of the feed unit 73 in the removal direction T. Thus, the new feed unit 73 is fixed to the rotation axis 74, completing the replacement of the feed unit.

[0064] like Figure 3 As shown, the recording unit 30 includes a recording head 31 that sprays ink, an example of a liquid, onto the paper S, and a carriage 32 that carries the recording head 31 and can move in the X direction, which is intersecting the transport direction. A media support member 34 is disposed below the recording head 31 across the transport path 17.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the recording apparatus 1 includes a liquid reservoir 33 for supplying ink to the recording head 31. The liquid reservoir 33 is a container capable of holding ink. The liquid reservoir 33 and the recording head 31 are connected by a flexible tube (not shown). The ink in the liquid reservoir 33 is supplied to the recording head 31 via the tube.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the recording unit 30 sprays ink onto the paper S supported by the media support member 34 based on printing data. This records an image on the paper S based on the printing data. The printing data is generated based on text data, image data, etc., printed on the paper S, and is used to enable the recording device 1 to perform recording processing. It should be noted that the paper S, after recording processing, is conveyed by the transport unit 20 and sent to the discharge unit 40 located downstream of the recording head 31 in the transport direction.

[0067] The discharge section 40 includes multiple discharge roller pairs 41 for discharging paper S that has been recorded by the recording section 30, and a discharge outlet 42 for discharging the paper S. The multiple discharge roller pairs 41 are arranged along the X direction, and each roller of the discharge roller pair 41 is connected to a common shaft extending in the X direction.

[0068] The discharge roller pair 41 is located downstream of the recording unit 30 in the conveying direction. Furthermore, the discharge outlet 42 is located above the paper stacker 50. The discharge roller pair 41 conveys the paper S in the conveying direction and discharges the paper S from the discharge outlet 42 towards the paper stacker 50, which is pulled out in the +Y direction. The paper S discharged from the discharge outlet 42 is placed on the paper stacker 50. It should be noted that the paper stacker 50 can be housed in the stacker housing 58 located below the recording unit 30.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the paper stacker 50 is configured to extend and retract along the Y-axis. When not performing recording processing, the paper stacker 50 is stored in the stacker storage section 58 within the housing 10. On the other hand, when performing recording processing, the stored paper stacker 50 is pulled out from the stacker storage section 58 in the +Y direction for use.

[0070] The paper stacker 50 has a first stacker 50a, a second stacker 50b, and a third stacker 50c. The first stacker 50a is mounted in the housing 10. The third stacker 50c can be housed within the second stacker 50b, and the second stacker 50b can be housed within the first stacker 50a. By unfolding the second stacker 50b and the third stacker 50c, the loading area in the paper stacker 50 is expanded, allowing it to support relatively large sizes of paper, such as A3 size, in a stable state.

[0071] On the upper part of the first stacker 50a, protrusions 56 protruding in the Y-axis direction and towards the +Z direction are formed at both ends in the X-axis direction. For example... Figure 4 As shown, when recording material placed on the tray 80 is being recorded, the tray 80 is inserted into the interior of the housing 10 through the discharge port 42. That is, the discharge port 42 is an example of an insertion port for inserting the tray 80. When the tray 80 is inserted through the discharge port 42, movement in the X-axis direction is restricted by the contact between the side of the tray 80 and the inner wall of the protrusion 56 of the paper stacker 50, and the tray 80 is inserted in the -Y direction toward the interior of the housing 10.

[0072] The inserted tray 80 is conveyed to the recording position of the recording unit 30 via the discharge roller pair 41, where recording material can be recorded. The recording unit 30 records the recording material on the tray 80, and after this process is completed, the tray 80 is discharged from the discharge port 42 via the discharge roller pair 41. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the tray 80 can hold a card C with dimensions of 86.60mm × 53.98mm × 0.76mm as specified in the international standard ISO / IEC 7810, and a disc D with a diameter of 120mm and a thickness of 1.2mm as recording material.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 90 is housed within the housing 10. The control unit 90 may also be housed within the feed 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, such as performing various judgments and issuing various commands. The memory 92 stores, for example, various programs such as programs for feeding paper S, programs related to display methods for showing the status of the feed device 2, various tables, and various count values.

[0074] The control unit 90 controls the feeding device 2. Furthermore, the control unit 90 controls the recording device 1 as a whole. For example, the control unit 90 controls the feed roller pair 21 and the conveying roller pair 22 of the feeding device 2, thereby conveying the paper S to the recording unit 30 along the conveying direction.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, when recording is performed on paper S, the control unit 90 controls the recording unit 30 to spray ink onto the paper S conveyed by the feed device 2 for recording. Additionally, for example, the control unit 90 controls the discharge roller pair 41 to convey the paper S that has been recorded by the recording unit 30 along the conveying direction.

[0076] The control unit 90 can also be connected to the control unit 290 of the external device 201 via a communication interface (not shown), communication cable, or wireless communication line provided with the recording device 1. The external device 201 may also include a display unit 206 and a control unit 290, which, like the control unit 90, has a CPU 291 and a memory 292. Examples of external devices 201 include personal computers, smartphones, mobile phones, and portable information terminals. The control unit 290 can be considered an external control unit of the external device 201. It should be noted that the control unit 290 may also be a program recorded on the external device 201.

[0077] The control unit 90 sends data and a signal requesting the display of information based on that data to at least one of the display unit 6 and the control unit 290 of the external device 201, performing notification processing to cause the display unit 6 and display unit 206 to display the data-based information for notification. In this case, the recording device 1 and the external device 201 can also be said to constitute system 501. When the control unit 90 controls the recording device 1, system 501 is an example of a recording system. When the control unit 90 controls the feeding device 2, system 501 is an example of a feeding system.

[0078] When the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 and the external device 201 constitute system 501, the CPU 291 of the control unit 290 can also execute various programs stored in either the memory 292 or the memory 92 of the control unit 90, performing various judgments and commands regarding the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2. Furthermore, the memory 292 can also store various programs such as programs for feeding paper S, programs related to display methods for showing the status of the feeding device 2, various tables, and various count values. In this case, it can also be said that the recording device 1 and the external device 201 constitute system 501. When the control unit 290 controls the recording device 1, system 501 is an example of a recording system. When the control unit 290 controls the feeding device 2, system 501 is an example of a feeding system.

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 10 The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which the control unit 90 determines the usage status of the feed unit 73 based on the number of sheets of paper S already fed by the feed unit 73 in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the process by which the control unit 90 determines the usage status of the feed unit 73 based on the number of sheets of paper S already fed by the feed unit 73 is equivalent to the control method for the feed device.

[0080] In this embodiment, for example, the control unit 90 retrieves from the memory 92 a feed count value N based on the number of sheets of paper S that have been fed by the feed unit 73, and lifespan information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feed unit 73. The lifespan information LJ includes a first threshold Nn and a second threshold Ne. The first threshold Nn and the second threshold Ne are thresholds that serve as a replacement reference for the feed unit 73, and are the number of sheets of paper S that have been fed by the feed unit 73. The second threshold Ne is a value greater than the first threshold Nn.

[0081] exist Figure 10 In step S01 of the flowchart shown, the control unit 90 confirms whether paper S has been fed through the feed unit 73. If paper S has been fed through the feed unit 73, step S01 is YES, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S12. If paper S has not been fed through the feed unit 73, step S01 is NO, and the control unit 90 ends the process.

[0082] It should be noted that whether paper S has been conveyed by the feed unit 73 is based on the detection result of a paper detection sensor (not shown) located in the transport path 17 further downstream in the transport direction than the feed roller pair 21. For example, if the feed unit 73 is driven and the paper detection sensor detects the passage of paper S, the control unit 90 determines that paper S has been conveyed. Furthermore, for example, if the feed unit 73 is driven but the paper detection sensor does not detect the passage of paper S, it is determined that paper S has not been conveyed. In this case, the control unit 90 determines that paper S has been mistakenly fed.

[0083] In step S02, the control unit 90 performs a counting process on the feed count value N. The result is N = N + 1. The control unit 90 stores the feed count value N obtained from the counting process in the memory 92. When step S02 is completed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S03.

[0084] In step S03, the control unit 90 checks whether the feed count value N is greater than or equal to a first threshold Nn. If the feed count value N is greater than or equal to the first threshold Nn, step S03 is affirmative, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S04. If the feed count value N is less than the first threshold Nn, step S03 is negative, and the control unit 90 ends the process.

[0085] In step S04, the control unit 90 checks whether the feed count value N is greater than or equal to the second threshold Ne. If the feed count value N is greater than or equal to the second threshold Ne, step S04 is affirmative, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S05. If the feed count value N is less than the second threshold Ne, step S04 is negative, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S06.

[0086] In step S05, the control unit 90 determines that the feed unit 73 is in a state where its service life has been exhausted and it needs to be replaced. When step S05 is completed, the control unit 90 ends the process of determining the service status of the feed unit 73.

[0087] In step S06, the control unit 90 determines that the feed unit 73 is in a state where it is best to replace the feed unit 73 and the feed unit is nearing the end of its service life. When step S06 is completed, the control unit 90 ends the process of determining the service status of the feed unit 73.

[0088] Next, refer to Figure 11 The flowchart shown is for... Figure 10 The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which the control unit 90 determines the usage state of the feed unit 73 as nearing the end of its service life in step S06. In this embodiment, the process by which the control unit 90 determines the usage state of the feed unit 73 as nearing the end of its service life is equivalent to a control method for the feed device.

[0089] exist Figure 10 In step S06 of the flowchart shown, when the usage status of the feed unit 73 is determined to be that the feed unit is nearing the end of its service life, Figure 11 In step S11 of the flowchart shown, the control unit 90 notifies the feed unit 73 that it is nearing the end of its service life. Specifically, the control unit 90 notifies the user by flashing the light source units 5a, 5b, and 5c (Bn).

[0090] In the flashing Bn of the light-emitting parts 5a, 5b, and 5c in this embodiment, the control unit 90 causes the light-emitting parts 5a and 5c to flash alternately one by one at a 1-second interval. When the processing of step S11 is performed, the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S12.

[0091] In step S12, the control unit 90 displays a prompt to change the feed unit 73. For example, the control unit 90 causes the display unit 6 to display... Figure 13 The setup screen SC is shown below. In this case, considering that the user does not want to change the feed unit 73 at this time, the setup screen SC displays not only a prompt to change the feed unit 73, but also a confirmation message asking whether to change the feed unit 73 at this time. The setup screen SC is an example of such a display.

[0092] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the display unit 6 has a touch panel function, and the display unit 6 displays... Figure 13 And the following Figures 14 to 17The radio button section RB is shown. Furthermore, when the control unit 90 is connected to the external device 201, the display section 206 of the external device 201 can also display... Figures 13 to 17 The settings screen SC and the radio button section RB are shown. When step S12 is performed, the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S13.

[0093] In step S13, the control unit 90 confirms whether there is any input from the user indicating a change in the feed unit 73. Specifically, when the user selects... Figure 13 When the radio button RB is set to "Yes", the control unit 90 determines that there is an input from the user indicating that the feed unit 73 needs to be changed, and receives a change instruction for the feed unit 73. In this case, step S13 is "Yes", and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S16. When the user selects... Figure 13 If the radio button RB shown is "No", then step S13 is "No" and the control unit 90 ends the process.

[0094] In step S16, the control unit 90 displays a prompt to remove the paper S from the paper supply tray 60. For example, the control unit 90 causes the display unit 6 to display... Figure 14 The setup screen SC is as shown. In this case, the setup screen SC displays not only a message indicating that there is no paper S in the paper supply tray 60, but also a message indicating that the state of no paper S in the paper supply tray 60 has been confirmed through user processing. Therefore, when there is paper S in the paper supply tray 60, the user is prompted to remove the paper S from the paper supply tray 60. When step S16 is performed, the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S17.

[0095] In step S17, the control unit 90 checks whether there is any input from the user indicating that processing is complete. Specifically, when the user selects... Figure 14 When the radio button RB is set to "Yes", the control unit 90 determines that there is an input from the user on the radio button RB indicating that the process of removing paper S from the paper tray 60 is complete, even though there is no paper S in the paper tray 60. In this case, step S17 is "Yes", and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S18. If the user has not selected... Figure 14 When the radio button RB shown is set to "Yes", the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S16 and continues the processing of step S16.

[0096] In step S18, the control unit 90 moves the feed unit 73 to the change position. For example, as Figure 9As shown, with the feed unit 73 in the starting position, the control unit 90 drives the feed motor to rotate the rotating shaft 74 in the direction indicated by the blacked-out arrow (clockwise when viewed from the -X direction towards the +X direction), thus moving the feed unit 73 to... Figure 7 The change position is shown. In other words, after receiving the change instruction from the feed unit 73 via the instruction receiving unit IP, the control unit 90 switches the position of the feed unit 73 to the change position. When step S18 has been performed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S19.

[0097] In step S19, the control unit 90 displays a confirmation prompting a careful replacement operation. For example, the control unit 90 causes the display unit 6 to display... Figure 15 The setup screen SC shown allows the user to change the feed unit 73 after confirming the change method. When step S19 is completed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S20.

[0098] In step S20, the control unit 90 checks whether there is any input from the user indicating confirmation. Specifically, when the user selects... Figure 15 When the radio button RB is set to "Yes", the control unit 90 determines that there is input from the user indicating a deliberate change action from the radio button RB. In this case, step S20 is "Yes", and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S21. If the user has not selected... Figure 15 When the radio button RB shown is set to "Yes", the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S19 and continues the processing of step S19.

[0099] During the process of carefully performing the replacement of the feed unit 73 as described above, the control unit 90 displays a confirmation message in step S21 indicating whether the replacement of the feed unit 73 has been completed. For example, the control unit 90 causes the display unit 6 to display... Figure 16 The setup screen SC is shown. When step S21 is performed, the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S22.

[0100] In step S22, the control unit 90 confirms whether there is an input indicating the end of the changeover for the feed unit 73. Specifically, this is done when the user selects... Figure 16 When the radio button RB is set to "Yes", the control unit 90 determines that the input from the radio button RB indicates the end of the change of the feed unit 73, and the change of the feed unit 73 ends. In this case, step S22 is "Yes", and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S23. When the user selects... Figure 16If the radio button RB shown is set to "No" or no selection is made, the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S21 and continues the processing in step S21.

[0101] In step S23, the control unit 90 moves the feed unit 73 to the starting position. For example, assuming the user has finished changing the feed unit 73, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the replaced feed unit 73 is in the replacement position. In this case, the control unit 90 drives the feed motor to rotate the rotating shaft 74 in a clockwise direction when the feed unit 73 is viewed from the -X direction towards the +X direction, thus moving the replaced feed unit 73 to the replacement position. Figure 9 The starting position is shown. When step S23 is performed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S24.

[0102] In step S24, the control unit 90 resets the feed count value N. As a result, N = 0. The control unit 90 stores the feed count value N obtained from the counting process in the memory 92. When step S24 is performed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S25.

[0103] In step S25, the control unit 90 ends the notification to the feed unit 73 that its lifespan is nearing its end via the flashing Bn of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c. As a result, the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c turn off. When step S25 is completed, the control unit 90 ends the processing performed when it determines that the feed unit 73's operating state is nearing its lifespan end.

[0104] Next, refer to Figure 12 The flowchart shown is for... Figure 10 The flowchart shown illustrates the process of the control unit 90 determining that the feed unit 73 has reached the end of its service life in step S05. In this embodiment, the process of the control unit 90 determining that the feed unit 73 has reached the end of its service life is equivalent to the control method for the feed device. It should be noted that... Figure 12 The processing of steps S12, S16 to S24 in the flowchart shown is... Figure 11 The processes in steps S12, S16 to S24 in the flowchart shown are the same, therefore, detailed explanations are omitted.

[0105] exist Figure 10 In step S05 of the flowchart shown, if the usage status of the feed unit 73 is determined to be the state where the feed unit's lifespan has been exhausted, then... Figure 12In step S26 of the flowchart shown, the control unit 90 notifies the feed unit 73 that its lifespan has been exhausted. Specifically, the control unit 90 notifies the user by flashing Be of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c.

[0106] In the blinking Be of the light-emitting parts 5a, 5b, and 5c in this embodiment, the control unit 90 causes two of the light-emitting parts 5a and 5c to blink simultaneously at a 1-second interval. When step S26 is performed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S12.

[0107] In step S12, when the processing in step S12 has been performed, the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S13.

[0108] In step S13, the control unit 90 confirms whether there is any input from the user indicating a change in the feed unit 73. Specifically, when the user selects... Figure 13 When the radio button RB is set to "Yes", the control unit 90 determines that there is an input from the user indicating that the feed unit 73 needs to be changed, and receives a change instruction for the feed unit 73. In this case, step S13 is "Yes", and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S16. When the user selects... Figure 13 If the radio button RB shown is "No", then step S13 is no, and the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S14.

[0109] In step S14, the control unit 90 displays a prompt to replace the feed unit 73. In other words, when the feed unit 73 is in a state where its lifespan has been exhausted, i.e., the feed count value N is above the second threshold Ne, the control unit 90 repeatedly displays a prompt to replace the feed unit 73. At this time, for example, the control unit 90 causes the display unit 6 to display... Figure 17 The setup screen SC is as shown. In this case, considering that the user does not want to change the feed unit 73 at this time, the setup screen SC displays a prompt to change the feed unit 73, as well as a confirmation message asking whether to change the feed unit 73 at this time. When step S14 is completed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S15.

[0110] In step S15, the control unit 90 confirms whether there is any input from the user indicating a change in the feed unit 73. Specifically, when the user selects... Figure 17 When the radio button RB is set to "Yes", the control unit 90 determines that there is an input from the user indicating that the feed unit 73 needs to be changed, and receives a change instruction for the feed unit 73. In this case, step S15 is "Yes", and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S16. After the user selects... Figure 17If the radio button RB shown is "No", then step S15 is "No" and the control unit 90 ends the process.

[0111] In steps S16 to S24, the control unit 90 performs... Figure 11 The processes in steps S16 to S24 of the flowchart shown are the same. When step S24 is performed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S27.

[0112] In step S27, the control unit 90 stops notifying the feed unit 73 of its lifespan exhaustion state via the flashing Be of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c. As a result, the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c turn off. When step S27 is completed, the control unit 90 ends the processing performed when it determines that the feed unit 73's usage state is in the feed unit lifespan exhaustion state.

[0113] Next, refer to Figure 11 The flowchart shown illustrates the process performed by the control unit 90 when the recording device 1 lacks a display unit 6 and the control unit 90 determines that the feed unit 73 is nearing the end of its service life. It should be noted that in embodiments where the recording device 1 lacks a display unit 6, the setting screen SC cannot be displayed; therefore, the control unit 90 does not perform [further processing / processing]. Figure 11 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing of steps S12, S16, S17, S19, S20, and S21.

[0114] In step S11, the control unit 90 notifies the feed unit 73 that it is nearing the end of its service life. Specifically, the control unit 90 notifies the user by flashing the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c one by one at a 1-second interval. After step S11 is completed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S13.

[0115] In step S13, the control unit 90 checks whether there is any input from the user indicating that the feed unit 73 needs to be replaced. In this embodiment, if the user replaces the feed unit 73 after receiving a notification that the feed unit is nearing the end of its service life through the flashing of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c, the user uses the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c on the operation panel 4 to input the meaning of replacing the feed unit 73.

[0116] Specifically, the user presses both operation buttons 4b and 4c simultaneously for more than 5 seconds. The control unit 90 then determines that there is input from the user indicating a need to change the feed unit 73, and receives a change instruction from the feed unit 73. In other words, if at least two of the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are pressed simultaneously, the control unit 90 determines that it is a change instruction from the feed unit 73. In this case, step S13 is true, and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S18. If, even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of step S11, no input has been made to the operation buttons 4b and 4c, step S13 is false, and the control unit 90 terminates the process.

[0117] In step S18, the control unit 90 moves the feed unit 73 to the replacement position as described above. After the processing in step S18 is completed, the control unit 90 moves the processing to step S22. When the feed unit 73 moves to the replacement position, the user replaces the feed unit 73 according to the above process.

[0118] In step S22, the control unit 90 confirms whether there is an input indicating that the change of the feed unit 73 has ended. In this embodiment, when the change of the feed unit 73 has ended, the user uses the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c on the operation panel 4 to input that the change of the feed unit 73 has ended.

[0119] Specifically, the user presses both operation buttons 4a and 4c simultaneously for more than 5 seconds. As a result, the control unit 90 determines that there is input from the user indicating the end of the feed unit 73 replacement, and the replacement of the feed unit 73 is completed. In other words, when at least two of the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are pressed simultaneously, the control unit 90 determines that the replacement of the feed unit 73 is complete. In this case, step S22 is "yes," and the control unit 90 moves the process to step S23. If there is no input using the aforementioned operation buttons 4a and 4c, the control unit 90 continues the process of step S22.

[0120] When the control unit 90 and the recording device 1 are equipped with the display unit 6, the same steps S23, S24 and S25 are performed, and the process performed when the use status of the feed unit 73 is judged to be close to the end of its service life ends is completed.

[0121] Regarding the processing procedure performed when the recording device 1 lacks a display unit 6 and the control unit 90 determines the usage status of the feed unit 73 as the feed unit's lifespan being exhausted, since the recording device 1 cannot display the setting screen SC, the control unit 90 does not perform this procedure. Figure 12 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing of steps S12, S14, S15, S16, S17, S19, S20, and S21.

[0122] Therefore, regarding the process of handling when the recording device 1 does not have a display unit 6 and the control unit 90 determines the usage state of the feed unit 73 as the feed unit's lifespan has been exhausted, except for steps S11 and S25 in the process of handling when the recording device 1 does not have a display unit 6 and the control unit 90 determines the usage state of the feed unit 73 as the feed unit's lifespan is nearing its end, the processing becomes... Figure 12 The processes in steps S26 and S27 of the flowchart shown are identical except for those in step S27, therefore, the explanation is omitted.

[0123] However, the degree of degradation in the conveying performance of the feed unit 73 can vary depending on the type of paper S used by the user, the environment, etc. Therefore, the timing of displaying a prompt to replace the feed unit 73 when it is nearing the end of its life or has reached the end of its life, by comparing the feed count value N with the life information LJ, sometimes differs from the actual timing when replacement should be performed due to the degradation of the feed unit 73's conveying performance. As a result, sometimes the user replaces the feed unit 73 whose conveying performance degradation has not yet progressed. Or, sometimes the user uses the feed unit 73 whose conveying performance degradation has progressed without replacement.

[0124] Therefore, in the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 of this embodiment, the user can set whether to notify the user of the status of the feeding unit 73 and display a prompt to change the feeding unit 73. When the user switches between setting whether to notify the user of the status of the feeding unit 73 and display a prompt to change the feeding unit 73 and setting whether to notify the user of the status of the feeding unit 73 and display a prompt to change the feeding unit 73, the user presses both operation buttons 4a and 4b simultaneously for more than 5 seconds. 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 switching of the above settings, and switches between setting whether to notify the user of the status of the feeding unit 73 and display a prompt to change the feeding unit 73 and setting whether to notify the user of the status of the feeding unit 73 and display a prompt to change the feeding unit 73.

[0125] Furthermore, in the recording device 1 or feeding device 2 of this embodiment, the control unit 90 or the control unit 290 can make the display unit 6, 206 display information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73, such as the number of sheets of paper S that have been fed by the feeding unit 73, which serves as information for the user to determine when to replace the feeding unit 73.

[0126] Next, refer to Figure 18The flowchart shown illustrates the process by which, 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 to display information associated with the replacement of the feed unit 73. In this embodiment, the process by which the control unit 290 displays information associated with the replacement of the feed unit 73 corresponds to the control method of the feed system.

[0127] Furthermore, the processing performed by the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 when displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 is equivalent to the processing performed by the system 501 when displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. Furthermore, the program executed by the control unit 290 when displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 is equivalent to the program that causes the control unit 290 to control the feed device 2 having the feed unit 73, which conveys and is replaceable paper S.

[0128] In the recording device 1 or feeding device 2 of this embodiment, in the initial state, there is no setting to notify the feed unit 73 of its near-endurance state or its end-of-life state, nor to display a prompt to replace the feed unit 73. Therefore, in order to determine when to replace the feed unit 73, the user checks the number of sheets S that have been fed by the feed unit 73. In step S201, the control unit 290 checks whether a request has been made to display the number of sheets fed by the feed unit 73. Specifically, the control unit 290 checks whether there is an input from the user indicating a request to display the number of sheets fed by the feed unit 73.

[0129] For example, when there is a selection from the user's printer driver utility tab, the control unit 290 displays on the display unit 206. Figure 19 The setup screen SC appears as shown. Then, if the user selects "Printer Options Information" from the radio button section RB and selects "OK", the control unit 290 determines that the user has requested a display of the number of sheets fed by the feed unit 73. In this case, step S201 is 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 unit 290 determines that the user has not requested a display of the number of sheets fed by the feed unit 73. In this case, step S201 is no, and the control unit 290 ends the process.

[0130] In step S202, the control unit 290 displays the number of sheets fed by the feed unit 73. The control unit 290 displays, for example, on the display unit 206. Figure 21 The setup screen shown in Figure SC. Figure 21The setting screen SC shows the number of sheets of paper S that have been fed by the feed unit 73, which is the "number of sheets fed". The number of sheets fed is the feed count value N obtained by the control unit 290 from the memory 92. In other words, the control unit 290 obtains the number of sheets of paper S that have been fed by the feed unit 73 from the memory 92 and displays the number of sheets of paper S that have been fed by the feed unit 73 on the display unit 206.

[0131] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in Figure 21 The setting screen SC shows the "number of borderless printings," which indicates the number of times the recording unit 30 has recorded borderless printing to the outer edge of the paper S. The number of borderless printings recorded by the recording unit 30 is stored as a count value in the memory 92, just like the feed count value N. When step S202 is performed, the control unit 290 moves the process to step S203. It should be noted that borderless printing is included in the prescribed recording methods among the recording methods performed by the recording unit 30 on the paper S.

[0132] It should be noted that in step S202, when the number of sheets "conveyed" and the number of times "borderless printing has been recorded" are displayed as information associated with the replacement of the feed unit 73, the control unit 290 may also display, for example, on the display unit 206. Figure 20 The setup screen shown in SC.

[0133] In step S203, the control unit 290 confirms whether there has been a further request for the display of information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. Specifically, in addition to the number of sheets transported and the number of borderless printing cycles, the control unit 290 also confirms whether there has been any input from the user indicating a further request for the display of information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73.

[0134] For example, when the user selects Figure 21 If the radio button RB is selected as "Other," the control unit 290 determines that the user has further requested the display of information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. In this case, if step S203 is "Yes," the control unit 290 moves the process to step S205. If the radio button RB is not selected as described above, the control unit 290 determines that the user has not requested the display of the number of sheets fed by the feed unit 73. In this case, if step S203 is "No," the control unit 290 moves the process to step S204.

[0135] In step S204, the control unit 290 confirms whether an end display request has been made. Specifically, when the user selects... Figure 21If the radio button RB is set to "OK", the control unit 290 determines that the user has requested to end the display of information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. In this case, step S204 is "Yes", and the control unit 290 ends the process. If no radio button RB is selected, step S204 is "No", and the process continues. Figure 21 The settings screen SC is shown.

[0136] In step S205, the control unit 290 displays information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. For example, the control unit 290 displays information on the display unit 206. Figure 22 The setup screen shown in Figure SC. Figure 22 The setting screen SC shows the number of sheets transported, the number of borderless printing cycles, the number of sheets for "feed unit replacement reference," and the number of feed unit replacement cycles. The number of sheets for "feed unit replacement reference" is the value of the second threshold Ne, which is stored in the memory 92 as lifespan information LJ. The control unit 290 acquires the value of the second threshold Ne, which is stored in the memory 92 as lifespan information LJ, and displays it on the display unit 206 as the number of sheets for "feed unit replacement reference." The number of times the feed unit 73 has been replaced is also stored in the memory 92 as a count value, similar to the second threshold Ne.

[0137] It should be pointed out that it can also be in Figure 22 The setting screen SC shown does not display the number of sheets to be shipped or the number of printing passes without margins. Alternatively, in step S205, the control unit 290 may also display the information on the display unit 206. Figure 23 The setup screen shown in Figure SC. Figure 23 The settings screen SC shown displays the following: the number of sheets fed, the number of borderless printing cycles, the number of sheets for "feed unit change reference," the number of "feed unit changes," the date of the last feed unit change, the number of "misfeeds," and the number of "double-sided printing cycles." Furthermore, in... Figure 23 In the setup screen SC shown, information with higher probability of being a key point when the user determines when to change the feed unit 73 is displayed further up in the setup screen SC.

[0138] The date of the last replacement of the feed unit 73 is the date of the last replacement of the feed unit 73, and is stored as a count value in the memory 92. The number of erroneous feeds is the number of times the feed unit 73 failed to feed paper S, and is stored as a count value in the memory 92. Erroneous feeds include non-feeding (the feed unit 73 fails to feed paper S from the paper supply tray 60), refeeding (feeding multiple sheets of paper S at once from the paper supply tray 60), and paper jams (paper S stops on the transport path 17). The control unit 290 obtains the count value of the erroneous feeds stored in the memory 92 and displays the number of erroneous feeds on the display unit 206. The number of double-sided printings is the number of times the recording unit 30 performs double-sided printing on both sides of the paper S, and is stored as a count value in the memory 92. It should be noted that double-sided printing is included in the prescribed recording methods of the recording unit 30 on the paper S.

[0139] When step S205 is completed, the control unit 290 moves the processing to step S206. In step S206, the control unit 290 checks whether an end display request has been made. Specifically, if no radio button RB is selected, step S206 is negative, and the control unit 290 continues. Figure 22 or Figure 23 The settings screen (SC) is shown below. After the user selects... Figure 22 or Figure 23 When the radio button RB in the feed unit is set to "OK", the control unit 290 determines that the user has requested to stop displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. In this case, step S206 is the process of the control unit 290 stopping the display of information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73.

[0140] It should be noted that when the control unit 90 of the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 is not connected to the control unit 290 of the external device 201, it is used by the control unit 90. Figures 18 to 23 The description describes the processing performed by the control unit 290 when displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. In this case, the control unit 90 displays information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 by executing a program stored in the memory 92. Furthermore, in this case, the processing flow of the control unit 90 when displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 is equivalent to the control method of the feed device. It should be noted that in this case, the control unit 90 displays on the display unit 6... Figures 19 to 23 The settings screen shown is SC.

[0141] Furthermore, in this case, the processing performed by the control unit 90 when displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 is equivalent to the processing performed by the feed device 2 when displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. Furthermore, the procedure executed by the control unit 90 or the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 when displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 is equivalent to the procedure by which the control unit 90 or the control unit 290 controls the feed device 2 having the feed unit 73, which feeds the paper S and can be replaced.

[0142] As described above, the following effects can be obtained from the feeding system, feeding device, control method and program of the feeding device according to Embodiment 1.

[0143] System 501 is a feeding system comprising: a feeding device 2 having a replaceable feeding section 73 that feeds paper S; an external device 201 connected to the feeding device 2 and having a control unit 290; and a display unit 206. In this feeding system, the control unit 290 acquires the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feeding section 73 and displays the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feeding section 73 on the display unit 206. In this case, the user can confirm the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feeding section 73 and determine the timing for replacing the feeding section 73 based on the user's replacement criteria. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to suppress the replacement of the feeding section 73 when its conveying performance is higher than the user's required conveying performance, and to use the feeding section 73 when its conveying performance is lower than the user's required conveying performance without replacement. Therefore, ease of use can be provided to the user.

[0144] The control unit 290 can display a prompt to replace the feed unit 73 on the display unit 206 based on the number of sheets of paper S already fed by the feed unit 73, and can set whether to display the prompt to replace the feed unit 73 on the display unit 206. Therefore, by displaying the prompt to replace the feed unit 73 without being based on the replacement criteria set in system 501, even if the lifespan of the feed unit 73 changes due to the type of paper S used by the user, the environment, etc., it is possible to prevent the user from replacing the feed unit 73 even though it still has a lifespan. Furthermore, when the user's replacement criteria meet the replacement criteria set in system 501, by displaying a prompt to replace the feed unit 73, the user can replace the feed unit 73 at an appropriate time.

[0145] The control unit 290 acquires lifespan information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feed unit 73 and displays this information on the display unit 206. Based on this, by comparing the user's replacement criteria with the lifespan information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feed unit 73, the user can appropriately determine whether the time to replace the feed unit 73 is approaching.

[0146] The control unit 290 acquires the number of times the feed unit 73 fails to feed paper S, i.e., the number of erroneous feeds, and displays the number of erroneous feeds on the display unit 206. Based on this, the user can determine whether it is time to replace the feed unit 73 by considering the number of erroneous feeds.

[0147] System 501 includes a recording unit 30 that records the paper S fed by the feed unit 73. The recording unit 30 can record the paper S in a predetermined recording method. The control unit 290 displays the number of times the recording unit 30 has recorded in the predetermined recording method on the display unit 206. If the recording method is different, the dust and ink mist generated by the recording unit 30 will cause different levels of contamination to the feed roller 73a of the feed unit 73, and sometimes the lifespan of the feed unit 73 will change. Even in such cases, by considering the number of times the recording unit 30 has recorded in the predetermined recording method, the user can appropriately determine whether it is time to replace the feed unit 73.

[0148] The specified recording method includes borderless printing where the recording section 30 records to the outer edge of the paper S. During borderless printing, ink haze can easily form due to the recording by the recording section 30, potentially contaminating the feed roller 73a of the feed section 73. Even in this situation, the user can appropriately determine whether it is close to changing the feed section 73 by considering the number of times borderless printing is performed.

[0149] The prescribed recording method includes double-sided printing, in which the recording unit 30 records on both sides of the paper S. When double-sided printing is performed by the feed device 2, the paper S, after recording on one side, is placed on the mounting surface 61 with one side in contact with the paper S placed on the mounting surface 61 and the feed driven roller 72. Sometimes, the recording unit 30 records on the other side of the paper S being fed by the feed unit 73 to perform double-sided printing. When double-sided printing is performed in this way, because the paper S is in contact with the recorded side, the ink adhering to the paper S placed on the mounting surface 61 or the feed driven roller 72 can easily transfer to the feed roller section 73a of the feed unit 73, contaminating the feed roller section 73a. Even in such cases, the user can appropriately determine whether it is close to the time to replace the feed unit 73 by considering the number of double-sided printing records.

[0150] The feeding device 2 includes a paper supply tray 60 for holding paper S, a feeding section 73 for feeding paper S from the paper supply tray 60, a control section 90, and a display section 6. The control section 90 counts the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feeding section 73 and displays the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feeding section 73 on the display section 6. In this case, the user can confirm the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feeding section 73 and determine when to replace the feeding section 73 based on the user's replacement criteria. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to suppress the replacement of the feeding section 73 when its conveying performance is higher than the user's required conveying performance, and to use the feeding section 73 when its conveying performance is lower than the user's required conveying performance without replacement. Therefore, ease of use can be provided to the user.

[0151] The control unit 90 can display a prompt to replace the feed unit 73 on the display unit 6 based on the number of sheets of paper S already fed by the feed unit 73, and can set whether to display the prompt to replace the feed unit 73 on the display unit 6. Therefore, by displaying the prompt to replace the feed unit 73 without being based on the replacement criteria obtained by the control unit 90, even if the lifespan of the feed unit 73 changes due to the type of paper S used by the user, the environment, etc., it is possible to prevent the user from replacing the feed unit 73 even though it still has a lifespan. Furthermore, when the user's replacement criteria match the replacement criteria obtained by the control unit 90, by displaying a prompt to replace the feed unit 73, the user can replace the feed unit 73 at an appropriate time.

[0152] A method for controlling a feeding device 2 includes a replaceable feeding section 73 that feeds paper S. The feeding section 73 feeds paper S. The control method includes counting the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feeding section 73 and displaying the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feeding section 73 on a display section 6. In this case, the user can confirm the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feeding section 73 and determine the timing for replacing the feeding section 73 based on the user's replacement criteria. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to suppress the replacement of the feeding section 73 when its conveying performance is higher than the user's required conveying performance, and to use the feeding section 73 when its conveying performance is lower than the user's required conveying performance without replacement. Therefore, ease of use can be provided to the user.

[0153] The control method for the feeding device includes setting whether to display a prompt to replace the feed unit 73 based on the number of sheets S of paper S already fed by the feed unit 73. Accordingly, by switching between displaying the prompt to replace the feed unit 73 and not displaying the prompt to replace the feed unit 73 according to the user's request, the user can replace the feed unit 73 at an appropriate time.

[0154] A program allows either control unit 90 or 290 to control a feeding device 2 having a replaceable feed unit 73 that feeds paper S. This feed unit 73 feeds paper S. The program includes either control unit 90 or 290 counting and displaying the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feed unit 73. In this case, the user can confirm the number of sheets of paper S fed by the feed unit 73 and determine when to replace the feed unit 73 based on the user's replacement criteria. Accordingly, for example, it is possible to suppress the replacement of a feed unit 73 whose conveying performance is higher than the user's required conveying performance, and to use a feed unit 73 whose conveying performance is lower than the user's required conveying performance without replacement. Therefore, ease of use can be provided to the user.

[0155] The program includes setting either control unit 90 or 290 to display a prompt to change the feed unit 73 based on the number of sheets S of paper S already fed by the feed unit 73. Accordingly, by switching between displaying the prompt to change the feed unit 73 and not displaying the prompt, the user can change the feed unit 73 at an appropriate time.

[0156] The feeding system, feeding device, control method, and program of the above-described embodiments of this disclosure are based on the configuration described above. However, modifications or omissions of some configurations may be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and other embodiments described below can be combined and implemented with each other without technical inconsistencies. Other embodiments will now be described.

[0157] In the above embodiment, when viewed along the X-axis, the shape of the shaft 74a constituting the feed drive roller 71 may not be circular. For example, when viewed along the X-axis, the shape of the shaft 74a may be the same as that of the fitting portion 74b. In this case, the rotating shaft 74 may not have the fitting portion 74b. Furthermore, in this case, it can be said that the fitting portion 73b of the feed portion 73 is fitted with the shaft 74a of the rotating shaft 74.

[0158] In the above embodiment, the starting position of the feed section 73 may also be the position where the unloading direction T is towards the inner side 10w of the housing 10 and the disassembly port 73e of the feed section 73 is towards the mounting surface 61 of the paper supply tray 60.

[0159] In the above embodiment, when the feed section 73 is in the starting position, the unloading direction T may not be directed towards the inner side 10w of the housing 10, as long as it is not directed towards the opening 10h. For example, when the feed section 73 is in the starting position, the unloading direction T may be directed towards the upper surface or the bottom surface of the housing 10, or it may be directed towards the mounting surface 61 of the paper supply tray 60. In this case, the upper surface or the bottom surface of the housing 10 is an example of a location in the housing 10 that is different from the opening 10h.

[0160] In the above embodiment, a paper feed sensor capable of detecting the paper S placed on the paper feed tray 60 may also be provided. Therefore, if the paper S is detected by the paper feed sensor, the control unit 90 may display a prompt 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 may not perform any operation. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The process of step S16 in the flowchart shown.

[0161] In the above embodiment, the housing 10 may also lack an upper surface that serves as the +Z direction side. In this case, the housing 10 may also lack an opening 10h.

[0162] In the above embodiments, the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 may not have the opening and closing component 11.

[0163] In the above embodiments, when the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 is connected to the external device 201, the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c may not be used when replacing the feeding unit 73. For example, when replacing the feeding unit 73, the user may also press the input key on the keyboard of the external device 201 to input the meaning of replacing the feeding unit 73 or the meaning of finishing replacing the feeding unit 73.

[0164] In the above embodiment, the operation panel 4 may also include, in addition to the operation buttons 4p, 4a, 4b, 4c and the light-emitting parts 5a, 5b, 5c, a feed unit replacement button for changing the feed unit 73. In this case, for example, during the replacement of the feed unit 73, the user can press the feed unit replacement button to input the meaning of changing the feed unit 73 or the meaning of the feed unit 73 replacement being completed.

[0165] In the above embodiment, the user can replace the feed unit 73 while the power to the recording device 1 or the feed unit 2 is disconnected. For example, if the recording device 1 or the feed unit 2 does not have a display unit 6 and is not connected to the external device 201, the user can replace the feed unit 73 while the control unit 90 is in operation. Figure 11 , Figure 12After the feed unit 73 is moved to the replacement position in step S18 of the flowchart shown, when the user presses the operation button 4p, the control unit 90 disconnects the power supply to the recording device 1 or the feed device 2 while the feed unit 73 is in the replacement position. Then, when the user finishes replacing the feed unit 73 and presses the operation button 4p, the control unit 90 performs step S23 to move the feed unit 73 to the starting position.

[0166] In the above embodiment, the number of sheets displayed as "number of sheets transported" on the setting screen SC may not be the feed count value N stored in the memory 92. For example, it may be a count value that is based on the printing task 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.

[0167] In the above embodiment, the second threshold Ne and the first threshold Nn, which are displayed as the number of sheets for "feed unit replacement reference" in the setting screen SC, as life information LJ, may not be stored in the memory 92. For example, they may be stored in the program executed when information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 is stored in the memory 292 of the display external device 201.

[0168] In the above embodiment, the control unit 290 may also display without new display. Figure 22 , Figure 23 The setting screen SC, as shown, displays information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. For example, in... Figure 18 In step S205 of the flowchart shown, when displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73, the control unit 290 can also... Figure 21 The settings screen shown in SC is enlarged to display and Figure 22 , Figure 23 The same information is related to the replacement of the feed section 73.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the recording method specified in the information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 displayed on the setting screen SC may also include the number of times high-resolution printing with high print quality was recorded in the recording unit 30. In high-resolution printing, for example, more small ink droplets are used compared to the case of recording with standard quality, and therefore, ink fog is more likely to occur.

[0170] In the above embodiment, the information displayed on the setting screen SC related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 may also display the number of sheets of paper S of a type with a high degree of paper dust adhesion that have been fed by the feed unit 73. Examples of papers with a high degree of paper dust adhesion include coated paper with a coating on its surface.

[0171] In the above embodiment, the information displayed on the setting screen SC related to the replacement of the feed unit 73 can also display the number of prints for media different from the paper S. For example, it can also be displayed in... Figure 23 The settings screen SC shows the number of prints for card C and the number of prints for disc D.

[0172] In the above embodiment, when switching between setting the display to indicate whether the feed unit 73 is not in operation and prompting the user to change the feed unit 73, and setting the display to indicate whether the feed unit 73 is in operation and prompting the user to change the feed unit 73, operation buttons 4a and 4b may not be used. For example, the user can also enable either display unit 206 or display unit 6 to display... Figure 23 The user selects "OK" and "Help" on the radio button RB shown in the settings screen SC, and the control unit 290 or control unit 90 determines that there is an input from the user requesting a change in the aforementioned settings. Alternatively, for example, if the control unit 90 is connected to the external device 201, the user can press an input key on the keyboard of the external device 201, and the control unit 290 or control unit 90 will then determine that there is an input from the user requesting a change in the aforementioned settings.

[0173] It should be noted that the following effects can be obtained from the feeding device, recording device, and control method of the feeding device according to the embodiments.

[0174] The feeding device 2 includes: a housing 10; a paper tray 60 for holding paper S; a feeding section 73 for conveying paper S from the paper tray 60, the feeding section 73 including: a feeding roller 73a for contacting and conveying paper S; a mating section 73b for mating with mating section 74b, the mating section 74b being disposed on a rotating shaft 74 for rotating the feeding roller 73a, the feeding section 73 being detachable from the rotating shaft 74; and a control section 90 for controlling the rotation of the feeding section 73. The feeding section 73 is disposed within the housing 10 such that it can be rotatably moved to a starting position for conveying paper S placed on the paper tray 60 and to a replacement position for being detachable from the rotating shaft 74. When replacing the feeding section 73, the control section 90 switches the position of the feeding section 73 to the replacement position. Therefore, since the control section 90 rotates the feeding section 73 to the replacement position, it is easy to replace the feeding section 73. Therefore, it can provide ease of use to users.

[0175] The housing 10 has an opening 10h that exposes the feed section 73 to the outside. The mounting surface 61 of the paper tray 60, which holds the paper S, is inclined relative to the vertical direction along the conveying direction of the paper S. When the feed section 73 is in the changing position, the unloading direction T of the feed section 73, which is removed from the rotating shaft 74, faces the opening 10h. When the feed section 73 is in the starting position, the unloading direction T faces the inner side 10w within the housing 10. Accordingly, when the feed section 73 is in the changing position, the user can easily change the feed section 73 via the opening 10h. Furthermore, when the feed section 73 is in the starting position, it is possible to prevent the user from accidentally removing the feed section 73 from the starting position.

[0176] The recording device 1 includes an instruction receiving unit IP that receives instructions from the user. After the control unit 90 receives a change instruction from the instruction receiving unit IP, it switches the position of the feed unit 73 to the change position. This improves the ease of use for the user.

[0177] The instruction receiving unit IP includes a display unit 6. After the control unit 90 receives a change instruction from the instruction receiving unit IP, it causes the display unit 6 to display a prompt to confirm whether paper S is loaded in the paper supply tray 60. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the feeding of paper S loaded in the paper supply tray 60 due to the operation of switching the position of the feed unit 73 to the change position.

[0178] The instruction receiving unit IP has multiple operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c. When at least two of the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are pressed, the control unit 90 determines that it is a replacement instruction for the feed unit 73. Accordingly, for example, compared to pressing only one operation button, it is possible to prevent the feed unit 73 from moving to the replacement position due to accidental pressing of an operation button. Furthermore, it is less likely to be accidentally pressed compared to pressing the radio button section RB displayed on the display unit 6.

[0179] When at least two of the multiple operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are pressed, the control unit 90 determines that the change of the feed unit 73 is complete. Therefore, compared to pressing only one operation button, it is possible to prevent the feed unit 73 from moving from its change position due to accidental button presses during the change of the feed unit 73. Furthermore, this reduces the likelihood of accidental presses compared to pressing the radio button RB displayed on the display unit 6.

[0180] When the feed unit 73 is replaced and has been installed on the rotating shaft 74, the control unit 90 rotates the feed unit 73 to the starting position. If the feed unit 73 is moved to the starting position after the paper S has been placed on the paper supply tray 60, the amount of paper S conveyed will differ from the amount of rotation of the feed unit 73 from the replacement position to the starting position. In contrast, the control unit 90 returns the feed unit 73, which is already installed on the rotating shaft 74, to the starting position before the paper S is placed on the paper supply tray 60, thus enabling proper conveying of the paper S placed on the paper supply tray 60.

[0181] The recording device 1 includes an opening / closing member 11, which has a rotation center on the -Y direction side of the Y-axis direction of the housing 10 and is configured to open and close the upper part of the housing 10. A feed unit 73 is disposed on the -Y direction side of the Y-axis direction of the housing 10. An indicator receiving unit IP is disposed on the X-axis direction of the housing 10, intersecting the Y-axis direction, at the end of the housing 10 in the +X direction, and is disposed on the +Y direction side of the Y-axis direction without overlapping with the feed unit 73. Therefore, it is possible to suppress erroneous actions such as accidental contact by the user with the indicator receiving unit IP during the replacement operation of the feed unit 73, causing the feed unit 73 to move from the replacement position.

[0182] The feed unit 73 includes an operating section 73f that can move in the X-axis direction. By moving via the operating section 73f, the feed unit 73 can be detached from the rotation axis 74. Therefore, the feed unit 73 can be easily replaced.

[0183] The control unit 90 acquires a feed count value N based on the number of sheets of paper S already fed by the feed unit 73 and life information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feed unit 73. Based on the feed count value N and the lifespan information LJ, the display unit 6 displays a prompt to replace the feed unit 73. Accordingly, the control unit 90 determines when to replace the feed unit 73 and prompts the user to replace it, thus enabling the user to replace the feed unit 73 at an appropriate time.

[0184] The lifespan information LJ includes a first threshold Nn and a second threshold Ne, which is a value greater than the first threshold Nn. When the feed count value N is greater than or equal to the first threshold Nn but less than the second threshold Ne, the control unit 90 displays a prompt to replace the feed unit 73. Accordingly, the control unit 90 determines the appropriate time to replace the feed unit 73 and prompts the user to replace it, thus enabling the user to replace the feed unit 73 at an appropriate time.

[0185] When the feed count value N is above the second threshold Ne, the control unit 90 displays a prompt to replace the feed unit 73 multiple times. This strongly prompts the user to replace the feed unit 73.

[0186] The recording device 1 includes a feeding device 2 and a recording unit 30 for recording on the paper S being fed. Accordingly, the paper S being fed appropriately by the feeding device 2 can be recorded by the recording unit 30.

[0187] A method for controlling a feeding device includes: a paper tray 60 for holding paper S; and a feeding section 73 for conveying paper S from the paper tray 60. The feeding section 73 includes: a feeding roller 73a that contacts the paper S to convey it; and a mating section 73b that engages with a mating section 74b, the mating section 74b being disposed on a rotating shaft 74 that rotates the feeding roller 73a. The feeding section 73 can be detached from the rotating shaft 74. In this method, when changing the feeding section 73, the position of the feeding section 73 is switched from the initial position of conveying paper S placed on the paper tray 60 to a replacement position where it can be removed from the rotating shaft 74. Accordingly, by controlling the feeding device, the feeding section 73 is moved to the replacement position, thus facilitating the replacement of the feeding section 73. Therefore, ease of use is provided to the user.

[0188] The feeding device, recording device, and control method of the feeding device described in the above embodiments of this disclosure are based on the configurations described above. However, it is undeniable that changes or omissions in the configuration can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, to the extent that there is no technical contradiction, the above embodiments and other embodiments described below can be combined with each other. The other embodiments will now be described.

[0189] In the above embodiment, when viewed along the X-axis, the shape of the shaft 74a constituting the feed drive roller 71 may not be circular. For example, when viewed along the X-axis, the shape of the shaft 74a may be the same as that of the fitting portion 74b. In this case, the rotating shaft 74 may not have the fitting portion 74b. Furthermore, in this case, it can be said that the fitting portion 73b of the feed portion 73 is fitted with the shaft 74a of the rotating shaft 74.

[0190] In the above embodiment, the starting position of the feed section 73 may also be the position where the unloading direction T is towards the inner side 10w of the housing 10 and the disassembly port 73e of the feed section 73 is towards the mounting surface 61 of the paper supply tray 60.

[0191] In the above embodiment, when the feed section 73 is in the starting position, the unloading direction T may not be directed towards the inner side 10w of the housing 10, as long as it is not directed towards the opening 10h. For example, when the feed section 73 is in the starting position, the unloading direction T may be directed towards the upper surface or the bottom surface of the housing 10, or it may be directed towards the mounting surface 61 of the paper supply tray 60. In this case, the upper surface or the bottom surface of the housing 10 is an example of a location in the housing 10 that is different from the opening 10h.

[0192] In the above embodiment, a paper feed sensor capable of detecting the paper S placed on the paper feed tray 60 may also be provided. Therefore, if the paper S is detected by the paper feed sensor, the control unit 90 may display a prompt 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 may not perform any operation. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The process of step S16 in the flowchart shown.

[0193] In the above embodiment, the housing 10 may also lack an upper surface that serves as the +Z direction side. In this case, the housing 10 may also lack an opening 10h.

[0194] In the above embodiments, the recording device 1 may also not have an opening / closing component 11.

[0195] In the above embodiment, when the recording device 1 is connected to the external device 201, the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c may not be used when replacing the feed unit 73. For example, when replacing the feed unit 73, the user may press the input keys on the keyboard of the external device 201 to input the meaning of replacing the feed unit 73 or the meaning of finishing replacing the feed unit 73.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the operation panel 4 may also include, in addition to the operation buttons 4p, 4a, 4b, 4c and the light-emitting parts 5a, 5b, 5c, a feed unit replacement button for changing the feed unit 73. In this case, for example, during the replacement of the feed unit 73, the user can press the feed unit replacement button to input the meaning of changing the feed unit 73 or the meaning of the feed unit 73 replacement being completed.

[0197] Notes

[0198] [1] A feeding system, characterized in that it comprises: a feeding device having a replaceable feeding section that conveys a medium; an external device connected to the feeding device and having a control unit; and a display unit.

[0199] The control unit acquires the number of sheets of the medium that have been fed by the feed unit and displays the number of sheets of the medium that have been fed by the feed unit on the display unit.

[0200] [2] The feeding system according to [1] is characterized in that,

[0201] The control unit can display a prompt to change the feed unit on the display unit based on the number of sheets of the medium that have been fed by the feed unit, and can set whether to display a prompt to change the feed unit on the display unit.

[0202] [3] The feeding system according to [1] or [2] is characterized in that,

[0203] The control unit acquires lifespan information about the feed unit and displays the lifespan information about the feed unit on the display unit.

[0204] [4] The feeding system according to any one of [1] to [3] is characterized in that,

[0205] The control unit acquires the number of false feeds and displays the number of false feeds on the display unit. The number of false feeds is the number of times the feed unit fails to deliver the medium.

[0206] [5] The feeding system according to any one of [1] to [4] is characterized in that,

[0207] The feeding system includes a recording unit that records the medium conveyed by the feeding unit.

[0208] The recording unit can record on the medium in a prescribed recording method.

[0209] The control unit displays on the display unit the number of times the recording unit has recorded data in the prescribed recording method.

[0210] [6] The feeding system according to [5] is characterized in that,

[0211] The specified recording method includes borderless printing in which the recording portion extends to the outer edge of the medium.

[0212] [7] The feeding system according to [5] or [6] is characterized in that,

[0213] The specified recording method includes double-sided printing, in which the recording unit records on both sides of the medium.

[0214] [8] A feeding device, characterized in that it comprises:

[0215] The mounting section holds the medium;

[0216] The feed section conveys the medium from the mounting section;

[0217] Control Department; and

[0218] Display section,

[0219] The control unit counts the number of sheets of the medium that have been fed by the feed unit and displays the number of sheets of the medium that have been fed by the feed unit on the display unit.

[0220] [9] The feeding device according to [8] is characterized in that,

[0221] The control unit can display a prompt to change the feed unit on the display unit based on the number of sheets of the medium that have been fed by the feed unit, and can set whether to display a prompt to change the feed unit on the display unit.

[0222]

[10] A control method for a feeding device, characterized in that the feeding device has a replaceable feeding section, the feeding section conveying a medium, and the control method for the feeding device includes:

[0223] The number of sheets of the medium that have been conveyed by the feed unit is counted; and

[0224] This displays the number of sheets of the medium that have been fed by the feed unit.

[0225]

[11] The control method of the feeding device according to

[10] is characterized in that the control method of the feeding device includes:

[0226] The system allows for setting whether to change the display of the feed unit based on the number of sheets of the medium already fed by the feed unit.

[0227]

[12] A program, characterized in that the program causes a control unit to control a feeding device having a replaceable feeding section that delivers a medium, the program comprising causing the control unit to:

[0228] The number of sheets of the medium that have been conveyed by the feed unit is counted; and

[0229] This displays the number of sheets of the medium that have been fed by the feed unit.

[0230]

[13] The procedure according to

[12] is characterized in that the procedure comprises:

[0231] The control unit is configured to prompt the feed unit to change its display based on the number of sheets of medium already fed by the feed unit.

[0232] The embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of this disclosure, changes, substitutions, deletions, etc., can be made.

Claims

1. A feeding device, characterized in that, have: Main body of the device; The mounting section holds the medium; The feeding section conveys the medium from the loading section. The feeding section includes a feeding roller section and a fitting section. The feeding roller section contacts the medium to convey the medium. The fitting section fits into the fitting section. The fitting section is disposed on a rotating shaft that rotates the feeding roller section. The feeding section can be detached from the rotating shaft. as well as The control unit controls the rotation of the feed unit. The feed unit is disposed within the main body of the device in a manner that allows it to be rotated to a feed position for conveying the medium placed on the loading unit and to a replacement position for being removed from the rotating shaft. When the feed unit is replaced, the control unit rotates the rotating shaft to switch the position of the feed unit to the replacement position.

2. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body of the device has an opening that exposes the feed section to the outside. The mounting surface in the mounting section on which the medium is mounted is inclined relative to the vertical direction along the conveying direction of the medium. With the feed section in the changing position, the feed section is removed from the rotating shaft in the removal direction toward the opening. When the feed section is in the feed position, the unloading direction is toward a part of the device body that is different from the opening.

3. The feeding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The feeding device includes an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions from the user. After receiving a replacement instruction from the instruction receiving unit, the control unit switches the position of the feed unit to the replacement position.

4. The feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The instruction receiving unit includes a display unit. After receiving a replacement instruction from the instruction receiving unit, the control unit causes the display unit to display a prompt to confirm whether the medium is placed in the loading unit.

5. The feeding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The instruction receiving unit is equipped with multiple operation buttons. When at least two of the plurality of operation buttons are pressed, the control unit determines that it is a replacement instruction for the feed unit.

6. The feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, When at least two of the plurality of operation buttons are pressed, the control unit determines that the replacement of the feed unit is complete.

7. The feeding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the feed unit is replaced and the feed unit has been installed on the rotating shaft, the control unit rotates the feed unit to the feed position.

8. The feeding device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that, The feeding device includes an opening and closing component, which has a rotation center on the rear side of the device body in the depth direction and is configured to open and close the upper part of the device body. The feed section is located on the back side of the main body of the device in the depth direction. The indicator receiving part is disposed on one end of the main body of the device in the width direction intersecting the depth direction, and on the front surface side in the depth direction at a position that does not overlap with the feed part.

9. The feeding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The feed unit includes an operating unit that is movable in the direction of the axis in which the feed unit rotates. The feed unit can be detached from the rotating shaft by being moved via the operating part.

10. The feeding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control unit acquires a feed count value based on the number of sheets of medium that have been fed by the feed unit and life information about the life of the feed unit, and causes the display unit to display a prompt to replace the feed unit based on the feed count value and the life information.

11. The feeding device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The lifetime information includes a first threshold and a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is a value greater than the first threshold. When the feed count value is above the first threshold and below the second threshold, the control unit displays a prompt to replace the feed unit.

12. The feeding device according to claim 11, characterized in that, If the feed count value is above the second threshold, the control unit causes the display prompting the feed unit to be changed to appear multiple times.

13. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The feeding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and The recording unit records data on the medium being transported.

14. A control method for a feeding device, characterized in that, The feeding device includes: a mounting section for holding a medium; and a feeding section for conveying the medium from the mounting section. The feeding section includes a feeding roller section and a mating section. The feeding roller section contacts the medium to convey it. The mating section engages with the mating section. The mating section is disposed on a rotating shaft that rotates the feeding roller section. The feeding section can be attached to and detached from the rotating shaft. In the control method of the feeding device, When the feed unit is replaced, the rotating shaft is rotated to switch the position of the feed unit from a feed position for conveying the medium placed on the mounting unit to a replacement position where it can be removed from the rotating shaft.

15. A feeding device, characterized in that, have: Main body of the device; The mounting section holds the medium; The feeding section conveys the medium from the loading section. The feeding section includes a feeding roller section and a fitting section. The feeding roller section contacts the medium to convey the medium. The fitting section fits into the fitting section. The fitting section is disposed on a rotating shaft that rotates the feeding roller section. The feeding section can be detached from the rotating shaft. as well as The control unit controls the rotation of the feed unit. The feed unit is disposed within the main body of the device in a manner that allows it to be rotated to a feed position for conveying the medium placed on the loading unit and to a replacement position for being removed from the rotating shaft. When the feed unit is replaced, the control unit switches the position of the feed unit to the replacement position. The feeding device includes an instruction receiving unit that receives instructions from the user. After receiving a replacement instruction from the instruction receiving unit, the control unit switches the position of the feed unit to the replacement position.

Images