Recording apparatus and life estimation method

Abstract

Provided is a recording device and a life estimation method that can improve the estimation accuracy of the degree of degradation of a conveyance detection section or a conveyance section. The recording device includes a recording section (19) that records a medium; a paper cassette (13) that houses the medium (21) and is configured to be openable and closable; a conveyance section (17) that conveys the medium (21) housed in the paper cassette (13) along a conveyance path (22); a conveyance detection section (18) that detects the medium (21) at a detection position provided in the conveyance path (22); a calculation section that calculates a conveyance time from when the medium (21) supplied from the paper cassette (13) reaches the detection position, based on a detection result of the conveyance detection section (18); a determination section that determines whether the paper cassette (13) is open or closed; and an estimation section that estimates the life of the conveyance detection section (18) or the conveyance section (17), based on time information related to the conveyance time and open / close information related to the open / close determination of the paper cassette (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to recording devices such as printers and methods for estimating lifespan. Background Technology

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, there is an image forming apparatus, which forms an image on a recording material, one example of which is a medium. The image forming apparatus includes a paper tray, a transport roller, one example of which is a transport unit, and a sensor, one example of which is a transport inspection unit.

[0003] The paper tray holds recording material. The transport rollers convey the medium supplied from the paper tray along a transport path, one example of which is the transport route. Sensors inspect the recording material transported in the transport path. The image forming apparatus determines the degree of deterioration of the transport rollers based on an example of the arrival time of the recording material at the sensor.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-175920

[0005] In addition to the deterioration of the conveyor section, the conveying time can also vary due to the deterioration of the conveyor detection section and the state of the medium in the paper tray. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the degree of deterioration of the conveyor detection section and the conveyor section with high accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A recording apparatus for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: a recording unit for recording media; a paper tray for containing the media and configured to be openable and closable; a transport unit for transporting the media contained in the paper tray along a transport path; a transport detection unit for detecting the media at a detection position provided on the transport path; a calculation unit for calculating the transport time from when the media supplied from the paper tray reaches the detection position based on the detection result of the transport detection unit; a determination unit for determining whether the paper tray is open or closed; and an estimation unit for estimating the lifespan of the transport detection unit or the transport unit based on time information related to the transport time and opening / closing information related to the determination of the opening / closing of the paper tray.

[0007] A recording apparatus for solving the above-mentioned technical problems includes: a recording unit for recording media; a paper tray for containing the media and configured to be openable and closable; a transport unit for transporting the media contained in the paper tray along a transport path; a transport detection unit for detecting the media at a detection position provided on the transport path; a calculation unit for calculating the transport time from when the media supplied from the paper tray reaches the detection position based on the detection result of the transport detection unit; a determination unit for determining whether the paper tray is open or closed; a storage unit for establishing and storing time information related to the transport time and opening / closing information related to the opening / closing determination of the paper tray; and an output unit for outputting the time information and the opening / closing information stored in the storage unit to an external machine having an estimation unit capable of estimating the lifespan of the transport detection unit or the transport unit.

[0008] The lifespan estimation method for solving the above-mentioned technical problems is used to estimate the lifespan of a recording device, the recording device having: a recording unit for recording media; a paper tray for containing media and configured to be openable and closable; a transport unit for transporting the media contained in the paper tray along a transport path; and a transport detection unit for detecting the media at a detection position provided on the transport path, the lifespan estimation method comprising: calculating the transport time from the media supplied from the paper tray to the detection position; determining whether the paper tray is open or closed; and estimating the lifespan of the transport detection unit or the transport unit based on time information related to the transport time and opening / closing information related to the determination of the opening / closing of the paper tray. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the recording device.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a recording system equipped with a recording device.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the estimation routine.

[0012] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0013] 11…Recording device; 12…Main body; 13…Paper tray; 14…Paper tray detection unit; 15…Lifting detection unit; 16…Feeding unit; 17…Conveying unit; 18…Conveying detection unit; 19…Recording unit; 20…Stacker; 21…Media; 22…Conveying path; 24…Lifting mechanism; 25…Lifting motor; 26…Feed hopper; 27…Maintaining unit; 29…Feed roller; 30…Separation unit; 32…Conveying roller; 33…Conveyor belt; 34…Pulley; 37…Nozzle; 38…Nozzle surface; 40…Recording system; 41…Computer; 43…Control unit; 44…Storage unit; 45…Operating unit; 46…Calculation unit; 47…Judgment unit; 48…Estimation unit; 49…Output unit; Dc…Conveying direction; NT…Network; Pf…Supply position; Ps…Placement position. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Implementation

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the recording apparatus and the life estimation method will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For example, the recording apparatus of this embodiment is an inkjet printer that prints onto media such as paper, cloth, polyvinyl chloride, plastic components, and metal components by ejecting ink, which is an example of a liquid. In the drawings, the recording apparatus 11 is placed on a horizontal plane, the direction of gravity is shown by the Z-axis, and the directions along the horizontal plane are shown by the X-axis and Y-axis. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other.

[0016] Recording device

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown, the recording device 11 may also include a main body 12, a paper tray 13, a tray detection unit 14, a lifting detection unit 15, a feeding unit 16, a conveying unit 17, one or more conveying detection units 18, a recording unit 19, and a stacker 20. Alternatively, the recording device 11 may include multiple paper trays 13, multiple tray detection units 14, and multiple feeding units 16. Figure 1 In the diagram, the transport path 22 through which the medium 21 is transported is shown by a dashed line. The transport path 22 is the path connecting the paper tray 13 and the stacker 20.

[0018] Paper tray

[0019] The paper tray 13 is capable of containing media 21. The paper tray 13 is capable of being inserted into and removed from the main body 12. Inserting the paper tray 13 into the main body 12 is referred to as closing the paper tray 13 or closing the paper tray 13. Removing the paper tray 13 from the main body 12 is referred to as opening the paper tray 13 or opening the paper tray 13. The paper tray 13 is configured to be openable and closable.

[0020] Alternatively, the paper tray 13 can accommodate multiple media 21 in a stacked state. The paper tray 13 is opened to allow the media 21 to be placed. The paper tray 13 is closed to allow the media 21 to be supplied.

[0021] Alternatively, the paper tray detection unit 14 can detect the paper tray 13 when it is in the closed state. The paper tray 13 can be detected when the power to the recording device 11 is turned on.

[0022] Alternatively, the paper tray 13 may have a lifting mechanism 24. The lifting mechanism 24 is capable of lifting the medium 21. The lifting mechanism 24 is capable of performing a lifting action to raise the medium 21. Alternatively, the lifting mechanism 24 may have a lifting motor 25, a feed hopper 26, and a holding part 27.

[0023] The lifting motor 25 is driven, thereby raising the feeding hopper 26.

[0024] The feeding hopper 26 is able to Figure 1 The placement position Ps, indicated by a double-dotted line, is... Figure 1 The feed hopper 26 moves between the supply positions Pf, indicated by solid lines. The supply position Pf is a position higher than the placement position Ps. The feed hopper 26 lifts at least a portion of the medium 21 by moving from the placement position Ps to the supply position Pf. The feed hopper 26 rises, thereby bringing the medium 21 closer to the feed section 16.

[0025] The holding unit 27 maintains the feed hopper 26 in the supply position Pf. As the paper tray 13 is opened, the holding unit 27 releases the holding unit 27 from the feed hopper 26. That is, if the paper tray 13 is opened, the feed hopper 26 moves to the placement position Ps due to its own weight. Therefore, the user can place the media 21 onto the feed hopper 26 located in the placement position Ps by opening the paper tray 13. If the paper tray 13 is closed, the lifting motor 25 raises the feed hopper 26 located in the placement position Ps, and the holding unit 27 maintains the feed hopper 26 in the supply position Pf.

[0026] Alternatively, the lifting detection unit 15 can detect the lifting mechanism 24 located at the supply position Pf. Specifically, the lifting detection unit 15 can detect the feed hopper 26 located at the supply position Pf. Alternatively, the lifting detection unit 15 can detect that the feed hopper 26 is held at the supply position Pf by the holding unit 27. Alternatively, for example, the lifting detection unit 15 can be an optical sensor or a contact sensor. Alternatively, for example, the lifting detection unit 15 can detect the number of rotations of the lifting motor 25 by a rotary encoder, thereby detecting that the feed hopper 26 has moved from the placement position Ps to the supply position Pf.

[0027] Feeding section

[0028] The feed unit 16 feeds the media 21 contained in the paper tray 13 one sheet at a time into the transport path 22. Alternatively, the feed unit 16 may include a feed roller 29 and a separator 30.

[0029] With the medium 21 held between the feed roller 29 and the feed hopper 26, the feed roller 29 rotates to feed the medium 21 onto the conveying path 22. The feed roller 29 feeds out the uppermost medium 21 contained in the paper tray 13. The separating section 30 separates the fed medium 21 sheets one by one in an overlapping state. The separating section 30 keeps the second and subsequent sheets of medium 21 remaining in the paper tray 13.

[0030] Conveying Department

[0031] The conveying unit 17 conveys the medium 21 contained in the paper tray 13 along the conveying path 22. The conveying unit 17 conveys the medium 21 in the conveying direction Dc. The conveying direction Dc is along the conveying path 22. The conveying direction Dc is from the paper tray 13 toward the stacker 20. Alternatively, the conveying unit 17 may include one or more conveying rollers 32, an annular conveyor belt 33, and a pair of pulleys 34.

[0032] The conveyor roller 32 rotates while holding the medium 21, thereby conveying the medium 21 along the conveyor path 22. The conveyor roller 32 discharges the printed medium 21 to the stacker 20. The stacker 20 accepts the conveyed medium 21.

[0033] The conveyor belt 33 is mounted on a pair of pulleys 34. The conveyor belt 33 is opposite to the recording unit 19 across the conveying path 22. The conveyor belt 33 supports a portion of the medium 21 in a flat state. The conveyor belt 33 rotates with the medium 21 adsorbed, thereby conveying the medium 21.

[0034] Recording Department

[0035] Alternatively, the recording unit 19 may have multiple nozzles 37 for ejecting liquid. Alternatively, the recording unit 19 may have a nozzle surface 38 with openings for the multiple nozzles 37. Alternatively, the recording unit 19 may be configured such that the nozzle surface 38 is inclined relative to a horizontal plane. The recording unit 19 prints on the medium 21 supported on the conveyor belt 33 by ejecting liquid onto the medium 21. Printing is one of the technical solutions for recording information. In this embodiment, the recording unit 19 records on the medium 21 by printing. Alternatively, the recording unit 19 may print by ejecting liquid onto the conveyed medium 21 while in a stopped state. Alternatively, the recording unit 19 may print serially by ejecting liquid while moving.

[0036] Conveying Inspection Department

[0037] The transport detection unit 18 detects the medium 21 at a detection position provided on the transport path 22. Alternatively, the recording device 11 may have multiple transport detection units 18. The multiple transport detection units 18 detect the medium 21 at different detection positions.

[0038] Alternatively, for example, the transport detection unit 18 may have a light-emitting section (not shown) and a light-receiving section (not shown), and the transport detection unit 18 may be a reflective optical sensor that detects light reflected at the medium 21. Alternatively, the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section may be positioned across the transport path 22. Alternatively, the transport detection unit 18 may be a transmissive optical sensor that detects the medium 21 by being shielded from light. Alternatively, the transport detection unit 18 may be a contact sensor that detects the medium 21 by contacting it with the transported medium 21.

[0039] Recording System

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the recording device 11 may also be included in the recording system 40. Alternatively, the recording system 40 may include a computer 41 and the recording device 11. Alternatively, the computer 41 and the recording device 11 may communicate via a network NT such as the Internet.

[0041] Alternatively, the recording device 11 may include a control unit 43, a storage unit 44, an operation unit 45, a calculation unit 46, a judgment unit 47, an estimation unit 48, and an output unit 49.

[0042] The control unit 43 uniformly controls the driving of each mechanism in the recording device 11, and controls various actions performed in the recording device 11. Alternatively, the control unit 43 controls the lifting mechanism 24 based on the detection results of the lifting detection unit 15. The control unit 43 can be configured as a circuit including the following structures: α: one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program; β: one or more dedicated hardware circuits that execute at least a portion of the various processes; or γ: a combination of these. For example, the hardware circuit is an integrated circuit for a specific purpose. The processor includes memory such as CPU, RAM, and ROM, and the memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processing. The memory, i.e., computer-readable medium, includes various readable media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0043] For example, the storage unit 44 is a memory such as RAM or ROM as described above. The storage unit 44 may be provided separately from the control unit 43, or it may include the control unit 43. The storage unit 44 stores various programs and various parameters. Alternatively, the control unit 43 may function as a calculation unit 46, a decision unit 47, and an estimation unit 48 by executing programs stored in the storage unit 44. Alternatively, at least one of the calculation unit 46, the decision unit 47, and the estimation unit 48 may be implemented by a computer 41 executing a program.

[0044] Alternatively, the operation unit 45 may have buttons, panels, and switches for performing various operations on the recording device 11.

[0045] Alternatively, the output unit 49 may output information related to the recording device 11. For example, the output unit 49 may be a display capable of outputting information via images, videos, or text. For example, the output unit 49 and the operation unit 45 may be integrated as a touch panel. The output unit 49 may be a loudspeaker capable of outputting information via voice or sound. The output unit 49 may be a lamp capable of outputting information using light. For example, the lamp may output information by illuminating a corresponding label. The output unit 49 may be a communication device that outputs information to devices other than the recording device 11, or a connection terminal connected to a communication cable used for communication. For example, the output unit 49 may send information to the computer 41. The recording unit 19 may output information by printing onto a medium 21, etc. In this case, the recording unit 19 functions as the output unit 49.

[0046] Estimation routine

[0047] Figure 3 The estimation routine shown is executed at a time when the power to the recording device 11 is turned on.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, in step S101, the control unit 43 confirms whether the feeding hopper 26 is located at the feeding position Pf based on the detection result of the lifting detection unit 15. If the feeding hopper 26 is located at the feeding position Pf, step S101 becomes yes, and the control unit 43 transfers the process to step S102. In step S102, the control unit 43 sets the opening / closing flag to 0 and transfers the process to step S106.

[0049] If the feeding hopper 26 is not in the feeding position Pf, step S101 fails, and the control unit 43 transfers the processing to step S103. In step S103, the control unit 43 sets the open / close flag to 1. In step S104, the control unit 43 performs a lifting operation. That is, the control unit 43 drives the lifting motor 25 to raise the feeding hopper 26.

[0050] In step S105, the control unit 43 determines whether the feeding hopper 26 has moved to the supply position Pf based on the detection result of the lifting detection unit 15. If the feeding hopper 26 is not in the supply position Pf, step S105 becomes negative, and the control unit 43 performs a lifting operation until the feeding hopper 26 moves to the supply position Pf. If the feeding hopper 26 has moved to the supply position Pf, step S105 becomes positive, and the control unit 43 transfers the processing to step S106.

[0051] In step S106, the control unit 43 determines whether the supply of the medium 21 placed in the paper tray 13 has started. If the supply of the medium 21 has not started, step S106 is negative, and the control unit 43 transfers the process to step S101. If the supply of the medium 21 has started, step S106 is positive, and the control unit 43 transfers the process to step S107.

[0052] In step S107, the control unit 43 performs an opening / closing determination of the document tray 13. Alternatively, the control unit 43 instructs the determination unit 47 to perform an opening / closing determination. The determination unit 47 determines whether the document tray 13 is open or closed. If the opening / closing flag is 0, the determination unit 47 determines that the document tray 13 has not been opened or closed. If the opening / closing flag is 1, the determination unit 47 determines that the document tray 13 has been opened or closed.

[0053] In step S108, the control unit 43 drives the feed unit 16. In step S109, the control unit 43 drives the conveying unit 17.

[0054] In step S110, the control unit 43 determines whether the transport detection unit 18 has detected the medium 21. If the transport detection unit 18 has detected the medium 21, then step S110 becomes yes, and the control unit 43 transfers the processing to step S111. In step S111, the control unit 43 calculates the transport time. Alternatively, the control unit 43 may instruct the calculation unit 46 to perform the transport time calculation.

[0055] In step S112, the control unit 43 establishes a connection between time information related to the conveying time and opening / closing information related to the opening / closing determination of the paper feed tray 13, and stores them in the storage unit 44. The opening / closing information may include the determination result based on the determination unit 47, or it may include an opening / closing flag.

[0056] In step S113, the control unit 43 estimates the lifespan of the conveying detection unit 18 or the conveying unit 17. Alternatively, the control unit 43 instructs the estimation unit 48 to perform the lifespan estimation. The lifespan estimation can be performed whenever the conveying time is calculated, or it can be performed at certain intervals.

[0057] In step S110, if the front end of the medium 21 has not reached the detection position, the transport detection unit 18 does not detect the medium 21, so step S110 becomes negative, and the control unit 43 transfers the processing to step S114.

[0058] In step S114, the control unit 43 determines whether a threshold time has elapsed since the start of the feed unit 16. If the threshold time has not elapsed, step S114 is invalid, and the control unit 43 transfers the processing to step S110. The control unit 43 remains in standby mode until the transport detection unit 18 detects the medium 21 or the threshold time has elapsed.

[0059] If the threshold time has elapsed, step S114 becomes "yes," and control unit 43 transfers processing to step S115. In step S115, control unit 43 stops the drive of feed unit 16 and conveying unit 17. In step S116, control unit 43 causes output unit 49 to output a conveying error such as a blockage, and terminates the estimation routine.

[0060] The role of the implementation method

[0061] The function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, when the power to the recording device 11 is on and the paper tray 13 is open, the lifting mechanism 24 lowers the feed hopper 26. Alternatively, for example, during the lifting operation, when the paper tray 13 is open, the lifting mechanism 24 lowers the media 21. The lifting mechanism 24 can lower the feed hopper 26 by its own weight, or it can lower the feed hopper 26 by reversing the drive of the lifting motor 25.

[0063] With the power to the recording device 11 on and the paper tray 13 closed, the lifting mechanism 24 raises the feed hopper 26. When the feed hopper 26 is not in the feed position Pf, the lifting mechanism 24 drives the lifting motor 25 to perform a lifting action.

[0064] While the paper tray 13 is closed, the lifting mechanism 24 maintains the feed hopper 26 in the supply position Pf. The maintenance and release of the feed hopper 26 by the holding unit 27 are performed in a manner independent of the power supply to the recording device 11. Therefore, even after the power to the recording device 11 is turned off, the holding unit 27 also maintains the feed hopper 26 in the supply position Pf. If the paper tray 13 is opened while the power to the recording device 11 is off, the holding unit 27 releases the holding of the feed hopper 26 and lowers the feed hopper 26.

[0065] The lifting action requires electricity. When the power to the recording device 11 is off, and the paper tray 13 is closed, the lifting mechanism 24 lifts at the time the power to the recording device 11 is turned on. That is, if the paper tray 13 is opened or closed while the power to the recording device 11 is off, the feed hopper 26 is in the placement position Ps when the power is turned on. If the paper tray 13 is not opened or closed while the power to the recording device 11 is off, the feed hopper 26 is maintained in the feeding position Pf when the power is turned on. Therefore, a lifting action is not required.

[0066] Alternatively, the determination unit 47 may determine whether the paper tray 13 opened or closed during the period when the power to the recording device 11 was off, based on whether a lifting action occurred when the power to the recording device 11 was turned on. Alternatively, if no lifting action occurred when the power was turned on, the determination unit 47 may determine that the paper tray 13 did not open or close during the period when the power was off. Alternatively, if a lifting action occurred when the power was turned on, the determination unit 47 may determine that the paper tray 13 opened or closed during the period when the power was off.

[0067] If printing begins, the feed unit 16 feeds the medium 21. Alternatively, if a threshold time has elapsed since the feed unit 16 was started, and the transport detection unit 18 has not detected the medium 21, the control unit 43 determines that the medium 21 is blocked in the transport path 22. Alternatively, if the recording device 11 has multiple transport detection units 18, a threshold time can be set for each transport detection unit 18.

[0068] If the transport detection unit 18 detects the medium 21, the calculation unit 46 calculates the transport time. Based on the detection result of the transport detection unit 18, the calculation unit 46 calculates the transport time from when the medium 21 supplied by the paper tray 13 reaches the detection position. The transport time can also be the time from when the start feed unit 16 is driven until the transport detection unit 18 detects the leading edge of the medium 21. Alternatively, if the recording device 11 has multiple transport detection units 18, the calculation unit 46 can calculate the transport time for each transport detection unit 18.

[0069] The estimation unit 48 estimates the lifespan of the conveying detection unit 18 or the conveying unit 17 based on time information and opening / closing information. Alternatively, the estimation unit 48 estimates the lifespan by comparing the conveying time with the estimated time. Alternatively, the estimated time may be pre-stored in the storage unit 44. Alternatively, if the conveying time exceeds the estimated time, the estimation unit 48 estimates that the lifespan of the conveying detection unit 18 or the conveying unit 17 is nearing its end. Alternatively, the estimation unit 48 estimates the period during which the conveying time exceeds the estimated time based on information stored in the storage unit 44.

[0070] If the transport detection unit 18 deteriorates, a longer transport time than actually detected will be observed due to the delay in its response. If the transport unit 17 deteriorates, the transport time will be extended due to increased slippage of the transport roller 32 on the medium 21 and a decrease in the amount of material that the transport roller 32 can deliver in one rotation. The transport time will also be extended if the paper tray 13 is not placed correctly or if the medium 21 deviates due to impacts from opening or closing the paper tray 13.

[0071] Therefore, it is also possible that the estimation unit 48 estimates the lifespan while the power to the recording device 11 is off and the paper tray 13 is not opened or closed. Alternatively, when estimating the lifespan, the estimation unit 48 may exclude the transport time after the paper tray 13 has been opened or closed.

[0072] Effects of the implementation method

[0073] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0074] (1) The state of the medium 21 inside the paper tray 13 may change as the paper tray 13 is opened and closed. In addition to time information related to the transport time, the estimation unit 48 estimates the lifespan of the transport detection unit 18 or the transport unit 17 based on opening and closing information related to the opening and closing of the paper tray 13. As a result, the accuracy of the estimation of the deterioration degree of the transport detection unit 18 or the transport unit 17 can be improved.

[0075] (2) The determination unit 47 determines whether the paper tray 13 is opened or closed during the period when the power is off based on whether the lifting action is present when the power is on. Generally, the lifting mechanism 24 rises and moves to the supply position Pf to maintain the state in which the medium 21 can be supplied. However, when the lifting mechanism 24 is in the supply position Pf, there is a risk that the medium 21 may obstruct the opening and closing of the paper tray 13. Therefore, the lifting mechanism 24 moves to the placement position Ps, which is lower than the supply position Pf, as the paper tray 13 opens, so that the medium 21 is lowered. Since the movement from the supply position Pf to the placement position Ps is due to its own weight, the lifting mechanism 24 can move even when the power to the recording device 11 is not on. However, when the power to the recording device 11 is not on, the lifting mechanism 24 cannot move from the placement position Ps to the supply position Pf. The lifting mechanism 24 waits for the power to the recording device 11 to be turned on before performing the lifting action. Whether the paper tray 13 is opened or closed is related to whether the lifting action is present. That is, when the paper tray 13 is not open or closed, the lifting mechanism 24 is in the supply position Pf, so the lifting action is not performed. When the paper tray 13 is open or closed, the lifting mechanism 24 is in the placement position Ps, so the lifting action is performed. Therefore, by using the presence or absence of the lifting action to determine the opening or closing of the paper tray 13, for example, compared to the case where a separate mechanism is provided to monitor the state of the paper tray 13, the increase in the number of components can be suppressed.

[0076] (3) The control unit 43 controls the lifting mechanism 24 based on the detection results of the lifting detection unit 15. Therefore, compared to the situation where the user operates the lifting mechanism 24, it can save the user trouble.

[0077] (4) When the paper tray 13 is opened during the lifting action, the lifting mechanism 24 causes the medium 21 to descend. Therefore, the risk of the medium 21 obstructing the opening and closing of the paper tray 13 can be reduced.

[0078] (5) The storage unit 44 establishes a correlation between the opening and closing information and the time information and stores it. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the rate of deterioration of the transport detection unit 18 or the transport unit 17.

[0079] Change Example

[0080] This embodiment can be modified as follows. This embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0081] Alternatively, when the power to the recording device 11 is turned on, and the paper tray 13 is in the open state, the control unit 43 waits for the paper tray 13 to be closed before executing the estimation routine.

[0082] Alternatively, the estimation unit 48 may include a computer 41, which is an example of an external machine. Alternatively, the output unit 49 may output the time information and opening / closing information stored in the storage unit 44 to the computer 41, which has an estimation unit 48 capable of estimating the lifespan of the transport detection unit 18 or the transport unit 17.

[0083] Alternatively, the control unit 43 may not store the time information and the opening / closing information in the storage unit 44.

[0084] Alternatively, the time information stored in the storage unit 44 may not be associated with the opening and closing information. Alternatively, for example, the control unit 43 may store time information related to the transport time after determining that no paper tray 13 has been opened or closed in the storage unit 44.

[0085] Alternatively, the control unit 43 may prohibit the opening and closing of the paper tray 13 during the lifting operation. Alternatively, the control unit 43 may allow the opening and closing of the paper tray 13 only after the lifting operation has ended.

[0086] Alternatively, the lifting action can be performed manually by the user.

[0087] Alternatively, the recording device 11 may include a moving part (not shown) and a returning mechanism (not shown). The moving part moves from a first position to a second position as the paper tray 13 opens. The returning mechanism returns the moving part to the first position when the paper tray 13 is closed. Alternatively, at least one of the moving part and the returning mechanism may be provided in the paper tray 13. Alternatively, at least one of the moving part and the returning mechanism may be provided in the main body 12. Alternatively, the determination unit 47 may determine whether the paper tray 13 is open or closed based on whether the moving part is in the first position or the second position.

[0088] Alternatively, the recording device 11 may have a first mechanism with a paper tray 13 and a second mechanism with a recording unit 19. Alternatively, the first mechanism and the second mechanism may be separate devices.

[0089] Alternatively, the recording device 11 may include a computer 41. That is, the recording system 40 may function as a recording device. Alternatively, the recording device 11 and the computer 41 may be connected via wired or wireless direct communication.

[0090] Alternatively, the recording system 40 may have multiple recording devices 11. Alternatively, the recording system 40 may have multiple computers 41. Alternatively, the recording system 40 may have a server capable of communicating via a network NT.

[0091] • The recording device 11 may be configured without an output unit 49. Alternatively, the output unit 49 may be provided separately from the recording device 11. Alternatively, the recording system 40 may include an output unit 49. Alternatively, the output unit 49, such as a display, may be able to communicate with the recording device 11 via a network NT.

[0092] • The recording device 11 is not limited to an inkjet printer, but can also be a laser printer, thermal printer, click-to-printer, digital printer, etc.

[0093] The recording device can also be a liquid jetting device that records by spraying or ejecting liquids other than ink. The state of the liquid ejected from the liquid jetting device as tiny droplets is defined as including states with elongated, granular, teardrop-shaped, or linear tails. The liquid referred to here can be any material that can be ejected from the liquid jetting device. For example, the liquid can be a substance in a liquid phase state, including liquids with high or low viscosity, sols, gel water, other inorganic solvents, organic solvents, solutions, liquid resins, liquid metals, and fluids such as molten metals. The liquid is not only a liquid as a state of matter, but also includes liquids such as functional material particles composed of solids such as pigments and metal particles dissolved, dispersed, or mixed in a solvent. Representative examples of liquids include inks and liquid crystals as described in the above embodiments. Here, "ink" refers to inks including general water-based inks and various liquid compositions such as oil-based inks, gel inks, and hot-melt inks. For example, specific examples of liquid jetting devices include those that incorporate electrode materials, color materials, etc., in a dispersed or dissolved form. These electrode materials, color materials, etc., are used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-emitting displays, and color filters. Liquid jetting devices can also be used to jet bio-organic materials for biochip manufacturing, to jet liquids used for precision pipetting as samples, to print and dye, and to create micro-dispensers. Liquid jetting devices can also be used to precisely jet lubricating oil onto precision machinery such as watches and cameras, or to jet transparent resin liquids such as UV-curable resins onto a substrate to form tiny hemispherical lenses and optical lenses for optical communication components. Liquid jetting devices can also be used to jet etching solutions such as acids or alkalis to etch substrates.

[0094] definition

[0095] The term "at least one" as used in this specification means "more than one" of the desired options. For example, if the number of options is two, then "at least one" as used in this specification means "only one option" or "both of the two options." As another example, if the number of options is three or more, then "at least one" as used in this specification means "only one option" or "any combination of two or more options."

[0096] Postscript

[0097] The following describes the technical ideas and effects learned from the above-described implementation methods and modifications.

[0098] (A) The recording device includes: a recording unit for recording a medium; a paper tray for containing the medium and configured to be openable and closable; a transport unit for transporting the medium contained in the paper tray along a transport path; a transport detection unit for detecting the medium at a detection position provided on the transport path; a calculation unit for calculating the transport time from when the medium supplied from the paper tray reaches the detection position based on the detection result of the transport detection unit; a determination unit for determining whether the paper tray is open or closed; and an estimation unit for estimating the lifespan of the transport detection unit or the transport unit based on time information related to the transport time and opening / closing information related to the determination of the opening / closing of the paper tray.

[0099] The state of the media inside the paper tray may change as the paper tray is opened and closed. Based on this structure, the estimation unit estimates the lifespan of the transport detection unit or the transport unit based not only on time information related to transport time but also on opening and closing information related to the opening and closing of the paper tray. This improves the accuracy of estimating the degree of deterioration of the transport detection unit or the transport unit.

[0100] (B) In the recording device, the paper tray may also have a lifting mechanism capable of raising and lowering the medium, the lifting mechanism being capable of performing a lifting action to raise the medium, and the determination unit determining whether the paper tray is open or closed during the period when the power of the recording device is off based on whether the lifting action is present when the power of the recording device is turned on.

[0101] According to this structure, the determination unit determines whether the paper tray is open or closed during the period when the power is off based on whether a lifting action occurs when the power is on. Generally, the lifting mechanism rises and moves to the supply position to maintain a state where media can be supplied. However, when the lifting mechanism is in the supply position, there is a risk that the media may obstruct the opening and closing of the paper tray. Therefore, the lifting mechanism moves to a placement position lower than the supply position as the paper tray opens, thereby causing the media to descend. Since the movement from the supply position to the placement position is due to its own weight, the lifting mechanism can move even when the power to the recording device is not on. However, when the power to the recording device is not on, the lifting mechanism cannot move from the placement position to the supply position. The lifting mechanism waits for the power to the recording device to be turned on before performing the lifting action. The presence or absence of the opening and closing of the paper tray is related to the presence or absence of the lifting action. That is, when the paper tray is not open or closed, the lifting mechanism is in the supply position, so the lifting action is not performed. When the paper tray is open or closed, the lifting mechanism is in the placement position, so the lifting action is performed. Therefore, by using the presence or absence of the lifting action to determine the opening and closing of the paper tray, for example, compared to the case where a separate mechanism is provided to monitor the state of the paper tray, it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of components.

[0102] (C) Alternatively, the recording device may include: a lifting detection unit for detecting the lifting mechanism in the supply position; and a control unit for controlling the lifting mechanism based on the detection result of the lifting detection unit.

[0103] Based on this structure, the control unit controls the lifting mechanism according to the detection results of the lifting detection unit. Therefore, it saves users the trouble of operating the lifting mechanism themselves.

[0104] (D) In ​​the recording device, the lifting mechanism may also lower the medium when the paper tray is opened during the lifting action.

[0105] According to this structure, when the paper tray is opened during the lifting action, the lifting mechanism causes the media to descend. Therefore, media obstruction reduces the risk of the paper tray opening and closing.

[0106] (E) Alternatively, the recording device may include a storage unit that associates and stores the time information with the opening / closing information.

[0107] Based on this structure, the storage unit establishes a correlation between opening / closing information and time information and stores it. Therefore, it is possible to estimate the rate of deterioration of the conveying detection unit or the conveying unit.

[0108] (F) The recording device includes: a recording unit for recording media; a paper tray for containing the media and configured to be openable and closable; a transport unit for transporting the media contained in the paper tray along a transport path; a transport detection unit for detecting the media at a detection position provided on the transport path; a calculation unit for calculating the transport time from the arrival of the media supplied from the paper tray to the detection position based on the detection result of the transport detection unit; a determination unit for determining whether the paper tray is open or closed; a storage unit for establishing and storing time information related to the transport time and opening / closing information related to the opening / closing determination of the paper tray; and an output unit for outputting the time information and the opening / closing information stored in the storage unit to an external machine having an estimation unit capable of estimating the lifespan of the transport detection unit or the transport unit.

[0109] Based on this structure, the same effect as the recording device described above can be achieved.

[0110] (G) A lifespan estimation method is used to estimate the lifespan of a recording device having a recording unit, a paper tray, a transport unit, and a transport detection unit, wherein the recording unit records media; the paper tray contains the media and is configured to be openable and closable; the transport unit transports the media contained in the paper tray along a transport path; and the transport detection unit detects the media at a detection position provided on the transport path. The lifespan estimation method includes: calculating the transport time from when the media supplied from the paper tray reaches the detection position; determining whether the paper tray is open or closed; and estimating the lifespan of the transport detection unit or the transport unit based on time information related to the transport time and opening / closing information related to the determination of the opening / closing of the paper tray.

[0111] According to this method, the same effect as the recording device described above can be achieved.

Claims

1. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The recording department records information from the medium. The paper tray contains the medium and is configured to open and close. The conveying unit transports the medium contained in the paper tray along the conveying path; The conveying detection unit detects the medium at a detection position located on the conveying path; The calculation unit calculates the transport time from the medium supplied from the paper tray to the detection position based on the detection result of the transport detection unit; The determination unit determines whether the paper tray is open or closed. as well as The estimation unit estimates the lifespan of the transport detection unit or the transport unit based on time information related to the transport time and opening / closing information related to the opening / closing determination of the paper tray. When estimating the lifespan, the estimation unit excludes the transport time after the paper tray has been opened and closed.

2. The recording device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The paper feed tray has a lifting mechanism capable of raising and lowering the medium. The lifting mechanism is capable of performing a lifting action to raise the medium. If the lifting action is not performed when the power to the recording device is turned on, the determination unit determines that the opening and closing of the paper tray was not performed during the period when the power to the recording device was turned off. If the lifting action is performed when the power to the recording device is turned on, the determination unit determines that the opening and closing of the paper tray was performed during the period when the power to the recording device was turned off.

3. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that, have: The lifting detection unit detects the lifting mechanism when it is in the supply position; and The control unit controls the lifting mechanism based on the detection results of the lifting detection unit.

4. The recording device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the paper tray is opened during the lifting action, the lifting mechanism lowers the medium.

5. The recording device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The recording device includes a storage unit, which associates and stores the time information with the opening / closing information.

6. A recording device, characterized in that, have: The recording department records information from the medium. The paper tray contains the medium and is configured to open and close. The conveying unit transports the medium contained in the paper tray along the conveying path; The conveying detection unit detects the medium at a detection position located on the conveying path; The calculation unit calculates the transport time from the medium supplied from the paper tray to the detection position based on the detection result of the transport detection unit; The determination unit determines whether the paper tray is open or closed. The storage unit establishes and stores time information related to the conveying time and opening / closing information related to the opening / closing determination of the paper tray; as well as The output unit outputs the time information and the opening / closing information stored in the storage unit to an external machine having an estimation unit capable of estimating the lifespan of the conveying detection unit or the conveying unit. When estimating the lifespan, the estimation unit excludes the transport time after the paper tray has been opened and closed.

7. A lifespan estimation method, characterized in that, Used to estimate the lifespan of the recording device. The recording device has: The recording department records information from the medium. The paper tray contains media and is designed to be openable and closable. The conveying unit transports the medium contained in the paper tray along the conveying path; as well as The conveying detection unit detects the medium at a detection position located along the conveying path. The lifetime estimation method includes: Calculate the delivery time from when the medium supplied from the paper tray reaches the detection position; Determine whether the paper tray is open or closed; Based on time information related to the conveying time and opening / closing information related to the opening / closing determination of the paper tray, the lifespan of the conveying detection unit or the conveying unit is estimated. When estimating the lifespan, the transport time after the paper tray has been opened and closed is excluded.

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