Feeding system, feeding device, method for controlling the feeding device, and program

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0006] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a feeding system, a feeding device, a control method for the feeding device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet feeding device, which is an example of a feeding device that has a friction roller portion and a paper feed shaft that supports the friction roller portion and supplies a sheet. Further, it is disclosed that the friction roller portion is detachable from the paper feed shaft. The friction roller portion is an example of a feeding portion, the paper feed shaft is an example of a rotating shaft, and the sheet is an example of a medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the sheet feeding device having a friction roller portion detachable from the paper feed shaft disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the user may not obtain usability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The feeding system includes a feeding device that is a feeding portion for conveying a medium and has the replaceable feeding portion, an external device connected to the feeding device, the external device having a control portion, and a display portion. The control portion acquires the number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding portion and displays the number of sheets of the medium conveyed by the feeding portion on the display portion.

[0006] The feeding device comprises a placement section for placing media, a feeding section for transporting the media from the placement section, a control unit, and a display unit. The control unit counts the number of media transported by the feeding unit and displays the number of media transported by the feeding unit on the display unit.

[0007] A control method for a feeding device is a control method for a feeding device having a replaceable feeding unit for transporting a medium, and includes counting the number of medium sheets transported by the feeding unit and displaying the number of medium sheets transported by the feeding unit.

[0008] The program causes a control unit to control a feeding device having a replaceable feeding unit for transporting media, and includes causing the control unit to count the number of media transported by the feeding unit and to display the number of media transported by the feeding unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A perspective view showing the external configuration of a recording device as one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] A perspective view showing the recording device. [Figure 3] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a recording device. [Figure 4] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a recording device. [Figure 5] A top view of the feeding section and rotating shaft located at the replacement position, seen from above the opening. [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view showing the VI-VI section shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view showing the VII-VII section shown in Figure 5. [Figure 8] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the feeding unit detached from the rotating shaft. [Figure 9] A schematic cross-sectional view showing the feeding unit and rotating shaft at the home position. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing the process for determining the usage status of the feeding unit. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the flow of processing to be performed when the usage state of the feeding unit is determined to be the feeding unit near-end state. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing the flow of processing to be performed when the usage state of the feeding unit is determined to be the feeding unit end state. [Figure 13] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed. [Figure 15] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed. [Figure 16] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed. [Figure 17] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed. [Figure 18] A flowchart showing the flow of processing when displaying information related to the replacement of the feeding unit. [Figure 19] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed. [Figure 20] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed. [Figure 21] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed. [Figure 22] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed. [Figure 23] A schematic diagram showing a display unit on which a setting screen is displayed.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described based on embodiments. In each figure, the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In this specification, "the same", "identical", and "simultaneous" not only refer to being completely the same, but also include cases where they are the same considering measurement errors, cases where they are the same considering manufacturing variations of members, and cases where they are the same within a range that does not impair the function. Thus, for example, "the dimensions of both are the same" means that considering measurement errors and manufacturing variations of members, the dimensional difference between the two is within ±10% of one dimension, more preferably within ±5% of one dimension, and particularly preferably within ±3% of one dimension.

[0011] Also, in each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes are referred to as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. When specifying a direction, the positive direction is denoted as "+", the negative direction is denoted as "-", and positive and negative signs are used together in the direction notation. The direction in which the arrow in each figure points is described as the + direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow is described as the - direction.

[0012] Also, the Z-axis direction indicates the direction of gravity, the +Z direction indicates vertically upward, and the -Z direction indicates vertically downward. Also, the plane including the X-axis and Y-axis is described as the X-Y plane, the plane including the X-axis and Z-axis is described as the X-Z plane, and the plane including the Y-axis and Z-axis is described as the Y-Z plane. Also, the X-Y plane is a horizontal plane. Further, for the three spatial axes X, Y, and Z without limiting the positive and negative directions, they are described as the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis.

[0013] Note that in each figure, the X-axis direction is the width direction of the housing 10 described later, and is also the direction intersecting the conveyance direction in which the sheet S is conveyed, that is, the width direction of the sheet S. Among the X-axis directions, the -X direction is the right direction when the front surface of the housing 10 faces the user, and the +X direction is the left direction. In the present embodiment, the side surface provided with the operation panel 4 among the side surfaces constituting the periphery of the housing 10 is the front surface of the housing 10.

[0014] The Y-axis direction is the depth direction. The -Y direction of the Y-axis is the direction from the front of the enclosure 10 to the back of the enclosure 10. The +Y direction of the Y-axis is the direction from the back of the enclosure 10 to the front of the enclosure 10.

[0015] 1. Embodiment 1 The recording device 1 is, for example, an inkjet printer capable of recording on paper S. The recording device 1 of this embodiment is capable of recording on A4 size and A3 size paper S. Paper S is an example of a medium.

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the recording device 1 has a housing 10 that forms the exterior of the recording device 1. An opening / closing member 11 is provided on the upper side of the housing 10 in the +Z direction. In the Y-axis direction, the opening / closing member 11 has its pivot point on the rear side of the housing 10, which is the -Y direction side, and is provided so that the upper part of the housing 10 can be opened and closed. The Y-axis direction is an example of the depth direction of the housing 10. The housing 10 is an example of the main body of the device.

[0017] An operation panel 4 for operating the recording device 1 is provided on the front side of the housing 10, which is the +Y direction side. In the X-axis direction, the operation panel 4 is provided at the +X end of the housing 10. The X-axis direction is an example of the width direction of the housing 10. The +X end of the housing 10 is an example of one end 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.

[0018] Operation button 4p is a power button used to turn the recording device 1 on and off. Operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are operation buttons used to configure various settings of the recording device 1. For example, operation button 4a is used to configure the wireless connection. For example, operation button 4b is used to check the network connection status. For example, operation button 4c is used to stop the recording operation. Operation panel 4 is an example of an instruction receiving unit IP that receives instructions from the user.

[0019] Furthermore, the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c are positioned on the operation panel 4 on the +Z direction side of the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c. Each light-emitting unit 5a, 5b, and 5c is provided to be able to light up, turn off, and blink. As a result, the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c function as notification units that provide guidance for the operation of the recording device 1 and notify information related to the recording device 1. The light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c are examples of notification units.

[0020] A display unit 6 is provided on the front side of the housing 10, which is the +Y direction side. The display unit 6 is provided at the -X direction end of the housing 10. The -X direction end of the housing 10 is an example of the other end in the width direction of the housing 10. The display unit 6 has the function of an information unit that provides guidance on the operation of the recording device 1 and provides information related to the recording device 1. 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 unit RB set on the display unit 6 function as input units for making various settings for the recording device 1. The radio button unit RB will be described later. The radio button unit RB is an example of an instruction receiving unit IP that receives instructions from the user. Note that, for example, if the recording device 1 can be connected to an external device 201 described later, the display unit 6 may not be necessary.

[0021] A paper output stacker 50 for holding the paper S discharged from the housing 10 is located on the front side of the housing 10, which is in the +Y direction. The paper output stacker 50 is configured to be retractable from the front of the housing 10 in the +Y direction. Below the paper output stacker 50 in the housing 10, a paper feed tray 60 and a tray 80 are housed. The paper feed tray 60 and the tray 80 are configured to be removable from the housing 10.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the recording device 1 is configured to feed paper S from the rear side of the housing 10, which is the -Y direction side. Specifically, a media supply port 12 is provided at the top of the housing 10, which allows paper S to be supplied into the housing 10. The media supply port 12 is a rectangular opening that extends in the X direction. Mounting portions 59 are provided at both ends of the media supply port 12 in the X direction. The paper feed tray 60, which has been removed from the bottom of the paper output stacker 50, is attached to the mounting portions 59.

[0023] An opening / closing cover 13 is provided above the media supply port 12, which can open and close the media supply port 12. The opening / closing cover 13 is rotatable around an axis extending in the X-axis direction. When the opening / closing cover 13 is opened, the media supply port 12 and the mounting portion 59 are exposed, and the paper feed tray 60 can be attached to the mounting portion 59.

[0024] The paper feed tray 60 comprises a paper feed tray body 60a attached to a mounting portion 59 of the housing 10, and an extension tray 60b that can be stored in and extended relative to the paper feed tray body 60a. The paper feed tray body 60a and the extension tray 60b are plate-shaped members and have a mounting surface 61 on which paper S can be placed. The paper feed tray 60 is an example of a mounting portion. Paper S placed on the mounting surface 61 of the paper feed tray 60 is transported into the interior of the housing 10 by a transport unit 20, which will be described later.

[0025] When recording is performed on paper S, the paper feed tray 60 is removed from the bottom of the paper output stacker 50 and mounted on the mounting section 59. On the other hand, 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 output stacker 50. Similarly, when recording is performed using tray 80, tray 80 is removed from the bottom of the paper output stacker 50 and used. On the other hand, when no recording is performed using tray 80, tray 80 is stored in the bottom of the paper output stacker 50.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the recording device 1 comprises a transport unit 20, a recording unit 30, an ejection unit 40, and a control unit 90. A transport path 17 is provided inside the housing 10 through which the paper S is transported. The paper S is transported along the transport path 17 in the transport direction. The configuration of the recording device 1 that transports the paper S toward the recording unit 30 is sometimes referred to as the paper feeding device 2.

[0027] The transport unit 20 is located downstream of the media supply port 12. The transport unit 20 transports the paper S placed on the paper tray 60 to the recording unit 30. The transport unit 20 includes a pair of feed rollers 21 that rotate in conjunction with the drive of a feed motor (not shown) and a pair of transport rollers 22 that rotate in conjunction with the drive of a transport motor (not shown). The feed roller pair 21 and the transport roller pair 22 are arranged along the transport path 17 and transport the paper S in the transport direction. The mounting surface 61 of the paper tray 60 is also arranged along the transport direction and is inclined with respect to the Z axis when viewed from the direction along the X axis.

[0028] The feed roller pair 21 transports the paper S placed on the paper tray 60 in the transport 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 and transports the paper S, and a rotating shaft 74 that rotates the feed section 73.

[0029] The feeding unit 73 and the opening 10h are located on the rear side of the housing 10, which is -Y from the center in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the feeding unit 73 and the opening 10h are located in positions that do not overlap with the operation panel 4 and the display unit 6 in the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figure 1, the opening 10h is located in the -X direction from the operation panel 4 in the X-axis direction and does not overlap with the operation panel 4. Also, the opening 10h is located in the +X direction from the display unit 6 in the X-axis direction and does not overlap with the display unit 6. Furthermore, the feeding unit 73, which is located vertically below the opening 10h in the -Z direction, is also located in a position that does not overlap with the operation panel 4 and the display unit 6 in the X-axis direction.

[0030] The feeding unit 73 in this embodiment is user-replaceable. The feeding unit 73 is detachably mounted on the rotating shaft 74. The feeding unit 73 is attached to and detached from the rotating shaft 74 from above, on the side of the rotating shaft 74 in the +Z direction. For this reason, an opening 10h is provided on the upper surface of the housing 10 at a position vertically above the feeding unit 73 in the +Z direction. As a result, when replacing the feeding unit 73, the user can access the feeding unit 73 through the opening 10h by opening the opening / closing member 11. In other words, the housing 10 has an opening 10h that exposes the feeding unit 73 to the outside.

[0031] The feeding unit 73 is provided within the housing 10 so as to be rotatable between a home position and a replacement position in which it can be detached from the rotating shaft 74. The home position of the feeding unit 73 is the standby position of the feeding unit 73 shown in Figure 9, and is an example of a feeding position in which paper S placed on the paper tray 60 can be transported. The replacement position of the feeding unit 73 shown in Figures 5 to 7 is a position in which the feeding unit 73 can be attached to and detached from the rotating shaft 74, and as shown in Figure 8, the feeding unit 73 can be detached from the rotating shaft 74.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, when the feeding unit 73 is in the replacement position, the removal direction T from which the feeding unit 73 is removed from the rotating shaft 74 is toward the opening 10h located in the +Z direction, and as shown in Figure 9, when the feeding unit 73 is in the home position, the removal direction T is toward the inner surface 10w of the housing 10. The inner surface 10w is an example of a part of the housing 10 that is different from the opening 10h.

[0033] As shown in Figure 5, the feeding unit 73 comprises a feeding roller section 73a, an operating section 73f, and a spring 73s. The operating section 73f is provided on the -X side of the feeding roller section 73a. The operating section 73f is provided so as to be movable in the X direction relative to the feeding roller section 73a. By moving the operating section 73f in the X direction relative to the feeding roller section 73a, the feeding unit 73 becomes detachable from the rotating shaft 74.

[0034] The operating section 73f has a pair of protrusions 73h and 73k that protrude in the -X direction, and a pressing section 73g that can be pressed in the +X direction, indicated by the white arrows of the user. In addition, a spring 73s is provided at a position between the feed roller section 73a and the operating section 73f in the X-axis direction. The spring 73s pushes the operating section 73f away from the feed roller section 73a in the -X direction.

[0035] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the feeding roller section 73a shown in Figure 5 has a shape in which a part of a circle is cut out in an arc shape when viewed from a direction along the X-axis, and is provided with an arcuate surface 73d that contacts the paper S and a flat surface formed by cutting out a part of the circle. The feeding section 73 also includes a fitted section 73b. The fitted section 73b has an attachment / detachment opening 73e that opens to the flat surface of the feeding roller section 73a and a restricted surface 73c.

[0036] As shown in Figure 5, the rotating shaft 74 comprises a shaft 74a and holding parts 74d and 74e. The shaft 74a is positioned so that its axial center aligns with the X-axis. The feeding unit 73 rotates around the axial center of the shaft 74a. The plate-shaped holding parts 74d and 74e are spaced apart in the X-axis direction so that the feeding unit 73 can be held between them. The holding parts 74d and 74e define the position of the feeding unit 73 in the X-axis direction. Between the holding parts 74d and 74e, as shown in Figures 7 to 9, there is a fitting part 74b into which the fitted part 73b of the feeding unit 73 is fitted. The fitting part 74b has a regulating surface 74c. Also, as shown in Figure 6, the holding part 74e is provided with a pair of through holes 74h and 74k. Furthermore, the outer shape of axis 74a is circular when viewed from a direction along the X-axis.

[0037] When the feeding unit 73 is attached to the rotating shaft 74 and capable of transporting paper S, the restricted surface 73c of the fitted portion 73b is restricted by the restricting surface 74c of the fitted portion 74b, thereby positioning the feeding unit 73 relative to the rotating shaft 74. At this time, the projections 73h and 73k of the operating portion 73f are inserted into the through holes 74h and 74k of the holding portion 74e, so that the movement of the feeding unit 73 in the removal direction T is restricted.

[0038] When a user replaces the feeding unit 73, as shown in Figure 6, the opening / closing member 11 is opened to allow access to the feeding unit 73 through the opening 10h. With the feeding unit 73 in the replacement position, as shown in Figure 5, the pressing part 73g of the operating part 73f is pressed in the direction of the white arrow to release the restriction on the movement of the protrusions 73h and 73k by the through holes 74h and 74k of the holding part 74e. Then, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the user removes the feeding unit 73 from the rotating shaft 74 by moving it in the removal direction T, which is in the +Z direction relative to the rotating shaft 74.

[0039] After the user removes the feeding unit 73 from the recording device 1 through the opening 10h, they insert the new feeding unit 73 through the opening 10h in the -Z direction, which is opposite to the removal direction T. The feeding unit 73 is then positioned relative to the rotating shaft 74 by inserting it until the restricted surface 73c of the fitted portion 73b is restricted by the restricting surface 74c of the fitted portion 74b. At the same time, the projections 73h and 73k of the operating portion 73f are inserted into the through holes 74h and 74k of the holding portion 74e, restricting the movement of the feeding unit 73 in the removal direction T. As a result, the new feeding unit 73 is fixed to the rotating shaft 74, and the replacement of the feeding unit is completed.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the recording unit 30 includes a recording head 31 that ejects ink, which is an example of a liquid, toward the paper S, and a carriage 32 on which the recording head 31 is mounted and which is movable in the X direction intersecting the transport direction. Below the recording head 31, a media support member 34 is positioned with the transport path 17 in between.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the recording device 1 includes a liquid storage unit 33 that supplies ink to the recording head 31. The liquid storage unit 33 is a container capable of holding ink. The liquid storage unit 33 and the recording head 31 are connected by a flexible tube (not shown). The ink in the liquid storage unit 33 is supplied to the recording head 31 via the tube.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the recording unit 30 ejects ink onto the paper S supported by the media support member 34 based on the print data. This records an image based on the print data onto the paper S. The print data is data generated based on image data, such as text data or image data, to be printed on the paper S, and is used to instruct the recording device 1 to perform the recording process. The recorded paper S is then transported by the transport unit 20 and sent to the discharge unit 40 located downstream of the recording head 31 in the transport direction.

[0043] The discharge unit 40 includes a plurality of discharge roller pairs 41 for discharging the paper S that has been processed by the recording unit 30, and a discharge port 42 from which the paper S is discharged. The plurality of discharge roller pairs 41 are arranged along the X direction, and each roller of the discharge roller pair 41 is connected to a common axis extending in the X direction.

[0044] The discharge roller pair 41 is located downstream of the recording unit 30 in the transport direction. The discharge port 42 is located above the paper stacker 50. The discharge roller pair 41 transports the paper S along the transport direction and discharges it from the discharge port 42 towards the paper stacker 50, which is pulled out in the +Y direction. The paper S discharged from the discharge port 42 is placed on the paper stacker 50. The paper stacker 50 can be stored in a stacker storage unit 58 located below the recording unit 30.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the paper output stacker 50 is configured to be extendable and retractable along the Y-axis. When no recording is being performed, the paper output stacker 50 is stored in the stacker storage section 58 within the housing 10. On the other hand, when recording is being performed, the stored paper output stacker 50 is pulled out from the stacker storage section 58 in the +Y direction for use.

[0046] The paper output stacker 50 has a first stacker 50a, a second stacker 50b, and a third stacker 50c. The first stacker 50a is mounted on the housing 10. The third stacker 50c can be housed inside the second stacker 50b, and the second stacker 50b can be housed inside the first stacker 50a. By deploying the second stacker 50b and the third stacker 50c, the mounting area of ​​the paper output stacker 50 is increased, making it possible to stably support relatively large sizes, such as A3 size paper S.

[0047] At the top of the first stacker 50a, protrusions 56 are formed at both ends in the X-axis direction, projecting in the +Z direction along the Y-axis direction. As shown in Figure 4, when recording is performed on recording material placed on the tray 80, the tray 80 is inserted into the housing 10 from the discharge port 42. In other words, the discharge port 42 is an example of an insertion port for inserting the tray 80. When the tray 80 is inserted from the discharge port 42, the side of the tray 80 contacts the inner wall of the protrusion 56 of the paper output stacker 50, restricting its movement in the X-axis direction, and the tray 80 is inserted in the -Y direction toward the inside of the housing 10.

[0048] The inserted tray 80 is transported by the discharge roller pair 41 to a recording position where the recording unit 30 can record on the recording material. The recording unit 30 records on the recording material on the tray 80, and after this process is completed, the tray 80 is discharged from the discharge port 42 by the discharge roller pair 41. In this embodiment, the tray 80 can be used to place a card C with dimensions of 86.60 mm × 53.98 mm × 0.76 mm as defined by the international standard ISO / IEC 7810, and a disk D with a diameter of 120 mm and a thickness of 1.2 mm as recording material.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 90 is provided inside the housing 10. The control unit 90 may also be provided in the paper feed device 2. The control unit 90 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 91 and a memory 92. The CPU 91 can execute various programs stored in the memory 92, and can perform various decisions and various commands, for example. The memory 92 stores various programs such as a program for transporting paper S, various programs such as a display method for displaying the status of the paper feed device 2, various tables, various counter values, etc.

[0050] The control unit 90 controls the paper feed device 2. The control unit 90 also controls the entire recording device 1. For example, the control unit 90 controls either the feed roller pair 21 or the transport roller pair 22 of the paper feed device 2 to transport the paper S along the transport direction toward the recording unit 30.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, when recording on paper S, the control unit 90 controls the recording unit 30 to discharge ink onto the paper S being transported by the feeding device 2, thereby performing the recording. Also, for example, the control unit 90 controls the discharge roller pair 41 to transport the paper S recorded by the recording unit 30 along the transport direction.

[0052] The control unit 90 may be connected to the control unit 290 of the external device 201 via a communication interface, communication cable, or wireless communication line (not shown) provided by the recording device 1. The external device 201 may include a display unit 206 and a control unit 290 having a CPU 291 and memory 292, similar to the control unit 90. Examples of the external device 201 include personal computers, smartphones, mobile phones, and personal digital assistants. The control unit 290 can be described as an external control unit of the external device 201. The control unit 290 may also be a program recorded on the external device 201.

[0053] The control unit 90 transmits a signal to at least one of the display unit 6 and the control unit 290 of the external device 201, along with the data, requesting the display of information based on that data, and performs notification processing to display the information based on the data on the display unit 6 and the display unit 206. 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.

[0054] When the recording device 1 or the paper feed device 2 and the external device 201 constitute a system 501, the CPU 291 of the control unit 290 may execute various programs stored in either the memory 292 or the memory 92 of the control unit 90 to make various decisions and issue various commands regarding the recording device 1 or the paper feed device 2. The memory 292 may also store various programs, such as a program for transporting paper S and a program for displaying the status of the paper feed device 2, as well as various tables and various counter values. In this case, the recording device 1 and the external device 201 can also be said to constitute a system 501. When the control unit 290 controls the recording device 1, the system 501 is an example of a recording system. When the control unit 290 controls the paper feed device 2, the system 501 is an example of a paper feed system.

[0055] Next, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 10, the processing flow when the control unit 90 determines the usage status of the paper feeding unit 73 based on the number of sheets of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 in this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, the processing flow when the control unit 90 determines the usage status of the paper feeding unit 73 based on the number of sheets of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 corresponds to the control method of the paper feeding device.

[0056] In this embodiment, for example, the control unit 90 obtains a feed counter value N based on the number of sheets of paper S transported by the feed unit 73, and life information LJ related to the life of the feed unit 73 from the memory 92. The life information LJ includes a first threshold Nn and a second threshold Ne. The first threshold Nn and the second threshold Ne are the number of sheets of paper S transported by the feed unit 73 that serve as a guideline for replacing the feed unit 73. The second threshold Ne is a value greater than the first threshold Nn.

[0057] In step S01 of the flowchart shown in Figure 10, the control unit 90 checks whether the paper S has been transported by the paper feeding unit 73. If the paper S has been transported by the paper feeding unit 73, step S01 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S12. If the paper S has not been transported by the paper feeding unit 73, step S01 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 terminates the process.

[0058] Furthermore, whether or not the paper S has been transported by the feeding unit 73 is determined by the detection result of a paper detection sensor (not shown) located downstream in the transport direction from the pair of feeding rollers 21 in the transport path 17. For example, if the feeding unit 73 is driven and the paper detection sensor detects the passage of the paper S, the control unit 90 determines that the paper S has been transported. Also, for example, if the feeding unit 73 is driven and the paper detection sensor does not detect the passage of the paper S, the control unit 90 determines that the paper S has not been transported. In this case, the control unit 90 determines that the paper S has been misfeeded.

[0059] In step S02, the control unit 90 performs a counter operation on the feed counter value N. As a result, N = N + 1. The control unit 90 stores the processed feed counter value N in memory 92. After performing the operation in step S02, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S03.

[0060] In step S03, the control unit 90 checks whether the feed counter value N is greater than or equal to the first threshold Nn. If the feed counter value N is greater than or equal to the first threshold Nn, step S03 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S04. If the feed counter value N is less than the first threshold Nn, step S03 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 terminates the process.

[0061] In step S04, the control unit 90 checks whether the feed counter value N is greater than or equal to the second threshold Ne. If the feed counter value N is greater than or equal to the second threshold Ne, step S04 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S05. If the feed counter value N is less than the second threshold Ne, step S04 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S06.

[0062] In step S05, the control unit 90 determines that the feeding unit 73 is in an end state where it needs to be replaced. After completing the process in step S05, the control unit 90 terminates the process of determining the feeding unit 73's usage status.

[0063] In step S06, the control unit 90 determines that the usage status of the feeding unit 73 is a near-end state where replacement of the feeding unit 73 is desirable. After performing the process in step S06, the control unit 90 terminates the process for determining the usage status of the feeding unit 73.

[0064] Next, the processing flow performed when the control unit 90 determines that the feeding unit 73 is in a near-end state in step S06 of the flowchart shown in Figure 10 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 11. In this embodiment, the processing flow performed when the control unit 90 determines that the feeding unit 73 is in a near-end state corresponds to the control method of the feeding device.

[0065] In step S06 of the flowchart shown in Figure 10, if the usage status of the feeding unit 73 is determined to be in the near-end state, then in step S11 of the flowchart shown in Figure 11, the control unit 90 notifies that the feeding unit 73 is in the near-end state. Specifically, the control unit 90 notifies the user by flashing Bn of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c.

[0066] In the blinking Bn of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c in this embodiment, the control unit 90 blinks light-emitting units 5a and 5c alternately, one at a time, at 1-second intervals. After performing the process in step S11, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S12.

[0067] In step S12, the control unit 90 displays a message prompting the user to replace the feed unit 73. For example, the control unit 90 displays a setting screen SC on the display unit 6 as shown in Figure 13. In this case, considering the possibility that the user does not wish to replace the feed unit 73 at this time, the setting screen SC displays a message prompting the user to replace the feed unit 73, as well as a message asking whether or not to replace the feed unit 73 at this time. The setting screen SC is an example of a display.

[0068] In this embodiment, the display unit 6 has a touch panel function, and the radio button section RB shown in Figure 13 and Figures 14 to 17 (described later) is displayed on the display unit 6. Furthermore, if the control unit 90 is connected to an external device 201, the setting screen SC and the radio button section RB shown in Figures 13 to 17 may be displayed on the display unit 206 of the external device 201. After the processing in step S12 is completed, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S13.

[0069] In step S13, the control unit 90 checks whether the user has entered an input to replace the feeding unit 73. Specifically, if the user selects "Yes" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 13, the control unit 90 determines that it has received an input from the user via the radio button RB to replace the feeding unit 73 and has accepted the instruction to replace the feeding unit 73. In this case, step S13 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S16. If the user selects "No" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 13, step S13 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 terminates the process.

[0070] In step S16, the control unit 90 displays a message prompting the user to remove the paper S from the paper tray 60. For example, the control unit 90 displays a setting screen SC on the display unit 6 as shown in Figure 14. In this case, the setting screen SC displays a message asking the user to confirm that there is no paper S in the paper tray 60, as well as a message confirming that the user has taken action to remove the paper S from the paper tray 60. This prompts the user to remove the paper S from the paper tray 60 if there is paper S in it. After the process in step S16 is completed, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S17.

[0071] In step S17, the control unit 90 checks whether or not the user has entered an input indicating that the process has been completed. Specifically, if the user selects "Yes" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 14, the control unit 90 determines that the user has entered an input from the radio button RB indicating that the process of removing the paper S from the paper tray 60 has been completed, and that there is no paper S in the paper tray 60. In this case, step S17 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S18. If the user does not select "Yes" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 14, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S16 and continues the process of step S16.

[0072] In step S18, the control unit 90 moves the feeding unit 73 to the replacement position. For example, as shown in Figure 9, if the feeding unit 73 is in the home position, the control unit 90 drives the feeding motor to rotate the rotation axis 74 in the direction of the black-painted arrow, which is clockwise when viewed from the -X direction to the +X direction, and moves the feeding unit 73 to the replacement position shown in Figure 7. In other words, after receiving an instruction to replace the feeding unit 73 from the instruction receiving unit IP, the control unit 90 switches the position of the feeding unit 73 to the replacement position. After performing the process in step S18, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S19.

[0073] In step S19, the control unit 90 displays a message prompting the user to carefully confirm the replacement operation. For example, the control unit 90 displays a setting screen SC on the display unit 6, as shown in Figure 15, so that the user can confirm the replacement method before replacing the feeding unit 73. After the process in step S19 is completed, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S20.

[0074] In step S20, the control unit 90 checks whether or not the user has entered an input indicating confirmation. Specifically, if the user selects "Yes" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 15, the control unit 90 determines that the user has entered an input from the radio button RB indicating that they will perform a careful exchange operation. In this case, step S20 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S21. If the user does not select "Yes" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 15, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S19 and continues the process of step S19.

[0075] While the user carefully checks the replacement operation and replaces the feeding unit 73 according to the procedure described above, the control unit 90 displays a message in step S21 to confirm whether the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is complete. For example, the control unit 90 displays a setting screen SC as shown in Figure 16 on the display unit 6. After the process in step S21 is completed, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S22.

[0076] In step S22, the control unit 90 checks whether or not it has received input indicating that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed. Specifically, if the user selects "Yes" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 16, the control unit 90 receives input from the radio button RB indicating that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed and determines that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed. In this case, step S22 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S23. If the user selects "No" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 16, or does not select any option, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S21 and continues the processing of step S21.

[0077] In step S23, the control unit 90 moves the feeding unit 73 to the home position. For example, suppose the user has finished replacing the feeding unit 73 and the replaced feeding unit 73 is in the replacement position as shown in Figure 6. In this case, the control unit 90 drives the feeding motor to rotate the rotation axis 74 of the feeding unit 73 in a clockwise direction when viewed from the -X direction to the +X direction, and moves the replaced feeding unit 73 to the home position shown in Figure 9. After performing the process in step S23, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S24.

[0078] In step S24, the control unit 90 resets the feed counter value N. As a result, N = 0. The control unit 90 stores the feed counter value N, which has undergone counter processing, in the memory 92. After performing the processing in step S24, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S25.

[0079] In step S25, the control unit 90 terminates the notification of the near-end state of the feeding unit 73 by the blinking Bn of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c. As a result, the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c turn off. After the process in step S25, the control unit 90 terminates the process that is performed when it determines that the usage status of the feeding unit 73 is the near-end state of the feeding unit.

[0080] Next, the processing flow performed when the control unit 90 determines that the feeding unit 73 is in the end state in step S05 of the flowchart shown in Figure 10 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 12. In this embodiment, the processing flow performed when the control unit 90 determines that the feeding unit 73 is in the end state corresponds to the control method of the feeding device. Note that the processing from steps S12 and S16 to S24 in the flowchart shown in Figure 12 is the same as the processing from steps S12 and S16 to S24 in the flowchart shown in Figure 11, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0081] In step S05 of the flowchart shown in Figure 10, if the usage status of the feeding unit 73 is determined to be the feeding unit end state, then in step S26 of the flowchart shown in Figure 12, the control unit 90 notifies that the feeding unit 73 is in the end state. Specifically, the control unit 90 notifies the user by flashing the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c (Be).

[0082] In the blinking Be of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c in this embodiment, the control unit 90 causes two of the light-emitting units 5a and 5c to blink simultaneously at 1-second intervals. After performing the process in step S26, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S12.

[0083] In step S12, after the control unit 90 has completed the processing in step S12, it proceeds to step S13.

[0084] In step S13, the control unit 90 checks whether the user has entered an input to replace the feeding unit 73. Specifically, if the user selects "Yes" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 13, the control unit 90 determines that it has received an input from the user via the radio button RB to replace the feeding unit 73 and has accepted the instruction to replace the feeding unit 73. In this case, step S13 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S16. If the user selects "No" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 13, step S13 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S14.

[0085] In step S14, the control unit 90 displays a message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73. In other words, if the feeding unit 73 is in the end state, i.e., the feeding counter value N is greater than or equal to the second threshold Ne, the control unit 90 displays a message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73 multiple times. At this time, for example, the control unit 90 displays a setting screen SC on the display unit 6 as shown in Figure 17. In this case, considering the case where the user does not wish to replace the feeding unit 73 at this time, the setting screen SC displays a message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73, as well as a message asking whether or not to replace the feeding unit 73 at this time. After the processing in step S14 is completed, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S15.

[0086] In step S15, the control unit 90 checks whether the user has input an instruction to replace the feeding unit 73. Specifically, if the user selects "Yes" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 17, the control unit 90 determines that it has received an input from the user via the radio button RB indicating an instruction to replace the feeding unit 73 and has accepted the instruction to replace the feeding unit 73. In this case, step S15 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S16. If the user selects "No" for the radio button RB shown in Figure 17, step S15 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 terminates the process.

[0087] In steps S16 to S24, the control unit 90 performs the same processing as in the flowchart shown in Figure 11. After performing the processing in step S24, the control unit 90 moves the process to step S27.

[0088] In step S27, the control unit 90 terminates the notification of the end state of the feeding unit 73 by the blinking Be of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c. As a result, the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c turn off. After the process in step S27, the control unit 90 terminates the process that would be performed if it determined that the usage state of the feeding unit 73 was the end state of the feeding unit.

[0089] Next, the processing flow when the recording device 1 does not have a display unit 6 and the control unit 90 determines that the feeding unit 73 is in a near-end state will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 11. In the embodiment where the recording device 1 does not have a display unit 6, the setting screen SC cannot be displayed, so the control unit 90 does not perform the processing in steps S12, S16, S17, S19, S20, and S21 in the flowchart shown in Figure 11.

[0090] In step S11, the control unit 90 notifies that the feeding unit 73 is in a near-end state. Specifically, the control unit 90 notifies the user by flashing the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c Bn. In the flashing Bn of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, and 5c in this embodiment, the control unit 90 flashes light-emitting units 5a and 5c alternately, one at a time, at 1-second intervals. After performing the process in step S11, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S13.

[0091] In step S13, the control unit 90 checks whether the user has given an input to replace the feeding unit 73. After confirming the notification of the feeding unit's near-end status by the flashing Bn of the light-emitting units 5a, 5b, 5c, if the user decides to replace the feeding unit 73, in this embodiment, the user uses the operation buttons 4a, 4b, 4c on the operation panel 4 to give an input to replace the feeding unit 73.

[0092] Specifically, the user presses both operation buttons 4b and 4c simultaneously for 5 seconds or more. This causes the control unit 90 to determine that the user has input an instruction to replace the feeding unit 73 and that it has received an instruction to replace the feeding unit 73. In other words, the control unit 90 determines that an instruction to replace the feeding unit 73 has been received if at least two of the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are pressed simultaneously. In this case, step S13 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S18. If no input using the aforementioned operation buttons 4b and 4c is received after a predetermined time has elapsed since the processing in step S11, step S13 becomes NO, and the control unit 90 terminates the process.

[0093] In step S18, the control unit 90 moves the feeding unit 73 to the replacement position as described above. After completing the process in step S18, the control unit 90 proceeds to step S22. Once the feeding unit 73 is moved to the replacement position, the user replaces the feeding unit 73 using the procedure described above.

[0094] In step S22, the control unit 90 checks whether or not an input has been received indicating that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed. Once the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is completed, in this embodiment, the user uses the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c on the operation panel 4 to input that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed.

[0095] Specifically, the user presses both operation buttons 4a and 4c simultaneously for 5 seconds or more. This prompts the control unit 90 to receive input indicating that the user has finished replacing the feeding unit 73, and to determine that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is complete. In other words, the control unit 90 determines that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is complete when at least two of the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c are pressed simultaneously. In this case, step S22 becomes YES, and the control unit 90 proceeds to step S23. If there is no input using the aforementioned operation buttons 4a and 4c, the control unit 90 continues the process in step S22.

[0096] The control unit 90 performs the processing in steps S23, S24, and S25, similar to the case where the recording device 1 is equipped with a display unit 6, and terminates the processing performed when it determines that the usage status of the feeding unit 73 is in the feeding unit near-end state.

[0097] In the case where the recording device 1 does not have a display unit 6 and the control unit 90 determines that the usage status of the feeding unit 73 is the feeding unit end state, the control unit 90 does not perform steps S12, S14, S15, S16, S17, S19, S20, and S21 in the flowchart shown in Figure 12 because the recording device 1 cannot display the setting screen SC.

[0098] Therefore, the processing flow when the recording device 1 does not have a display unit 6 and the control unit 90 determines that the usage status of the feeding unit 73 is the feeding unit end state is the same as the processing flow when the recording device 1 does not have a display unit 6 and the control unit 90 determines that the usage status of the feeding unit 73 is the feeding unit near end state, except that the processing in steps S11 and S25 becomes the processing in steps S26 and S27 in the flowchart shown in Figure 12, so the explanation is omitted.

[0099] Incidentally, the degree of deterioration in the transport performance of the paper feed unit 73 may vary depending on the type of paper S used by the user and the environment. As a result, the timing at which the paper feed unit 73 is determined to be in a near-end or end-of-life state by comparing the paper feed counter value N with the life information LJ, and a message prompting replacement of the paper feed unit 73 is displayed, may not coincide with the timing at which the paper feed unit 73 should be replaced due to deterioration in its transport performance. Consequently, the user may replace a paper feed unit 73 that has not deteriorated significantly in transport performance. Alternatively, a paper feed unit 73 with significantly deteriorated transport performance may be used without being replaced.

[0100] Therefore, in the recording device 1 or feeding device 2 of this embodiment, the user can set whether or not to notify the status of the feeding unit 73 and to display a message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73. When the user wants to switch between a setting where the status of the feeding unit 73 is not notified and the message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is not displayed, and a setting where the status of the feeding unit 73 is notified and the message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is displayed, the user presses both operation buttons 4a and 4b simultaneously for 5 seconds or more. As a result, the control unit 90 or the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90, which will be described later, determines that there has been input from the user requesting the above setting to be switched, and switches between a setting where the status of the feeding unit 73 is not notified and the message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is not displayed, and a setting where the status of the feeding unit 73 is notified and the message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit 73 is displayed.

[0101] Furthermore, in the recording device 1 or feeding device 2 of this embodiment, the control unit 90 or control unit 290 can display information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73, which is information for the user to determine when to replace the feeding unit 73, such as the number of sheets of paper S transported by the feeding unit 73, on the display unit 6,206.

[0102] Next, referring to the flowchart shown in Figure 18, the processing flow when the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 by executing a program stored in either memory 92 or memory 292 in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the processing flow when the control unit 290 displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 corresponds to the control method of the feeding system.

[0103] Furthermore, the processing performed by the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 when it displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 corresponds to the processing performed by the system 501 when it displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73. In addition, the program executed when the control unit 290 displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 corresponds to a program that causes the control unit 290 to control the feeding device 2 which has a feeding unit 73 that transports paper S and is replaceable.

[0104] In the recording device 1 or feeding device 2 of this embodiment, the initial setting does not provide notifications of the near-end state or end state of the feeding unit 73, nor does it display a message prompting replacement of the feeding unit 73. Therefore, the user checks the number of sheets S transported by the feeding unit 73 in order to determine when to replace the feeding unit 73. In step S201, the control unit 290 checks whether a request has been made for the display of the number of sheets transported by the feeding unit 73. Specifically, the control unit 290 checks whether there has been input from the user requesting the display of the number of sheets transported by the feeding unit 73.

[0105] For example, when the user selects the Utility tab of the printer driver, the control unit 290 displays the settings screen SC shown in Figure 19 on the display unit 206. Then, the user selects <Printer Options Information> from the radio button section RB, <ok>If this option is selected, the control unit 290 determines that the user has requested the display of the number of sheets transported by the feeding unit 73. In this case, step S201 becomes YES, and the control unit 290 proceeds to step S202. If no selection is made in the radio button section RB as described above, the control unit 290 determines that the user has not requested the display of the number of sheets transported by the feeding unit 73. In this case, step S201 becomes NO, and the control unit 290 terminates the process.

[0106] In step S202, the control unit 290 displays the number of sheets transported by the paper feed unit 73. The control unit 290 displays a setting screen SC on the display unit 206, for example, as shown in Figure 21. The setting screen SC shown in Figure 21 displays the number of sheets transported, which is the number of sheets S transported by the paper feed unit 73. The number of sheets transported is the value of the paper feed counter value N obtained by the control unit 290 from the memory 92. In other words, the control unit 290 obtains the number of sheets S transported by the paper feed unit 73 from the memory 92 and displays the number of sheets S transported by the paper feed unit 73 on the display unit 206.

[0107] In this embodiment, the setting screen SC shown in Figure 21 displays the number of borderless prints recorded by the recording unit 30 across the outer edge of the paper S, which is the number of borderless prints recorded. The number of borderless prints recorded by the recording unit 30 is stored as a counter value in the memory 92, similar to the feed counter value N. After the processing in step S202 is completed, the control unit 290 moves the process to step S203. Borderless printing is included in a predetermined recording method among the recording methods that the recording unit 30 performs on the paper S.

[0108] Furthermore, in step S202, if the number of sheets transported and the number of times borderless printing has been recorded are to be displayed as information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73, the control unit 290 may display a setting screen SC, such as the one shown in Figure 20, on the display unit 206.

[0109] In step S203, the control unit 290 checks whether the user has requested the display of further information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. Specifically, the control unit 290 checks whether the user has input a request to display further information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73, in addition to the number of sheets transported and the number of borderless prints.

[0110] For example, if the user selects "Other" for radio button RB in Figure 21, the control unit 290 determines that the user has requested further display of information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73. In this case, step S203 becomes YES, and the control unit 290 proceeds to step S205. If no selection is made for radio button RB as described above, the control unit 290 determines that the user has not requested a display of the number of sheets transported by the feeding unit 73. In this case, step S203 becomes NO, and the control unit 290 proceeds to step S204.

[0111] In step S204, the control unit 290 checks whether the user has requested the end of the display. Specifically, the user has requested the radio button RB in Figure 21 <ok>If this option is selected, the control unit 290 determines that the user has requested the end of displaying information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73. In this case, step S204 becomes YES, and the control unit 290 terminates the process. If no selection is made for radio button RB, step S204 becomes NO, and the display of the setting screen SC shown in Figure 21 continues.

[0112] In step S205, the control unit 290 displays information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. The control unit 290 displays a setting screen SC on the display unit 206, for example, as shown in Figure 22. The setting screen SC shown in Figure 22 displays the number of sheets transported, the number of borderless prints, the number of feed unit replacements, and the number of feed unit replacements. The number of feed unit replacements is the value of the second threshold Ne, which is the life information LJ stored in the memory 92. The control unit 290 obtains the value of the second threshold Ne, which is the life information LJ stored in the memory 92, and displays it on the display unit 206 as the number of feed unit replacements. The number of feed unit replacements is the number of times the feed unit 73 has been replaced, and like the second threshold Ne, it is stored as a counter value in the memory 92.

[0113] Note that the number of sheets transported and the number of borderless prints are not required to be displayed on the setting screen SC shown in Figure 22. Alternatively, in step S205, the control unit 290 may display the setting screen SC shown in Figure 23 on the display unit 206. The setting screen SC shown in Figure 23 displays the number of sheets transported, the number of borderless prints, the estimated number of sheets to replace the feed unit, the number of feed unit replacements, the date of the last feed unit replacement, the number of misfeeds, and the number of double-sided prints. Furthermore, on the setting screen SC shown in Figure 23, information that is more likely to be important to the user when determining when to replace the feed unit 73 is displayed higher up on the setting screen SC.

[0114] The date in <Last Replacement Date of Paper Feeder> is the date the paper feeder 73 was last replaced and is stored as a counter value in memory 92. The number of misfeeds is the number of times the paper feeder 73 failed to transport the paper S and is stored as a counter value in memory 92. Misfeeds include non-feeding, where the paper feeder 73 does not transport the paper S from the paper tray 60, double-feeding, where multiple sheets of paper S are transported at once from the paper tray 60, and jams, where transported paper S becomes stuck in the transport path 17. The control unit 290 obtains the counter value of the number of misfeeds stored in memory 92 and displays the number of misfeeds on the display unit 206. The number in <Number of Double-Sided Prints> is the number of times the recording unit 30 performs double-sided printing, where it records on both sides of the paper S and is stored as a counter value in memory 92. Double-sided printing is included in the predetermined recording methods among the recording methods that the recording unit 30 performs on the paper S.

[0115] After the process in step S205 is completed, the control unit 290 proceeds to step S206. In step S206, the control unit 290 checks whether or not the user has requested the end of the display. Specifically, if no selection is made in the radio button section RB, step S206 becomes NO, and the control unit 290 continues to display the setting screen SC shown in Figure 22 or Figure 23. <ok>If this option is selected, the control unit 290 determines that the user has requested the end of displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73. In this case, step S206 becomes YES, and the control unit 290 terminates the process of displaying information related to the replacement of the feed unit 73.

[0116] Furthermore, if 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, the control unit 90 will perform the processing that the control unit 290 does when displaying information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73, as explained using Figures 18 to 23. In this case, the control unit 90 will display the information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 by executing a program stored in memory 92. Also, in this case, the processing flow when the control unit 90 displays the information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 corresponds to the control method of the feeding device. Furthermore, in this case, the control unit 90 will display the setting screen SC shown in Figures 19 to 23 on the display unit 6.

[0117] In this case, the processing performed by the control unit 90 when it displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 corresponds to the processing performed by the feeding device 2 when it displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73. Furthermore, the program executed by the control unit 90 or the control unit 290 of the external device 201 connected to the control unit 90 when it displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 corresponds to a program that causes the control unit 90 or the control unit 290 to control the feeding device 2, which has a feeding unit 73 that transports paper S and is replaceable.

[0118] As described above, the feeding system, feeding device, control method for the feeding device, and program according to Embodiment 1 can provide the following benefits.

[0119] System 501 is a paper feeding system comprising a paper feeding device 2 having a replaceable paper feeding unit 73 for transporting paper S, an external device 201 connected to the paper feeding device 2 having a control unit 290, and a display unit 206. The control unit 290 acquires the number of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 and displays the number of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 on the display unit 206. In this case, the user can check the number of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 and determine the timing to replace the paper feeding unit 73 based on the user's replacement criteria. This prevents, for example, replacing a paper feeding unit 73 that has higher transport performance than the transport performance required by the user, or using a paper feeding unit 73 that has lower transport performance than the transport performance required by the user without replacing it. Thus, usability can be provided to the user.

[0120] The control unit 290 can display a prompt on the display unit 206 to replace the paper feed unit 73 based on the number of sheets of paper S transported by the paper feed unit 73, and it is possible to set whether or not to display the prompt to replace the paper feed unit 73 on the display unit 206. As a result, by not displaying a prompt to replace the paper feed unit 73 based on the replacement guideline set by the system 501, it is possible to prevent the user from replacing the paper feed unit 73 before its lifespan has been reduced, even if the lifespan of the paper feed unit 73 varies depending on the type of paper S used by the user and the environment. Furthermore, if the user's replacement guideline matches the replacement guideline set by the system 501, the prompt to replace the paper feed unit 73 is displayed, allowing the user to replace the paper feed unit 73 at the appropriate time.

[0121] The control unit 290 acquires lifespan information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit 73 and displays the lifespan information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit 73 on the display unit 206. By comparing the user's replacement guideline with the lifespan information LJ regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit 73, the user can appropriately determine whether or not it is time to replace the feeding unit 73.

[0122] The control unit 290 acquires the number of misfeeds, which is the number of times the paper feeding unit 73 has failed to transport the paper S, and displays the number of misfeeds on the display unit 206. This allows the user to appropriately determine whether or not it is time to replace the paper feeding unit 73 by considering the number of misfeeds.

[0123] The system 501 includes a recording unit 30 that records on paper S transported by a paper feed unit 73. The recording unit 30 is capable of recording on the paper S in a predetermined recording manner, and the control unit 290 displays the number of times the recording unit 30 has recorded in the predetermined recording manner on the display unit 206. Different recording manners can cause different levels of contamination of the paper feed roller section 73a of the paper feed unit 73 due to dust and ink mist generated by the recording by the recording unit 30, which may affect the lifespan of the paper feed unit 73. In such cases, the user can appropriately determine whether it is time to replace the paper feed unit 73 by considering the number of times the recording unit 30 has recorded in the predetermined recording manner.

[0124] The predetermined recording method includes borderless printing, in which the recording unit 30 records along the outer edge of the paper S. When performing borderless printing, ink mist is easily generated by the recording unit 30, and the feed roller portion 73a of the feed unit 73 is prone to getting dirty. In such cases, the user can appropriately determine whether or not it is time to replace the feed unit 73 by considering the number of times borderless printing has been performed.

[0125] The predetermined 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 paper feed device 2, the paper S with one side already recorded is placed on the mounting surface 61 in a orientation such that one side contacts the paper S placed on the mounting surface 61 and the feed-driven roller 72. Then, double-sided printing is performed by having the recording unit 30 record on the other side of the paper S being transported by the paper feed unit 73. When double-sided printing is performed in this manner, the ink adhering to the paper S placed on the mounting surface 61 or the feed-driven roller 72 is easily transferred to the feed roller section 73a of the paper feed unit 73 due to the contact of the recorded side of the paper S, making it prone to staining. In such cases, the user can appropriately determine whether it is time to replace the paper feed unit 73 by considering the number of double-sided printing records.

[0126] The paper feeding device 2 comprises a paper tray 60 on which paper S is placed, a paper feeding unit 73 that transports paper S from the paper tray 60, a control unit 90, and a display unit 6. The control unit 90 counts the number of sheets of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 and displays the number of sheets of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 on the display unit 6. In this case, the user can check the number of sheets of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 and determine the timing for replacing the paper feeding unit 73 based on the user's replacement criteria. This prevents, for example, replacing a paper feeding unit 73 that has a transport performance higher than the transport performance required by the user, or using a paper feeding unit 73 that has a transport performance lower than the transport performance required by the user without replacing it. Thus, usability can be provided to the user.

[0127] The control unit 90 can display a prompt on the display unit 6 to replace the paper feed unit 73 based on the number of sheets of paper S transported by the paper feed unit 73, and it is possible to set whether or not to display the prompt to replace the paper feed unit 73 on the display unit 6. As a result, by not displaying a prompt to replace the paper feed unit 73 based on the replacement guideline acquired by the control unit 90, it is possible to prevent the user from replacing the paper feed unit 73 when it still has life left, even if the lifespan of the paper feed unit 73 varies depending on the type of paper S used by the user and the environment. Furthermore, if the user's replacement guideline matches the replacement guideline acquired by the control unit 90, the prompt to replace the paper feed unit 73 is displayed, allowing the user to replace the paper feed unit 73 at the appropriate time.

[0128] The control method for the paper feeding device is a control method for a paper feeding device 2 having a replaceable paper feeding unit 73 that transports paper S, and includes counting the number of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 and displaying the number of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 on a display unit 6. In this case, the user can check the number of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 and determine the timing to replace the paper feeding unit 73 based on the user's replacement criteria. This prevents, for example, replacing a paper feeding unit 73 that has a transport performance higher than the transport performance required by the user, or using a paper feeding unit 73 that has a transport performance lower than the transport performance required by the user without replacing it. Thus, usability can be provided to the user.

[0129] The control method for the paper feeding device includes setting whether or not to display a message prompting replacement of the paper feeding unit 73 based on the number of sheets of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73. This allows the user to replace the paper feeding unit 73 at an appropriate time by switching between displaying and not displaying the message prompting replacement of the paper feeding unit 73 in response to the user's request.

[0130] The program causes one of the control units 90 or 290 to control a paper feeding device 2 having a replaceable paper feeding unit 73 that transports paper S, and includes causing one of the control units 90 or 290 to count the number of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 and to display the number of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73. In this case, the user can check the number of paper S transported by the paper feeding unit 73 and determine the timing to replace the paper feeding unit 73 based on the user's replacement criteria. This prevents, for example, replacing a paper feeding unit 73 that has a transport performance higher than the transport performance required by the user, or using a paper feeding unit 73 that has a transport performance lower than the transport performance required by the user without replacing it. Thus, usability can be provided to the user.

[0131] The program includes setting whether or not to display a message prompting the replacement of the paper feed unit 73 based on the number of sheets of paper S transported by the paper feed unit 73. This allows the user to replace the paper feed unit 73 at an appropriate time by switching between displaying and not displaying the message prompting the replacement of the paper feed unit 73 in response to the user's request.

[0132] The feeding system, feeding device, control method for the feeding device, and program according to the above embodiments of this disclosure are based on having the configuration described above, but it is of course possible to make partial changes or omissions to the configuration without departing from the gist of this disclosure. Furthermore, the above embodiments and other embodiments described below can be implemented in combination with each other to the extent that they do not contradict the technical context. Other embodiments will be described below.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the outer shape of the shaft 74a of the rotating shaft 74 constituting the feed drive roller 71 does not have to be circular when viewed from the direction along the X axis. For example, the outer shape of the shaft 74a may be the same as the fitting portion 74b when viewed from the direction along the X axis. In this case, the rotating shaft 74 does not have to have the fitting portion 74b. Also, in this case, the fitted portion 73b of the feed portion 73 can be said to be fitted onto the shaft 74a of the rotating shaft 74.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the home position of the feeding unit 73 may be a position where the removal direction T faces the inner surface 10w of the housing 10, and the attachment / detachment opening 73e of the feeding unit 73 faces the mounting surface 61 of the paper tray 60.

[0135] In the above embodiment, when the feeding unit 73 is in the home position, the removal direction T does not have to be toward the inner surface 10w of the housing 10, as long as the removal direction T is not toward the opening 10h. For example, when the feeding unit 73 is in the home position, the removal direction T may be toward the top or bottom surface of the housing 10, or toward the mounting surface 61 of the paper feed tray 60. In this case, the top or bottom surface of the housing 10 is just one example of a part of the housing 10 that is different from the opening 10h.

[0136] In the above embodiment, a paper feed sensor capable of detecting paper S placed in the paper feed tray 60 may be provided. The control unit 90 may then display a message prompting the user to remove the paper S from the paper feed tray 60 when the paper feed sensor detects paper S. In this case, if the paper feed sensor does not detect paper S, the control unit 90 does not need to perform the process in step S16 of the flowchart shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0137] In the above embodiment, the housing 10 may not have an upper surface on the +Z direction side. In this case, the housing 10 may not have an opening 10h.

[0138] In the above embodiment, the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 does not need to be equipped with an opening / closing member 11.

[0139] In the above embodiment, if the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 is connected to an external device 201, it is not necessary to use the operation buttons 4a, 4b, and 4c when replacing the feeding unit 73. For example, when replacing the feeding unit 73, the user may input that they are replacing the feeding unit 73 or that the replacement of the feeding unit 73 has been completed by pressing an input key on the keyboard of the external device 201.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the operation panel 4 may be equipped with operation buttons 4p, 4a, 4b, 4c and light-emitting units 5a, 5b, 5c, as well as a feed unit replacement button used when replacing the feed unit 73. In this case, for example, when replacing the feed unit 73, the user may input that they are replacing the feed unit 73 or that the replacement of the feed unit 73 has been completed by pressing the feed unit replacement button.

[0141] In the above embodiment, the user may replace the feeding unit 73 while the power to the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 is turned off. For example, if the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 does not have a display unit 6 and is not connected to an external device 201, after the control unit 90 moves the feeding unit 73 to the replacement position in step S18 of the flowchart shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the user presses the operation button 4p, the control unit 90 turns off the power to the recording device 1 or the feeding device 2 while the feeding unit 73 is in the replacement position. Then, when the user finishes replacing the feeding unit 73 and presses the operation button 4p, the control unit 90 moves the feeding unit 73 to the home position in step S23.

[0142] In the above embodiment, the number of sheets transported displayed on the setting screen SC does not have to be the value of the feed counter value N stored in memory 92. For example, it may be a counter value stored in memory 92 or memory 292, counted based on print jobs sent to the control unit 90 from the control unit 290 of an external device 201 connected to the control unit 90.

[0143] In the above embodiment, the second threshold Ne and the first threshold Nn, which are life information LJ displayed as the number of sheets for <recommended replacement of feeder unit> on the setting screen SC, do not necessarily have to be stored in memory 92. For example, they may be stored in a program that is executed when displaying information related to the replacement of the feeder unit 73 stored in the memory 292 of the external device 201.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the control unit 290 does not need to display a new setting screen SC that displays information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73, as shown in Figures 22 and 23. For example, in step S205 of the flowchart shown in Figure 18, when displaying information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73, the control unit 290 may enlarge the setting screen SC shown in Figure 21 to display the same information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 as in Figures 22 and 23.

[0145] In the above embodiment, among the information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 displayed on the setting screen SC, a predetermined recording method may include the number of recordings made using high-resolution printing with high print quality in the recording of the recording unit 30. High-resolution printing uses more small ink droplets compared to, for example, recording at standard quality, so ink mist is more likely to occur.

[0146] In the above embodiment, the information related to the replacement of the feeding unit 73 displayed on the setting screen SC may include the number of sheets of paper S with a high amount of paper dust attached that have been transported by the feeding unit 73. Examples of paper with a high amount of paper dust attached include coated paper with paint applied to its surface.

[0147] In the above embodiment, the number of prints on a medium other than paper S may be displayed as information related to the replacement of the paper feeding unit 73 on the setting screen SC. For example, the number of prints on card C and the number of prints on disk D may be displayed on the setting screen SC shown in Figure 23.

[0148] In the above embodiment, when the user switches between a setting that does not notify the status of the feeding unit 73 and a setting that does not prompt the replacement of the feeding unit 73, and a setting that does not notify the status of the feeding unit 73 and a setting that prompts the replacement of the feeding unit 73, the operation buttons 4a and 4b do not need to be used. For example, the user displays the setting screen SC shown in Figure 23 on either the display unit 206 or the display unit 6, and the radio button RB <ok>By selecting both and <Help> simultaneously, the control unit 290 or control unit 90 may determine that the user has input a request to switch the above-mentioned settings. Alternatively, for example, if the control unit 90 is connected to an external device 201, the control unit 290 or control unit 90 may determine that the user has input a request to switch the above-mentioned settings by pressing an input key on the keyboard of the external device 201. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 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 surface, 11…Opening / closing member, 12…Media supply port, 13…Opening / closing lid, 17…Conveying path, 20…Conveying section, 21…Feeding roller pair, 22…Conveying roller pair, 30…Recording section, 31…Recording head, 32…Carriage, 33…Liquid storage section, 34…Media support member, 40…Discharge section, 41…Discharge roller pair, 42…Discharge port, 50…Paper discharge stacker, 50a…First stacker, 50b…Second stacker, 50c…Third stacker, 56…Protrusion, 58…Stacker storage section, 59…Mounting section, 60…Paper feed tray, 60a…Paper feed tray body, 60b…Extension tray, 61…Mounting Placing surface, 71...Feeding drive roller, 72...Feeding driven roller, 73...Feeding part, 73a...Feeding roller part, 73b...Fitting part, 73c...Restricted surface, 73d...Circular surface, 73e...Attachment / detachment Port, 73f...operation part, 73g...pressing part, 73h, 73k...protrusion, 73s...spring, 74...rotating shaft, 74a...shaft, 74b...fitting part, 74c...regulating surface, 74d, 74e...holding part 74h, 74k... Through hole, 80... Tray, 90... Control unit, 91... CPU, 92... Memory, 201... External device, 206... Display unit, 290... Control unit, 292... Memory, 501... System, IP... Instruction reception unit, LJ... Life information, N... Feeding counter value, Nn... First threshold, Ne... Second threshold, SC... Setting screen, RB... Radio button unit, T... Removal direction.< / ok> < / ok> < / ok> < / ok>

Claims

1. A feeding system comprising: a feeding device having a replaceable feeding unit for transporting media and a paper detection sensor for detecting the passage of media; an external device connected to the feeding device, the external device having a control unit; and a display unit, The control unit, A feed counter value is obtained based on the number of media conveyed by the feed unit. When the feeding unit is driven and the paper detection sensor detects the passage of the medium, the feeding counter value is counter processed. If the feeding unit is driven and the paper detection sensor does not detect the passage of the medium, the counter processing of the feeding counter value is not performed. The feeding counter value, based on the number of media sheets transported by the feeding unit, is displayed on the display unit. A feeding and delivery system characterized by the following:

2. In the feeding system according to claim 1, The control unit, Based on the number of media transported by the feeding unit, the display unit can display a message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit. It is possible to set whether or not to display a message prompting replacement of the feeding unit on the display unit. A feeding and delivery system characterized by the following:

3. In the feeding system according to claim 1 or claim 2, The control unit, Life information regarding the lifespan of the feeding unit is obtained, The lifespan information relating to the lifespan of the feeding unit is displayed on the display unit. A feeding and delivery system characterized by the following:

4. In the feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit, The feeding unit acquires the number of misfeeds, which is the number of times it has failed to transport the medium. The number of misfeeds is displayed on the display unit. A feeding and delivery system characterized by the following:

5. In the feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The system includes a recording unit that performs recording on the medium transported by the aforementioned feeding unit, The recording unit is capable of recording on the medium in a predetermined recording manner, The control unit, The number of recordings made by the recording unit in the predetermined recording mode is displayed on the display unit. A feeding and delivery system characterized by the following:

6. In the feeding system described in claim 5, The predetermined recording method includes borderless printing in which the recording unit records across the outer edge of the medium. A feeding and delivery system characterized by the following:

7. In the feeding system according to claim 5 or claim 6, The predetermined recording method includes double-sided printing, in which the recording unit records on both sides of the medium. A feeding and delivery system characterized by the following:

8. In the feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit, A first threshold and a second threshold that is greater than the first threshold are obtained. If the feed counter value is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, the feed unit will notify that it is in a near-end state where replacement of the feed unit is desirable. If the feed counter value is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the feed unit will notify that it is in an end state requiring replacement. A feeding and delivery system characterized by the following:

9. In the feeding system according to claim 8, The feeding device has a first light-emitting section and a second light-emitting section, The control unit, When the feeding unit is in the near-end state, the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit are flashed alternately. When the feeding unit is in the end state, the first light-emitting unit and the second light-emitting unit are flashed simultaneously. A feeding and delivery system characterized by the following:

10. A mounting section for placing the media, A supply unit that transports the medium from the mounting unit, A paper detection sensor that detects the passage of the aforementioned medium, Control unit and Display unit and Equipped with, The control unit, A feed counter value is obtained based on the number of media conveyed by the feed unit. When the feeding unit is driven and the paper detection sensor detects the passage of the medium, the feeding counter value is counter processed. If the feeding unit is driven and the paper detection sensor does not detect the passage of the medium, the counter processing of the feeding counter value is not performed. The feeding counter value, based on the number of media sheets transported by the feeding unit, is displayed on the display unit. A feeding device characterized by the following features.

11. In the feeding device according to claim 10, The control unit, Based on the number of media transported by the feeding unit, the display unit can display a message prompting the replacement of the feeding unit. It is possible to set whether or not to display a message prompting replacement of the feeding unit on the display unit. A feeding device characterized by the following features.

12. A control method for a feeding device having a feed unit for transporting a medium, the feed unit being replaceable, and a paper detection sensor for detecting the passage of the medium, When the feeding unit is driven and the paper detection sensor detects the passage of the medium, the number of sheets of the medium transported by the feeding unit is counted. If the feeding unit is driven and the paper detection sensor does not detect the passage of the medium, the number of sheets of the medium transported by the feeding unit will not be counted. The number of media transported by the aforementioned feeding unit is displayed, including, A method for controlling a feeding device, characterized by the following features.

13. In the control method for a feeding device according to claim 11, This includes setting whether or not to display a message prompting replacement of the feeding unit based on the number of media sheets transported by the feeding unit, A method for controlling a feeding device, characterized by the following features.

14. A program that causes a control unit to control a feeding device having a feed unit for transporting a medium, the feed unit being replaceable, and a paper detection sensor for detecting the passage of the medium, When the feeding unit is driven and the paper detection sensor detects the passage of the medium, the number of sheets of the medium transported by the feeding unit is counted. If the feeding unit is driven and the paper detection sensor does not detect the passage of the medium, the number of sheets of the medium transported by the feeding unit will not be counted. The number of media transported by the aforementioned feeding unit is displayed, This includes having the control unit perform the following actions: A program characterized by the following features.

15. In the program described in claim 14, This includes causing the control unit to set whether or not to display a message prompting replacement of the feeding unit based on the number of media conveyed by the feeding unit, A program characterized by the following features.

Images