JP2003030555A - Method and system for lending printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a system for lending a printer for allowing a user to easily use the printer and provided a service related with the printer until it becomes unnecessay to use the printer any more. SOLUTION: This printer selling method and system provides a method for lending a printer 4 on which consumables (5) are preliminarily mounted. The printer device 4 is lent in response to a request from a user 3, and the using state of the printer device 4 is managed as information data, and a service is provided to the printer device 4 according to the managed data and a preliminarily decided reference value.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer device lending method and lending system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a printer device is manufactured by a manufacturer and sold to users via a sales company and a mass retailer. The warranty period is set for the printers sold, and if it is before the warranty period, you may contact the manufacturer (may go through a sales company or a mass retailer) to receive maintenance such as initial failure and repair. it can. Further, normally, in the initial state of the printer device to be sold, consumable parts are not mounted, so it is necessary to mount consumable parts. Furthermore, if the user runs out of consumables such as ink and paper in the process of using the printer device, the user usually purchases the consumable product that suits the printer device being used at the mass retailer. Then, attach it to the printer and use it.

[0003]

However, for a user who is not very familiar, it takes time and effort to mount a consumable product, and in the worst case, the component is damaged when the consumable product is mounted. There is. In addition, when the consumable item is used up and the consumable item is purchased, which consumable item is the consumable item of the printer device used by the user due to the increase in the types of printer devices in recent years. It is difficult to understand, but in many cases, I purchased a different type of consumable item and could not install it at the stage of installing it.

When purchasing a consumable item, it is safe to contact the manufacturer and sell the consumable item. However, in general, the consumable item is often noticed after it has been consumed, and the manufacturer is required to know. It takes a very long time to get the consumables home from the time of contact.

Further, since the manufacturer is out of the control of the manufacturer when the printer device is sold, detailed service cannot be provided to the user who uses it.

Furthermore, there is a method called a lease contract (also called "lease") as a method of managing the printer device and providing services while the user is using the printer device. No printer device is provided by.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer device lending method and a lending system in which a user can easily use the printer device and services related to the printer device are provided until the user does not need to use the printer device. And

[0008]

The present invention will be described below. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are added in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms.

A first aspect of the present invention is a method of lending a printer device (4) to which a consumable item (5) is previously attached, the method comprising:
At the request of the user (3), the printer device is lent, the usage state of the printer device is managed as information data, and the printer device is managed in accordance with the managed information data and a predetermined reference value. The service is provided.

According to the present invention, the printer device can be used according to the needs of the user. Also, since it is managed regularly while using the printer device,
Can be used with confidence. In addition, the user does not have to take extra trouble such as replenishing consumables.

According to the present invention, while the user is using the printer device, the usage condition of the printer device is managed, and the service is provided (replacement of parts and supply of consumables) according to the usage condition. Therefore, the printer device can be used without anxiety. Further, by making a lease contract for the printer device, the user can use the printer device according to his needs. In addition, the usage status of the printer device is the consumption amount of consumables and the device
It is the operating time of parts etc., failure status such as part failure or movable state, paper JAM, software startup failure etc. but it is not a failure but it does not operate smoothly, environment where printer is placed (temperature etc.) .

According to a second aspect of the invention, a recording device for recording the usage state of the printer device as information data is provided in the printer device, a recording medium (131) is inserted into the recording device (130), and the insertion is performed. The information data is recorded on the recording medium, and the printer device is managed by the recorded information data.

According to the present invention, since the information data of the printer device can be recorded on the recording medium which is convenient to carry, the information data can be easily moved to the management terminal for managing the printer device. Further, the usage state of the printer device can be grasped from the recorded recording medium without inspecting the inside of the printer device. Furthermore, by totaling the recorded information data, it is possible to predict the service life of parts and the like provided in the printer device and the consumption amount of consumables with respect to the operating time, so that they can be reflected in the production plan and the like. it can.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the information transmission means 37 for transmitting the usage status of the printer device as information data.
Is provided in the printer device, and the printer device is managed by the transmitted information data.

According to the present invention, since the information transmission means can move the information data for grasping the usage status of the printer device, the printer device can be managed by the external management terminal. Further, even if the inside of the printer device is not inspected, the usage state of the printer device can be grasped from the transmitted information data. Furthermore, by totaling the transmitted information data, it is possible to predict the service life of parts and the like equipped in the printer device and the consumption amount of consumables with respect to the operating time. it can.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer device sales system in which a printer device to which a consumable item is preliminarily mounted is lent to a user, and a detecting means for detecting a usage state of the printer device as information data. (3
6), information transmission means for transmitting the information data detected by the detection means, and determination means for determining whether a service is required based on the information data transmitted by the information transmission means. (28) and a supply means (32) for supplying a required service to the printer when the determination means determines that a service is required. .

According to the present invention, the usage status of the printer device is regularly managed, and the user is provided with detailed service according to the usage status. Further, since the information data indicating the usage state of the printer device is moved and managed by an external management terminal, it is not necessary to go to the user's house to inspect the printer device. Furthermore, the transmitted information data makes it possible to predict the service life of parts and the like provided in the printer device and the consumption amount of consumables with respect to the operating time. In addition, the printer device can be easily managed.

Further, as an ordering means for receiving an order for a service requested by the user, a web site (50) having an item inputting means may be used. With such a configuration, the user can purchase the printer device as long as he has a terminal that can connect to the website and browse the web browser (52). Moreover, it is convenient because services such as supply of consumables can be performed on the website.
In addition, by displaying a sale (order) of the printer device in cooperation with a popular website, it is possible to advertise to many people an outline of the printer device.

According to the invention of claim 5, when there is no stock of parts (5a) or consumables necessary to provide the service, an ordering means for ordering the parts or consumables, and the ordering means. And a supply means for supplying the parts or consumables.

According to the present invention, when the stock of consumables or parts necessary for providing the service is not available, the consumables or parts are supplied.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the service is at least one of replacement of parts of the printer device, repair of the printer device, and supply of consumables.

According to the present invention, even if some trouble occurs in the printer, the user is provided with a service according to the trouble, so that the user can use the printer with peace of mind.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the ink and the paper as the consumables are consumed almost at the same time.

According to the present invention, since the ink and the paper as the consumables are consumed almost at the same time, the ink replacement time and the paper replacement time are almost the same, so that the ink and the paper are once replaced. Can be exchanged for. Further, since it is sufficient to provide a detecting device for detecting the consumption amount in either the ink or the paper, the cost can be reduced.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first embodiment of a printer device lending method and printer device according to the present invention will be described in detail below.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer device lending method and a lending system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a system diagram of the first embodiment.

As shown in the figure, this embodiment comprises a printer device provider 1, a parts supplier 2 and a user 3.

The printer device provider 1 is a company that lends the printer device 4 to a user, manages the printer device, and provides services according to the management status. The service includes replacement of consumables, repair due to a failure, replacement of parts, and the like. The printer device provider also includes a manufacturer who manufactures the printer device. For example, it is a manufacturer of printer devices. Further, it may be a sales company of a printer maker, a home delivery company, a mail order company, an online store company, or the like.

The parts supplier 2 manufactures consumables and parts used in the printer device 4, and the printer device supplier 1
Is a supplier that supplies consumables 5 and parts 5a. The parts provider 3 supplies the consumables 5 and the parts 5a according to the order request from the printer device supplier. The consumable item 5 is paper, ink, or the like used in the printer device 4. The component 5a is a platen roll, an ink supply device, or the like provided inside the printer device 4.

The user 3 is a person who leases the printer device 4 and uses it. Lease agreements can be long-term or short-term.

As shown in FIG. 2, the printer device provider 1 comprises an ordering unit 11, a managing unit 12, and a service providing unit 13.

The ordering means 11 receives an order for the printer device 4 from the user 3. The ordering means 11 is an ordering means 16 for receiving an order received from the user 3, a settlement means 17 for performing settlement of the ordered printer device, and an order for placing an order for the settlement printer device in the management means 12. Means 18 and.

The management means 12 manages the printer device lent to the user and orders parts and consumables. In addition, management of the printer device is performed regarding usage time, consumable status, usage status, operating status of each component, etc.
If the state is below a predetermined reference value, an instruction to provide (supply) service for the component or consumable item is issued. In addition to the above, the printer JA
M, a state in which the printer does not operate smoothly, such as a failure to start up the software, but does not operate smoothly, an environment (temperature) in which the printer is placed, and the like are managed. From the ordering means 11, the management means 12 includes a communication means 21 for connecting to the parts supplier 2 and the printer device via the communication line 5, an ordering means 22 for ordering parts and consumables to the parts supplier. Ordering means 23 for receiving the ordering request of the printer and the printer device 4
Supply instruction means 24 for instructing the user 2 to provide the user 2 and supply instruction means for instructing the supply of the consumables or parts to the printer device 4 which uses the consumables or parts below the reference value. 26, and storage means 27 for storing information data in which the usage state of the printer device is detected,
A reference value is set in advance, the reference value is compared with the information data transmitted from the printer device, and a determination unit 28 for determining whether or not to provide a service to the printer device.
It consists of and. The service here means replacement of parts of the printer device, repair of the printer device, supply of consumables, and the like.

The service providing means 13 provides the printer device 4 to the user 2 or provides (supplies) the service to the printer device 4 in accordance with the instruction from the management means 12. The service providing unit 13 includes a receiving unit 31 for receiving an instruction from the providing instruction unit 24 of the managing unit 12, and a providing unit 32 for providing the printer device to the user 3 according to the instruction received by the receiving unit 31. And a supply means 33 for supplying consumables or parts having a value lower than the reference value to the printer device based on the determination result. Further, provision of the printer device 4 by the provision means 32,
Alternatively, the supply of the consumable item 5 and the component 5a by the supply means 33 is
It is performed via the management company 6.

Further, a printer device provider 1 and a storage 9 for stocking consumables 5 and parts 5a used in the printer device 4 may be provided.

The parts supplier 2 supplies the consumables 5 and the parts 5a to the printer device provider 1 in response to the request from the printer device supplier 1. The parts supplier 2 provides a communication unit 41 for connecting to the management unit 12 of the printer apparatus provider 1 via the communication line 7, an order receiving unit 42 for receiving an order request from the management unit 12, and a printer apparatus provision. Supply means 4 for supplying consumables 5 and parts 5a to the trader 1.
3 is included. The supply of the consumable item 5 and the component 5a by the supply means 43 is performed via the courier 6a.

The printer device 4 periodically sends the status of the printer device 4 to the management device 12 as information data in order to manage the printer device 74 by the management device 12. The printer device 4 includes a detection means 36 for detecting the usage time of the printer device 4, the status of consumables, the usage status, the operating status of each component, etc., as information data, and the detection means 36.
The information transmission means 37 for transmitting the information data detected by the information transmission means 37 to the management means 12. The information data detected by the detection means 36 is transmitted by the information transmission means 37 to the management means 12 via the communication line 7.

Further, the detecting means 36 includes, for example, a measuring device for measuring the usage time, a detecting device for detecting the amount of consumables, a detecting device for detecting the operating state of each component, and the like. ing.

The ordering means 11, the management means 12 and the service providing means 13 are connected via a network 45. The network 45 is preferably an internal LA
N is preferably used, but when each means 11 to 13 is located at a remote place, they are connected via a communication line. Further, the printer device supplier 1 and the parts supplier 2, and the printer device supplier 1 and the printer device 4 are connected to each other through a communication line 7.
Connected through. A preferred example of the communication line 7 is a public line network such as a telephone line, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a wireless line or the like may be used.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the loan processing in this embodiment.

The flow of loan processing in this embodiment will be described.

The user 3 places an order for a lease contract for the printer device 4 with the printer device provider 1 (step S1). The order of the printer device 4 is received by the order receiving means 16 as the ordering means 11, and the settlement means 1
The settlement process is performed by step 7 (step S3). When the settlement is completed, the ordering unit 18 orders the management unit 12 for the printer device 4 (step S4). Management means 1
2 receives the order request from the ordering means 11 by the order receiving means 23, and the service providing means 1 by the provision instructing means 24.
3 is instructed to provide the printer device 4 (step S
5). The service providing unit 13 receives the providing instruction from the managing unit 13 by the receiving unit 31, and provides (lends) the printer device 4 to the user 3 by the management company as the providing unit 32 (step S6).

Next, the user 3 uses the printer device 4 (step S7). While the printer device is in use, the detection means provided in the printer device detects information data such as the usage time of the printer device, the status of consumables, the usage status, and the operation status of each component (step S8). The detected information data is periodically transmitted to the management means by the information transmission means provided with the communication means (step S9). The transmitted information data is compared with a predetermined reference value by the determination means of the management means,
It is determined whether or not the parts or consumables of the printer device will be replaced, repaired, supplied, or the like (step S10). For example, when the supply of the consumable item is necessary, the supply instruction unit of the management unit instructs the service providing unit to supply the consumable item (step S11). The service providing unit receives the supply instruction from the management unit by the reception unit, and supplies the consumable item to the printer device by the management company as the supply unit (step S12).

Also, replacement and repair of parts due to malfunction of parts of the printer device are performed in the same manner as supply of consumables.

When the stock in the storage 9 becomes low, an ordering process for replenishing the parts 5a and the consumables 5 is periodically performed. The ordering is performed by the ordering means 22 of the management means 12. The parts supplier 2 orders the parts 5a and the consumables 5 to be used in the printer device 4. The parts supplier 2 receives the ordering request from the management means 12 by the ordering means 42, and delivers the consumables 5 to the storage 9 of the printer apparatus provider 1 by the supply means 43. The storage 9 may not be provided in particular, but if the storage 9 is not provided, it is necessary to place an order with the product supplier for each request from the user.

Thus, the printer device 4 is lent to the user 3 by the printer device provider 1. The printer device 4 is provided with a detection means 36 for detecting the usage status of the printer device 4, and an information transmission means 37 for transmitting the information data detected by the detection means 36 to the printer device provider 1. ing. The information data detected by the detection means 36 is periodically transmitted to the management means 12 of the printer device provider 1, and the printer device 4 is managed by the information data. A service is provided to the printer device 4 according to the management status. The service includes provision of consumable items 5 such as ink and paper, repair of malfunctions, replacement of parts 5a, and the like. Service is a management company 6
Provided through. In addition, management is performed regarding the usage time, the status of consumables, the usage status, the operating status of each component, and the like.

FIG. 4 is a system diagram of the second embodiment of the present invention.

A lending method and a lending system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those in FIG. 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The printer device provider 1 constructs a Web site 50 for ordering a printer device lease contract. The website 50 is a printer device provider 1.
May be constructed by itself, but preferably, it is preferably conducted in cooperation with a Web server operator. Web
A server operator is a W for selling printer devices.
A company that builds and manages eb sites. The Web site 50 is a Web site for displaying, on the Web browser 52, an item input as a printer device lease contract means.
A server 53 is provided. The web browser 52 and the web server 53 are connected via a network 60.
The Web server 53 includes a display unit 54 for displaying the printer device, an item input unit 55 for ordering a lease contract for the printer device, and an order receiving unit 16 for receiving an order received from the user 3. A payment unit 17 for performing payment for the ordered printer device and an ordering unit 18 for ordering the paid printer device to the management unit are provided. On the web browser 52, a program included in the web server 53 is executed and displayed. The Web browser 52 displays at least a printer device, an outline of the printer device, and item input means 55 for ordering a lease contract for the printer device.

Further, the user 2 needs to have a terminal 65 having at least browsing software for browsing a web browser and a communication means for connecting to a website. The user uses the terminal to
From the Web browser 52 on the site, the printer device can be leased.

The user terminal 65 and the Web site 50,
The management means 12 is connected via the network 60. The Internet is a suitable example of the network 60.

FIG. 3 shows the flow of sales processing in this embodiment.
Will be described.

The user 3 uses the terminal 65 to connect to the website and browse the web browser 52. The user 3 inputs a predetermined item by the item input means 55 to place an order for a printer device lease contract (step S).
1). If the information input by the item input means is not defective, the ordering means 16 receives an order and the settlement means 17 performs settlement processing (step S3). When the settlement is completed, the ordering unit 18 orders the management unit 12 for the printer device 4 (step S4). The managing means 12 receives the order request from the ordering means 11 by the order receiving means 23, and instructs the service providing means 13 by the providing instructing means 24 to provide the printer device 4 (step S).
5). The service providing unit 13 receives the providing instruction from the managing unit 13 by the receiving unit 31, and provides (lends) the printer device 4 to the user 3 by the management company as the providing unit 32 (step S6).

Next, the user 3 uses the printer device 4 (step S7). While the printer device is in use, the detection means provided in the printer device detects information data such as the usage time of the printer device, the status of consumables, the usage status, and the operation status of each component (step S8). The detected information data is periodically transmitted to the management means by the information transmission means provided with the communication means (step S9). The transmitted information data is compared with a predetermined reference value by the determination means of the management means,
It is determined whether or not the parts or consumables of the printer device will be replaced, repaired, supplied, or the like (step S10). For example, when the supply of the consumable item is necessary, the supply instruction unit of the management unit instructs the service providing unit to supply the consumable item (step S11). The service providing unit receives the supply instruction from the management unit by the reception unit, and supplies the consumable item to the printer device by the management company as the supply unit (step S12).

Also, replacement and repair of parts due to malfunction of parts of the printer device are performed in the same manner as supply of consumables.

The printer device to be lent will be described.

5 to 9 show a first embodiment of the printer device.

The printer device 4 has a cubic or rectangular parallelepiped casing 80. Inside the casing 80,
A platen roll 82 is stored. The platen roll 82 is disposed on the image receiving paper 84, and the image receiving paper 84
A printing device P that winds up and prints on the image receiving paper 84.
Collaborate with. The printing device P includes an ink sheet 85 to which dyes of three or four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and sometimes black (B) are attached,
An ink bobbin 86 for holding the ink sheet 85 in a roll shape, a take-up roll 87 for winding up the used ink bobbin 86, and an up-down and left-right movement facing the ink sheet 85. The thermal head 88 is provided. The ink bobbin 86, the ink sheet 85, and the take-up roll 87 form an ink unit 110.
Are integrally formed. Further, the ink unit 110 is provided with a sensor as a detection device for detecting the remaining amount of ink.

On the other hand, the image receiving paper 84 is a casing 80.
It is stored directly on the bottom surface 80d without a tray. The image receiving paper 84 is held (fixed) on the inner surface of the casing 80.
And a holding member for holding.

The platen roll 82 is rotatably driven by a driving device 90. The platen roll 82 receives the sheet-shaped image receiving papers 84 one by one through a chuck (not shown) and rotates them. Three colors or four colors are sequentially transferred onto the image receiving paper 84 by the operation of the ink sheet 85 and the thermal head 88. After the transfer, the platen roll 82 is reversed and the image receiving paper 84 is discharged from the discharge port 91 provided on the upper surface 80a of the casing 80. Further, along the edge of the upper surface 80a, an insertion port 92 of a recording medium reading device such as a smart medium or a compact flash (R) provided inside the casing is formed. Information from this recording medium causes each component to operate via the control device 95.

Further, the control device 95 includes the control device 9
A detection device for detecting whether or not all the electronic components controlled by 5 are in a movable state, a measurement device for measuring a movable time, and the like are provided.

A power cord 99 is accommodated at the bottom corner of the casing 80 so that it can be automatically wound, and the plug 100 is completely accommodated in the casing 12. In this way, all the parts necessary for the printer device 4 are housed in the casing and formed into a hermetically sealed type.
Each surface of 0 is a flat surface without a protruding member or the like, and the entire printer device is formed compactly. Further, as described above, all the parts are built in, and the printer device 4
Although it is formed as a disposable type, it may be impossible to print before a predetermined number of sheets have not been printed. Therefore, at least one surface of the casing 80 can be opened. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the side surface 80c in which the upper surface 80a and the side surface 80b are integrally opposed to the side surface 80b.
Hinged to the upper edge of the upper surface 80a,
It may be formed so that the side surface 80b can be integrally opened. In any case, it is necessary to have a structure capable of opening a portion where the paper is clogged and the like, that is, a peripheral portion of the platen roll.

In addition to the image receiving paper 84, the ink bobbin 8
6, movable parts such as the platen roll 82 and the thermal head 88 are directly supported by the side surface of the casing 80 and are rotatable as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, whereby the entire printer device is formed compactly, The number of parts is reduced, and a disposable printer device can be constructed. That is, the shaft 86 a of the ink bobbin 86 and the shaft 82 a of the platen roll 82 are located on the side surface 8 of the casing.
0e bearing b is directly rotatably supported by the platen roll 8
The second shaft 82a is also directly rotatably supported by the bearing b of the side surface 80e, and the shaft 116 for supporting the block 115 that supports the thermal head 88 so as to be movable left and right is directly supported by the side surface 80e of the casing 80. The block 115 is a support rod 115 a for supporting the thermal head 88.
Is supported so that it can move up and down.

Incidentally, the ink bobbin 8 which is the movable part.
6 and the thermal head 88 are provided with the fixing members 110 and 117 because they may shake during conveyance of the printer and cause malfunction. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the fixing member 71 has a threaded portion 7 that is screwed into the side surface 12e.
1a and a fixing plate 71b attached to the tip of the threaded portion 71a. During conveyance, the fixing member 110 is rotated to press the fixing plate 110b against the end surface of the ink bobbin 86 to fix the ink bobbin 86. Similarly, a fixing member for the platen roll can be provided so as to fix the platen roll 82. The thermal head 88
The fixing member 120 for use comprises a hook member 120a, and a support portion 120b for fixedly supporting the hook member 120a at a release position (the position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 8) and a fixed position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 8). A flange 116 is provided at the end of 117, and the block 115 is provided with the flange 116 during transportation.
And is fixed by the hook member 120.

In addition to this, as shown in FIG. 9, a fixing member 121 for holding (fixing) the image receiving paper 84 when the printer is conveyed is provided on the side surface 80c of the casing. It is movably mounted and presses and fixes the upper surface of the image receiving paper.

The platen roll 82 is large enough to process one postcard, and in the case of the above-mentioned image receiving paper 84, the size of the image receiving paper is preferably a postcard size. Further, it is preferable that the number of image receiving papers accommodated is 50 to 500, and if multi-screen printing of 50 screens or more can be performed, the cost of each component is reduced and it is economically viable as a disposable printer. However, if it is configured to print more than 500 screens, the size of the device will increase.
It must be 500 screens or less.

Further, in order to reduce the size of the apparatus, it is preferable to set the size of the casing 80 so that its length, width and height are 20 cm or less.

Further, the ink and the paper as the consumables can be exchanged at a time by setting the amount and the number of the paper so that the ink and the paper are consumed almost at the same time, which is efficient.

Further, the outer wall (casing 80) for covering the outside of the printer device 4 has side surfaces 80b, 8 formed by vertically extending from the upper surface 80a and the periphery of the end of the upper surface 80a.
0c, and a casing bottom portion 80d that closes the opening of the casing upper portion. The side surface 80c of the casing upper portion 81 and the casing bottom portion 80d are locked by locking tools 81b, 81b. The locking tool 81b uses, for example, a screw or the like. Further, the locking tool 81b has a structure that the user cannot remove the locking tool 81b without using a dedicated tool so that the user cannot disassemble the locking tool 81b. By doing so, it is possible to prevent a malfunction of the printer device due to a user's mistake and a malfunction due to mixing of dust and the like when the ink bobbin 86 and the image receiving paper 84 are mounted. The management company uses a special tool to remove the locking tools 81b, 81b,
The printer device is disassembled and the paper or the ink unit 110 of the printer device 4 is replaced or supplied.

Further, inside the casing 80, an information transmitting device 113 for connecting to another terminal at a predetermined position and transmitting information data, and a detecting means for detecting the use state of the printer device 4 are connected. Has been done. The detection means includes a detection device and a measurement device provided in the control device 95, and a detection device provided in the ink unit 110. The information transmission device 113 is connected to the control device 95. Further, the detection value detected by the detection means is stored in the storage unit in time series as information data. The storage unit is provided in the control device 95. The information data stored in the storage unit is periodically transmitted by the information transmission device 113 to another terminal (such as a management terminal that externally manages the printer device) as information data of the usage state of the printer device. Further, a modular jack (not shown) is provided at a predetermined position on the side surface of the casing 80 as an I / F for connecting to a telephone line. Furthermore, an I / F for connecting to a wireless line
A connection cable 114 for connecting to the mobile terminal 118 is provided so as to be pulled out from the upper portion of the printer device. The connection cable 114 is connected to a mobile phone as the mobile terminal 118, a PHS, a mobile device, or the like.

FIG. 10 shows a second embodiment of the printer device.

This printer device 4 has an upper surface 80a of the casing 80, and an insertion port 92 of the recording device 130 for recording information data of the usage state of the printer device 4 on a recording medium.
a. The recording device 130 is provided inside the casing. Further, an insertion opening for inserting a recording medium into the recording device 130 is provided at a predetermined position on the side surface of the casing 80. The recording medium is removable. The recording medium is an IC chip, an IC card, or the like. This recording medium is connected to the control device 95, and the usage state of the printer device 4 can be periodically recorded as information data. The recording medium is regularly removed by a management company, input as information data of the printer device 4 to an external management terminal, and the usage state of the printer device is managed.

FIG. 11 shows the third embodiment of the printer device.
FIG. 12 shows an opening mechanism diagram of the printer device of FIG.

In this printer, a tray 111 is provided at the lower part of the casing 80 in a state where it can be pulled out from a part of the side surface of the casing 80 (right side in the drawing). Image receiving paper 84 is accommodated in the tray 111. Further, on the inner side surface of the tray 111, there are provided holding members 111a and 111a which are attached so as to be movable up and down and hold (fix) the side surface of the image receiving paper 84 so as to press and fix it.

Further, the display portion 112 may be provided on the upper surface 80a of the casing 80 so that the user can check the usage state of the printer device. Further, instead of the display unit 112, a lamp that indicates that the consumable items are exhausted, a lamp that indicates a failure, or the like may be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12, one surface of the casing 12 can be opened so that the ink unit 110 can be replaced in order to clog the paper or replace the ink unit 110. That is, the upper surface 80a and the side surface 80b of the casing 80 are integrally connected to the upper edge of the side surface 80c opposed to the side surface 80b by the hinge 102,
It may be formed so that the upper surface 80a and the side surface 80b can be integrally opened. The ink unit 110 can be pulled out and replaced as shown. In any case, it is not limited to this shape, but it is necessary to have a structure in which the peripheral portion of the platen roll 82 can be opened in order to remove the paper due to clogging of the paper and replace the ink unit 110.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and may be implemented in various forms. The printer device 4 is also an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0078]

As described above, according to the printer device lending method of the present invention, the user does not have to bother with installing ink or paper after purchase, and anyone can easily install the printer device. Can be used. Further, since the seller manages the printer device, it does not require any extra work. Furthermore, by lending the printer device, the user can use it according to his needs.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printer device lending method and a lending system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a system diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of sales processing in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a system diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a printer device.

FIG. 6 is an opening mechanism diagram of the printer device.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a rotation support mechanism for an ink bobbin and a platen roll, and a fixing device for the ink bobbin.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a thermal head fixing device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a fixing device of a thermal head.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of a printer device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of a printer device.

FIG. 12 is an opening mechanism diagram of the printer device according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 users 4 Printer 5 consumables 5a parts 28 Judgment means 32 supply means 36 Detection means 37 Information transmission means 50 websites 52 Web browser 130 recording device 131 recording medium

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A method of lending a printer device to which a consumable item is attached in advance, wherein the device is lent to the printer at the request of a user, and the usage status of the printer device is managed as information data, A method of lending a printer device, wherein a service is provided to the printer device according to the generated information data and a predetermined reference value. 2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein the printer device is provided with a recording medium for recording a usage state of the printer device as information data, and the printer device is managed by the information data. Loan method. 3. A printer is provided with a recording device for recording the usage state of the printer as information data,
2. The printer device according to claim 1, wherein a recording medium is inserted into the recording device, the information data is recorded on the inserted recording medium, and the printer device is managed by the recorded information data. . 4. A printer device sales system in which a printer device to which a consumable item is preliminarily mounted is lent to a user, and a detecting device for detecting a usage state of the printer device as information data, and the detecting device. Information transmission means for transmitting the information data detected by the information transmission means, a determination means for determining whether or not a service is required based on the information data transmitted by the information transmission means, and a service by the determination means. When it is determined that the printer is necessary, the printer device is provided with a supply means for supplying the printer device with parts or consumables necessary for providing the necessary service. Loan system. 5. When there is no stock of parts or consumables necessary to provide the service, ordering means for ordering the parts or consumables, and the parts or consumables upon receiving the ordering means. A lending system for a printer, comprising: a supply unit for supplying an item. 6. The service according to claim 1, wherein the service is at least one of replacement of parts of the printer device, repair of the printer device, and supply of consumables. A method and system for lending a printer according to claim 1. 7. The ink and paper as the consumables are
The printer device lending method and lending system according to claim 1, wherein the printer device lending method and the lending system are consumed almost at the same time.