Autocutter Mechanism - Epson EU-T432 Technical Manual

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Black marks are detected through changes in output level from the reflective photo sensor. The
changes in reflectivity between the pre-printed black marks and blank areas of the thermal
paper cause the amount of light returning to the sensor to vary; then the sensor output level is
also varied as shown in Figure 2-15. These variations are used to detect the black mark. Since the
relationship between the black mark and the print position can be specified in the printer set up,
detecting the black mark permits the correct positioning of the paper.
black mark detector signal
conductive confirmation
black mark detection

Autocutter Mechanism

This mechanism consists of the fixed blade mechanism, the movable cutter blade mechanism
and the emergency cutter mechanism.
The basic principle of the autocutter mechanism is an application of the scissors principle, where
the paper is cut by two crossing blades. A configuration which allows the two blades to separate
has been adopted so that the fixed blade separates from the movable cutter blade, full when
the platen is open.
Fixed blade mechanism
This mechanism is mounted on the frame platen unit. This configuration consists of the fixed
blade which cuts the paper directly, the spring, fixed blade which stabilizes the vertical
positioning of the fixed blade, and the cover, fixed blade which covers the fixed blade and
is a paper guide as well as makes the operation to open the platen safe.
fixed blade
Rev. A
Figure 2-15 Black mark detecting operation
spring, fixed blade
cover, fixed blade
Figure 2-16 Fixed blade mechanism
EU-T432 Technical Manual
frame, platen unit
Operation Principles 2-11