Epson STYLUS CX3500 Service Manual page 55

EPSON Stylus CX3500/CX3600/CX3650/CX4500/CX4600
V Ink Cavity
The ink absorbed from the Ink Cartridge goes through the filter and then is stored
temporarily in this tank called "ink cavity" until PZT is driven.
Electric poles for CSIC
Nozzle selector board
CSIC Memory chip PZT
* Head ID for the Print Head is
Nozzle plate
stored to the EEPROM.
Figure 2-3. Printhead sectional drawing
2.2.2.1 Printing Process
This section explains the process which the Printheads of On-Demand inkjet printers
eject ink from each nozzle.
1. Normal state:
When the printing signal is not output from the Main Board (C577 Main, C571
Main), or the PZT drive voltage is not applied, the PZT does not change the shape.
Therefore, the PZT does not push the ink cavity. The ink pressure inside the ink
cavity is kept normal. (refer to Figure 2-4
2. Ejecting state:
When the print signal is output from Main Board (C577 Main, C571 Main), the
nozzle selector IC located on the Print Head latches the data once by 1-byte unit.
Based on the drive waveform (common voltage) generated on the Main Board, the
PZT selected by the nozzle selector IC pushes the top of the ink cavity. By this
operation, the ink stored in the ink cavity is ejected from nozzles. (refer to
2-4 (p.55): Ejecting state)
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Needle
Ink cartridge
Filter
Cavity
(p.55): Normal state)
Ink path
Normal state
Ejecting state
Figure 2-4. Print Head printing process
2.2.2.2 Printing Method
The dot printing systems of CX3500/CX3600/CX3650/CX4500/CX4600 are variable
dot printing systems.
V Variable dot printing
This printing mode is developed to improve the print quality on exclusive paper.
This mode is basically the same as variable dot printing mode used on other
products; micro dot, middle dot and large dot compose this mode. The printing dot
size varies according to the print data and this mode enables to output even sharper
image on exclusive paper.
Figure
Printer Mechanism
PZT Ink cavity
Nozzle Nozzle plate
PZT drive voltage
Revision A
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