Cr (Carriage) Mechanism - Epson DLQ-3000 Service Manual

2.1.2 CR (Carriage) Mechanism

The CR mechanism consists of the CR movement mechanism, external cooling fan, and
platen gap adjustment mechanism.
‰
CR movement mechanism
The CR is supported by 2 CR guide shafts by its high and low ends. The stepping motor
used for the CR motor enables the CR to move to any positions. The motor also sends
torque to the timing belt pulley to drive the timing belt. The timing belt with one of the
edges fixed to the head carriage moves the head carriage along the carriage guide shaft
from right to left or vice versa according to the direction the CR motor rotates. Since the
length of the belt is affected by the change in temperature, belt tension spring is
attached to keep the belt with a constant tension. The HP sensor (Home Position sensor)
is located at the reference position (on the right side as seen from the front) in the printer
mechanism. Photo-coupler system used for the sensor detects the CR when the flag of
the CR crosses emission. It is only operated when the printer is turned on, and once it is
detected, CR movement is put under the open-loop control system. After the controller
circuit determines where to move the CR according to the received data, it converts the
distance to the position into the corresponding phase change pulse and outputs it to the
CR motor. If the CR home position is detected during printing or the printer initialization, it
indicates the status that the printer fails to detect the home position at a correct position
and an error occurs as a result. CR speed is controlled by the CR motor drive frequency
which depends on the printing data.
‰
External cooling fans
This printer is equipped with 2 cooling fans. One, located at the left bottom of the printer,
eliminates excess heat from the circuit boards. The other one is externally attached to
the right side of the printer mechanism to blow the air directly to remove excess heat
from the printhead.
Table 2-2. External Cooling Fan Unit Specification
Type
Power supply voltage
Consumption current
Rotating speed
Rev. A
Figure 2-2. CR Mechanism
DC brush-less motor (ball bearing built in)
35 VDC 10 %
0.07 A or less
3800 rpm or more
Operating Principles
2-3