Printhead - Epson Stylus C 60 Service Manual

EPSON Stylus C60

2.1.2 Printhead

The Printhead uses the same U-CHIPS type as the previous printer (Stylus COLOR
680), and makes it possible to perform multiple shot printing and variable dot printing.
The Printhead nozzle configuration is as follows.
Nozzle layout
Black: 48 nozzles x 3 staggered (nozzle pitch of row: 1/360 inch)
Color: 48 nozzles x 1 row/col. (nozzle pitch of row: 1/120 inch)
The nozzle layout when viewed from the back surface of the Printhead is shown below.
Figure 2-2. Nozzle layout
The Printhead has the electric poles to store the ink consumption amount data into the
CSIC chip mounted on the ink cartridge. By storing the ink consumption amount data,
this printer can detect the ink consumption status, such as ink low/end condition.
The basic operating principles of the Printhead, which plays a major role in printing,
are the same as the previous printer (Stylus COLOR 680); on-demand method which
uses PZT (Piezo Electric Element). In order to uniform the ejected ink amount, the
Printhead has its own Head ID (11 digits code for this Printhead) which adjusts PZT
voltage drive features.
So, you are required to store the Head ID pasted on the Printhead into the EEPROM by
using the Adjustment program when replacing the Printhead, the Main board, the
Printer mechanism with new one. (Note : there are no resistor arrays to determine the
Head ID on the Main board.) And then, based on the stored Head ID into the
EEPROM, the Main board generates appropriate PZT drive voltage.
Following explains the basic components for the Printhead.
Operating Principles
PZT
PZT is an abbreviation of Piezo Electric Element. Based on the drive waveform
generated on the Main board, the PZT selected by the nozzle selector IC on the
Printhead pushes the top of the ink cavity, which has ink stored, to eject the ink
from each nozzle on the nozzle plate.
Electric poles for CSIC
This electric poles connects the CSIC chip mounted on the ink cartridge. By using
this poles, current ink consumption amount data is red out from the CSIC chip.
And, the latest ink consumption amount data is written into the CSIC chip.
Nozzle Plate
The plate with nozzle holes on the Printhead surface is called Nozzle Plate.
Filter
When the ink cartridge is installed, if any dirt or dust around the cartridge needle is
absorbed into the Printhead, there is a great possibility of causing nozzle clog and
disturbance of ink flow, and alignment failure and dot missing finally. To prevent
this problem, a filter is set under the cartridge needle.
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.
Nozzle plate
Figure 2-3. Printhead sectional drawing
Overview
CSIC chip
Nozzle selector board
Ink cartridge
Needle Elect ric poles for CSIC
* Head ID for the Printhead
is stored to the EEPROM.
Filter
Cavity
PZT
Revision A
24