Printhead Mechanism - Epson Stylus PHOTO 2000P Service Manual

EPSON Stylus PHOTO 2000P

2.1.3 Printhead Mechanism

The printhead mechanism operating principles of the Stylus PHOTO
2000P are basically the same as for the previous EPSON ink jet printers.
This printer, however, employs a newly developed ink and improved
printhead driving method to provide a higher print quality and faster
printing speed than ever. Also, an IC called CSIC that stores ink-life data is
attached to each ink cartridge. With this IC, ink life of each cartridge can
be individually monitored. Note, like for other models, a head voltage
must be written with a PC.
The printhead mechanism consists of ink cartridges and printheads. Each
printhead is composed of PZT (Piezo Electric Element), nozzle surface, ink
supply needle, nozzle selection circuit board, cartridge sensor, CSIC, and
CSIC connection circuit. Figure 2-3 shows its component layout.
Ink Cartridge
Nozzle Plate
Figure 2-3. Printhead Mechanism
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Nozzle Selector
CSIC
Circuit Board
CSIC Connection
Circuit
Ink Supply Needle
PZT
Ink Cartridge
An ink cartridge stores ink to be supplied to the printhead.
CSIC:
CSIC is a non-volatile memory EEPROM attached to each black
and color ink cartridge. It keeps the following information:
1) Ink remaining level
2) Number of cleanings performed
3) Number of installation of the ink cartridge
4) Accumulated installation time of the cartridge
5) Model name of the printer in use
6) Ink cartridge production information
7) Ink cartridge code
8) Number of times that the ink cartridge is recycled
Printhead
PZT
Driven by the print signal from the control circuit board, it ejects
ink from the nozzle plate.
Nozzle plate
Ink pressured by the PZT is ejected from this plate.
Ink supply needle
Connects the ink cartridge and printhead to run ink to the
printhead.
CSIC connection circuit
Connects the control circuit board and CSIC attached on the ink
cartridge. One end of the harness is connected to the control
board together with the printhead cable.
Nozzle selection circuit board
This circuit, controlled by ASIC on the control circuit board,
selects nozzles to be driven for printing. On the other hand, head
drive voltage is produced on the controller circuit side.
Overview
Revision A
34