Carriage Unit - Canon iPF6100 Service Manual

2.3.2.3 Carriage Unit

2.3.2.3.1 Functions of Carriage Unit
a) Printhead mounting function
The carriage mechanically locks the printhead and is connected to the printhead via the terminals on the carriage
PCB.
b) Control function
The carriage incorporates a carriage PCB that relays the signal from the main controller, a linear encoder that
generates a print timing signal based on the detected carriage position, and a multi sensor that detects the media
width and skewing to adjust the registration and height.
The carriage PCB and main controller PCB are connected with a flexible cable.
c) Carriage drive function
The carriage motor moves the carriage back and forth on the platen via the carriage belt.
d) Printhead maintenance function
The printer performs the printhead cleaning operation such as printhead wiping and suction at the home position
of the carriage.
The cleaning operation accompanied by ink suction is performed only at the left cap.
e) Nozzle check function
The printer detects a non-discharging nozzle using the head management sensor attached to the maintenance jet
tray by discharging ink with the carriage stopped at the maintenance jet tray.
f) Media thickness adjustment function
If the gap between the printhead face and the media increases due to the difference in media thickness, cockling,
curling, and so on, more ink mist is generated. In reverse, if the gap decreases, the head can touch the media
surface more frequently.
To maintain the proper gap, the remote lifter is driven to adjust the head height automatically according to the
selected media type, media supply method, printing conditions (borderless/priority print type), environmental
conditions (temperature/humidity), and the result of measurement by the multi sensor.
The relationship between media types and head heights (from the platen) is summarized in the table below. Note
that the head height is adjusted with priority given to the media gap measured by the multi sensor.
Head height (mm)
1.4
1.8
2
2.2
3.2
T-2-3
Media type (Value in parentheses:mm)
Glossy paper(0.2),plain paper(line drawing)(0.1)
Plain paper(0.1)
Coated paper(0.5)
Semi-glossy canvas(0.5)
Board paper(1.5)
Chapter 2
0016-8194
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