Print Head - Epson Stylus CX4900 Service Manual

EPSON Stylus CX4900/CX4905/CX5000/DX5000/DX5050/CX5900/CX6000/DX6000/DX6050

2.2.2 Print Head

The Print Head is the same D4-CHIPS type as the previous SPC and makes it possible
to perform economy dot printing and variable dot printing.
The Print Head nozzle configuration is as follows.
Nozzle layout
Black: 90 nozzles x 1 row
Color: 90 nozzles x 3 row/color (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow)
The nozzle layout when viewed from the back surface of the Print Head is shown
below.
2.822
(40/360inch)
#A90
#A89
#A88
A row
#A3
#A2
#A1
Cyan Magenta
Carriage Moving Direction
Figure 2-2. Nozzle layout
The Print Head has the Electric Poles (CSIC Connectors) 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/Out condition.
OPERATING PRINCIPLES
8.467 2.822
(120/360inch) (40/360inch)
#D90
#B90 #C90
#C89 #D89
#B89
#C88 #D88
#B88
B row C row D row
#D3
#C3
#B3
#D2
#C2
#B2
#C1
#B1
#D1
Yellow Black
The basic operating principles of the Print Head, which plays a major role in printing,
are the same as the previous printer; on-demand method which uses PZT (Piezo
Electric Element). In order to uniform the ejected ink amount, the Print Head has its
own Head ID (13-digits code for this Print Head for EPSON Stylus CX4900/CX4905/
CX5000/DX5000/DX5050/CX5900/CX6000/DX6000/DX6050) which adjusts PZT
voltage drive features.
So, you are required to store the Head ID pasted on the Print Head into the EEPROM
by using the Adjustment Program when replacing the Print Head, the Main Board Unit,
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 Print Head.
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
Print Head 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 Print Head 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 Print Head, 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.
Printer Mechanism
Revision A
66