EPSON Stylus PHOTO 810/820/830

Revision B

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 1row (nozzle pitch of row: 1/120 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.

0.2117(3/360inch)

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 (13 digits code for this Printhead for Stylus Photo 810/ 820/830) 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

Following explains the basic components for the Printhead.

†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.

CSIC chip

Nozzle selector board

 

Ink cartridge

 

Needle

Elect ric poles for CSIC

* Head ID for the Printhead is stored to the EEPROM.

Nozzle plate

Cavity

EEPROM, the Main board generates appropriate PZT drive voltage.

PZT

Filter

Figure 2-3. Printhead sectional drawing

Operating Principles

Overview

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