Epson Stylus CX3500 - Ink System Mechanism

EPSON Stylus CX3500/CX3600/CX3650/CX4500/CX4600 Revision A
OPERATING PRINCIPLES Printer Mechanism 63
2.2.5 Ink System Mechanism
The Ink System Mechanism consists of Pump mechanism with Carriage lock
mechanism and Capping mechanism with Wiper mechanism. Following table lists the
function for each mechanism.
Note : Like the previous printers (Stylus Photo R300/R310), this printer adopts the valveless
cap system. The air valve system used for the previous printer (Stylus COLOR 740)
have two functions by the CR position in the capping condition as follows.
1) Valve closing condition (CL position)
By closing the air valve, the ink is forcibly absorbed from the Ink Cartridge
or the ink cavity by the Pump Unit and is ejected to the Waste Ink Pad while
the Carriage Unit is in the CL position.
2) Valve opening condition (Ink absorption position)
By opening the Air valve, the negative pressure is decreased and only the
ink inside the Cap is ejected while the Carriage Unit is in the further right
side than the CL position. (the ink is not absorbed from the Ink Cartridge or
the ink cavity.)
The following shows you the Carriage Unit position for each condition easily.
But, on the valveless cap system, the above 2) operation is done outside the
capping position. The Carriage Unit moves outside the CR home position and
the pump absorbs the ink inside the Cap.
Table 2-4. Function for each mechanism
Mechanism Function
Capping mechanism *
This is to cover the surface of the Print Head with the cap in
order to
prevent the nozzle from increasing viscosity.
Wiper mechanism
This is to remove the foreign material and unnecessary ink on
the nozzle plate of the Print Head.
Pump mechanism
This is to eject the ink from the Ink Cartridge, the ink cavity and
the cap to the Waste Ink Pad.
Carriage lock mechanism
This is to lock the Carriage Unit with the Change Lever while
the Carriage Unit is at the home position.
CL position
(valve closing condition)
Printing area CR home position
Ink absorption position
(valve opening condition)