Epson Stylus Pro 3800 - Ink Change System

Epson Stylus Pro 3800/3800C/3850/3880/3885/3890 Revision C
OPERATING PRINCIPLES Ink Supply Mechanism 43
2.3.3 Ink Change System
This printer has automatic ink change system that switches black ink between Photo
Black and Matte Black. The cartridge holder of this printer keeps both Photo Black and
Matte Black ink cartridges. Each of the black ink cartridges has its own ink supply tube
connected to their respective damper. Both black inks are supplied into the damper, and
one of them is supplied to the print head at one time by means of the ink selector that
changes the ink flow path.
Ink change system consists of an ink change motor, selection cam, selection lever, and
ink change sensor. The following describes the mechanism.
1. Drive of the ink change motor rotates the selection cam.
Ink change sensor detects the rotation angle of the cam.
2. The selection lever moves as the selection cam rotates.
3. The protruded end of the selection lever pushes the selection pin, and the pin
changes the black ink flow path inside the damper.
Figure 2-9. Ink Change System
Figure 2-10. Changing Black Ink Path
Ink Change Motor
Ink Change Sensor
Selection Cam
Selection Lever
Changing to Photo Black
Selection pin
Matt Black
Photo Black
Photo Black
Ink Path
Selection
Cam
Pressure of
Selection
Lever
Changing to Matte Black
Selection
Lever
Matte Black