Epson Stylus Pro 4400 - Ink Supply Mechanism; Csic; Valve Mechanism

EPSON Stylus Pro 4400/4450/4800/4880/4880C Revision C
Operating Principles Printer Mechanism Components 118
2.2.2 Ink Supply Mechanism
This printer has ink cartridges for 8 colors held by Ink holders (I/H) located on
the left and right sides of the printer. There are protruding tabs and markings
on the top of each color ink cartridge to prevent mistaken installation.
NOTE: The 4-color model is equipped with the Ink Holder (I/H) on the left
side only.
 Explanation of valve mechanism mounted on the cartridge
The valve automatically opens and closes when the ink cartridge is
installed and removed.
Figure 2-2. Valve Mechanism
The ink flow is as shown below.
Each color's ink cartridge → Each color's I/H (Ink Holder) →
Each color's ink tube → Each color's head dumper (Carriage) → Print Head
NOTE: Below is a drawing of Stylus Pro 4800/4880/4880C. Stylus Pro
4400/4450 has no ink holder on the left.
Figure 2-3. Ink Supply Mechanism
 CSIC
Memory chip information for each color ink cartridge passes through the
CSIC relay circuit board on each Ink holder and is stored in the EEPROM
on the BOARD ASSY., MAIN.
Various information such as installed ink color and remaining quantity is
stored in the EEPROM. (Refer to "Ink Information Menu" (p.88).)
To Print Head
Ink cartridge holder
(Opening/closing)
Ink cartridge
Ink Cartridge
Ink Holder (x4)
Ink Holder
Ink tube