Ink System Management; Ink System Operations - Epson Stylus Color 1520 Service Manual

2.4 Ink System Management

This section explains how the ink system is controlled to protect the printheads and ensure the output is high
quality. The ink system consists of following operations:
T
Power On
T
Initialization
T
Ink Cartridge Replacement
T
Cleaning
T
Print Start
T
Flushing
T
Waiting
T
False Absorbing
T
Wiping
T
Rubbing
T
Micro Absorbing
T
Carriage Lock
The printer also selects an ink sequence based on the printer conditions by referring to the value in the timer
counter IC that has a back-up lithium battery and timer counter stored in the EEPROM. The printer has
following counters:
T
Protect Counter A
T
Protect Counter C
T
Ink Consumption Counter
T
One-time Flag

2.4.1 Ink System Operations

The ink system operations are described below.
Y
Power on
When the printer is turned on. The printer runs cleaning sequences according to the counter value.
Y
Initialization
When the printer receives the initialization command. The CR returns to the home position during this
operation.
Y
Ink Cartridge Replacement
The control panel indicates when the ink cartridge needs replacing. It checks for ink cartridge and runs a
cleaning sequence, if necessary.
Y
Cleaning
Prevents a decline in print quality caused by an abnormal nozzle status such as nozzle clogging or
inaccurate ink ejection.
Y
Print Start
Runs the cleaning or flushing cycle after power on, before the printer starts printing.
Y
Flushing
Ejects a few ink dots during printing to prevent ink from increasing viscosity.
Y
Waiting
Runs the flushing operation after printing to avoid nozzle clogging caused by the viscous ink.
Y
False Absorbing
Absorbs the ink inside the cap and eliminates the ink on the nozzle plate after ink is absorbed.
Y
Rubbing
Eliminates the ink and dust that adhere to the nozzle surface. Some dots of ink are absorbed to moisten
the nozzle surface prior to this operation.
Y
Micro Absorbing
Ejects bubbles formed inside the cavity.
Y
Carriage Lock
Locks the carriage when turning off the printer or after nothing is printed for 5 minutes.
Operating Principles
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