Specifications

REV.-A
2.1.4.5 ink Cartridge and Ink End Sensor Mechanism
The structure of the ink cartridge is shown in Figure 2-32.
The ink cartridge contains an ink pack and an ink end detection plate. The detection pIate gradually
sticks out as the ink inside the cartridge runs short. The ink end sensor (DETECTOR
ASSY., INK) is
designed to detect this plate.
Ink End Detection Plate
Ink Pack
/
/
\
[ : c
Figure 2-32. Internal Structure of Ink Cartridge
Figure 2-33 shows the structure of the ink cartridge holder.
When the ink cartridge is installed, the ink supply needle breaks the ink pack so that the ink inside the
pack is supplied. There are two micro switches within the ink cartridge holder - Ink End Sensor
(DETECTOR ASSY., INK) and Ink Cartridge Sensor (HOLDER ASSY., INK CARTRIDGE). The ink end sensor
detects the ink end detection plate, while the ink cartridge sensor detects the ink cartridge.
When an ink end condition is detected, the status will not be recognized until another 200 lines are
printed. When absence of ink cartridge is detected, however, the ink end signal will be immediately
activated with the cartridge signal.
Table 2-3. Ink End/Ink Cartridge Signal
I
Status
IE Sensor
IC Sensor
IE Signal IC Signal
I
Ink Cartridge Exist/Ink Exist
Close
Close
LOW LOW
Ink Cartridge Exist/Ink Not Exist
Open
Close
HIGH LOW
Ink Cartridge Not Exist
Open
Open
HIGH
HIGH
Ink Cartridge Sensor
/
II
J
/
#
Ink Supply
To
-
~Needle
Printhead
!1 I
(!2
..*:,.
.
., ..,
Ink End Sensor
Figure 2-33. Structure of Ink Cartridge Holder
2-20