Citizen CL-S6621 User Manual

Technical Manual

CL-S6621

Thermal Transfer Barcode & Label Printer

PZY90003-00

1.00E-1304

CL-S6621 ii

CHAPTER 1 SPECIFICATIONS

CHAPTER 2 OPERATING PRINCIPLE

CHAPTER 3 DISASSEMBLY AND MAINTENANCE

CHAPTER 4 TROUBLESHOOTING

CHAPTER 5 PARTS LISTS

CHAPTER 6 CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS

APPENDICES

iii

CL-S6621

Safety Precautions

To prevent personal injury or property damage, the following shall be strictly observed. The degree of possible injury and damage due to incorrect use/maintenance or improperly following instructions is described below.

Indicates a situation which, if not observed and handled properly, could

Warning

Caution

: This is a mark to call attention to the reader.

• Before starting disassembly/reassembly or mechanical adjustment, be sure to disconnect the power cord from the power source.

• Do not disassemble/reassemble or adjust the machine, if it functions properly.

Particularly, do not loosen screws on any component, unless necessary.

• After completing an inspection and before turning on the power, be sure to check that there is no abnormality.

• Never try to print without media.

• Check that the media is properly set.

• Do not lay anything on the cover or lean against it during maintenance or while the

printer is in operation.

• During maintenance, be careful not to leave parts or screws unattached or loose inside the printer.

• When handling a printed circuit board, do not use gloves, etc., which can easily cause static electricity. Since ICs, such as CPU, RAM and ROM, might be destroyed by static electricity, do not touch lead wires or windows unnecessarily.

• Do not put the printed circuit boards directly on the printer or on the floor.

• When disassembling or reassembling, check wires for any damage and do not pinch

or damage them. Also, run wires as they were.

Indicates a situation which, if not observed and handled properly, could result in death or serious injury.

result in injury or property damage.

Warning

Caution

CL-S6621 iv

CHAPTER 1

SPECIFICATIONS

1-1

CL-S6621

CHAPTER 1 SPECIFICATIONS

1-1. General Specifications.................................................................................................... 1-3

1-2. Printable Area .................................................................................................................1-8

1-3. Printing Position Accuracy.............................................................................................. 1-9

1-4. Adjustable Sensors......................................................................................................... 1-10

CL-S6621 1-2

General Specifications

1-1. General Specifications

Printing

Printing method Thermal transfer/Direct thermal Resolution

Max. print width 168 mm 6.6inch

Max. print length 2539.7 mm 99.99 inch

Print density Print density is adjustable with software Printing speed setting 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2 inches per second

Print mode

Batch mode Normal printing (single or multiple sheets) Tear off mode Feeds back media to the tear-off position after printing is completed.

Cut mode *1 Prints while cutting at designated sheet units.

Peel mode*1 Peels labels from the liners after printing them. Media

Types of media Roll, fanfold

Recommended media Thermal transfer: label media (LR1111 Lintec)

Max. media width 178.0 mm 7.01" Min. media width 50.0 mm 1.97" Min. label width 50.0 mm 1.97" Min. label pitch*2 19.0 mm 0.748" Max. media thickness 0.254 mm 0.01" Max. media length 2539.7 mm 99.99" Min. media length 16.0 mm 0.63" Min. media thickness 0.0635 mm 0.0025"

diameter

*1: Options can be separately purchased. *2: When a media pitch of less than 1" is used, set the "Small Media Adjustment" setting in the

"Page Setup" menu to "On".

Main scanning line density: 203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm)

Sub-scanning line density: 203 dots/inch (8 dots/mm)

Head 1344 dots (effective dots: 1344 dots)

The following two kinds of cut mode operations are available.

• Back feed

• Cut through (Cut through refers to stopping present printing to cut the previous label when it reaches the cut position. After cutting, printing restarts but a gap may be created at the seam of the printing at this time.)

(continuous media, die-cuts, continuous tags, paper or tickets)

Direct thermal media: label media (150LA-1 Ricoh), tag media (130LHB Ricoh)

Max. external diameter: 127mm 5" On-board roll media Media core: 25.4 to 76mm Min. media core external diameter (when using label media): 50.8 mm

1 to 3"

1-3 CL-S6621

General Specifications

Ribbon

Recommended ribbon B110A Ricoh

Max. ribbon width 174.0 mm 6.85"

Min. ribbon width 50.0 mm 1.97" Max. ribbon length 360.0 m 1181 ft

Max. roll diameter 74.0 mm 2.90" Outer diameter of the

33.4±0.50mm 1.31 ± 0.02" paper core Inner diameter of the

25.4 ± 0.25 mm 1.00 ± 0.01" paper core

Ribbon end tape

Max. 80.0 mm 3.15” length

Ribbon end detection Ribbon out detection by a ribbon sensor

Bar code

For Datamax® emulation*3

One-dimension • Code 3 of 9 • UPC-A • UPC-E • EAN-13 (JAN-13)

• EAN-8 (JAN-8) • Interleaved 2 of 5 • Code 128

• HIBC (Modulus 43-used code 3 of 9) • Codabar (NW-7)

• Int 2 of 5 (Modulus 10-used Interleaved 2 of 5) • Plessey

• Case Code • UPC 2DIG ADD • UPC 5DIG ADD • Code 93

• Telepen • ZIP • UCC/EAN 128 • UCC/EAN128 (for K-MART)

• UCC/EAN128 Random Weight • FIM

Two-dimension • UPS Maxi Code • PDF-417 • Data Matrix • QR Code • Aztec

• GS1 DataBar

For Zebra® emulation*4

One-dimension • Code 11 • Interleaved 2 of 5 • Code 39 • EAN-8 • UPC-E

• Code 93 • Code 128 • EAN-13 • Industrial 2 of 5

• Standard 2 of 5 • ANSI CODABAR • LOGMARS • MSI • Plessey

• UPC/EAN Extensions • UPC-A • POSTNET • Planet

Two-dimension • Code 49 • PDF-417 • CODA BLOCK • UPS Maxi Code

• Micro PDF-417 • Data Matrix • QR Code • GS1 DataBar

• TLC39 • Aztec

*3: Datamax® is a registered trademark of Datamax Bar Code Products Corporation.

*4: Zebra

is a registered trade mark of ZIH Corp.

CL-S6621 1-4

General Specifications

Font

For Datamax® emulation*3

1. Seven kinds of fixed pitch font Overseas, English fonts and European fonts

2. OCR fonts

OCR-A*

, OCR-B*5

3. Proportional fonts CG Triumvirate smooth font CG Triumvirate Bold smooth font (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 30, 36, 48 points)

• Character set: Conforms with code page 850 standards

4. TrueType

rasterizer *

For Zebra® emulation*4

1. Five kinds of fixed pitch font Overseas, English fonts and European fonts

2. OCR fonts OCR-A*

, OCR-B*5

3. Proportional font CG Triumvirate Condensed Bold

4. True type™ rasterizer*

Symbol set

PC866U Ukraina*7, PC Cyrillic, ISO 60 Danish/Norwegian, DeskTop,

ISO 8859/1 Latin 1, ISO 8859/2 Latin 2, ISO 8859/9 Latin 5, ISO 8859/10 Latin 6, ISO 8859/7 Latin/Greek, ISO 8859/15 Latin 9, ISO 8859/5 Latin/Cyrillic, ISO 69: French, ISO 21: German, ISO 15: Italian, Legal, Math-8, Macintosh, Math, PC-858 Multilingual, Microsoft Publishing, PC-8, Code Page 437, PC-8 D/N, Code Page 437N, PC-852 Latin 2, PC-851 Latin/Greek, PC-862 Latin/Hebrew, Pi Font, PC-850 Multilingual, PC-864 Latin/Arabic, PC-8 TK, Code Page 437T, PC-1004, PC-775 Baltic, Non-UGL, Generic Pi Font, Roman-8, Roman-9, ISO 17: Spanish, ISO 11: Swedish, Symbol, PS Text, ISO 4: United Kingdom, ISO 6: ASCII, Ventura International, Ventura Math, Ventura US, Windows 3.1 Latin 1, Wingdings, Windows 3.1 Latin 2, Windows 3.1 Baltic (Latv, Lith), Windows 3.0 Latin 1, Windows Latin/Cyrillic, Windows 3.1 Latin 5

Control language

Conforms to Datamax® programming language*3 and Zebra®

programming language*

*5: The OCR font may have a low recognition rate according to the reader. *6: It is equipped with UFST

and TrueTypeTM rasterizer that are licensed from Monotype Imaging,

Inc.

TrueType UFST

is a trademark of Apple Inc.

is a trademark of Monotype Imaging, Inc.

*7: "PC866U Ukraina" is available for Datamax® emulation only.

1-5 CL-S6621

General Specifications

Outline of electronic devices

CPU 32-bit RISC CPU ROM Standard equipment: FLASH ROM 16MByte (User area: 4MByte)

RAM Standard equipment: SDRAM 32MByte (User area: 4MByte)

Media detection sensors

Transparent sensor Detects media gap between labels, notches on tags, and media out

Reflective sensor Detects reflective mark on back of media and media out

PNE (Paper Near End) sensor

Detects the near end state of roll paper (By default, issuing a paper near end alarm is disabled by the menu settings.)

Label peeling sensor *1Detects labels that are peeled off.

Communication interfaces

Serial 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, or 115200 bps

USB High-speed USB2.0 (480Mbps)

Communication interface (Options)

Parallel*8 IEEE1284 (Compatible, Nibble, ECP mode)

Network

Wired LAN: Ethernet interface (10-Base-T/100-Base-TX)

Wireless LAN: IEEE802.11n/IEEE802.11g/IEEE802.11b

Indications and switches

LED POWER, PRINT, CONDITION, ERROR Buzzer Alarms, errors, etc.

Operating panel keys PAUSE, FEED, STOP, MODE/REPEAT

Head-up detection

Detects head open.

switch

Power switch Turns power on and off.

Power supply

120V (-10%+6%), 2.5A, 60Hz (U.S.A., Canada) 120V version

UL60950-1st/2nd Edition, CSA No. 950, FCC Part 15 Subpart B (Class A)

220V-240V (-10%+6%), 1.5A, 50/60Hz (Europe) 220V version

EN60950-1, EN55022 (Class A), EN55024, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, CCC GB4943-2001/GB9254-1998/GB17625.1-2003

Power consumption (max. value)

120V version 105W (operation at 6 IPS at 12.5% printing duty)

4.4W (printer standby in Normal mode)

2.3W (printer standby in Standby mode*

)

220V version 105W (operating at 6 IPS at 12.5% printing duty)

5.0W (printer standby in Normal mode)

2.8W (printer standby in Standby mode*

)

*8: This interface is Non-L. P. S. (Limited Power Source). *9: Standby mode is default OFF.

CL-S6621 1-6

General Specifications

Others

Environment Operating temperature conditions:

Operating temp. 0 to 40

°C, humidity 30 to 80%, condensation free

(Conditions: ventilation, and natural convection)

Storage temperature conditions

Temp. -20 to 60

°C, humidity 5 to 85%

(Store the printer with the Head Unit up, without paper installed and without condensation.) (Conditions: ventilation, and natural convection)

Humidity %

[Operating and printing assurance condition] [Storage assurance condition]

Temperature °C Operating assurance temperature Printing assurance temperature

Humidity %

-20 Temperature °C

Storage assurance temperature

External dimensions Approx. 303 (W) X 290.1 (D) X 273.2 (H) mm

11.9 (W) X 11.4 (D) X 10.76 (H)"

Weight Approx. 7.9 kg (17.4 lb.)

Accessories Test label media, Test ribbon, CD-ROM (User's Manual), Quick start

guide, Head cleaner, Power cord, Media holder bar and Media holder guide, Ribbon holder, Paper core

Option Auto-cutter unit, Peeler unit, IEEE1284 Parallel I/F board, Ethernet I/F

board, Wireless LAN I/F board

1-7 CL-S6621

Printable Area

1-2. Printable Area

The printable area of the printer is as follows: When media is set to the printer, it must be aligned with the media guide at the left of the printing mechanism. Though the available maximum media width is 178 mm (7.01"), there are unprintable areas on both sides: 2.5 mm (0.10") width is on the left side and 7.5 mm (0.30") width on the right side as shown below. The left side unprintable area applies for media of any size.

Media guide

2.5 mm (0.10")

Reference end

Maximum media width: 178 mm (7.01")

Unprintable area

Printable area

168 mm (6.61”)

7.5 mm (0.30")

Direction of media feed

CL-S6621 1-8

Printing Position Accuracy

1-3. Printing Position Accuracy

By default, the printing start position is 2.5 mm (0.10") from the left end of the media and 1 mm (0.04") backward the leading edge of the label, U-shaped notch, or black mark.

2.5 mm (0.10") is the necessary value to avoid printing in the unprintable area as mentioned in

Printable Area".

“

The printing start position can deviate from the ideal position as follows:

Unprintable area

2.5 ± 1 mm*3

(0.10 ± 0.04")

Actual printing start position*

BCDEFG

1 mm (0.04")

2.5 mm (0.10")

Ideal printing start position

Reference edge

(Paper guide)

*1: Actual printing start position. May deviates from the ideal one in the indicated range. *2: Deviation of vertical positioning when printing position is set to 0. *3: Deviation of horizontal positioning when printing position is set to 0. *4: Deviation of vertical printing position when 100 mm is specified from the printing start

position.

Maximum media width: 178 mm (7.01")

Printable area

100 ± 2 mm*4 (39.4 ± 0.08")

1 ± 2 mm*

(0.04 ± 0.08")

Direction of media feed

Unprintable area

1-9 CL-S6621

Adjustable Sensors

1-4. Adjustable Sensors

There are two media sensors; the upper sensor (transparent sensor) and the bottom sensor (reflective sensor). The upper sensor is used to detect the labels on the liner or the U-shaped notches of tag. The bottom sensor is used to detect the black marks on tag. Also, both sensors are used to detect media end. The mechanical adjustable range of both sensors is equal and they are adjusted at the same time by turning the blue knob (“Gear Bevel Lead Screw U”). For details about the media sensors, refer to “2-1-3 Label/Tag Detection Mechanism".

2.5 mm

Media guide

(0.10")

4.8 to 88.9 mm (0.19 to 3.5")

(Moveable range of the

transparent sensor)

2.7 to 86.8 mm (0.11 to 3.42")

(Moveable range of the

reflective sensor)

Unprintable area

Maximum media width: 178 mm (7.01")

Center

Printable area

168 mm (6.61”)

Direction of media feed

Media

Unprintable area

7.5 mm (0.30")

CL-S6621 1-10

CHAPTER 2

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

2-1 CL-S6621

CHAPTER 2 OPERATING PRINCIPLES

2-1. Operation of Each Mechanism .......................................................................................2-4

2-1-1. Locations and Functions of Motors, Sensors and Thermal Head ......................2-4

(1) “Unit, Ribbon” section................................................................................ 2-4

(2) Printing section.......................................................................................... 2-5

2-1-2. Media Feed Mechanism ..................................................................................... 2-6

2-1-3. Label/Tag Detection Mechanism ........................................................................ 2-7

2-1-4. Printing and Ribbon Feed Mechanism ............................................................... 2-10

2-1-5. Print Head Up/Down Detection Mechanism .......................................................2-13

2-1-6. Paper Near End Detection Mechanism ..............................................................2-14

2-1-7. Head Balance Adjustment Mechanism ..............................................................2-15

2-1-8. Media Offset Adjustment Mechanism................................................................. 2-16

2-1-9. Transparent/Reflective Sensor Travelling Mechanism ....................................... 2-17

2-2. Operation of Control Parts .............................................................................................. 2-18

2-2-1. Configuration of Printer ......................................................................................2-18

(1) AC power supply .......................................................................................2-19

(2) SA, Main PCB............................................................................................ 2-19

(3) Operation panel (SA, Opepane PCB)........................................................ 2-20

(4) Thermal print head (SA, Head).................................................................. 2-20

(5) Sensors ..................................................................................................... 2-20

(6) Motors........................................................................................................ 2-20

(7) SA, Ribbon PCB........................................................................................ 2-20

(8) SA, Relay PCB ..........................................................................................2-21

(9) Optional I/F................................................................................................ 2-21

2-2-2. Memory map ......................................................................................................2-22

2-2-3. Sensors ..............................................................................................................2-23

(1) Head up switch.......................................................................................... 2-23

(2) Transparent sensor and reflective sensor ................................................. 2-24

(3) Ribbon Sensor F/R.................................................................................... 2-26

(4) Head temperature sensor.......................................................................... 2-27

(5) PF motor temperature sensor.................................................................... 2-28

(6) Ribbon motor temperature sensor............................................................. 2-29

(7) Paper Near End sensor............................................................................. 2-30

2-2-4. Drivers ................................................................................................................ 2-31

(1) PF motor driver.......................................................................................... 2-31

(2) Ribbon motor driver................................................................................... 2-32

(3) Head driver................................................................................................ 2-33

(4) Buzzer driver ............................................................................................. 2-35

(5) Fan driver .................................................................................................. 2-35

2-2-5. Other circuits ...................................................................................................... 2-36

(1) Power supply circuit................................................................................... 2-36

(2) Reset circuit............................................................................................... 2-37

(3) Clock circuit ...............................................................................................2-37

CL-S6621 2-2

(4) Ope-pane circuit ........................................................................................2-38

(5) USB I/F control circuit................................................................................ 2-38

(6) RS232C I/F circuit ..................................................................................... 2-39

(7) Option I/F circuit ........................................................................................2-39

(8) Peeler circuit (for optional peeler).............................................................. 2-40

(9) Cutter control circuit (for optional cutter) ................................................... 2-41

2-3. Operation Panel.............................................................................................................. 2-43

2-3-1. External view ...................................................................................................... 2-43

(1) Keys........................................................................................................... 2-43

(2) LEDs.......................................................................................................... 2-43

2-3-2. Operation using the keys ................................................................................... 2-44

(1) Normal operation....................................................................................... 2-44

(1-1) Sensor adjustment mode ..................................................................2-44

(1-2) Menu setting mode ...........................................................................2-45

(2) Test mode.................................................................................................. 2-46

(2-1) Self print mode.................................................................................. 2-46

(2-2) Hex dump mode................................................................................ 2-47

(3) Factory/Service mode................................................................................ 2-47

(3-1) General ............................................................................................. 2-47

(3-2) How to enter the Factory/Service Mode............................................ 2-48

(3-3) Factory/Service Mode menu table .................................................... 2-54

2-4. Interface.......................................................................................................................... 2-59

2-4-1. Serial Interface ...................................................................................................2-59

(1) Specifications............................................................................................. 2-59

(2) Signal line and pin assignment.................................................................. 2-59

(3) Protocol ..................................................................................................... 2-60

2-4-2. USB Interface ..................................................................................................... 2-61

(1) Specifications............................................................................................. 2-61

(2) Signal line and pin arrangement................................................................ 2-61

2-4-3. Parallel Interface (Option) ..................................................................................2-61

(1) Specifications............................................................................................. 2-61

(2) Signal line and pin assignment.................................................................. 2-62

(3) Parallel port status signals when an error occurs ......................................2-62

(4) Compatible timing specification................................................................. 2-63

2-3

CL-S6621

Operation of Each Mechanism

2-1. Operation of Each Mechanism

This printer is a thermal transfer barcode & label printer comprised of the following mechanisms: media feed, ribbon feed, label/tag detection, print head up/down detection, paper near end detection, head balance adjustment, media thickness adjustment and transparent/reflective sensor travel. This section describes the operation of each of these mechanisms.

2-1-1. Locations and Functions of Motors, Sensors and Thermal Head

This printer has the following motors, sensors and thermal head.

(1) “Unit, Ribbon” section

Part name Description SA Ribbon Motor F (Front side) SA Ribbon Motor R (Rear side) Ribbon Sensor F (“SA, Ribbon Sensor” on the front side)

Ribbon Sensor R (“SA, Ribbon Sensor” on the rear side)

SA Ribbon Motor F

SA Ribbon Motor R

This motor takes up ribbon. A thermistor is attached to the side of this motor to detect the motor temperature. This motor gives back tension to ribbon.

This sensor consists of two photointerrupters to detect if appropriate tension is given to the front side ribbon. It also detects a ribbon-running error.

This sensor consists of two photointerrupters to detect if appropriate tension is given to the rear side ribbon. It also detects the ribbon end status.

Ribbon Sensor R ("SA, Ribbon Sensor" on the rear side)

Ribbon Sensor F ("SA, Ribbon Sensor" on the front side)

CL-S6621 2-4

Operation of Each Mechanism

(2) Printing section

Part name Description

SA PF Motor This motor feeds media. A thermistor is attached to the side surface of this

motor to detect the motor temperature.

SA, Head Up Switch This switch is a mechanical lever switch to detect the print head position;

up or down. Transparent Sensor (Upper sensor)

This sensor is a photo sensor to detect the labels stuck on liner or

U-shaped notches on tag. It also detects the media end. (SA TRA Sen PCB)

Reflective Sensor (Bottom sensor)

This sensor is a photo sensor to detect the black marks on tag. It also

detects the media end. (SA Ref Sen PCB)

SA, Head It consists of a head driver and thermal elements. Thermal elements are

heated to make printing on media. The thermal head incorporates a

thermistor to detect the thermal head temperature. SA PNE Sensor (Paper near end

This sensor is a photo sensor to detect a near end status of roll paper

installed. sensor)

SA, Head

SA PNE Sensor

Transparent sensor (SA TRA Sen PCB)

Reflective Sensor (SA Ref Sen PCB)

SA PF Motor

SA, Head Up Switch

2-5 CL-S6621

Operation of Each Mechanism

2-1-2. Media Feed Mechanism

The major components of the media feed mechanism are: (a) SA PF Motor (b) SA2_Platen (c) Gear train

By setting the head block to the down position, media is pushed against the “SA2_Platen” by the “SA, Head”. As the “SA PF Motor” (stepping motor) turns counterclockwise viewing from the right side of the printer, the “SA2_Platen” turns counterclockwise via the gear train (“Gear Reduction PF 1”, “Gear Reduction PF 2” and “Gear Idle PF”) and media is fed forward by the friction force produced between the “SA2_Platen” and the “SA, Head”.

When the “SA PF Motor” turns clockwise, media is fed backwards. One step of the “SA PF Motor” feeds media by 1/16 mm (0.0025").

Gear Reduction PF 2

Gear Reduction PF 1

Thermal Elements

SA2_Platen

Gear Idle PF

Motor Gear

SA, Head

Ribbon

[Right side view]

Media

SA PF Motor

CL-S6621 2-6

Operation of Each Mechanism

2-1-3. Label/Tag Detection Mechanism

The major components of the label/tag detection mechanism are: (a) Reflective sensor (Bottom sensor) (SA Ref Sen PCB) (b) Transparent sensor (Upper sensor) (SA TRA Sen PCB)

There are two movable sensors, the reflective sensor (bottom sensor) and the transparent sensor (upper sensor). As you adjust the sensor position with the blue knob (“Gear Bevel Lead Screw U”), both sensors move at the same time. As shown in the figure below, the reflective sensor has two LEDs and one phototransistor. The reflective sensor is used to detect black marks at the back of tag. On the other hand, the transparent sensor is a phototransistor that will receive the transparent light from the LEDs through the media. The transparent sensor is used to detect labels on liner or U-shaped notches of tag. Both reflective and transparent sensors are used to detect the media end.

Aligning the sensors for label paper or tag with U-shaped notches:

For label paper, turn the blue knob (“Gear Bevel Lead Screw U”) to align the mark of the transparent sensor at the center of label. (The transparent sensor and the reflective sensor move at the same time.) For tags with U-shaped notches, turn it to align the mark with the U-shaped notch.

Aligning the reflective sensor for tag with black marks:

For tag with black marks, turn the blue knob (“Gear Bevel Lead Screw U”) to align the left side mark of the reflective sensor with the black mark of tag.

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2-7 CL-S6621

Operation of Each Mechanism

Detecting labels: (Media Sensor menu: “See Through”)

For detecting label, both reflective sensor and transparent sensor are used. Label paper passes between both sensors. The light emitted from the LEDs of the reflective sensor passes through the liner (base part of label paper) where no label is stuck on it, and the light reaches the transparent sensor. Accordingly, the phototransistor of the transparent sensor turns ON. Meanwhile, in the label part, the light is blocked by label and does not reach the phototransistor. So, the phototransistor turns OFF. By sensing the output of the transparent sensor, the CPU on the Main PCB can detect the label leading edge for printing.

Detecting U-shaped notches of tag: (Media Sensor menu: “See Through”)

For detecting U-shaped notches of tag, both reflective sensor and transparent sensor are used. The U-shaped notches are detected in the same way as the label mentioned above, except that the light is directly falls on the transparent sensor through the notch.

Detecting black marks on tag: (Media Sensor menu: “Reflect”)

For detecting black marks on tag, only the reflective sensor is used. Light emitted from the LEDs is reflected by the tag (at other than the black mark) and reaches the phototransistor of the reflective sensor. At the black mark, the light is not reflected. The CPU on the Main PCB detects the black mark by sensing the output of the reflective sensor.

Label

U-shaped notch

Ta g

Black mark

Media

Sensor to be used

Media Sensor menu

Label gap

Liner

Transparent and Reflective sensors

Transparent sensor

Media

LEDs

Reflective sensor

See Trough

Reflective sensor

Media

LEDs

Reflective sensor

Reflect

CL-S6621 2-8

Operation of Each Mechanism

Detecting continuous media: (Media Sensor menu: “None”)

For detecting continuous media, only the reflective sensor is used. In this case, only media end is detected by the reflective sensor.

LED light amount control:

According to the media selected by the Media Sensor menu (“See Through”, “Reflect”, or “None”), the amount of light is well controlled to detect the label/U-shaped notch, black mark, or continuous media. The amount of light is as follows (the largest amount is for “See Through):

• Continuous media (None) < Black mark (Reflect) < Label/U-shaped notch (See Through)

2-9 CL-S6621

Operation of Each Mechanism

2-1-4. Printing and Ribbon Feed Mechanism

The major components of the printing and ribbon feed mechanism are: (a) SA, Head (d) SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft F/R (b) SA Ribbon Motor F/R (e) SA, Ribbon Sensor (Front/Rear) (c) Ribbon gear train

Ink ribbon is set to the printer using the ribbon holders. Ribbon is supplied from the supply reel and is taken up by the take-up reel with adequate ribbon tension, via the “SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft R” and “SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft F”. The “SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft F/R” is always pushed outward by the internal springs, and, when ribbon slacks, it moves outward. When ribbon tightens, it moves inward. (Refer to the figures on the later pages.) The same ribbon sensor is installed on the front and rear sides. The ribbon sensor on the front side is used to detect the position of the “SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft F” (i.e., the ribbon tension on the front side). While, the ribbon sensor on the rear side is used to detect the position of the “SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft R” (i.e., the ribbon tension on the rear side). The ribbon sensor on the front side is also used to detect a ribbon running condition, and that on the rear side is used to detect the ribbon end. On the front side, the “SA Ribbon Motor F” turns to take up ribbon. On the rear side, the “SA Ribbon Motor R” turns to supply ribbon, while applying adequate back tension to ribbon to eliminate ribbon slack.

Gear Ribbon Shaft F

Take-up Side

SA Ribbon Motor R

SA Ribbon Motor F

Gear Reduction Ribbon 1

Gear Reduction Ribbon 2

Gear Reduction Ribbon 3

SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft F

Gear Idle Ribbon

Ribbon

Thermal Head

SA2_Platen

[Front]

Printing:

When printing with ink ribbon, ink on the ribbon is melted by the heated thermal element of the “SA, Head” and is transferred on the media surface.

Supply Side

Gear Reduction Ribbon 1

Gear Ribbon Shaft R

Gear Idle Ribbon

Gear Reduction Ribbon 3

Gear Reduction Ribbon 2

SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft R

Media

CL-S6621 2-10

Operation of Each Mechanism

Taking up Ribbon: Ribbon will be taken up on the front side as follows: (1) As media is fed, ribbon is also fed by the friction force produced between media and the “SA,

Head”.

(2) Ribbon slacks and the ribbon sensor on the front side turns OFF as the “SA, Ribbon Tension

Shaft F” is pushed outward. (3) The “SA Ribbon Motor F” starts to turn and ribbon is taken up. (4) Ribbon tightens and the ribbon sensor on the front side turns ON. Then, the “SA Ribbon Motor

F” stops.

Supplying Ribbon:

On the rear side, the “SA Ribbon Motor R” turns to supply ribbon, while applying adequate back tension. In the same way as on the front side, the ribbon sensor on the rear side detects the ribbon tension to keep the ribbon tension constant. However, when printing is made and ribbon is fed, the ribbon sensor on the rear side turns ON since ribbon is tightened at this time.

Reel Drive Mechanism:

Though the ribbon holders are directly installed in the reels, ribbon is connected to the reels via the spring mechanism of the ribbon holders. This means that ribbon is taken up via the spring mechanism when the “SA Ribbon Motor F”/”SA Ribbon Motor R” turns. On the front side, the “SA Ribbon Motor F” turns in the clockwise direction viewing from the right side of the printer, and the “Gear Ribbon Shaft F” (take-up reel) turns in the counterclockwise direction via the “Gear Reduction Ribbon 1”, “Gear Reduction Ribbon 2”, “Gear Reduction Ribbon 3” and “Gear Idle Ribbon”. Thus, ribbon is taken up. On the rear side, the “SA Ribbon Motor R” turns in the counterclockwise direction, and the “Gear Ribbon Shaft R” (supply reel) turns in the clockwise direction via the “Gear Reduction Ribbon 1”, “Gear Reduction Ribbon 2”, “Gear Reduction Ribbon 3” and “Gear Idle Ribbon”, Ribbon”. Thus, ribbon is supplied.

2-11 CL-S6621

Operation of Each Mechanism

Detecting Ribbon Tension (Ribbon Sensors):

The same ribbon sensor is installed on the front and rear sides. Since the operation is the same on both sides, the front side operation is explained here: When ribbon is taken up, the ribbon tightens and the “SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft F” is pushed inward (in the direction of “a”) by the ribbon. At this time, the claws “A” attached to the “SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft F” are inserted into the photointerrupters of the “SA, Ribbon Sensor”, and the photointerrupters turn OFF. During printing, the ribbon is fed forward together with media and the ribbon will slack. This, the “SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft F” is moved outward (in the direction of “b”) by the spring (“B”) force, and the claws “A” come off the photointerrupters. So, the photointerrupters turn ON and the “SA Ribbon Motor F” turns faster to take up the ribbon quickly. Then, the claws “A” are inserted into the photointerrupters again, and the “SA Ribbon Motor F” resumes normal speed. This cycle is repeated and constant tension is applied to the ribbon. (The two claws “A” are arranged so that they are inserted into or released from the photointerrupters with a slightly different timing. This function enables to finely control the ribbon tension.) On the rear side, during printing, ribbon will be tightened. If it is tightened, the ribbon sensor turns ON and the “SA Ribbon Motor R” turns faster than normal speed to quickly supply ribbon.

Ribbon Sensor

SA, Ribbon Sensor

Supporting Point

Tension Adjustment Knob (Front)

[Right side view]

Ribbon

Tension Adjustment Knob (Rear)

Ribbon

SA, Ribbon Tension Shaft F

Spring Ribbon Tension (2 pcs.)

Tension Adjustment Mechanism:

To apply adequate ribbon tension, you can change the spring “B” force as follows: The spring force is adjustable in 3 steps with the “Tension Adjustment Knob (Front/Rear)”. As you move the knob toward the

T mark, the spring force becomes stronger since the spring “B” is

moved to the left in the above figure.

CL-S6621 2-12

Operation of Each Mechanism

2-1-5. Print Head Up/Down Detection Mechanism

The component of the print head up/down detection mechanism is as follows: (a) SA, Head Up Switch (b) Pop Up Cover Frame (c) Spring Pop Up (d) Support Pop Up

The print head up/down detection mechanism detects the up (open)/down (close) status of the “Unit, Head”. When the “Unit, Head” is in the down position, the “Support Pop Up” (a part of the “Unit, Head”) pushes down the top of the “Pop Up Cover Frame”, and the lever of the “SA, Head Up Switch” is pushed. In this state, the “SA, Head Up Switch” turns ON and the signal line is in “Low” level. While, the “Unit, Head” is in the up position, since the “Pop Up Cover Frame” is released from the “Support Pop Up”, it pops up by the force of “Spring Pop Up” and the switch lever is set free. In this state, the “SA, Head Up Switch” turns OFF and the signal line is in “High” level. The CPU on the Main PCB detects up or down position of the “Unit, Head” by sensing the output of the “SA, Head Up Switch.

Unit, Head

["Unit, Head" Down Position]

SA, Head Up Switch

Support Pop Up

Pop Up Cover Frame

Spring Pop Up

SA, Head Up Switch

["Unit, Head" Up Position]

OFF

Support Pop Up

Pop Up Cover Frame

Spring Pop Up

2-13 CL-S6621

Operation of Each Mechanism

2-1-6. Paper Near End Detection Mechanism

The component of the Paper near end detection mechanism is as follows: (a) SA PNE Sensor (A part of the main body) (b) Lever PNE (A part of the “Roll Paper Holder”) (c) Slider PNE (A part of the “Roll Paper Holder”) (d) Spring PNE (A part of the “Roll Paper Holder”)

The paper near end sensor is used to detect a paper near end status of roll paper installed in the printer. The knob of the “Lever PNE” is pushed by the side of roll paper and the “Slider PNE” engages with the “SA PNE Sensor” (fixed part on the main body). In this state, the “SA PNE Sensor” (photointerrupter) turns OFF. When printing proceeds and the diameter of roll paper is reduced to the preset paper near end point, the knob of the “Lever PNE” that was pushed by the roll paper pops up, and the “Slider PNE” comes off the “SA PNE Sensor”. In this state, the “SA PNE Sensor” (photointerrupter) turns ON. The CPU on the Main PCB detects the ON/OFF status of the “SA PNE Sensor” (photointerrupter) and judges if the roll paper reaches the near end status.

The paper near end position can be changed mechanically by sliding the knob of the “Lever PNE” up or down.

Spring PNE

SA PNE Sensor

[Normal Status]

Roll Paper Holder

Lever PNE

Roll Paper

[PNE (Paper Near End) Status]

Spring PNE

SA PNE Sensor

Lever PNE

Roll Paper

Slider PNE

CL-S6621 2-14

Slider PNE

Operation of Each Mechanism

2-1-7. Head Balance Adjustment Mechanism

The major components of the head balance adjustment mechanism are: (a) Cam Head Balance (c) Spring Head L/R (b) Plate Head Balance

The head balance adjustment mechanism is used to eliminate uneven printing density on media. The head balance adjustment is accomplished by changing the right side head pressure according to media width to be used. To adjust, the blue Media width adjustment dial (“Cam Head Balance”) is used. When narrow width media is used, the dial should be set toward “0” to give weaker pressure. While, wide width media is used, it should be set toward “9” to give stronger pressure.

When narrow width media is used (need to give weak pressure):

The “Spring Head L” and “Spring Head R” (2 pcs.) act to press the “SA, Head” against the “SA2_Platen”. For narrow width media, if the same pressure is given on both sides, since no media exists on the right side of the “SA, Head”, the “SA, Head” will slant to the right, resulting in uneven printing density. The part “A” of the “Plate Head Balance” is pushed against the cam part of the “Cam Head Balance” by the force of “Spring Head R” and it moves up step by step () as the Media width adjustment dial is turned toward “0” (). As it moves up, the “Spring Head R” is pressed with weaker force by the “Plate Head Balance” (), and the right side pressure against the “SA, Head” decreases, resulting in even printing density. You need to align the dial number according to the media width to be used. (Smaller number for narrower media)

When wide width media is used (need to give strong pressure):

The same principle applies to wide media. However, in this case, the Media width adjustment dial should be turned toward “9”. Then the part “A” of the “Plate Head Balance” moves down to apply stronger pressure to the “SA, Head”. (Larger number for wider media)

For narrow media

Spring Head L (Fixed)

Supporting point

Spring Head R (Movable)

Weak

Toward "0"

Plate Head Balance

SA, Head

Ribbon

For wide media

SA, Head

Ribbon

Media (Narrow width)

Media (Wide width)

SA2_Platen

Strong

T0ward "9"

Cam Head Balance (Media Width Adjustment

Dial)

2-15 CL-S6621

Operation of Each Mechanism

2-1-8. Media Offset Adjustment Mechanism

The major components of the media thickness adjustment mechanism are: (a) Cam Head Adjust (c) Spring Head Holder (b) SA Head Adjust Lever (d) Plate Holder Head

According to the softness of media, the thermal element position is displaced from the optimum position. The head offset adjustment mechanism is used to correct this by moving the “SA Head” back and forth a little. By performing the head adjustment properly, optimum printing quality is obtained. (When shipping, the Media thickness adjustment dial is set to “1” for soft media.)

When soft media is used (thin thermal paper, label paper, etc.):

When soft media is used, the optimum position of the thermal elements will be nearly right above the center of the “SA2_ Platen”. (In dial No. “1”, they are aligned with the platen center.)

When hard media is used (tag paper):

When hard media is used, the optimum position of the thermal elements will shift toward the front a little from the center of the “SA2_Platen”, i.e. toward the left viewing from the right side of the “SA2_ Platen” as shown below. As the optimum position varies according to the hardness of media, it is necessary to adjust the Media thickness adjustment dial from “1” to up to “9” for optimum printing. As the dial is turned (), the “SA Head Adjust Lever” swings up and down () as its projection “A” moves along the groove of the dial. The “Plate Holder Head” end is pinched by the “Spring Head Holder” at end “B” of the “SA, Head Adjust Lever”. (Namely, both parts are connected via the “Spring Head Holder”.) Therefore, as the “SA, Head Adjust Lever” swings up and down (), the “Plate Holder Head” swings up and down accordingly (). With this movement of the “Plate Holder Head”, the thermal element position slightly moves back and forth against the “SA2_Platen”.

Supporting point

Ribbon

Media

SA2_Platen

For soft media

Plate Holder Head

For hard media

[Right side view]

SA Cover Frame (Fixed)

SA, Head

Spring Head Holder

[Section "B" upside-down view]

Groove

SA Head Adjust Lever

Supporting point

Cam Head Adjust

(Media Thickness Adjustment Dial)

CL-S6621 2-16

+ 197 hidden pages

Citizen CL-S6621 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Safety Precautions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1-1. General Specifications

1-2. Printable Area

1-3. Printing Position Accuracy

1-4. Adjustable Sensors

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2-1. Operation of Each Mechanism

2-1-1. Locations and Functions of Motors, Sensors and Thermal Head

(1) “Unit, Ribbon” section

(2) Printing section

2-1-2. Media Feed Mechanism

2-1-3. Label/Tag Detection Mechanism

2-1-4. Printing and Ribbon Feed Mechanism

2-1-5. Print Head Up/Down Detection Mechanism

2-1-6. Paper Near End Detection Mechanism

2-1-7. Head Balance Adjustment Mechanism

2-1-8. Media Offset Adjustment Mechanism