2.2.4Ribbon Drive (See Figure
The ribbon driver mechanism moves the ribbon in synchronization with the space motor operation. The ribbon drive mechanism consist of the following items:
(a)Ribbon drive gear assembly
(b)Ribbon gear (space motor)
(c)Ribbon cartridge
(1)Ribbon cartridge
An endless ribbon with a single direction feed is used. Ink is supplied from an ink tank, which is built in to the ribbon cartridge.
(2)Ribbon feed operation
When the space motor is activated, the ribbon gear rotates. The rotation is transmitted via the ribbon drive gear assembly to the drive gear in the ribbon cartridge, thus moving the ribbon.
The feed direction of the ribbon is maintained by switching the rotational direction of the gears in the ribbon drive gear assembly. This ensures ribbon movement when bidirectional printing is used.
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