Epson FX Series Product Support page 8

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
Sprocket Feed System (For Continuous Business Forms)
Similar to the pin platen feed operation, in the sprocket feed system,
perforations on the paper margins are fitted over the pins on the
sprocket wheel, the paper is locked in place by a paper holding cover,
and is drawn through the platen assembly astne gear train is activated
by the paper feed motor (Fig. 2-6).
- sprocket pin
Sprocket wrteel
Sprocket gear
Sprocket transmission gear
Paper feed gear
/ Paper feed motor
Platen gear
Fig. 1-6. Sprocket Feed Mechanism
1-4
EPSON PRINTER
RIBBON FEED MECHANISM
The ribbon feed unit of the Printer mechanism consists of a cartridge ribbon
and a ribbon feeding mechanism which is set on a belt tension plate
assembly. The right or left motion of the timing belt is transmitted to the
ribbon drive gear through the gears on the belt tension plate. Due to
conformation of the gear train, the ribbon is always fed in a counter
clockwise direction.
When the ribbon feed roller is driven by the ribbon drive gear, the
continuous loop, inked ribbon is wound between the ribbon feed roller and
the ribbon support roller. The ribbon brake spring is set at the exit of the
cartridop case to prevent slack as the ribbon is wound in.
Ribbon laading roller
\o,
Ribbon pressure roller
Ribbon mask
Planstdry pmiori I
Planatary pmion ..Ji
Ribtwn braking spring
Ribbon driving gear
Planetary pmion .4
Pldneidty pinion 3
Bell
drivan
Iley
Carriage
Fig. 1-7. Ribbon Feed Mechanism