Overview Of Printer Mechanism Operation - Epson DFX-5000+ Service Manual

Overview of Printer Mechanism Operation

This section describes the Model 3Cll printer mechanism and explains how the
printer works. The Model 3Cll printer mechanism features a 9-pin, impact dot
printhead for serial printing. The printer mechanism is the main component of
the printer and is supported by the other components (the power supply and
control circuits). Figure 2-l shows the Model 3Cll printer mechanism.
The printer mechanism consists ofthe following main components:
The printhead prints characters (dot matrix patterns) by striking pins (arranged
in a vertical line) against the surface ofthe paper and the ribbon. A character is
printed by repeating this printing operation in the horizontal direction (as the
printhead moves). The printhead includes a head fan and temperature sensor. The
head fan also has a thermistor. When the printhead or fan is too hot, printing
stops until it cools. (See Thermal Protection, in Chapter 1.)
The carriage mechanism moves the printhead in the horizontal direction. The CR
motor drives the carriage, with the printhead on it. The CR sensor detects the CR
motor speed and carriage position. The CR motor is closed-loop controlled.
Because the CR motor is driven at a very high speed, it includes an isolation
resistance sensor to detect abnormal resistance. The sensor detects an error ifthe
resistance is less than 1K R.
EPSON DFX-5000+ Service Manual
Operating Principles
Figure 2-l. Model 3Cll Printer Mechanism
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