Printer Mechanism Operation; Printing Mechanism - Epson DLQ-3000 Service Manual

2.1 PRINTER MECHANISM OPERATION

This section describes the M-5L60 printer mechanism and explains how it works.

2.1.1 Printing Mechanism

The printer mechanism is composed of the Printhead, ink ribbon, and ribbon mask. The Printhead
is a 24-pin head employing impact dot printing. 24 dot wires are aligned in a 12 x 2 diamond layout
inside the Printhead. Each wire has its own drive coil.
1) A drive signal is transmitted from the control circuit to the Printhead drive circuit. It is
converted to the proper Printhead driving voltage, which energizes a corresponding coil. The
energized coil then causes the iron core to become magnetized.
2) The magnetic force draws the actuating plate toward the core and the dot wire, which is
connected to the core, and rushes toward the platen.
3) When the dot wire cause impact to the platen, pressing against the ribbon and paper, it prints a
dot.
4) When the coil energizing is terminated, the magnetic force from the iron core vanishes. The
actuating plate returns to its original position (the position before coil energizing), acting as a
spring. The dot wire also returns to its original position.
Actuating Spring
Head Driving Coil
Iron Core
Figure 2-1. Printhead Operating Principle
Operating Principles
Plate
, S t o p p e r
Dot Wire
-
ring
Platen
2-1