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2.1 PRINTER MECHANISM OPERATION
This section describes the printer mechanism and explains how it works.
2.1.1 Printing Mechanism
The printing mechanism is composed of the printhead, ink ribbon, and ribbon mask. The printhead is an
18-pin (9 pins × 2) head for impact dot printing. To improve the durability of the dot wires, they are arranged
on the printhead in 2 columns.
Each wire has its own drive coil, which causes the wire to move in and out of the printhead to print each dot.
The four steps below describe how these driving wires work.
1. A drive signal, transmitted from the control circuit to the printhead drive circuit, 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, rushes toward the platen.
3. When the dot wire impacts the platen, pressing against the ribbon and paper, it prints a dot.
4. When the driving voltage stops energizing the coil, the magnetic force from the iron core vanishes. The
actuating plate returns to its original position (the position before coil was energized) with spring action.
The dot wire also returns to its original position.
This is the sequence used to print a single dot.
The mechanism is equipped with a built-in thermistor for head temperature detection. The temperature
detected by the thermistor is converted to an electric signal and fed back to the control circuit.
The printhead is also used as a beeper. Head driving coils move all the dot wires back and forth at a frequency
of 1.5K Hz for 75 ± 5 µsec without impacting the platen, so that the wires vibrate. The vibrating
dot wires create the sound used for beep codes.
Platen
Ribbon Mask
Ribbon
Dot Wire
Wire Resetting Spring
Stopper
Actuating
Plate
Paper
Iron Core
Head Driving Coil
Actuating Spring
Figure 2-1 Printhead Operation Principles
FX-2170 Service Manual Operating Principles
Rev.A 2-1