Genicom MatrixPrinter LA36 - Manual (Page 89)

5-2
5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 5.2 Mechanical Operation Mechanical Operation Mechanical Operation Mechanical Operation Mechanical Operation
5.2.1 Print head drive
The print head consists of 24 wires in six columns (see Figure 5.2). The print head has 24 electromagnets that
drive armatures. When not printing, the armature is set at the stopper by the coil spring connected to the wire.
During printing, the coil for the dot to be printed is excited, the armature is drawn in the direction indicated by
the arrow, and the armature pushes the wire in the same direction.
The wire is guided to the top of the print head through four wire guides. When the armature is attracted by the
magnet, it snaps the wire against the ribbon, printing a dot.
When coil excitation ends, the armature is returned to the stopper by the coil spring’s elasticity and waits for the
next operation.
Wire
Printing side
Head
surface
Wire guide
Guides
Armature
Coil spring
Stopper
Coil
PC board
Figure 5.2 Print head
24 wires in
6 columns