42114101 Rev.1 37 /2.2.4 Ribbon drive (See Figure 2-6.)The ribbon driver mechanism moves the ribbon in synchronization with the space motor operation.The ribbon drive mechanism consist of the following items:(a) Ribbon drive gear assembly(b) Ribbon gear (space motor)(c) Ribbon cartridge(1) Ribbon cartridgeAn endless ribbon with a single direction feed is used. Ink is supplied from an ink tank,which is built in to the ribbon cartridge.(2) Ribbon feed operationWhen the space motor is activated, the ribbon gear rotates. The rotation is transmittedvia the ribbon drive gear assembly to the drive gear in the ribbon cartridge, thus movingthe ribbon.The feed direction of the ribbon is maintained by switching the rotational direction of thegears in the ribbon drive gear assembly. This ensures ribbon movement when bidirectionalprinting is used.
