Specifications

REV.-B
2.1.3 Paper Feed Mechanism
Cut sheet paper is advanced by friction feed. Continuous form paper is advanced using a tractor feed
mechanism.
There are three ways to advance the paper with tractor feed: using the push tractor, using the pull tractor,
and using the push and pull tractors together. Any one of these three tractor configurations can feed
paper through the printer. In normal operation, the printer is set up with one tractor, which functions
as either a push tractor or pull tractor, depending on where it is attached to the printer body. To use
the push-pull tractor feed method, an optional tractor must be attached in addition.
There are also four ways to insert paper into the printer. Different paper paths are used for different
types of paper. Table 2-1 lists which paper paths can be used for each of the various paper advance
methods.
Table 2-1, Paper Advance Methods and Paper Paths
Paper Insertion (Paper Paths)
Paper Advance Method
Rear
Front
Bottom
Top
Entrance Entrance
Entrance
Entrance
Friction Feed
No
OK
No
OK
Push Tractor
OK
No No No
Pull Tractor No
OK OK
No
Push-pull Tractor Feed
OK
No
No No
2.1.3.1 Paper Advance Mechanisms
This section describes how the friction feed and tractor feed mechanisms work to advance the paper
in the printer.
Friction Feed Method
The paper is held between the platen and paper advance’ roller, and between the paper eject roller and
paper eject unit cover. The paper-feed pinion gear, turning in the direction of the black arrow, drives
the COMBINATION GEAR, 8.5, 30. The COMBINATION GEAR, 8.5, 30 turns the SPUR GEAR, 34,
paper-feed rollers, and top ROLLER
ASSY., PAPER EJECT. The paper then advances in the direction of
the white arrow.
The paper advance roller spring holds the paper against the platen. Setting the LEVER, G, ADJUST to
the tractor feed position releases this pressure and frees the paper. Figure 2-4 illustrates friction feed
when paper is inserted through the top entrance.
R
6
40
raper teea
Roller
spuR@’:;A~~~’ Q
COMBINATION GEAR, 8.5, 30
/y
Paper Feed Motor Pinion Gear
MOTOR, PF
Figure 2-4. Top Path Friction Feed
2-3