REV.-A
2.1.3 Paper Advance Mechanism
The printer uses friction feeding to advance single-sheet paper and tractor feeding to advance
continuous paper. There are three ways to advance paper using a tractor feed mechanism: using the
push tractor, using the pull tractor, or using the push and pull tractors together. During normal operation,
the printer has one tractor that functions as either a push or a pull tractor, depending on where it is
attached to the printer. To use the
p’ush-pull
tractor feed method, the standard tractor and the optional
tractor must be installed.
There are four ways to insert paper into the printer. The printer uses different paper insertion entrances
and paper paths for different types of paper. Table 2-1 lists which paper insertion entrances you can
use with each paper advance method.
Table 2-1. Paper Advance Methods and Paper Entrances
Paper Insertion (Paper Paths)
Paper Advance Method
Rear
Front
Bottom
Top
Friction
No
OK
No
OK
Push Tractor
OK
OK
No
No
Pull Tractor
OK
OK
OK
No
Push-pull Tractor
OK
OK
No No
2.1.3.1 Paper Feeding Mechanisms
This section describes how the friction and tractor feed mechanisms advance paper in the printer.
Friction Feed Method
The paper is held between the platen and the paper advance roller, and between the paper eject roller
and the paper eject unit cover. The paper-feed pinion gear, turning in the direction of the black arrow,
drives the paper-feed reduction gear. The paper-feed reduction gear turns the platen gear, paper-feed
rollers, and top paper tension roller. The paper then advances in the direction of the white arrow. The
paper advance roller spring holds the paper against the platen.
Setting the release lever to the tractor feed position releases this pressure and frees the paper. Figure
2-4 illustrates friction feeding when you insert paper into the top paper entrance.
/
Paper (Cut Sheet)
‘“
“b
Paper Tension Roller
Platen
w\’2\
&>/’’f(peensionRn,krkr
&ar
::~:::ionGear
L
Paper Feed
~
Motor
Paper Feed
Rol
pap-ed:::::::a~e~
/
w
Paper Feed Motor
Pinion Gear
Figure 2-4. Friction Feeding Using the Top Entrance
2-3
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