Brother PT-9500PC - P-Touch 9500pc B/W Thermal Transfer... User manual

SERVICE MANUAL
MODEL: PT-9500PC

SERVICE MANUAL
MODEL: PT-9500PC

PREFACE
This publication is a service manual covering the specifications, theory of operation,
disassembly/reassembly procedure, and troubleshooting and error message of the Brother PT-
9500PC. It is intended for service personnel and other concerned persons to accurately and quickly
provide after-sale service for our PT-9500PC.
To perform appropriate maintenance so that the machine is always in best condition for the
customer, the service personnel must adequately understand and apply this manual.
This manual is made up of four chapters and appendices.
CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS
CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION
CHAPTER III DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY
CHAPTER IV TROUBLESHOOTING AND ERROR MESSAGE
APPENDIX 1. TEST SOFTWARE OPERATION
2. MAIN PCB CIRCUIT DIAGRAMS
© Copyright Brother 2003
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any
form or by any means without permission in writing
from the publisher.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

i
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................... I-1
1.1 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................ I-1
1.1.1 External Appearance.......................................................................................... I-1
1.1.2 Keyboard ............................................................................................................ I-2
1.1.3 Display................................................................................................................ I-2
1.1.4 Printing Mechanism............................................................................................ I-2
1.1.5 Tape Cassette.................................................................................................... I-3
1.1.6 Tape Cutter ........................................................................................................ I-3
1.1.7 PC Interface ....................................................................................................... I-4
1.1.8 Separated Sells Option (Print Server)................................................................ I-4
1.2 ELECTRONICS SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................... I-5
1.2.1 Character Generator .......................................................................................... I-5
1.2.2 Power Supply...................................................................................................... I-5
CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION ........................................................... II-1
2.1 OUTLINE OF MECHANISMS.................................................................................... II-1
2.1.1 Print Mechanism................................................................................................. II-1
2.1.2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism........................................ II-3
2.1.3 Tape & Ribbon Feed Mechanism....................................................................... II-5
2.1.4 Tape Automatic Full Cutter Mechanism............................................................. II-7
2.1.5 Tape Automatic Half Cutter Mechanism ............................................................ II-8
2.1.6 Forcible Tape Ejection Mechanism.................................................................... II-9
2.1.7 Cover Open Button (Cover Lock Button)............................................................ II-10
2.1.8 Cover Open (Cover Lock) Sensor...................................................................... II-10
2.1.9 AV Label Print Start Position Detector Mechanism (for U.S.A. only) ................. II-11
2.2 OUTLINE OF ELECTRONICS .................................................................................. II-12
2.2.1 Main PCB ........................................................................................................... II-12
2.2.2 Cassette & Cover Open Sensor PCB (Sensor PCB) ......................................... II-12
2.2.3 Tape End Sensor PCB....................................................................................... II-12

ii
2.2.4 Switch, LED PCB (Sub PCB) ............................................................................. II-13
2.2.5 Full Cutter Sensor............................................................................................... II-13
2.2.6 Half Cutter Sensor.............................................................................................. II-13
2.2.7 Roller Holder Sensor.......................................................................................... II-13
2.2.8 Full Cutter Motor................................................................................................. II-13
2.2.9 Half Cutter Motor................................................................................................ II-13
2.2.10 Tape Feed Motor................................................................................................ II-13
2.2.11 Release Motor.................................................................................................... II-13
2.2.12 Eject Motor ......................................................................................................... II-13
2.2.13 Thermal Head..................................................................................................... II-13
2.2.14 AV Sensor PCB.................................................................................................. II-13
2.2.15 AV SW Sensor ................................................................................................... II-13
2.3 MAIN PCB ................................................................................................................. II-14
2.3.1 Logic Components ............................................................................................. II-15
[ 1 ] CPU................................................................................................................. II-15
[ 2 ] RAM (SRAM)................................................................................................... II-15
[ 3 ] EEPROM......................................................................................................... II-15
[ 4 ] ROM (Mask ROM / Flash ROM)..................................................................... II-15
2.3.2 Solder Points...................................................................................................... II-16
2.3.3 Cassette Sensor & AV Cassette Sensor Circuit................................................. II-16
2.3.4 Cover Open Sensor Circuit ................................................................................ II-18
CHAPTER III DISASSEMBLY AND REASSEMBLY.......................................... III-1
3.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.......................................................................................... III-1
3.2 TIGHTING TORQUE LISTS...................................................................................... III-1
3.3 LUBRICATION POINTS LIST ................................................................................... III-2
3.4 DISASSEMBLY PROCEDURE ................................................................................. III-3
[ 1 ] Removing the Tape Cassette.......................................................................... III-3
[ 2 ] Removing the Bottom Cover and the Side Cover ........................................... III-4
[ 3 ] Removing the Slot Cover ................................................................................ III-5
[ 4 ] Removing the Shield Plate A, the Main PCB ASSY and the Shield plate B.... III-5
[ 5 ] Removing the Front Cover.............................................................................. III-7

iii
[ 6 ] Removing the Printing Unit.............................................................................. III-8
[ 7 ] Disassembling the Body Cover....................................................................... III-9
[ 8 ] Disassembling the Cassette Cover Parts........................................................ III-11
[ 9 ] Disassembling the Cassette Cover Bracket.................................................... III-13
[ 10 ] Disassembling the Front Cover....................................................................... III-14
[ 11 ] Removing the Eject Unit ASSY, the Half Cutter ASSY, the Half Spacer and
the Cutter ASSY.............................................................................................. III-14
[ 12 ] Removing the Half Frame ASSY..................................................................... III-15
[ 13 ] Disassembling the Mechanical Unit ................................................................ III-17
[ 14 ] Disassembling the Head/Roller Holder Unit.................................................... III-20
[ 15 ] Removing the Eject Motor/Eject Rubber......................................................... III-22
3.5 REASSEMBLY PROCEDURE .................................................................................. III-24
[ 1 ] Reassembling the Eject Rubber/Eject Motor .................................................. III-24
[ 2 ] Reassembling the Head/Roller Holder Unit..................................................... III-26
[ 3 ] Reassembling the Mechanical Unit................................................................. III-27
[ 4 ] Reassembling the Half Frame ASSY.............................................................. III-30
[ 5 ] Reassembling the Cutter ASSY, the Half Spacer, the Half Cutter ASSY, and
the Eject Unit ASSY........................................................................................ III-32
[ 6 ] Reassembling of the Body Cover.................................................................... III-33
[ 7 ] Reassembling the Cassette Cover Parts........................................................ III-34
[ 8 ] Reassembling the Cassette Cover Bracket .................................................... III-36
[ 9 ] Reassembling the Cassette Cover and the Cassette Cover Bracket.............. III-37
[ 10 ] Reassembling of the Cassette Sensor PCB and
the Tape End Sensor ASSY............................................................................ III-39
[ 11 ] Reassembling of the Printing Mechanical Unit, the Shield Plate B and
the Main PCB ASSY ....................................................................................... III-40
[ 12 ] Reassembling of the Front Cover ................................................................... III-43
[ 13 ] Reassembling the Shield Plate A.................................................................... III-44
[ 14 ] Reassembling the Slot Cover.......................................................................... III-44
[ 15 ] Reassembling the Side Cover and the Bottom Cover..................................... III-45
[ 16 ] Reassembling the Tape Cassette................................................................... III-46
[ 17 ] Demonstration Print and Final Check ............................................................. III-46

iv
CHAPTER IV TROUBLESHOOTING AND ERROR MESSAGE........................ IV-1
4.1 PRECAUTIONS......................................................................................................... IV-1
4.2 AFTER REPAIRING.................................................................................................. IV-1
4.3 LED CONTROL IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS AND MEASURE AGAINST ERRORS
................................................................................................................................... IV-2
4.4 ERROR CODE.......................................................................................................... IV-5
4.5 ERROR MESSAGE................................................................................................... IV-6
4.6 TROUBLESHOOTING FLOWS................................................................................ IV-9
[ 1 ] Printing is performed with specific dots omitted.............................................. IV-9
[ 2 ] The tape cassette type is not detected correctly............................................. IV-9
[ 3 ] The LED does not turn on............................................................................... IV-10
[ 4 ] No printing is performed.................................................................................. IV-10
[ 5 ] The Interface malfunctions.............................................................................. IV-11
[ 6 ] The tape is not cut........................................................................................... IV-11
[ 7 ] The tape is not fed correctly............................................................................ IV-12
[ 8 ] Half cut failure. ................................................................................................ IV-14
[ 9 ] Forced tape eject failure.................................................................................. IV-15
[ 10 ] The failure of pressure contact /release of the roller holder............................ IV-16
Appendix 1. TEST SOFTWARE OPERATION
Appendix 2. MAIN PCB CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

I-1
CHAPTER I SPECIFICATIONS
1.1 MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS
1.1.1 External Appearance
[ 1 ] Dimensions (W x D x H) 116.0mm x 189.6mm x 127.0mm
(Excluding the bottom legs and the side legs)
[ 2 ] Weight Machine proper Approx. 1.3kg (Machine proper only)
In package Approx. 3.2kg
Fig. 1.1-1 External Appearance

I-2
1.1.2 Keyboard
[ 1 ] Number of function keys 2 (ON/OFF key, FEED/CUT ( ) key)
[ 2 ] Key arrangement See Fig. 1.1-2.
Fig. 1.1-2 Key Arrangement
1.1.3 Display
[ 1 ] Display type LED 2 (ON/OFF : Green, Error : Red)
1.1.4 Printing Mechanism
[ 1 ] Print method Thermal transfer onto plastic tapes (laminate tape and
non-laminated tape) or special tapes (instant lettering tape,
non-laminated thermal film tape, iron-on transfer tape, and
porous-stamp tape, and *AV labels tape)
(Fixed print head and tape feeding mechanism)
* AV labels tape : U.S.A. only
[ 2 ] Print speed 20 mm/second
40 mm/second (When mounting a HG cassette)
[ 3 ] Print head
Type Thin membrane thermal print head
384 dots by one row
Size of heating element 0.0705 mm (Hight) x 0.08 mm (Width)
[ 4 ] Printing size (Point)
Alphanumeric character 24, 18, 12, 9, 6, 4.5
ON/OFF key
FEED/CUT key

I-3
1.1.5 Tape Cassette
[ 1 ] Cassette Cartridge type
[ 2 ] Types of tape cassettes
• Laminated tape cassette Laminate tape, ink ribbon, and adhesive base tape
• Non-laminated tape cassette Non-laminated tape and ink ribbon
• Instant lettering tape cassette Instant lettering tape and ink ribbon
• Iron-on transfer tape cassette Iron-on transfer tape and ink ribbon
• Stamp tape cassette Porous-stamp tape and base paper
• Cloth tape cassette Cloth tape and ink ribbon
• AV (Avery) labels cassette AV labels and base paper (U.S.A. version only)
• HG cassette Ink ribbon for high speed printing and adhesive
base tape (Europe version only)
Note: The tape cassette for Head cleaning is provided.
[ 3 ] Tape size
Type of tape Width Length
Laminate tape 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36 mm 8 m (5 m for the
fluorescent coating tape)
Non-laminated tape 6, 9, 12, 18, 24 mm 8 m
Instant lettering tape 12, 18, 24 mm 8 m
Iron-on transfer tape 18 mm 6 m
Porous-stamp tape 18, 24 mm 3 m
Cloth tape 12, 18 mm 4 m
AV address labels tape 24 mm 7 m
AV return address labels tape 24 mm 7 m
AV file folder labels tape 24 mm 7 m
Head cleaning tape 36 mm 2.5 m (Approx. 100 times)
HG laminated tape 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36 mm 8 m
1.1.6 Tape Cutter
[ 1 ] Tape cutting Automatic full cutter
(Replacement by a user is not allowed.)
Automatic half cutter
(Replacement by a user is not allowed.)

I-4
1.1.7 PC Interface
[ 1 ] Interface type
(1) Serial (RS-232C)
Baud rate 115.2K bps, 57.6K bps, 9600 bps
(2) USB
Specification USB specification Ver.1.1 Full speed
[ 2 ] Applicable OSs Microsoft Windows 95 (for the RS-232C I/F only)
Microsoft Windows 95/98 SE
Microsoft Windows ME
Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 (for the RS-232C I/F only)
Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows XP
Macintosh Mac OS 8.6 - 9.x
Macintosh Mac OS X 10.1/10.2.6
[ 3 ] Printer emulation ESC/P
PT CBP (Brother original)
[ 4 ] Accessory
Serial IF cable Dedicated cable is attached.
Editor Dedicated editor is attached.
USB IF cable USB standard cable is attached.
1.1.8 Separated Sells Option (Print Server)
[ 1 ] External Appearance
Dimensions (W x D x H) 80mm x 100mm x 28mm
Weight Approx. 95g
Fig. 1.1-3 External Appearance

I-5
[ 2 ] Hardware specification
(1) CPU
32bit RISC CPU
(2) Memory
RAM 8Mbyte
Flash ROM 1Mbyte
(3) Network interface
10BASE-T/100BASE-TX 1 port (10/100BASE automatic detection)
(4) USB interface
A port
(5) Others
Push switch 1 piece
LED lamp Three types:
Status (Orange), 10BASE LINK(Green), 100BASE LINK(Green)
[ 3 ] Software specification
(1) Supported protocol
TCP/IP
(2) TCP/IP
Network layer ARP, RARP, ICMP, IP
Session layer TCP, UDP
Application layer LPR, FTP, BOOTP, HTTP, DHCP
IP address may be set with the setting utility etc.
[ 4 ] Applicable OSs
Microsoft®Windows®95/98/98SE/Me, Microsoft®Windows NT®4.0, Microsoft®Windows®
2000 Pro, Microsoft®Windows®XP, Microsoft®Windows Server®2003 (Server 2003RC)
[ 5 ] Power supply
Supplied via AC adapter (VE10B-050, Fairway brand)
Operating voltage 5V ±5%
Rated current consumption 1.0A MAX
1.2 ELECTRONICS SPECIFICATIONS
1.2.1 Character Generator
[ 1 ] Internal fonts Alphanumeric character:
HELSINKI (sans-serif font), LETTER GOTHIC (fixed pitch font)
[ 2 ] Printing size (Point) Alphanumeric character: 24, 18, 12, 9, 6, 4.5
[ 3 ] Buffer Print image buffer: Approx. 2Mbit
Not compressed Approx. 30cm (Approx. 12 inches)
Compressed Approx. 30cm or more
(Variable depending on printing content)
In ESC/P Approx. 25cm (Approx. 10 inches)
Note: Half size for high-resolution
Communication buffer 256 Byte
1.2.2 Power Supply
AC adapter AD9000, 24V (Switching system)

II-1
CHAPTER II THEORY OF OPERATION
2.1 OUTLINE OF MECHANISMS
2.1.1 Print Mechanism
Structure of Thermal Head
This machine uses thermal transfer printing. The thermal print head has a heat generator
consisting of 384 heating elements that are vertically aligned as shown in Fig. 2.1-1. Each
heating element is 0.08 mm wide by 0.0545 mm height (0.0705 mm per pitch).
Fig. 2.1-1 Heat Generator of the Thermal Head
Printing Process
In printing process, the cylindrical rubber platen is pressing the tape(*) and ink ribbon(**) against
the thermal print head. The heat generator divided into 384 elements on the thermal print head
is impressed selectively in this process. Principle of printing varies depending on whether the
heat sensitive tape cassette is used or not.
* Laminate tape when using laminated tape cassettes.
Non-laminated tape when using non-laminated tape cassettes.
Instant lettering tape when using instant lettering tape cassettes.
Iron-on transfer tape when using iron-on transfer tape cassettes.
Cloth tape when using cloth tape cassettes.
Thermal tape when using AV (Avery) labels cassettes.
** When using AV labels cassettes or stamp tape cassettes, no ink ribbon is sandwiched.
[For tape cassettes except stamp tape cassettes and AV labels cassettes]
If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, the ink on the sandwiched ribbon will be
melted and transferred to the tape, producing a dot(s) on the tape. The ink ribbon and the tape
are advanced and then the next heating cycle is repeated, thus forming a character on the tape.
[For AV labels cassettes]
If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, the thermal tape develops itself to produce a
dot on the tape. The tape is advanced and the next heating cycle is repeated, thus forming a
character on the tape.

II-2
[For stamp tape cassettes]
If the selected heating element(s) generates heat, the porous-stamp tape will be melted so that
a pore (pores) will be formed in the tape. The tape is advanced and the next heating cycle is
repeated, thus forming a character of pores on the tape. The printed stamp tape can be used as
the face of a stamp. When the stamp is pressed against the ink-pad, it will absorb ink through
the pores.
For laminated tape cassettes, instant lettering tape cassettes, and iron-on transfer tape
cassettes, the CPU processes the print data to generate a mirror image so that the printed
character can be seen normally when viewed from the other side of the printed face of the tape.
Character Formation
The tape feed motor (stepping motor) feeds the tape and the ink ribbon (or only the tape when
mounting the heat sensitive tape cassette) by 0.0705 mm per 3.5 ms, while the thermal head
generates heat once. (In the high-speed printing, the tape is fed by 0.0705 mm per 1.76 ms, In
the high-resolution printing, the tape is fed by 0.0353 mm per 1.76 ms).
Feed amount of one step (0.0705 mm) is shorter than the width of heating element (0.08 mm),
so that the continuous heat generation cycle will offer the dot printing having no gap between the
adjacent heating cycles.
This forms a character and a figure having no gap between adjacent printed dots.

II-3
2.1.2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism
This mechanism consists of the release gear train, roller release rod, and roller holder/head ASSY.
The roller holder ASSY incorporates the platen holder and the sub roller holder.
These holders support the platen and the tape feed sub roller so that they can move perpendicularly
to the thermal head and the tape feed roller respectively to apply the platen with a certain pressure
against the thermal head to ensure the tape feeding even if the tape thickness changes.
As the release motor rotates, the rotation is transmitted to the release gear and the motion of the
cam of it moves the roller release rod to the direction marked by the arrow. This rotates the roller
holder ASSY around the rod fixed to the thermal head ASSY so that the roller holder ASSY is
pressed against the thermal head. The release motor stops when the CPU receives the signal from
the roller holder sensor generated by the pressure from the roller release rod.
The platen presses the tape and the ink ribbon (or only the tape when mounting the heat sensitive
tape cassette or the AV labels) against the thermal head under a uniform load by the platen spring.
On the other side in this state, the platen gear engages with the platen idle gear.
Also, the tape feed sub roller presses the adhesive base tape and the tape (or only the tape when
mounting the non-laminated tape cassette) against the tape feed roller built in the tape under the
uniform load applied by the sub roller spring. In this state, the tape feed sub roller engages with the
tape feed gear.
As the release motor rotates, the drive power is transmitted via the release gear to the roller release
rod, which moves to the counter direction marked by the arrow. This motion releases the roller
holder from the thermal head and provides the appropriate gap between the platen and the thermal
head to allow the replacement of tape cassette.
The release motor rotates and stops according to the potion of the roller release rod, which is
detected with the roller holder sensor.
The roller holder ASSY is set when printing.
Note that the roller holder is released automatically under the following states.
- The AC power is supplied with the machine.
- The cassette cover is opened.
- The power supply to the machine is cut by pressing the power supply button.
- The machine is let stand for a certain time (10 minutes) after printing.

II-4
Fig. 2.1-2 Roller Holder ASSY Setting & Retracting Mechanism
Adhesive base tape
Platen idle gear
Tape feed roller
Platen roller
Tape feed sub roller
Roller holder ASSY
Roller release rod Thermal head ASSY
Release gear
Tape cassette
Ink ribbon
Laminated tape
Roller holder
Platen spring
Sub roller spring
Sub roller gear
Platen gear Platen roller
Roller holder shaft
Tape feed sub roller
Roller holder sensor
Roller holder ASSY Roller release rod Release gear
Double gear
Double gear
Double gear
Release motor

II-5
2.1.3 Tape & Ribbon Feed Mechanism
This mechanism consists of the tape feed motor, the gear train, and the roller holder ASSY.
Tape Feeding
The platen becomes the state pressing the tape and the ink ribbon (only the tape when mounting
the heat sensitive tape cassette) against the thermal head when printing, as described in
Subsection 2.1.2.
Also, the tape feed sub roller in the roller holder ASSY becomes the state pressing the tape (the
sandwiched laminated tape and the adhesive base tape when using a laminated tape cassette)
against the tape feed roller built in the tape cassette.
As the tape feed motor (stepping motor) rotates, the rotation is transmitted via the gear train to
the tape feed gear and the platen idle gear so that the platen idle gear, the tape feed roller and
the tape feed sub roller rotate at the same rotation speed. Accordingly, the sandwiched tape
and the ink ribbon will be advanced at the same speed. (When a laminated tape cassette is
mounted, the sandwiched laminated tape, the adhesive base tape, and the ink ribbon will be
advanced at the same speed.)
The feeding amount of the tape feed sub roller is slightly greater than that of the platen roller.
Fig. 2.1-3 Tape Feed Mechanism
Adhesive base tape
Tape feed roller
Platen idle gear
Tape feed sub roller
Platen roller
Roller holder ASSY
Thermal head ASSY
Transparent laminated tape
Main frame
Tape feed motor
Platen idle gear
Sub roller gear
Platen gear
Tape feed gear

II-6
Adhesive Base Tape Feeding (only for laminated tape cassettes)
A laminated tape cassette contains both a transparent laminated tape roll and a separate
adhesive base tape roll.
When a transparent laminated tape and an adhesive base tape pass through the contact point
(between the tape feed roller and the tape feed sub roller), they are then bonded together into a
single printed tape. The ink printed on the transparent laminated tape is, therefore, sealed up
with the adhesive base tape.
Ink Ribbon Feeding (The heat sensitive tape cassette is not applied.)
As the tape feed roller rotates, the ribbon drive cam located at the middle of the gear train
rotates counterclockwise. When fitted on the ribbon drive cam, the ribbon take-up roll in the
tape cassette also rotates to take up the ink ribbon.
To apply proper tension to the ink ribbon between the platen roller and the ribbon drive cam, the
feed speed of the ribbon drive cam is slightly greater than that of the tape feed roller.
The differential between the feed speed at the platen roller and the ribbon drive cam gives a
certain tension to the ink ribbon by the clutch spring that allows the cam to slip.
This mechanism allows the ink ribbon to keep proper tension, which enables the ribbon take-up
roll to clearly separate from the tape at the sterilized angle after printing.
Fig. 2.1-4 Ribbon Feed Mechanism
Tape feed roller
Tape feed sub roller
Platen roller
Roller holder ASSY
Thermal head ASSY Ink ribbon
Ribbon take-up roll
Main frame
Ribbon drive cam
Tape feed motor

II-7
2.1.4 Tape Automatic Full Cutter Mechanism
The tape automatic full cutter mechanism consists of the fixed blade and the movable blade, which
is driven by the full cutter motor.
The full cutter motor (DC motor) rotates counterclockwise responding to the signal sent from the
CPU when the tape is fed after printing, which transmits the rotation to the cutter helical gear.
The cutter helical gear rotates counterclockwise, which turns the movable blade around the shaft
“B” to the direction of the arrow shown in the figure below, along with the motion of the boss “A”
(inserted into the long hole of the movable blade) of the gear. This way, the cutter cuts the printed
tape advanced through between the fixed blade and the movable blade with the same mechanism
as scissors.
The CPU keeps “ON” status of the full cutter motor after the tape cutting motion, and then stops the
full cutter motor at the moment receiving the signal from the cutter sensor switch, which is
generated when the “C” part of the cutter helical gear presses the full cutter sensor mounted on the
half frame when the movable blade returns to the home position.
Fig. 2.1-5 Tape Automatic Full Cutter Mechanism
Movable blade
Cutter helical gear
Full cutter motor ASSY
Cutter helical gear
“A”
Fixed blade
“B”
“C”
Full cutter
sensor

II-8
2.1.5 Tape Automatic Half Cutter Mechanism
The tape automatic half cutter mechanism consists of the fixed plate and the half cutter holder
(the cutter blade is attached) driven by the half cutter motor.
This mechanism is applied only to the laminated tape.
After tape printing and feeding, the CPU directs to rotate the half cutter motor (DC motor)
counterclockwise, and the drive power is transmitted to the half rock gear via the clutch gear and
three idle gears.
Then, the half rock gear rotates counterclockwise, and the groove “D” of the gear moves the half
cutter holder around the shaft “E” because the boss of the half cutter holder is engaged with that
groove.
The fixed plate has the step equivalent to the thickness of the separator of the laminated tape,
against which the half cut holder (the cutter blade is attached) presses the laminated tape for
half cutting.
* Half cutting means the cutting motion to cut only the tape leaving the separator un-cut.
Then, the CPU directs to rotate the half cutter motor in reverse, by which the half cutter holder is
returned to the home position, the half cutter sensor on the half frame is pressed by the “F” part
of half rock gear and the motor is stopped at the moment when the CPU receives the signal
from the sensor.
Fig. 2.1-6 Tape Automatic Half Cutter Mechanism
Fixed plate
Tape
Separator
Cut line
“E”
“D”“F”
Half cutter motor ASSY
Half cutter holder
Half rock gear
Half cutter sensor