Matrix printer carriage arrangement

Claim 1

In a matrix printer having a matrix printing head (1) having a working end (6), a printing site (2) adjacent the working end (6), and guide means (7, 8, 9, 14, 15) connected to guide the matrix printing head (1) in parallel to the line direction close to the printing site (2); said guide means comprising: rolling guide means (7, 8, 9) connected to guide the working end (6) of the matrix printing head (1) in parallel to the line direction, and sliding guide means (14,15) connected to guide the other end of the matrix printing head (1) in parallel to the line direction; said rolling guide means including a stationary guide bar (7), and first (8) and second (9) guide rollers; said first guide rollers (8) rotatable on axles (10) fixedly mounted to said matrix printing head (1) near the working end (6) thereof, said first guide rollers (8) having profiled edges engaging the side of said guide bar (7) facing the printing site (2); spring means (12) connecting said second guide rollers (9) to said matrix printing head (1) and resiliently urging said second guide rollers (9) against the opposite side of said guide bar (7) by a force greater than the gravity weight of said matrix printing head (1); said sliding guide means (14,15) including a stationary rail (15) connected parallel with said guide bar (7); groove means (14) on the other end of said matrix printing head (1) from said working end (6); and tongue means on said rail (15) extending upwardly into sliding engagement in said groove means; whereby said second guide rollers (9) supporting the matrix printing head (1) on the guide bar (7); said first guide rollers (8) transmit to the guide bar (7) the reactive force during printing by the working end (6); and said rail (15) and said tongue and groove means (15,14) securing the matrix printing head (1) against rotation about said guide bar (7).