Clutch for rotational synchronization between input and output elements of a printer during engagement/disengagement clutch cycles

摘要

In a printer having multiple paper paths, each path is provided with a clutch and a tractor to advance paper between a printhead and a striker bar, the paper being selectively advanced along the paper paths. Each clutch has a timing pulley driven by a cog belt, in turn driven by a stepper motor. The input pulley and the output gear driving the tractor are synchronized during repeated engagement such that the clutch reengages the input and output elements at a rotational position corresponding to the rotational position of the input element when previously disengaged from the output element.