Ribbon mask device

摘要

A printing device for use in a wire dot printer having a plurality of printing wires. The printing device includes a frame and a carriage slideably supported on the frame for lateral translation thereacross. A print head is supported on the carriage and includes a nose portion which supports the plurality of printing wires. First and second holders are disposed on the carriage so that the nose portion is intermediate the first and second holders. A ribbon mask constructed from a resilient material is disposed on the nose portion. The ribbon mask is held in position by engagement with the first and second holders. The carriage includes a projection extending towards the ribbon mask. The ribbon mask is further supported by the projection. In addition, the ribbon mask may include a plurality of projections which extend towards and abut against the nose portion to keep the surface of the ribbon mask spaced from the nose portion to permit travel of an ink ribbon therebetween.