Replaceable ribbon guide for dot matrix printers

Abstract

A ribbon guide for use with a dot matrix printer having a printhead traversable along a path parallel to a printing platen and which includes means for selectively shifting the ribbon guide to one of several positions. The ribbon guide includes a central body portion which pivotally mounts on pivot pins to the printhead. A pair of faceted ring segments are formed on the central body portion for supporting the ribbon as it passes through the ribbon guide and over an opening in the central body portion adjacent to the printhead. The central body portion is also formed with a pair of support members at opposite ends each having a faceted outer surface for contact with the printing paper. In addition, the support members include a slit for releasably securing an endless loop of ribbon to the ribbon guide to allow field replacement of a ribbon guide. In use the ribbon guide can be selectively shifted to form selected segments of the ribbon into flat segments generally perpendicular to the printhead for forming less distorted print.