The present invention makes it possible to reduce the number of constituent components, and to provide a bobbin body having a smooth surface.

A bobbin for a thermal transfer sheet or an image-receiving sheet includes a cylindrical bobbin body 11, wherein a gear 12 including a plurality of teeth 13 is formed on one side end of the bobbin body 11. Each tooth 13 of the gear 12 has a polygonal shape with not less than five corners as a whole, when viewed from a lateral side.

A credential production device includes a processing path, a transport mechanism, a processing assembly and at least one assembly guide. The transport mechanism is configured to feed individual substrates along the processing path. The processing assembly includes a supply spool support, a take-up spool support, a plurality of ribbon supports, and a print head or a transfer roller. Each assembly guide is configured to guide movement of the processing assembly substantially perpendicularly to the processing path between an operating position and a loading position relative to the processing path.

A credential production device includes a processing path, a transport mechanism, a processing assembly and at least one assembly guide. The transport mechanism is configured to feed individual substrates along the processing path. The processing assembly includes a supply spool support, a take-up spool support, a plurality of ribbon supports, and a print head or a transfer roller. Each assembly guide is configured to guide movement of the processing assembly substantially perpendicularly to the processing path between an operating position and a loading position relative to the processing path.

The present invention provides for an improved printer provides a user with a simple, intuitive user-friendly touchscreen interface, is easy to assemble, and has a low cost to repair. The printer comprises a platen roller that can be changed without tools via the use of a bayonet connector, and an easy change print head that mechanically guides the print head into the carrier via mechanical guiding pins. Further, the printer comprises a universal supply holder to accommodate different sizes of inner diameter cores for tag and laminated supplies. The printer also discloses a ribbon spindle that accommodates both a cardboard core and a plastic core on the same printer device. Additionally, the printer discloses a media low sensor for providing a low supply indicator, and a gap sensor that comprises an LED array and a resistor array for gap sensing across the supply web.

The present invention provides for an improved printer provides a user with a simple, intuitive user-friendly touchscreen interface, is easy to assemble, and has a low cost to repair. The printer comprises a platen roller that can be changed without tools via the use of a bayonet connector, and an easy change print head that mechanically guides the print head into the carrier via mechanical guiding pins. Further, the printer comprises a universal supply holder to accommodate different sizes of inner diameter cores for tag and laminated supplies. The printer also discloses a ribbon spindle that accommodates both a cardboard core and a plastic core on the same printer device. Additionally, the printer discloses a media low sensor for providing a low supply indicator, and a gap sensor that comprises an LED array and a resistor array for gap sensing across the supply web.

The invention relates to a thermal transfer printing spool (201) comprising a tape (203) wound on a core (205) of the spool, said tape having a proximal end (207) connected to the core, a free distal end (209) and a central portion (211) in between the proximal end and the distal end, characterized in that the tape comprises an ink ribbon (213) and a non-self-adhesive substrate ribbon (215), wherein the ink ribbon and the substrate ribbon are arranged on top of each other without being attached to each other in at least the central portion, such that an ink layer of the ink ribbon is in contact with a to be printed top surface of the substrate ribbon. The invention further relates to a method for printing, a production method for the spool, and the use of a thermal transfer printer.

The invention relates to a thermal transfer printing spool (201) comprising a tape (203) wound on a core (205) of the spool, said tape having a proximal end (207) connected to the core, a free distal end (209) and a central portion (211) in between the proximal end and the distal end, characterized in that the tape comprises an ink ribbon (213) and a non-self-adhesive substrate ribbon (215), wherein the ink ribbon and the substrate ribbon are arranged on top of each other without being attached to each other in at least the central portion, such that an ink layer of the ink ribbon is in contact with a to be printed top surface of the substrate ribbon. The invention further relates to a method for printing, a production method for the spool, and the use of a thermal transfer printer.

A ribbon cassette includes: a cassette case having first and second holes; an ink ribbon; first and second spools; an engaging part; and a spring member. The ink ribbon has one end wound on the first spool, and another end connected to a first end portion of the second spool. The spring member is wound around a second portion of the second spool. The spring member includes: a winding part wound around the second portion; and an extension part extending from the winding part and engaged with the engaging part. The winding part is wound in a direction opposite to a take-up direction of the second spool. A second draw-out load applied to the ink ribbon being pulled from the second spool through the second hole is smaller than a first draw-out load applied to the ink ribbon being pulled from the first spool through the first hole.

A ribbon cassette includes a case, an ink ribbon, a first spool, a second spool, a rotating member, a clutch spring, and an engaging part. The ink ribbon has one end portion wound over the first spool and another end portion connected to the second spool. The rotating member is engaged with a first inner surface of the first spool. The clutch spring includes a coil like annular part attached to the rotating member, and an extension part extending from the annular part. The engaging part is positioned on a locus of rotation of the extension part. The first spool has a protrusion provided at a second inner surface of the first spool. The case-hole is in communication with an interior of the first spool, and has a portion overlapped with an entire circular region surrounded by a path of rotation of the tip end of the protrusion.

A ribbon cassette includes a case, an ink ribbon, a first spool, a second spool, a rotating member, a clutch spring, and an engaging part. The ink ribbon has one end portion wound over the first spool and another end portion connected to the second spool. The rotating member is engaged with a first inner surface of the first spool. The clutch spring includes a coil like annular part attached to the rotating member, and an extension part extending from the annular part. The engaging part is positioned on a locus of rotation of the extension part. The first spool has a protrusion provided at a second inner surface of the first spool. The case-hole is in communication with an interior of the first spool, and has a portion overlapped with an entire circular region surrounded by a path of rotation of the tip end of the protrusion.