A device (1) for printing labels (2) by means of thermal printing using a thermal head (3), which has a thermal strip (4), having a counter-pressure element carrier (5), which has a counter-pressure element (6), wherein an insertion gap (7) is formed between the thermal strip (4) and the counter-pressure element (6), through which the label (2) to be printed in each case can be guided, wherein the thermal head (3) is fastened in a movable manner on a thermal head carrier (8) and wherein the thermal strip (4) is pressed with a predetermined contact pressure against the counter-pressure element (6). To reduce the operating costs, the counter-pressure element (6) is movable relative to the insertion gap (7). A method for printing labels (2) using the device (1) is also disclosed.

A device (1) for printing labels (2) by means of thermal printing using a thermal head (3), which has a thermal strip (4), having a counter-pressure element carrier (5), which has a counter-pressure element (6), wherein an insertion gap (7) is formed between the thermal strip (4) and the counter-pressure element (6), through which the label (2) to be printed in each case can be guided, wherein the thermal head (3) is fastened in a movable manner on a thermal head carrier (8) and wherein the thermal strip (4) is pressed with a predetermined contact pressure against the counter-pressure element (6). To reduce the operating costs, the counter-pressure element (6) is movable relative to the insertion gap (7). A method for printing labels (2) using the device (1) is also disclosed.

A thermal transfer printer comprising: first and second spool supports each being configured to support a spool of ribbon; a ribbon drive configured to cause movement of ribbon from the first spool support to the second spool support; a printhead configured to selectively transfer ink from the ribbon to a substrate, the printhead pressing the print ribbon and substrate together against a print roller; a substrate drive configured to cause movement of a substrate past the printhead; a sensor configured to monitor rotation of the print roller and generate a signal indicative thereof; and a controller configured to determine a measure of movement of the substrate and/or ribbon past the print roller based on the signal output by the sensor.

A thermal transfer printer comprising: first and second spool supports each being configured to support a spool of ribbon; a ribbon drive configured to cause movement of ribbon from the first spool support to the second spool support; a printhead configured to selectively transfer ink from the ribbon to a substrate, the printhead pressing the print ribbon and substrate together against a print roller; a substrate drive configured to cause movement of a substrate past the printhead; a sensor configured to monitor rotation of the print roller and generate a signal indicative thereof; and a controller configured to determine a measure of movement of the substrate and/or ribbon past the print roller based on the signal output by the sensor.

An image forming apparatus includes a frame, a platen roller having a first end and a second end, each of the first and second ends being rotatably supported by the frame, a thermal head that faces the platen roller and that forms an image on a printing medium, the thermal head having a first end and a second end, a gear that is provided on the first end of the platen roller and that is rotated by a motor, the rotation of the gear causing the platen roller to rotate, and a pair of urging units that urges the first end and the second end of the platen roller or the thermal head, wherein an urging force generated by one of the pair of urging units on the first end is smaller than an urging force generated by the other of the pair of urging units on the second end.

An image forming apparatus includes a frame, a platen roller having a first end and a second end, each of the first and second ends being rotatably supported by the frame, a thermal head that faces the platen roller and that forms an image on a printing medium, the thermal head having a first end and a second end, a gear that is provided on the first end of the platen roller and that is rotated by a motor, the rotation of the gear causing the platen roller to rotate, and a pair of urging units that urges the first end and the second end of the platen roller or the thermal head, wherein an urging force generated by one of the pair of urging units on the first end is smaller than an urging force generated by the other of the pair of urging units on the second end.

A thermal transfer printing apparatus includes: supply and take-up spools; first motor(s) coupled with one or both spools; a first support piece with a printhead; a peel roller coupled with the first support piece and positioned to hold the ribbon away from the substrate; a second support piece coupled with the first support piece through a first track portion allowing the first support piece to move along a first axis; a third support piece coupled with the second support piece through a second track portion allowing the second support piece to move along a second axis; spindles coupled with the third support piece; four drive-belt guides coupled with at least the second support piece; a drive-belt forming a loop around the four drive-belt guides and the spindles; and second motor(s) that cause the printhead to move along the second axis, along the first axis, or along both simultaneously.

A thermal transfer printing apparatus includes: supply and take-up spools; first motor(s) coupled with one or both spools; a first support piece with a printhead; a peel roller coupled with the first support piece and positioned to hold the ribbon away from the substrate; a second support piece coupled with the first support piece through a first track portion allowing the first support piece to move along a first axis; a third support piece coupled with the second support piece through a second track portion allowing the second support piece to move along a second axis; spindles coupled with the third support piece; four drive-belt guides coupled with at least the second support piece; a drive-belt forming a loop around the four drive-belt guides and the spindles; and second motor(s) that cause the printhead to move along the second axis, along the first axis, or along both simultaneously.

While a cover moves to a closed position, a second engagement portion contacts a first engagement portion to displace the first engagement portion, and thus a guide portion moves to a guide position. While the cover moves from the closed position to a first open position, the second engagement portion and the first engagement portion are separated, and the guide portion moves from the guide position to an open position.

While a cover moves to a closed position, a second engagement portion contacts a first engagement portion to displace the first engagement portion, and thus a guide portion moves to a guide position. While the cover moves from the closed position to a first open position, the second engagement portion and the first engagement portion are separated, and the guide portion moves from the guide position to an open position.