Abstract: The compact thermal printing mechanism according to the invention is applicable for handheld payment terminals. The invention provides a printer chassis (1) with reinforced flat area (20) by at least one reinforcing element comprising a fold of the printer chassis (1). This folded portion of the printer chassis strengthens the chassis and provides a very strong resistance to bending forces of the lateral pressure means (18) of the platen roller (6). The stable and uniform pressure distribution across the paper width ensures uniform print quality.

Abstract: Thermal print mechanism comprising a printer chassis, a thermal printhead, a platen roller having a conductive shaft, a manner of imparting motion to put the platen roller in rotation, two lateral conductive contacts arranged on the printer chassis so as to be directly or indirectly in electrical contact with two opposite ends of the platen roller conductive shaft for conducting of electrical current, thus forming an electrical switch. At least one nonconductive part of one end of the conductive shaft interacting with one two lateral conductive contact or at least one nonconductive element mounted on said one end of the conductive shaft, is arranged so as to open and to close the switch when the platen roller is rotating.

Abstract: A thermal printing device for electronic voting apparatus including a casing with paper reservoir for receiving a paper roll, an openable external lid with a transparent window for observing of a printed part of the paper, a thermal printing unit with a driving rubber roller for the paper, a cutting device with two blades, a paper transport unit for transporting the paper, arranged below the transparent window, and a ballot discharge opening of the casing provided after the paper transport unit. The rubber roller and one of the blades of the cutting device are integral with part of the paper transport unit that is openable in order to give access to the paper reservoir.