PURPOSE: To obtain the titled ribbon feeding mechanism capable of effectively utilizing a ribbon by effective ribbon feeding without the need for specific circuit for the connection and disconnection of a clutch by using a system in which the timing of clutch connection or disconnection is matched with the timing of contact of a head.

CONSTITUTION: By a head holder 9 set on a carriage 7, a printing head 4 is pressed on a printing paper on a platen 2 through a ribbon 3 with the aid of a spring 10, and the ribbon 3 is sent out on the opposite side with the same speed as the carriage 7 when the carriage 7 moves toward the printing direction A. The interruption of power for ribbon feeding (d) is started at the same time as electrification (a) to a solenoid 6 is made, and the connection of the power is made at the same time as the interruption of electrification to the solenoid 6 is made. Therefore, the ribbon is sent during the printing period, whereas the ribbon is not sent during nonprinting period.