Patent ID: 6679637
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: B41J

Abstract:
A printing apparatus for printing a recording medium and an intermediate transfer sheet for temporarily holding an image, comprising:a supply portion for storing the recording medium, a transport path extending from the supply portion, recording medium transport means disposed at the transport path for transporting the recording medium supplied from the supply portion along the transport path, at least one printing means arranged on the transport path for forming an image on one of the recording medium and the intermediate transfer sheet at a predetermined image forming position, transfer means arranged on the transport path for transferring an image formed on the intermediate transfer sheet to the recording medium, mode setting means for selecting one of a first mode in which said printing means forms the image on the recording medium and a second mode in which the printing means forms the image on the intermediate transfer sheet; and intermediate transfer sheet moving means electrically connected to the mode setting means for moving the intermediate transfer sheet between the image forming position and a retracted position located away from the transport path according to a selection of the first mode or second mode by the mode setting means, said intermediate transfer sheet moving means moving the intermediate transfer sheet away from the transport path when required.