Recording apparatus

A transfer material feeding device, usable with a recording apparatus including means for transferring an image formed on an image holding member onto a continuous transfer material, said device comprising:

• transport means for transporting said continuous transfer material;
• transport position detecting means, drivingly connected to said transport means, for detecting a transport position of said transport means with respect to a reference position corresponding to a particular position of said continuous transfer material;
• rotation phase detecting means, interrelated with a drive source, for detecting the phase of rotation;
• and
• means for drivingly connecting said transport position detecting means with said rotation phase detecting means.

A transfer material feeding device usable with a recording apparatus including means for transferring an image formed on an image holding member onto a continuous transfer material, said device comprising:

• first transport means for transporting said continuous transfer material through a distance substantially equal to a distance, measured along the path of the transfer material, from an index to said image transfer means;
• second transport means for transporting said continuous transfer material provided upstream of said transfer means;
• a drive source for transmitting driving force to both of said transport means;
• first link means provided in the drive force transmission path between said drive source and first transport means;
• a second link means provided in the drive force transmission path between said drive source and second transport means;
• and
• means for controlling said first and second link means in such a manner that the start and termination of operation thereof occur at different times.

A transfer material transporting device, usable with a recording apparatus capable of automatically loading a continuous transfer material and including means for transferring an image formed on an image holding member onto the continuous transfer material, said device comprising:

• means for transporting said continuous transfer material along a path therefore through said transferring means;
• at least a set of members for opening and closing said path, said opening and closing members being adapted to open said path so as to form a space wide enough to accommodate said continuous transfer material, wherein said opening and closing members comprise fixing means, having a closable passage for the transfer material, for fixing the transferred image on said continuous transfer material;
• a transfer holding member for passing through the path between said opening and closing members in the open state thereof while supporting a portion of said continuous transfer material and then stopping at a predetermined position;
• and
• an endless rotary member adapted for performing a circulating motion while supporting said transfer material holding member.