Transfer fixing apparatus

A transfer fixing apparatus comprising:

• an intermediate transfer member having an outer surface onto which a toner image is transferred;
• a transfer fixing member having an outer surface onto which said toner image is transferred by said intermediate transfer member;
• a heating member configured to heat said toner image on the outer surface of said transfer fixing member;
• an opposite member formed opposite said transfer fixing member, wherein a nip is formed between said transfer fixing member and said opposite member, said toner image being fixed on a record medium when passing through said nip;
• and
• a distance changing member configured to change a distance or contacting pressure between said intermediate transfer member and said transfer fixing member,
• wherein said distance changing member is driven except while said toner image is being transferred from said intermediate transfer member to said transfer fixing member.

A transfer fixing apparatus comprising:

• an intermediate transfer member having an outer surface onto which a toner image is transferred;
• a transfer fixing member having an outer surface onto which said toner image is transferred by said intermediate transfer member;
• a heating member configured to heat said toner image on the outer surface of said transfer fixing member;
• an opposite member formed opposite said transfer fixing member, wherein a nip is formed between said transfer fixing member and said opposite member, said toner image being fixed on a record medium when passing through said nip;
• and
• a distance changing member configured to change a distance or contacting pressure between said intermediate transfer member and said transfer fixing member,
• wherein said distance changing member is driven while said toner image is not being transferred from said intermediate transfer member onto said transfer fixing member when said intermediate transfer member and said transfer fixing member are driven.