Patent ID: 6134406
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: B65G,G03G

Abstract:
A mechanism for steering a photoconductor belt in an electrophotographic imaging system, the photoconductor belt having an inner surface and being moved in a first direction forming a continuous transport path about a support roller mechanism of the imaging system, the photoconductor belt tending to deviate from the continuous transport path in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the continuous transport path, the photoconductor belt steering mechanism comprising:a support carriage;a steering carriage pivotally mounted to the support carriage about a steering axis, the steering carriage having a first end and an opposite second end;a mechanism operably connected to the steering carriage for resisting pivotal movement of the steering carriage about the steering axis;a steering roller mounted to the steering carriage so as to be pivotable therewith about the steering axis, the steering roller contacting the inner surface of the photoconductor belt and having a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the steering axis; anda belt steering drive assembly operably coupled to the first end of the steering carriage for pivotally moving the steering carriage about the steering axis, such that, upon pivotal movement of the steering carriage about the steering axis, the steering roller pivots therewith to move the photoconductor belt in the second direction to reduce deviation of the photoconductor belt from the continuous transport path.