Patent ID: 6185394
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: G03G

Abstract:
A method for adjusting a tension applied to a photoreceptor belt in printing apparatuses, the photoreceptor belt circulating while being supported by a plurality of rollers including a tension roller, comprising the step of:adjusting the tension applied to the photoreceptor belt according to one of at least three modes including a normal print mode where tension is applied to the photoreceptor belt for a printing operation by pressing the tension roller in a predetermined direction, a loosened tension mode where the tension to the photoreceptor belt is loosened by decreasing a pressure applied to the tension roller during suspension of the printing operation, and a belt replace mode where the tension to the photoreceptor belt is released to replace the photoreceptor belt, by releasing the pressure applied to the tension roller;wherein a mode switching into each of said at least three modes comprises the steps of:(a) operating a driving motor which drives a tension adjusting means, to adjust the tension of the photoreceptor belt;(b) detecting a position of the tension adjusting means;(c) recognizing a mode corresponding to the position of the tension adjusting means; and(d) stopping the driving motor to stop operation of the tension adjusting means if the mode to be switched to is recognized.