Photoconductor tensioning device
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsAllison H. Caudill, William H. Bruce, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A clamping device for securing a photoconductor in the form of a closed loop, flexible sleeve on a drum having a channel on the drum periphery, and with the channel running substantially parallel to the drum central axis, along the length of the drum, is disclosed. The clamping device comprises an elongated bar having a cross-sectional configuration for fitting within the channel, means for latching the bar to the drum when the bar is in position within the channel, and an electrically conducting spring positioned relative to the bar and the sleeve for making an electrical connection between the photoconductor sleeve and the drum, and for applying variable tension to the sleeve in response to forcing of the sleeve partially into the channel by the bar.
Claims24
An electrophotographic copier having a drum comprising:
- a photoconductor having a form of a closed loop sleeve for mounting on said drum;
- a channel on the drum periphery, running substantially parallel to the drum central axis, along the length of said drum;
- an elongated bar having a cross sectional configuration for fitting in said channel;
- means for latching said bar to said drum when said bar is in position within said channel;
- and
- a spring positioned relative to said bar and said sleeve for applying tension to said sleeve in response to forcing of said sleeve partially into said channel by said bar;
- whereby said closed loop sleeve is held radially inwardly on the periphery on said drum by the tensioning action of said spring.
A clamping device for securing a closed loop sleeve on a drum having a channel on the drum periphery thereof comprising:
- a member for fitting within said channel;
- means for applying tension to said sleeve in response to forcing of said sleeve partially into said channel by said member;
- and
- means for latching said member to said drum;
- whereby said sleeve is held on the periphery of said drum.
A clamping device for securing a closed loop, flexible sleeve on a drum having a channel on the drum periphery thereof, running substantially parallel to the drum central axis, along the length of said drum comprising:
- an elongated bar having a cross-sectional configuration for fitting within said channel;
- means for latching said bar to said drum when said bar is in position within said channel;
- and
- a spring positioned relative to said bar and said sleeve for applying tension to said sleeve in response to forcing of said sleeve partially into said channel by said bar;
- whereby said closed loop, flexible sleeve is held radially inward on the periphery of said drum by the tensioning action of said spring.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.