Drive roller configuration providing reduced web wrinkling

摘要

A web-guiding system for guiding a web of media along a transport path comprising a drive roller rotated by a motor and a plurality of nip rollers. The drive roller includes a first section, a second section and a third section along the length of the roller, the second section being located between the first section and the third section. A diameter of a surface envelope around the exterior surface of the drive roller is substantially constant within the second section, and is larger in the first section and the third section than in the second section. The nip rollers are aligned with the second section of the drive roller, with the web of media passing between the drive roller and the nip rollers.

主权项

1. A web-guiding system for guiding a web of media having a width spanning a cross-track direction travelling from upstream to downstream along a transport path in an in-track direction, the web of media having a first side and an opposing second side, comprising:
a drive roller including an exterior surface, wherein the first side of the web of media contacts at least a portion of the exterior surface of the drive roller, the drive roller having a length and including a first section, a second section and a third section along the length of the roller, the second section being located between the first section and the third section, wherein a diameter of a surface envelope around the exterior surface of the drive roller is substantially constant within the second section and wherein the diameter of the surface envelope in the first section and the third section is larger than the diameter of the surface envelope in the second section; a motor that rotates the drive roller, thereby providing a force to move the web of media along the transport path; and a plurality of nip rollers aligned with the second section of the drive roller, wherein the web of media passes between the drive roller and the nip rollers, with the nip rollers contacting the second side of the web of media.