Closed loop photoreceptor belt tensioner

摘要

A closed loop control system precisely sets and monitors tension in a photoreceptor belt. A stepper motor is actuated by a controller to apply pressure to a yoke connected to the photoreceptor belt through a steering roll. A strain gauge positioned on the yoke senses the pressure of the yoke against the photoreceptor belt and signals the controller which in turn actuates the stepper motor to bring the tension on the belt to a predetermined set amount. The closed loop control system also increases tension on the photoreceptor belt to improve drive capacity if friction between the photoreceptor belt and a drive roll decreases during operation as sensed by a decrease in driver motor torque.