Self-aligning roll for belt loop modules

摘要

An apparatus for guiding a moving web, particularly in an electrophotographic printing machine of the type having an endless photoreceptor belt supported by a plurality of rolls and arranged to move in a predetermined path through a plurality of processing stations disposed therealong the web being of the type which is supported by a plurality of rolls. A roll for supporting the web and in frictional contact therewith is adapted for rotational movement about a first axis. A roll support in the form of a dead shaft allows the roll laterally move to pivot about a second axis in a direction substantially normal to the predetermined path direction. This is accomplished by supporting the dead shaft on a V-groove roller which rides in a track substantially along the arc of rotation normal to the predetermined path direction. Any web tracking normal to the predetermined direction exerts a friction force on the roll causing the roll to pivot about the second axis as a result of the v-groove rollers moving along the tracks in a direction substantially normal to the predetermined direction such that the roll aligns itself so that its axis of rotation is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the belt.