Flexible moving web guide.

摘要

A gimbaled compliant tape guide for a tape drive, includes two plates 20, 30 mounted adjacent opposite edges of an arcuate tape bearing surface on a post 10. The plate 30 is pivotably mounted on a jewel 31 in a slot in the post 10. The plate 30 is constrained by a pair of flexible ties 32 stretching to a block 40. The plate 20 is pivotably mounted on a dimple 23 projecting from a leaf spring 22 extending from the block 40 and having a resilient integral tip 21 acting as a pressure application means on the plate 20. Between the plates 20 and 30, a tape 11 passes round the arcuate surface and is edge-constrained by the plates. The plates accommodate variances in the tape path resulting from tape path tolerances and tape distortions. The plate 20 mounted on the leaf spring 22 accommodates variations in tape width. The combination of simple compliancy and the ability to pivot eliminates the concentration of the stress at a single contact point between the tape edge and the guiding mechanism. By evenly distributing the stress along the span of contact between the edge of the tape and the guides, particulate matter generated from such contact is minimised. Such guiding mechanism may be used on any element of the tape path. <IMAGE>