Electrophotographic Belt Conductive Layer Hardness Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic belts face issues with wear and cracking on the inner peripheral surface due to hardness unevenness in the conductive layer, particularly when used for long-term image formation, which affects the durability and quality of electrophotographic images.
Innovation Solution
An electrophotographic belt with a base layer made of crystalline polyester and a conductive layer comprising crosslinked polyester urethane with a triazine ring, where the nanoindentation hardness coefficient of variation is maintained at 0.25 or less across specific observation regions to prevent stress concentration and cracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large amount of electron conductive agent is contained in the conductive layer to enhance conductivity, then the conductivity is improved, but the adhesiveness between the conductive layer and base layer is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive layer uses a composite material consisting of polyester resin and electron conductive agents (carbon black or metal particles). This composite structure allows the polyester resin to provide adhesion to the base layer while the conductive agents provide electrical conductivity, resolving the contradiction between conductivity and adhesiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the content ratio of electron conductive agents to polyester resin within specific ranges (carbon black: 1-20 parts by mass per 100 parts polyester resin; metal particles: 1-10 parts by mass per 100 parts polyester resin). By controlling these parameters, the patent achieves both sufficient conductivity and adhesion simultaneously.
2Strength
If the conductive layer is made harder to improve abrasion resistance, then the wear resistance is improved, but cracks occur more easily in long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the hardness of the conductive layer by adjusting the polyester resin content and composition. The polyester resin acts as a binder that provides flexibility and crack resistance, while still allowing the layer to resist abrasion. The specific resin content range (1-20 parts carbon black or 1-10 parts metal particles per 100 parts polyester resin) optimizes this balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive layer is formed as a composite material where polyester resin provides mechanical strength and flexibility (preventing cracks), while electron conductive agents provide conductivity. This composite structure allows the layer to resist both abrasion and cracking simultaneously.
3Loss of substance
If the conductive layer is made thinner to reduce wear, then the wear is reduced, but the conductivity and adhesion are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness of the conductive layer and the content of conductive agents within specific ranges to achieve the desired balance. By controlling these parameters, the patent ensures that even a thin layer maintains sufficient conductivity and adhesion while being resistant to wear.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly enhances the abrasion resistance and crack resistance of the conductive layer, ensuring stable high-quality electrophotographic image formation even after long-term use by minimizing hardness unevenness and stress concentration points.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive layer comprises a crosslinked polyester urethane, the crosslinked polyester urethane has a triazine ring in a molecule
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic belt is provided, which includes a base layer having an endless shape, and a conductive layer in contact with the base layer, wherein the base layer contains a crystalline polyester, the conductive layer contains a crosslinked polyester urethane having a triazine ring in a molecule, and when 8 square observation regions each having a side length of 2.5 mm are placed in a circumferential direction of the electrophotographic belt, at least 6 observation regions among the 8 observation regions have a coefficient of variation of nanoindentation hardness of not more than 0.25.