Conductive Member with Electrostatic Resistance Adjusting Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conductive members in image forming devices face challenges such as uneven discharge and image errors due to variations in electric resistance values, especially in low-temperature and low-humidity environments, leading to decreased conductive properties and image quality over time.
Innovation Solution
A conductive member with an electrostatic resistance adjusting layer composed of thermoplastic resin containing polyamide elastomer and polyolefin block polymer, combined with perchlorate and fluorine-containing organic anion salts, is used to maintain a consistent space between the charging member and the image carrier, enhancing discharge margin and preventing uneven discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conductive members are used in low-temperature and low-humidity environments, then the charging process can be performed, but the electric resistance values vary causing uneven discharge and image errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the electrostatic resistance adjusting layer by incorporating specific electrolyte salts (lithium perchlorate, lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate) and resin materials (polyolefin block polymer, polyamide elastomer) to achieve stable conductive properties across different environmental conditions. This compositional parameter adjustment ensures uniform discharge even in low-temperature and low-humidity environments where conventional materials fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system for the electrostatic resistance adjusting layer that combines multiple components: thermoplastic resin, polyolefin block polymer, polyamide elastomer, and specific electrolyte salts. This composite structure leverages the complementary properties of each material to maintain stable electric resistance values and prevent uneven discharge, resolving the reliability issue in challenging environmental conditions.
2Productivity
If the charging member contacts the photoconductive drum, then charging is effective, but components exude and fix onto the drum surface causing track marks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrostatic resistance adjusting layer as an intermediary between the charging member and the photoconductive drum. This intermediate layer performs the charging function through electrostatic induction without direct contact, preventing component exusion and track mark formation while maintaining charging efficiency. The intermediary layer acts as a buffer that eliminates the harmful contact effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact charging system with an electrostatic induction-based charging system. Instead of relying on physical contact between the charging member and photoconductive drum, the invention uses an electrostatic resistance adjusting layer that transfers charge through electrostatic field interaction, eliminating the mechanical contact that causes component exusion and track marks.
3Productivity
If alternating voltage is applied to the charging roller, then charging is enhanced, but the roller vibrates causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic resistance adjusting layer serves as a mediator that decouples the alternating voltage application from the photoconductive drum. The charging member with alternating voltage charges the intermediary layer, which then transfers charge to the drum through electrostatic induction. This mediation eliminates direct vibration transmission to the drum, reducing noise while maintaining enhanced charging performance.
4Manufacturing precision
If the charging roller is made of elastic body, then uniform contact is achieved, but the space cannot be constantly maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based charging system with an electrostatic induction system. Instead of relying on elastic bodies to maintain uniform contact and space, the invention uses an electrostatic resistance adjusting layer that maintains consistent electrostatic field distribution. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical space maintenance while achieving uniform charging through field interaction.
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 provides a high discharge margin and maintains image quality by stabilizing the conductive properties of the charging member, even when used for extended periods in challenging environmental conditions, preventing image errors caused by uneven discharge.
Implementation Method 1
having an electrostatic resistance adjusting layer which charges the image carrier by power distribution
Implementation Method 2
stabilizing the conductive properties of the charging member, enhancing discharge margin and preventing uneven discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A conductive member (101) includes a conductive supporting body (106), an electrostatic resistance adjusting layer (104) formed on the conductive supporting body, and a space holding member (103), which is formed on each of both end portions of the electric resistance adjusting layer (104), has a material different from a material of the electric resistance adjusting layer (104), and constantly maintains a space between the electric resistance adjusting layer (104) and the image carrier (61), wherein the electric resistance adjusting layer (104) comprises a resin composition including thermoplastic resin containing at least polyamide elastomer and polyolefin block polymer and plural types of salt containing at least one type of salt selected from perchlorate and at least one type of salt selected from fluorine-containing organic anion salt.