Developer Supplier Glass Transition Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Toner in image forming units can soften or melt over time, leading to clumping and adherence issues between rollers, resulting in defective images due to the gap formation and subsequent toner leakage.
Innovation Solution
An image forming unit design where the glass transition temperature of the developer supplier (e.g., development roller) is higher than the developer container's toner, with the supplier's glass transition temperature being equal to or lower than 75°C, preventing melting and ensuring suitable fixing properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the glass transition temperature of the toner is set to ensure melting by heat from the fixing unit, then the fixing properties are improved, but the toner softens or melts during storage causing clumping and adherence issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the toner system into two separate components: a first toner with higher glass transition temperature (stored in the image forming unit) and a second toner with lower glass transition temperature (stored in the toner container). This segmentation allows each toner to have optimized properties for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between fixing properties and storage stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first toner acts as an intermediary protective layer applied to the development roller surface. This intermediary layer prevents the second toner from directly contacting and adhering to the roller during storage, while still allowing proper toner transfer during actual use when the second toner is supplied.
2Ease of operation
If the toner is stored in the image forming unit for long periods, then the unit is ready for immediate use, but the toner softens and forms adhering material in nips between rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The first toner is applied in advance to the development roller surface to create a protective barrier before the second toner is stored in the unit. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful adhering material formation from occurring during storage, while maintaining readiness for immediate use.
3Reliability
If the glass transition temperature of the first developer is equal to or lower than 75°C, then suitable fixing properties are achieved, but the first developer may melt at temperatures where the second developer undergoes glass transition
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different glass transition temperature characteristics to different locations in the toner supply system. The first toner on the development roller surface has higher temperature resistance for structural stability, while the second toner in the container has lower glass transition temperature optimized for fixing properties. This local quality differentiation resolves the temperature contradiction.
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
This configuration stabilizes the toner supply, preventing clumping and ensuring consistent image quality by maintaining the developer's integrity and fixing properties, even during storage and use.
Implementation Method 1
the glass transition temperature of a first developer initially contained in the developer supplier is higher than the glass transition temperature of a second developer contained in the developer container
Implementation Method 2
a developer supplier including at least a developer carrier configured to supply the developer, which is contained in the developer container, to a latent image formed on an image carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the invention provides an image forming unit that comprises: a developer container configured to contain a developer; and a developer supplier including at least a developer carrier configured to supply the developer, contained in the developer container, to a latent image formed on an image carrier, wherein: the glass transition temperature of a first developer initially contained in the developer supplier is higher than the glass transition temperature of a second developer contained in the developer container; and the glass transition temperature of the first developer is equal to or lower than 75° C.