Electrophotographic Member Ionic Liquid Ion Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the quality of electrophotographic images over long periods, especially when used with thick or embossed papers, due to uneven distribution of ions in the elastic layer of the intermediate transfer belt.
Innovation Solution
An electrophotographic member with an elastic layer comprising a matrix rubber, specific anions, cations, and an inorganic layered double hydroxide compound, which helps in controlling the movement of anions and maintaining electroconductivity, thereby preventing the degradation of image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic layer containing ionic liquid is used to improve followability to recording medium surface, then transferability to recess portions is improved, but ion distribution becomes uneven after long-term use causing image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters of the ionic liquid components. Specifically, it uses anions with structural formulae (1)-(3) and cations with structural formulae (4)-(7), which have specific molecular characteristics that prevent uneven distribution. The patent also controls the total amount of ionic liquid to 0.01-12 parts by mass relative to matrix rubber, optimizing the concentration parameter to maintain stable ion distribution during long-term operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite elastic layer by combining matrix rubber with specifically selected ionic liquid components (anions and cations with defined structures). This composite structure leverages the complementary properties of the rubber matrix and the engineered ionic liquid molecules, achieving both good followability to recording medium surfaces and stable ion distribution over time, thereby preventing image quality degradation.
2Ease of operation
If ionic liquid is added to elastic layer to enhance followability, then toner transfer to recess portions improves, but electroconductivity becomes unstable over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the structural parameters of the ionic liquid molecules. The anions are selected from structural formulae (1)-(3) and cations from structural formulae (4)-(7), with specific constraints on substituent groups and molecular architecture. These structural parameters are designed to balance mobility (for toner transfer) and stability (for electroconductivity). The total ionic liquid content is controlled at 0.01-12 parts by mass to achieve optimal electroconductivity stability.
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 proposed solution ensures stable and high-quality electrophotographic image formation over a long period by preventing the uneven distribution of ions and maintaining the electroconductivity of the elastic layer.
Implementation Method 1
the inorganic layered double hydroxide compound has an average value of interlayer distances of 4 Å or larger and 8 Å or smaller, which are measured by XRD
Implementation Method 2
the elastic layer includes a matrix rubber, an anion, a cation and an inorganic layered double hydroxide compound
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic member includes a base layer and an elastic layer on the base layer, wherein the elastic layer includes a matrix rubber, an ionic liquid including an anion and a cation, and an inorganic layered double hydroxide compound, wherein the anion is at least one selected from the group consisting of structural formulae (1) to (3), the cation is at least one selected from the group consisting of structural formulae (4) to (7), and the inorganic layered double hydroxide compound has an average value of interlayer distances of 4 Å or larger and 8 Å or smaller, which are measured by XRD.