Electrophotographic Surface Layer Durability via Fluorine Compound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic intermediate transfer members experience degradation in transfer characteristics due to chemical and physical deterioration, leading to reduced image quality when repeatedly used in high-speed image forming applications.
Innovation Solution
An electrophotographic member with a surface layer comprising a binder resin, perfluoropolymer fine particles, a fluorocarbon resin dispersing agent, and a fluorine compound, where the perfluoropolymer fine particles have a fluorine compound carried on their surface, specifically a perfluoropolyether compound or a branched polymer compound with a perfluoroalkyl group, is used to enhance durability and maintain transfer characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fluorine compound coating is applied to enhance transfer efficiency, then transfer characteristics are improved, but the surface layer deteriorates after repeated use leading to image quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The surface layer is segmented into multiple functional components: perfluoropolymer fine particles providing transfer characteristics, binder resin providing structural integrity, and fluorine compound providing release properties. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while contributing to overall durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface layer uses a composite material system combining perfluoropolymer fine particles, binder resin, and fluorine compound. This composite structure provides both the transfer characteristics needed for high-speed operation and the durability required for repeated use, resolving the contradiction between performance and service life.
2Productivity
If high-speed image forming is implemented, then productivity is improved, but the transfer characteristics degrade due to surface deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The surface layer is pre-configured with perfluoropolymer fine particles and fluorine compound during manufacturing, so that the optimal transfer characteristics are established before high-speed operation begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that the surface layer can withstand repeated high-speed transfers without degrading.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the surface layer by incorporating specific fluorine compounds and perfluoropolymer fine particles, which modify the surface properties to enable both high-speed operation and maintained transfer characteristics over extended periods.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the surface layer is made more durable, then service life is extended, but transfer efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The surface layer applies local quality by concentrating perfluoropolymer fine particles and fluorine compound at the surface interface where transfer occurs, while the binder resin provides structural support throughout the layer. This localized functional distribution ensures both durability and transfer efficiency.
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 electrophotographic member significantly enhances the durability and maintains transfer characteristics even after repeated use, preventing image quality degradation and ensuring consistent performance over a long period.
Implementation Method 1
coating a fluorine compound having water repellency and oil repellency on the surface layer of the semi-electroconductive belt, in order to reduce an adhesive force of the surface layer
Implementation Method 2
coating a fluorine compound having water repellency and oil repellency on the surface layer of the semi-electroconductive belt, in order to reduce an adhesive force of the surface layer
Data Source
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide: an electrophotographic member which enhances image quality, prevents the lowering of a grade of an image even when images have been repeatedly output, and can remarkably enhance the stability of the grade of the image; an intermediate transfer member; and an image forming apparatus. The electrophotographic member includes a base layer and a surface layer, wherein the surface layer has a binder resin, perfluoropolymer fine particles, a fluorocarbon resin dispersing agent and a particular fluorine compound, wherein the perfluoropolymer fine particle has a fluorine compound carried on its surface.