Endless Belt Conductive Particle Size for Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the intermediate transfer belt struggles to follow the irregularities of non-smooth paper sheets, leading to deteriorated transferability and the formation of white patches in images due to strong electrostatic adhesion between the toner and the belt's surface.

Innovation Solution

An endless belt with a layer containing a resin and electrically conductive particles, where the discharge starting voltage is 0.9 kV or more, and the number average primary particle diameter of the conductive particles is 11 nm or less, reducing electrostatic adhesion and improving transferability on non-smooth paper sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the intermediate transfer belt uses a conventional surface layer with larger electrically conductive particles, then the belt structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the transferability onto non-smooth paper sheets deteriorates due to strong electrostatic adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidtransferability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size of electrically conductive particles to 11 nm or less and adjusting the discharge starting voltage to 0.9 kV or more. This precise parameter control reduces electrostatic adhesion between the belt surface and toner, enabling the belt to follow irregularities of non-smooth paper sheets and improve transferability without compromising manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining resin base material with electrically conductive particles in specific proportions (5-30 mass%). This composite structure provides both the mechanical properties of the resin and the electrical conductivity needed to control electrostatic adhesion, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and transferability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Force

If the discharge starting voltage is less than 0.9 kV, then the electrostatic adhesion is stronger which may improve toner holding, but the transferability onto non-smooth paper sheets deteriorates and white patches form

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrostatic adhesionVSAvoidtransferability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by setting the discharge starting voltage to 0.9 kV or more through precise control of electrically conductive particle size and distribution. This parameter adjustment optimizes the electrostatic properties to reduce excessive adhesion force, allowing the belt to conform to paper sheet irregularities and prevent white patch formation while maintaining sufficient toner holding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the electrically conductive particles have a larger particle diameter, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the transferability onto non-smooth paper sheets worsens due to increased electrostatic adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidelectrostatic adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle diameter of electrically conductive particles to 11 nm or less. This precise size control modifies the electrostatic field distribution at the belt surface, reducing electrostatic adhesion force and enabling better contact with non-smooth paper sheets while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized nanoparticle production processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 described endless belt configuration enhances transferability on non-smooth paper sheets by lowering electrostatic adhesion, preventing white patches and ensuring better image quality.

Implementation Method 1

a discharge starting voltage at which discharge starts when a voltage is applied to the layer and increased is 0.9 kV or more

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS12117747B2Endless belt, transfer device, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.10.15 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An endless belt includes a layer containing a resin and electrically conductive particles. In the endless belt, a discharge starting voltage at which discharge starts when a voltage is applied to the layer and increased is 0.9 kV or more.