Hexagonal Boron Nitride Surface Layer for Photosensitive Member Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic photosensitive members face issues with high friction coefficients leading to abnormal sounds, toner slipping, and increased energy requirements due to the use of rubber cleaning blades, and previous solutions involving fluororesin and metallic soap components either deteriorate or cause image failures.
Innovation Solution
An electrophotographic photosensitive member with a surface layer containing a binder resin and hexagonal boron nitride, where the boron nitride has a graphitization index of at least 3.0 and less than 15.0, providing low friction coefficients and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rubber (particularly urethane rubber) is used as a material for the cleaning blade, then adhesion properties to the surface are easily secured, but the friction coefficient becomes high causing abnormal sounds, toner slipping, and blade turning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of resin particles (40-90 mass%) and silicone rubber particles (10-60 mass%) to create a cleaning blade surface layer that combines the low friction properties of silicone rubber with the structural stability of resin, thereby reducing the friction coefficient while maintaining adhesion properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material composition parameters by controlling the mass ratio of resin particles to silicone rubber particles within specific ranges (resin: 40-90 mass%, silicone rubber: 10-60 mass%) to optimize the balance between adhesion and friction reduction
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fluororesin component content is increased to reduce friction coefficient, then initial friction is reduced, but dispersibility deteriorates and laser light scattering causes image failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluororesin with silicone rubber particles that can be effectively dispersed in the binder resin without causing light scattering issues, achieving similar friction reduction benefits without the dispersibility and optical property problems associated with fluororesin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material type from fluororesin to silicone rubber particles, fundamentally altering the material properties to avoid light scattering while maintaining friction reduction capabilities through proper particle size and composition control
3Object-affected harmful factors
If metallic soap is supplied from the periphery through a supply unit, then frictional properties are improved, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates silicone rubber particles directly into the binder resin matrix during manufacturing, creating a self-contained cleaning blade with built-in low-friction properties that does not require external supply units or additional components to deliver the lubricating material
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lubricating function with the structural matrix by dispersing silicone rubber particles throughout the binder resin, combining the cleaning blade structure and lubrication function into a single integrated component
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 use of hexagonal boron nitride with a controlled graphitization index reduces friction coefficients, enhances lubricity, and prevents image failures, while maintaining high material resistance and dispersibility, thus improving the efficiency and reliability of the electrophotographic process.
Implementation Method 1
a hexagonal boron nitride dispersed with the binder resin of the surface layer; the hexagonal boron nitride has a graphitization index (GI) of at least 3.0 and less than 15.0
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic photosensitive member includes a surface layer with a hexagonal boron nitride dispersed therein. The hexagonal boron nitride has a graphitization index (GI) of at least 3.0 and less than 15.0.