Intermediate Transfer Member Hard Releasing Layer Void Image Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-forming apparatuses with intermediate transfer members face issues of void images, filming, insufficient cleaning, and surface scratches due to the adhesion of toner and developer components, which degrade image quality and increase environmental and maintenance loads.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an intermediate transfer member with a hard releasing layer, where the speed ratio between the intermediate transfer member and the latent-image supporting member is controlled within a specific range based on the universal hardness of the intermediate transfer member to prevent void images, filming, and scratches, while improving the secondary transferring rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hard releasing layer is formed on the intermediate transfer member to improve releasing property, then secondary transferring rate is improved, but void images occur due to increased toner adhesion to the latent-image supporting member
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the intermediate transfer member by controlling the universal hardness (Hu) to be 220 N/mm² or less and adjusting the speed ratio (Rv) between the intermediate transfer member and latent-image supporting member to specific ranges. These parameter changes optimize the balance between releasing property and toner adhesion, preventing void images while maintaining high secondary transferring rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic control through the speed ratio (Rv) between the intermediate transfer member and latent-image supporting member. By dynamically adjusting the relative speeds during the transfer process, the system optimizes toner adhesion characteristics in real-time, preventing void image formation while maintaining effective toner release.
2Productivity
If continuous printing operations are performed, then productivity increases, but developer components adhere to the intermediate transfer member causing filming and insufficient cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface hardness parameter (Hu ≤ 220 N/mm²) of the intermediate transfer member to reduce the adhesion strength of developer components. This parameter change prevents filming even during continuous printing operations, maintaining reliable cleaning performance and image quality throughout extended operation periods.
3Manufacturing precision
If speed difference is increased between intermediate transfer member and latent-image supporting member to prevent void images, then void image occurrence is reduced, but scratches occur on the surfaces causing degradation in image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the speed ratio (Rv) within specific ranges and controls the hardness (Hu ≤ 220 N/mm²) to achieve void image prevention without excessive speed difference. This balanced parameter selection prevents both void images and surface scratches, maintaining image quality while eliminating defects.
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 solution ensures high-quality images without voids, reduces filming and scratches, and enhances cleaning efficiency, thereby improving the overall performance and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
one portion 101 of the aggregated toner comes to have an increased adhesion strength to the latent-image supporting member 103 rather than to the intermediate transfer member having a higher releasing property
Implementation Method 2
a speed difference is prepared between peripheral speeds of the intermediate transfer member and the latent-image supporting member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An image-forming apparatus, comprises: a latent-image supporting member (1a), and an intermediate transfer member (3) that supports a toner image primarily-transferred thereon from the latent-image supporting member (1), secondarily-transfers the supported toner image onto an image receiving medium (6), and has a hard releasing layer (32) on the surface thereof, and a ratio Rv = Vbt/Vpc between a surface moving speed Vbt of the intermediate transfer member and a peripheral speed Vpc of the latent-image supporting member satisfies the following relational expression: -5×10-6mm2/N×Hu+1.0087≤Rv≤-5×10-6mm2/N×Hu+1.0167 wherein Hu is a universal hardness expressed in N/mm2 of the surface of the intermediate transfer member, and is set to 220N/mm2 or more.