Intermediate Transferor Fine Particle Resistivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermediate transfer belts with high electrical resistance particles lead to a significant decrease in transfer rate, especially in full-color mode, due to excessive toner charging and inadequate discharge, particularly affecting halftone images.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate transferor with a base layer, an elastic layer, and fine particles on the surface, where the fine particles have a volume resistivity of 1 × 10^0 Ω·cm to 1 × 10^6 Ω·cm, forming an uneven surface to optimize toner transfer and cleaning properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high electrical resistance particles are used on the intermediate transfer belt surface, then toner releasability and flexible transfer belt properties are improved, but transfer rate in halftone images decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different electrical resistance characteristics to different regions of the transfer belt surface by using particles with specific resistance values (10^8 to 10^12 Ω·cm) embedded in the elastic layer, creating local variations in electrical properties that optimize both toner release and transfer efficiency in different areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical resistance parameter of the particles from conventional high resistance materials to specifically controlled resistance values (10^8 to 10^12 Ω·cm), and adjusts particle embedding depth and distribution to achieve optimal balance between toner releasability and transfer rate
2Productivity
If high transfer current is applied to transfer solid images, then solid image transfer is achieved, but excessive current charges halftone toner oppositely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds conductive particles with controlled resistance values in the elastic layer before the transfer process, creating a cushioning effect that moderates and distributes the transfer current, preventing sudden current surges that would cause opposite charging of halftone toner while still enabling solid image transfer
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional intermediate transfer belt structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but transferability on special recording media with surface irregularities is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by embedding particles with specific electrical resistance characteristics (10^8 to 10^12 Ω·cm) within the elastic layer material, combining the flexibility of the elastic polymer with the electrical conductivity control provided by the particles, enabling adaptability to various recording media surfaces
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 solution improves halftone transferability in full-color mode and enhances transferability on special recording media like paper with surface irregularities, while maintaining high cleaning properties.
Implementation Method 1
The fine particles have a volume resistivity of 1 × 10^0 Ω·cm to 1 × 10^6 Ω·cm
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
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AI summary
An intermediate transferor (22;501) for an image forming apparatus includes a base layer (11), an elastic layer (12) layered on the base layer (11), and fine particles (13) on the elastic layer (12) to form an uneven surface of the elastic layer (12). The fine particles (13) have a volume resistivity of 1 × 10° Ω·cm to 1 × 106 Ω cm.