Intermediate Transfer Member Surface Free Energy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image-forming apparatuses with intermediate transfer members having hard release layers face issues with toner aggregation and hollow defects, particularly in central character or thin line images, due to the pressure and toner aggregation force during primary transfer.
Innovation Solution
The image-forming apparatus adjusts the difference in dispersion-force component of surface free energy between the intermediate transfer member and the latent image-supporting member to be 5 mN/m or less, ensuring effective toner release and preventing hollow defects by optimizing the surface free energy balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hard release layer is formed on the intermediate transfer member surface to improve release characteristics, then secondary transfer efficiency is improved, but toner aggregation occurs during primary transfer and hollow defects appear in the image
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface free energy parameters of the intermediate transfer member by controlling the difference in dispersion-force component (Δγsd) to be 5 mN/m or less. This parameter adjustment allows the surface to maintain adequate adhesion during primary transfer while enabling easy release during secondary transfer, thus preventing both toner aggregation and hollow defects while maintaining high secondary transfer efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the intermediate transfer member has high release characteristics, then toner release is easier, but toner aggregates formed during pressurization adhere more to the latent image-supporting member, prohibiting primary transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the surface free energy parameter Δγsd to 5 mN/m or less, creating a balanced surface property that provides adequate adhesion strength during primary transfer to prevent toner from adhering to the latent image-supporting member, while simultaneously maintaining easy release characteristics during secondary transfer.
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 adjustment enhances the secondary transfer rate and image quality while improving cleaning efficiency, effectively preventing hollow defects even with intermediate transfer members having high release characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the difference Δγsd between the dispersion-force component of surface free energy of the intermediate transfer member surface γsd(itm) and the dispersion-force component of surface free energy of the latent image-supporting member surface γsd(pc)
Data Source
AI summary
An image-forming apparatus comprises an intermediate transfer member having a hard release layer on the surface that receives a primarily transferred toner image from a latent image-supporting member on the hard release layer and secondarily transfers the toner image to an image-receiving medium, wherein,when the difference Δγsd between the dispersion-force component of surface free energy of the intermediate transfer member surface γsd(itm) and the dispersion-force component of surface free energy of the latent image-supporting member surface γsd(pc) is defined by the following Formula:Δγsd=γsd(pc)−γsd(itm),Δγsd is 5 mN/m or less.