Phase-Separated Semi-Electroconductive Film for Electrophotographic Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semi electro-conductive belts using thermoplastic resins in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses experience image defects like white voids due to electrical resistance fluctuations caused by poor dispersibility of electroconductive fillers, especially when using metallic primary transfer rollers, which affect the stability of volume resistivity over time.
Innovation Solution
A semi electro-conductive film with a configuration of a crystalline first resin and a noncrystalline second resin, where electroconductive particles are unevenly distributed in the second phase, stabilizing volume resistivity by minimizing electric field concentration between particles, thereby preventing resistance changes over long periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If electroconductive filler particles are dispersed in a thermoplastic resin binder, then the intermediate transfer medium can be manufactured with good dispersibility, but the volume resistivity changes over time due to electrical discharge between aggregated particles and the primary transfer roller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the binder resin by specifying a glass transition temperature of 80°C or higher and incorporating specific functional groups. This parameter change stabilizes the binder's properties at operating temperatures, preventing the electroconductive filler particles from aggregating and maintaining consistent volume resistivity over time, thereby resolving the contradiction between compositional stability and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system where electroconductive filler particles are embedded in a specially designed binder resin matrix. The binder contains specific functional groups that interact with the filler particles, creating a stable composite structure that prevents particle aggregation and electrical discharge, thus maintaining both volume resistivity stability and image quality consistency
2Device complexity
If a metallic primary transfer roller is used, then the structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the volume resistivity of the intermediate transfer medium must remain extremely stable, which is difficult to achieve with conventional materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal and chemical parameters of the binder resin (glass transition temperature ≥80°C, specific functional groups) to create a material that maintains stable electrical properties when used with metallic rollers. This allows the system to achieve the required volume resistivity stability with simpler metallic roller structures rather than requiring complex composite roller designs
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 film maintains stable electrical properties and prevents image defects, ensuring high-quality electrophotographic image output over extended use by suppressing volume resistivity fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
the value of the resistance of the primary transfer portion is determined solely by the intermediate transfer medium... the volume resistivity of the intermediate transfer medium needs not to change even by a long-term use
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a semi electro-conductive film comprising a binder resin and electroconductive particles. The volume resistivity of the electroconductive layer is 1×109 Ω·cm or more and 1×1012 Ω·cm or less. The electroconductive layer has a first phase containing a first resin and a second phase containing a second resin. The electroconductive layer further includes electroconductive particles. The electroconductive particles are unevenly present in the second phase. The first resin is a crystalline resin. The second resin is a noncrystalline resin with a thermal decomposition temperature of 400° C. or more.