Photoreceptor Surface Energy Reduction for Image Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face issues with internal image lacking at character and dot portions when using toners with a glass transition point of 20 to 45°C, due to increased adhesion force of the toner to the photoreceptor, which hinders electrostatic transfer to the image receiving material.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an image forming method involving a cleaning blade to remove toner from the photoreceptor, followed by the application and spreading of a fatty acid metal salt to lower the surface energy of the photoreceptor, thereby reducing adhesion and preventing internal image lacking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If toner with glass transition point of 20 to 45°C is used to reduce fixing temperature and energy consumption, then energy consumption is reduced and photoreceptor lifetime is extended, but internal image lacking occurs at character and dot portions due to increased adhesion force
Solution Approach 1:
A lubricant is introduced as an intermediary substance between the toner and the photoreceptor surface. The lubricant forms a film that mediates the interaction, reducing the adhesion force between the toner and photoreceptor, thereby preventing internal image lacking while maintaining the benefits of low glass transition point toner
Solution Approach 2:
The surface energy of the photoreceptor is changed by applying a lubricant film. This parameter change (surface energy reduction) modifies the adhesion characteristics, allowing the toner with low glass transition point to be transferred more effectively without causing internal image lacking
2Duration of action of stationary object
If toner with glass transition point of 20 to 45°C is used to extend photoreceptor lifetime, then photoreceptor lifetime is extended, but internal image lacking occurs at character and dot portions
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant acts as a mediator that protects the photoreceptor surface from direct contact with the toner. This intermediary layer prevents toner adhesion that would otherwise occur during the extended operational life of the photoreceptor, maintaining image quality throughout the extended lifetime
3Ease of manufacture
If cleaning blade is used to remove toner from photoreceptor, then toner removal is achieved, but adhesion force increases causing internal image lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant is applied to the photoreceptor surface before the cleaning blade removes the toner. This preliminary action creates a low-adhesion surface that prevents the toner from sticking during the subsequent cleaning process, thereby preventing internal image lacking while maintaining effective toner removal
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 approach effectively prevents internal image lacking even after 200,000 prints, ensuring high-speed printing with extended photoreceptor lifetime and low-temperature fixing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
cleaning a toner remaining on a photoreceptor surface by a cleaning blade
Implementation Method 2
supplying a fatty acid metal salt onto the photoreceptor surface after the cleaning, spreading the supplied fatty acid metal salt on the photoreceptor surface
Implementation Method 3
transferring the toner image onto an image receiving member by a transfer roller facing to the photoreceptor through the image receiving material
Implementation Method 4
increased adhesion force of the toner to the photoreceptor
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming method is disclosed, which includes steps of cleaning toner remaining on a photoreceptor surface by a cleaning blade which is arranged on counter direction to rotation direction of the photoreceptor, supplying a fatty acid metal salt onto the photoreceptor surface after the cleaning, spreading the supplied fatty acid metal salt on the photoreceptor surface by using a spreading blade which is arranged on trail direction to rotation direction of the photoreceptor, charging the photoreceptor by a charging member, exposing the photoreceptor to form a latent image, developing the latent image by a developer to form a toner image on the photoreceptor, and transferring the toner image onto an image receiving member by a transfer roller facing to the photoreceptor through the image receiving material, in which the toner comprises a binder resin and a colorant, in which the toner has a glass transition point of from 20 to 45° C. and the binder resin contains 50% or more of vinyl polymer resin by weight based on the whole weight of the binder resin.