Electrophotographic Photoreceptor Surface Design for Friction Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic photosensitive members face issues with durability and cleaning performance due to increased mechanical strength, leading to frictional resistance and image defects, particularly in high-temperature, high-humidity environments, where toner melt adhesion and cleaning blade failures occur.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrophotographic photosensitive member with a surface featuring a specific pattern of depressed portions, each with an average major axis diameter of 3.0 to 14.0 µm and a depth of 0.1 µm or more, formed at a density of 76 to 1,000 per 100 µm square, which reduces frictional force and prevents toner adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the surface layer is made more durable and strong, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the frictional resistance increases and cleaning performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The surface layer is segmented into multiple functional zones: a charge generating layer containing charge generating substances (e.g., photoconductive pigments) and a charge transporting layer containing charge transporting substances (e.g., photoconductive polymers). This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall durability and reducing frictional resistance during cleaning operations.
2Strength
If the surface layer is made more durable and strong, then the mechanical strength is improved, but toner melt adhesion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the surface layer by incorporating specific charge generating substances (photoconductive pigments) and charge transporting substances (photoconductive polymers) in controlled ratios. This parameter optimization enhances mechanical strength while preventing toner melt adhesion through improved surface properties and reduced frictional resistance.
3Strength
If the surface layer is made more durable and strong, then the mechanical strength is improved, but frictional resistance during cleaning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface layer is constructed as a composite material system combining charge generating substances (such as photoconductive pigments) with charge transporting substances (such as photoconductive polymers). This composite structure provides enhanced mechanical strength while the specific combination of materials reduces frictional resistance, preventing cleaning blade chattering and turn-up.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 1G~2E
Figure 2F~3
AI summary
An electrophotographic photosensitive member is disclosed which is excellent in cleaning performance, has improved durability, and suppresses image defects in various environments. The electrophotographic photosensitive member has a support and a photosensitive layer provided on the support. Depressed portions independent of one another are formed on the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member so that the number of the depressed portions per 100 µm square is 76 or more and 1,000 or less. The openings of the depressed portions have an average major axis diameter of more than 3.0 µm and 14.0 µm or less.