Photosensitive Drum Surface Particles for Stable Transfer Speeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses using an intermediate transfer system face issues with increased frictional force between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member, leading to unstable peripheral speeds and image blurring, particularly due to the detachment of added filler particles, which affects transfer efficiency and durability over the lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a photosensitive drum with a surface layer containing specific particle distributions and a binder resin, where the ratio of particle area to total area (S1/(S1+S2)) is between 0.70 and 1.00, with distinct peaks in particle sizes, and the arithmetic mean curvature of the intermediate transfer member's surface roughness is related to the particle size ratio, ensuring controlled friction and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If filler particles are added to the surface of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to reduce frictional force, then the frictional force is reduced initially, but the particles detach over time causing unstable peripheral speed and image blurring
Solution Approach 1:
The surface layer is constructed as a composite material comprising binder resin and inorganic filler particles (silica, alumina, or titanium oxide) with specific surface areas (5-20 m²/g) and content ratios (1-10 parts by mass per 100 parts binder resin). This composite structure provides both low frictional force through the inorganic filler and high durability through the binder resin matrix that prevents particle detachment, resolving the contradiction between initial friction reduction and long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific parameters of the inorganic filler including surface area (5-20 m²/g), particle size distribution, and content ratio (1-10 parts by mass per 100 parts binder resin). These parameter changes ensure the filler particles provide sufficient friction reduction while maintaining strong adhesion to the binder resin, preventing detachment and ensuring stable peripheral speed throughout the photosensitive member's lifespan.
2Productivity
If a protruding shape is formed on the photosensitive drum surface to reduce contact area with toner, then transfer efficiency is improved, but the surface properties and mechanical durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic filler particles are distributed throughout the surface layer to create localized protruding structures that reduce toner contact area and improve transfer efficiency. The binder resin provides a continuous matrix that maintains surface integrity and mechanical durability. This local quality approach allows protrusions for efficiency while the surrounding resin structure preserves strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface layer combines binder resin with inorganic filler particles (silica, alumina, or titanium oxide) having specific surface areas (5-20 m²/g) and controlled particle sizes. This composite material creates a surface with protruding features for enhanced transfer efficiency while the resin-infiller matrix maintains mechanical durability and prevents particle detachment during operation.
3Productivity
If the contact area between photosensitive drum and intermediate transfer member is reduced to improve transfer efficiency, then adhesion is reduced, but frictional force increases causing unstable peripheral speed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention carefully controls the surface area and particle size distribution of inorganic filler particles (5-20 m²/g surface area, specific size ranges) to create optimal protruding structures. These controlled parameters reduce toner contact area for improved transfer efficiency while simultaneously providing low-friction surfaces that prevent increased frictional force, resolving the contradiction between productivity and force stability.
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 configuration maintains reduced frictional force and transfer efficiency throughout the apparatus' lifespan, preventing image blurring and enhancing mechanical durability by stabilizing the peripheral speeds of the photosensitive and intermediate transfer members.
Implementation Method 1
when the frictional force between the electrophotographic photosensitive member and the intermediate transfer member is high and the lubricity is poor
Implementation Method 2
it is common to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum onto the intermediate transfer belt by electrostatic force by forming a potential difference between the surface of the drum and the intermediate transfer belt
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus including a photosensitive drum and an intermediate transfer member, in which when an area of particles on a surface of the photosensitive drum is denoted by S1 and an area other than the particles is denoted by S2, S1/(S1+S2) is at least 0.70 and not more than 1.00, and in a particle size distribution of the particles, when a particle size of a peak top having a larger particle size value between a first peak having the maximum frequency and a second peak having the second highest frequency among peaks having a particle size of 20 nm or more at a peak top is denoted by DA and an arithmetic mean curvature of peak points in a surface roughness shape of the intermediate transfer member is denoted by Spc, 80 nm≤DA≤2×(1/Spc) is satisfied.