Electrophotographic Photosensitive Layer Triboelectric Charge Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional electrophotographic photosensitive members fail to adequately inhibit the white spot phenomenon, a defect that occurs during image formation due to triboelectric charging and attachment of paper dust.

Innovation Solution

An electrophotographic photosensitive member with a single-layer photosensitive layer containing a charge generating material, an electron transport material represented by a naphthoquinone derivative, a hole transport material, and a binder resin, which generates a triboelectric charge of at least +7 µC/g on calcium carbonate, preventing the attachment of paper dust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrophotographic photosensitive members are used, then the basic image formation function is achieved, but the white spot phenomenon cannot be sufficiently inhibited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinhibition of white spot phenomenonVSAvoidattachment of paper dust
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the triboelectric charge parameter of the photosensitive layer by selecting specific electron transport materials (compounds E-1 to E-6) with appropriate molecular structures and substituents. This parameter change ensures the photosensitive layer generates sufficient positive triboelectric charge to repel paper dust, thereby inhibiting the white spot phenomenon while maintaining normal image formation function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structures in the electron transport materials by combining specific molecular frameworks (such as dibenzofuran, dibenzothiophene, carbazole groups) with various substituents (halogen atoms, alkyl groups, aryl groups). This composite approach creates materials with optimized triboelectric properties that effectively prevent paper dust attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the photosensitive layer generates strong positive triboelectric charge to repel paper dust, then the white spot phenomenon is inhibited, but the selection of electron transport material becomes more restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinhibition of white spot phenomenonVSAvoidselection range of electron transport material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of restricting material selection, the patent establishes specific parameter ranges for electron transport materials (molecular structures containing dibenzofuran, dibenzothiophene, carbazole groups with specific substituents) that naturally generate the required positive triboelectric charge. This transforms the selection constraint into a structured design guideline

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by introducing specific functional groups and substituent patterns at particular positions within the electron transport material molecules. These localized structural features (such as halogen atoms at specific positions, alkyl group configurations) are what generate the required triboelectric properties, allowing systematic material design rather than broad restriction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively inhibits the occurrence of the white spot phenomenon by maintaining a strong electrostatic repelling force against paper dust, ensuring higher image quality and reduced defects.

Implementation Method 1

An amount of triboelectric charge of calcium carbonate as measured by charging the calcium carbonate through friction with the photosensitive layer is at least +7 μC/g

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The light exposure device irradiates the charged surface of the image bearing member with light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image bearing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

The transfer device transfers the toner image from the surface of the image bearing member to a recording medium while in contact with the surface of the image bearing member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic transfer: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3451064B1Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge and image-forming device
Publication Date: 2021.06.23 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP3451064B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3451064B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3451064B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electrophotographic photosensitive member (1) includes a conductive substrate (2) and a photosensitive layer (3). The photosensitive layer (3) is a single-layer photosensitive layer containing at least a charge generating material, an electron transport material, a hole transport material, and a binder resin. The electron transport material includes a naphthoquinone derivative represented by general formula (1). An amount of triboelectric charge of calcium carbonate as measured by charging the calcium carbonate through friction with the photosensitive layer (3) is at least +7 µC/g. In general formula (1), R11 and R12 are respectively the same as R11 and R12 described in the description.