Electrophotographic Photosensitive Member Abutting Portion Layer Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrophotographic photosensitive members experience layer peeling-off at the end portion when abutting with other members, particularly due to the stress caused by the abutting process, which affects image quality and durability.

Innovation Solution

The electrophotographic photosensitive member is designed with a specific layer configuration that includes a support, a charge generation layer, and a surface layer, with an undercoat layer containing a polymerized product of an electron transporting material and a cross-linking agent in the image formation region, and an intermediate layer with metal oxide particles and a phenol resin at the abutting portion, enhancing adhesiveness and reducing peeling-off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an undercoat layer containing a polymerized product of electron transporting material and cross-linking agent is provided in the electrophotographic photosensitive member, then the occurrence of positive ghost is suppressed, but layer peeling-off occurs at the end portion abutting with an abutting member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidlayer adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The electrophotographic photosensitive member is divided into two portions along the longitudinal direction: a first portion with an undercoat layer containing polymerized electron transporting material and cross-linking agent (for suppressing positive ghost), and a second portion with an intermediate layer containing metal oxide particles and phenol resin (for preventing layer peeling at abutting portions). This segmentation allows each region to have optimized properties for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different layer configurations are applied to different portions of the photosensitive member based on local requirements. The first portion (image formation region) has the undercoat layer with electron transporting material for high image quality, while the second portion (abutting region) has the intermediate layer with metal oxide particles and phenol resin for enhanced adhesion strength at the abutting portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the electrophotographic photosensitive member abuts with charging member or developer carrying member, then the electrophotographic process can be performed, but layer peeling-off occurs at the abutting portion due to stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrophotographic processVSAvoidlayer adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate layer with metal oxide particles and phenol resin is specifically applied to the second portion (abutting region) where mechanical stress occurs during operation. This localized reinforcement maintains strong layer adhesion at the abutting portion while allowing the electrophotographic process to proceed normally in the first portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate layer combines metal oxide particles with phenol resin to create a composite material structure that provides enhanced mechanical strength and adhesion at the abutting portion, preventing layer peeling-off while maintaining the electrophotographic functionality of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively suppresses layer peeling-off at the abutting portion, enhancing the durability and image quality of the electrophotographic photosensitive member, even under repeated use and stress conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a charge generation layer containing a charge generating material and a polyacetal resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoconductivity: Photoconductivity

Implementation Method 2

an undercoat layer containing a polymerized product of a composition including an electron transporting material and a cross-linking agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9599917B2Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge and electrophotographic apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 CANON KK

AI summary

An electrophotographic photosensitive member that abuts with a charging member and/or a developer carrying member with an abutting member interposed therebetween, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member has a first portion and a second portion abutting with the abutting member along the longitudinal direction thereof, the electrophotographic photosensitive member has a support, a charge generation layer containing a charge generating material and a polyacetal resin, and a surface layer in this order, the electrophotographic photosensitive member has, in the first portion, an undercoat layer containing a polymerized product of a composition including an electron transporting material and a cross-linking agent, the layer being adjacent to a surface of the charge generation layer, facing the support, and the electrophotographic photosensitive member has, in the second portion, an intermediate layer containing a metal oxide particle and a phenol resin, the layer being between and adjacent to the support and the charge generation layer.