Protective Agent for Image Bearing Member Lubrication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective agents for image forming apparatuses using electrophotography face issues such as lubrication degradation, toner passing through gaps, and contamination of charge devices, particularly under low-temperature conditions, due to the limitations of aliphatic acid metal salts and boron nitride-based solutions.

Innovation Solution

A protective agent comprising a hydrophobic organic compound, an inorganic fine particle, and an inorganic lubricant is applied to the image bearing member, which forms a protective layer that prevents toner passing and contamination by enhancing lubrication properties and facilitating easy removal of the lubricant.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aliphatic acid metal salt is used as protective agent, then lubrication is provided to reduce wear on image bearing member, but lubrication ability deteriorates due to discharge phenomenon during charging process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelubrication abilityVSAvoidservice life of lubrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the protective agent by incorporating specific compounds (carboxylic acid compounds with 12-20 carbon atoms, silicone oils, and esters) that maintain lubrication properties under discharge conditions. This compositional parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing lubrication that withstands the charging process without deteriorating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite protective agent system combining multiple components: carboxylic acid compounds, silicone oils, and esters. This composite approach allows each component to contribute different properties - the carboxylic acid provides base lubrication, the silicone oil maintains stability under discharge, and the ester enhances overall lubrication performance, collectively solving the lubrication deterioration problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If protective agent is applied to image bearing member, then wear is reduced, but toner particles may pass through gap between cleaning blade and image bearing member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of image bearing memberVSAvoidtoner passing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the viscosity and film-forming parameters of the protective agent by selecting specific molecular weight ranges for silicone oils and ester compounds. This parameter optimization ensures the protective layer has appropriate thickness and adhesion - thick enough to protect the image bearing member but thin and uniform enough to prevent toner particles from passing through the cleaning gap.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If lubricant is applied to image bearing member, then mechanical damage is reduced, but electrical stress from discharge phenomenon causes performance deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical durabilityVSAvoidelectrical performance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces silicone oil as an intermediary substance that mediates between the discharge phenomenon and the image bearing member. The silicone oil component acts as a buffer that absorbs electrical stress from the charging process while maintaining the lubrication function, thus protecting the image bearing member from both mechanical wear and electrical damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent selects esters with specific molecular structures and carbon chain lengths that provide optimal electrical resistance properties. This parameter change in the chemical composition allows the protective agent to withstand electrical discharge while maintaining lubrication, resolving the contradiction between mechanical protection and electrical performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 prevents toner passing and contamination, maintains lubrication performance, and extends the service life of image forming apparatus components, ensuring high-quality imaging and reduced mechanical and electrical stress on the image bearing member.

Implementation Method 1

The protective agent is applied on a surface of an image bearing member... forms a protective layer that prevents toner passing and contamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

enhancing lubrication properties... prevents toner passing and contamination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS8285188B2Protective agent for image bearing member, protective layer setting unit, and process cartridge

Publication Date: 2012.10.09 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A protective agent for an image bearing member of an image forming apparatus. The protective agent is applied onto a surface of the image bearing member and includes a hydrophobic organic compound (A), an inorganic fine particle (B), and an inorganic lubricant (C).