Replaceable Transfer Cylinder Elastic Layer for Image Quality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices face challenges in maintaining image transferability while allowing for the replaceability of the surface layer in the transfer cylinder, particularly due to issues with surface roughness, hardness, volume resistance, and thickness, which affect the efficiency and reliability of toner transfer to recording media.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a transfer cylinder having a surface layer with specific properties, including a surface roughness of 25 μm or less, an Asker C hardness of 45° to 65°, a volume resistance of 6.0 to 8.5 log Ω, and a thickness of 6.0 to 10 mm, which enables both replaceability and improved image transferability by optimizing the elastic layer composition and structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the surface layer in the transfer cylinder includes a foamed conductive elastic layer with specific properties (surface roughness Rz > 25 μm, Asker C hardness < 45° or > 65°, volume resistance < 6.0 log Ω or > 8.5 log Ω, thickness > 10 mm), then the replaceability of the surface layer is achieved, but the image transferability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the surface roughness (Rz ≤ 25 μm), Asker C hardness (45° to 65°), volume resistance (6.0 to 8.5 log Ω), and thickness (6.0 to 10 mm) of the elastic layer. This optimization ensures that the surface layer maintains both replaceability and excellent image transferability, resolving the technical contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the surface layer has excessive surface roughness (Rz > 25 μm), then the replaceability is improved, but transfer disturbances occur affecting image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the surface roughness Rz should be 25 μm or less to prevent transfer disturbances while maintaining replaceability. This parameter control eliminates the harmful effects of excessive roughness on image transfer quality.
3Ease of manufacture
If the elastic layer has inappropriate hardness (Asker C < 45° or > 65°), then the surface layer can be replaced, but image transfer uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the Asker C hardness of the elastic layer to be within 45° to 65°, which ensures both replaceability and uniform image transfer. This parameter range prevents deformation issues while maintaining transfer precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If the volume resistance is outside the range ( < 6.0 log Ω or > 8.5 log Ω), then replaceability is achieved, but toner transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies the volume resistance of the elastic layer should be within 6.0 to 8.5 log Ω to ensure both replaceability and high toner transfer efficiency. This parameter optimization maintains electrical properties necessary for effective toner transfer.
5Ease of manufacture
If the thickness exceeds 10 mm, then the surface layer is replaceable, but transfer disturbances and image quality issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent limits the thickness of the elastic layer to 10 mm or less to prevent transfer disturbances and maintain image quality while preserving replaceability. This thickness control eliminates deformation and transfer issues.
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 enhances toner removability, prevents transfer disturbances, and ensures uniform image transfer across various recording media, improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the image transfer process.
Implementation Method 1
the surface layer includes an elastic layer, the surface layer has a thickness of 6.0 mm or more and 10 mm or less and an Asker C hardness of 45° or more and 65° or less
Implementation Method 2
a volume resistance of 6.0 to 8.5 log Ω
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer device includes: an annular transfer belt including an outer surface, a toner image being transferred to the outer surface of the annular transfer belt; a transfer unit including a transfer cylinder; and a facing roller member that is in contact with an inner surface of the transfer belt, in which the transfer cylinder includes a base material, and a surface layer wound around an outer circumference of the base material, the surface layer being replaceable with respect to the base material, the transfer cylinder has a transfer region where the toner image is transferred from the transfer belt to a recording medium in a state where the recording medium is sandwiched between the transfer cylinder and the outer surface of the transfer belt, the surface layer includes an elastic layer, the surface layer has a thickness of 6.0 mm or more and 10 mm or less and an Asker C hardness of 45° or more and 65° or less, and the facing roller member faces the transfer cylinder in the transfer region.