Single-Layer Developing Roller Polymer Network for High-Humidity Fogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming devices experience fogging issues when forming images with developers containing magnetic substances under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions.
Innovation Solution
A developing device with a developing member featuring a single-layer elastic layer comprising a crosslinked urethane resin and crosslinked acrylic resin forming an interpenetrating polymer network structure, which enhances charge imparting to developer particles, thereby reducing fogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a developer containing a magnetic substance is used under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, then image formation capability is maintained, but fogging occurs where toner is transferred to regions it should not be transferred to
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the surface layer by incorporating specific functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups with specific density ranges) into the polymer network. This chemical parameter change enables the surface to maintain appropriate charge characteristics under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, preventing fogging while preserving image formation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite polymer network structure combining multiple polymer components with specific functional groups. This composite material approach allows the surface layer to exhibit both good adhesion to the magnetic developer particles and controlled charge properties that prevent fogging, resolving the contradiction between reliable image formation and fogging prevention.
2Ease of manufacture
If the surface layer uses a simple polymer structure, then manufacturing is easier, but charge imparting to developer particles is insufficient leading to fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates functional groups (carboxyl, hydroxyl, or amine groups) during the surface layer formation process itself, rather than requiring subsequent treatment steps. This preliminary action ensures adequate charge imparting capability is built into the surface layer structure from the beginning, maintaining reliability while avoiding complex multi-step manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular parameter ranges for the functional group density (0.1-10 μmol/cm²) and molecular weight (10,000-1,000,000) to optimize charge imparting capability. By controlling these parameters within defined ranges, the patent achieves reliable charge transfer to developer particles without requiring overly complex surface layer structures or manufacturing procedures.
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 device effectively prevents fogging by ensuring sufficient charge is imparted to developer particles even in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, allowing for stable formation of high-quality electrophotographic images.
Implementation Method 1
a developing member configured to carry the developer on a surface thereof, the developing member including an electro-conductive substrate and a single-layer elastic layer serving as a surface layer on the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A developing device including: a developer; and a developing member configured to carry the developer on a surface thereof, the developing roller including an electro-conductive substrate and a single-layer elastic layer serving as a surface layer on the substrate, the surface layer comprising a binder resin, and the binder resin contains a crosslinked urethane resin and a crosslinked acrylic resin, the crosslinked urethane resin and the crosslinked acrylic resin form an interpenetrating polymer network structure in a first region from an outer surface of the surface layer to a position at a depth of 0.1 μm from the outer surface, wherein the developer contains developer particles each containing at least a binder resin and a magnetic substance.