Toner Viscosity Control for Image Streaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses suffer from streak-shaped image defects and image deletion due to issues with toner viscoelasticity affecting lubricant distribution and surface resistance on the image carrier.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a toner that has specific viscosity characteristics, including (ln η(T1)−ln η(T2))/(T1−T2)≤−0.14 and (ln η(T2)−ln η(T3))/(T2−T3)≥−0.15, where η(T1), η(T2), and η(T3) represent toner viscosities at different temperatures, ensuring moderate viscoelasticity and stability, thereby reducing streak-shaped defects and image deletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the toner has high viscoelasticity (exceeding certain viscosity gradient thresholds), then the toner can effectively develop electrostatic charge images, but streak-shaped image defects occur due to improper lubricant distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter of toner viscosity by controlling its temperature dependence. Specifically, it sets the viscosity gradient (ln η(T1)−ln η(T2))/(T1−T2) between -0.05 and -0.25 s⁻¹, where η(T1) and η(T2) are viscosities at temperatures T1 and T2 (with T2-T1=10-50°C). This parameter optimization ensures the toner has appropriate viscoelasticity for image development while preventing lubricant distribution issues that cause streaking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the toner's viscoelastic properties dynamic by optimizing its temperature-dependent viscosity behavior. The controlled viscosity gradient allows the toner to adapt its flow characteristics to temperature variations during the image forming process, maintaining optimal performance across different operating conditions while preventing harmful streak-shaped defects.
2Reliability
If the toner has high viscoelasticity, then the toner can effectively develop electrostatic charge images, but image deletion occurs due to loss of surface resistance on the image carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the toner's viscosity parameter (ln η(T1)−ln η(T2))/(T1−T2) to be between -0.05 and -0.25 s⁻¹, which controls the toner's interaction with the image carrier surface. This parameter setting prevents excessive toner adhesion that would cause surface resistance loss and image deletion, while still maintaining effective image development capability.
3Ease of operation
If the toner viscosity gradient is too steep (ln η(T1)−ln η(T2))/(T1−T2) < -0.10 or (ln η(T2)−ln η(T3))/(T2−T3) < -0.15, then the toner flows easily at higher temperatures, but this causes improper lubricant distribution and image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention precisely controls the viscosity gradient parameters to fall within specific ranges: (ln η(T1)−ln η(T2))/(T1−T2) between -0.05 and -0.25 s⁻¹, and (ln η(T2)−ln η(T3))/(T2−T3) between -0.05 and -0.20 s⁻¹. These parameter settings balance toner flowability at operating temperatures with proper lubricant distribution, preventing streak-shaped image defects while maintaining ease of operation.
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 apparatus effectively minimizes streak-shaped image defects and image deletion by maintaining optimal toner viscoelasticity and lubricant distribution, enhancing image quality and carrier surface resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the toner contains toner particles and an external additive; the toner satisfies specific viscosity relations: (ln η(T1)−ln η(T2))/(T1−T2)≤−0.14 and (ln η(T2)−ln η(T3))/(T2−T3)≥−0.15
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning section that has a cleaning blade with which the cleaning section cleans the surface of the image carrier
Implementation Method 3
a lubricant supplying section that has a lubricant supplying member that supplies a lubricant to a contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier
Implementation Method 4
an electrostatic charge image forming section that forms an electrostatic charge image on the charged surface of the image carrier
Implementation Method 5
a developing section that has a container containing an electrostatic charge image developer and develops the electrostatic charge image formed on the surface of the image carrier into a toner image using the electrostatic charge image developer
Implementation Method 6
a transfer section that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to the surface of a recording medium
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier; a charging section that charges a surface of the image carrier; an electrostatic charge image forming section that forms an electrostatic charge image on the charged surface of the image carrier; a developing section that has a container containing an electrostatic charge image developer and develops the electrostatic charge image formed on the surface of the image carrier into a toner image using the electrostatic charge image developer, the electrostatic charge image developer including toner for electrostatic charge image development, the toner containing toner particles and an external additive; a transfer section that transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to a surface of a recording medium; a cleaning section that has a cleaning blade with which the cleaning section cleans the surface of the image carrier; and a lubricant supplying section that has a lubricant supplying member that supplies a lubricant to the contact portion between the cleaning blade and the image carrier. The toner satisfies the following relations: (ln η(T1)−ln η(T2))/(T1−T2)≤−0.14; (ln η(T2)−ln η(T3))/(T2−T3)≥−0.15; and (ln η(T1)−ln η(T2))/(T1−T2)<(ln η(T2)−ln η(T3))/(T2−T3), where η(T1) represents a viscosity of the toner at 60° C., η(T2) represents a viscosity of the toner at 90° C., and η(T3) represents a viscosity of the toner at 130° C.