Intermediate Transfer Belt Barrier Layer Suppresses Perfluoropolyether Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrophotographic apparatuses face issues with image defects due to the exudation of perfluoropolyether from the intermediate transfer belt onto the electrophotographic photosensitive member, leading to image quality degradation after long-term suspension.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a surface layer on the electrophotographic photosensitive member with polytetrafluoroethylene particles and a polymer A having a structural unit with a perfluoroalkyl group, and on the intermediate transfer belt with a perfluoropolyether and a polymer B also containing a structural unit with a perfluoroalkyl group, where the polymers act as dispersants to prevent the migration of perfluoropolyether.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the intermediate transfer belt uses a perfluoropolyether dispersant to improve dispersibility, then the dispersibility of the perfluoropolyether is enhanced, but the perfluoropolyether may exude and permeate the electrophotographic photosensitive member during long-term suspension causing image defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispersibility of perfluoropolyetherVSAvoidimage quality stability during long-term suspension

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a barrier layer between the intermediate transfer belt and the electrophotographic photosensitive member. This barrier layer acts as an intermediary that prevents direct contact and migration of perfluoropolyether from the transfer belt to the photosensitive member, thereby eliminating the image defect problem while maintaining the dispersibility benefits of perfluoropolyether in the transfer belt surface layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different material compositions to different layers: the intermediate transfer belt surface layer contains perfluoropolyether for dispersibility, while the barrier layer is specifically designed with materials that resist perfluoropolyether migration. This local differentiation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If fluorine atom-containing resin particles are incorporated into the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member to improve abrasion resistance, then the friction between the surface layer and contact members is reduced, but the surface layer may be more susceptible to perfluoropolyether migration during long-term suspension

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabrasion resistance of surface layerVSAvoidresistance to perfluoropolyether migration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer serves as a protective intermediary between the fluorine atom-containing resin particles in the photosensitive member surface layer and the perfluoropolyether in the intermediate transfer belt. This barrier prevents the perfluoropolyether from reaching and interacting with the fluorinated surface layer, thereby preventing migration while preserving the abrasion resistance benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the electrophotographic apparatus operates with high speed and high durability requirements, then the transfer characteristics of the intermediate transfer belt must be improved, but using fluorine compounds to reduce adhesive force may increase the risk of perfluoropolyether exudation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer characteristic efficiencyVSAvoidsuppression of perfluoropolyether exudation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer enables the use of fluorine compounds in the intermediate transfer belt for improved transfer characteristics without the harmful side effect of perfluoropolyether exudation. The barrier layer mediates between the need for low adhesive force (achieved through fluorine compounds) and the need to prevent migration, allowing both requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the occurrence of image defects by reducing the affinity of perfluoropolyether to migrate from the intermediate transfer belt to the electrophotographic photosensitive member, maintaining image quality over extended periods of suspension.

Implementation Method 1

a polymer A including a structural unit having a perfluoroalkyl group... a polymer B including a structural unit having a perfluoroalkyl group... the polymers act as dispersants to prevent the migration of perfluoropolyether

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAffinity reduction through dispersant action: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS20240255861A1Electrophotographic apparatus including electrophotographic photosensitive member and intermediate transfer belt, and method of producing the electrophotographic apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 CANON KK

AI summary

Provided is an electrophotographic apparatus including: an electrophotographic photosensitive member; and an intermediate transfer belt that is allowed to be brought into abutment against the electrophotographic photosensitive member, wherein the electrophotographic photosensitive member contains polytetrafluoroethylene particles, a binding material, and a polymer A including a specific structural unit, and wherein the intermediate transfer belt contains a perfluoropolyether, a binding material, and a polymer B including a specific structural unit.