Intermediate Transfer Belt Elastic Layer Volume Resistivity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrophotographic image forming apparatus equipped with conventional intermediate transfer belts with elastic layers struggle to produce high-quality images, particularly when forming black halftone images due to changes in the transfer electric field caused by the elastic layer.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate transfer belt with a base layer and an elastic layer formed of a rubber composition, where the volume resistivity shows a specific voltage dependency, allowing a desired transfer current to flow at a low voltage, thereby enhancing the ability to transfer images to recording media with irregular surfaces regardless of the image pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic layer is added to the intermediate transfer belt to improve transfer ability to irregular surfaces, then the transfer capability to recording media with irregular surface is improved, but the transfer electric field changes causing poor image quality especially in black halftone images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the volume resistivity of the elastic layer to fall within a specific range (1.0×10^12 to 1.0×10^14 Ω·cm) and adjusting the ratio of conductive filler to rubber material. This parameter optimization allows the elastic layer to maintain both its elasticity for irregular surface transfer and appropriate electrical properties for stable transfer electric field, thereby resolving the contradiction between transfer capability and image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining rubber material with conductive filler (such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, or metal particles) to create the elastic layer. This composite structure provides both the elastic properties needed for deforming to irregular surfaces and the electrical conductivity required for stable transfer electric field, solving the contradiction between mechanical flexibility and electrical stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elastic layer thickness is increased to improve followability to surface irregularities, then the ability to follow surface irregularities is improved, but the transfer electric field stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the elastic layer thickness to a specific range (50 to 300 μm) and controlling the volume resistivity within 1.0×10^12 to 1.0×10^14 Ω·cm. This parameter optimization ensures that the elastic layer is thick enough to follow surface irregularities but not so thick that it destabilizes the transfer electric field, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
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 enables the formation of high-quality visible images on recording media with irregular surfaces by controlling the transfer current and electric field, preventing image distortion and ensuring consistent image quality across various patterns.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate transfer belt deforms to follow the surface irregularities thus exhibiting a superior ability to transfer images to recording media
Implementation Method 2
transfer the toner images formed on the intermediate transfer belt to a recording medium such as paper
Implementation Method 3
an elastic layer which is formed on the surface of the base layer and which is formed of a rubber composition
Data Source
AI summary
To provide an intermediate transfer belt having a high ability to transfer images to recording media with irregular surface, and an image forming apparatus including the intermediate transfer belt. The intermediate transfer belt includes a base layer and an elastic layer formed on the base layer, the elastic layer being formed of a rubber composition, wherein the intermediate transfer belt satisfies a specific relational expression.