Intermediate Transfer Belt Surface Layer Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses using intermediate transfer belts with a silicon dioxide surface layer, the surface layer deteriorates due to energization, leading to reduced adhesiveness between the surface and base material layers, which results in peeling and deterioration of transfer performance.
Innovation Solution
An image carrier with a surface layer containing an inorganic oxide and an organic component, where the surface roughness of the base material layer is optimized to be between 25% and 60% of the surface layer thickness, enhancing adhesiveness and preventing peeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a silicon dioxide surface layer is applied to a polyimide base material layer, then transfer efficiency is improved due to reduced electrostatic adhesion force of toner, but the surface layer deteriorates (shrinks) due to energization, lowering adhesiveness between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the base material layer by controlling its surface roughness to a specific range (0.2 to 2.0 μm ten-point average roughness). This parameter modification creates mechanical interlocking between the rough base material surface and the surface layer, thereby improving adhesiveness while preserving the electrostatic properties needed for transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure consisting of a polyimide base material layer with controlled surface roughness and a silicon dioxide surface layer. The composite design combines the electrostatic properties of polyimide with the low adhesion properties of silicon dioxide, while the roughened interface provides mechanical bonding, resolving the contradiction between transfer efficiency and layer adhesiveness
2Productivity
If the intermediate transfer belt is continuously used, then productivity is maintained, but the surface layer peels off due to reduced adhesiveness, resulting in deterioration of transfer performance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies beforehand cushioning by pre-roughening the base material layer surface before applying the surface layer. This preparatory action creates a mechanically robust interface that anticipates and prevents the adhesion deterioration that would normally occur during continuous operation, thereby maintaining transfer performance over extended usage periods
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 improves the adhesiveness between the base material and surface layers, suppressing peeling and maintaining transfer performance, even on uneven paper surfaces, while preventing crack formation and ensuring effective cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The surface layer reduces an electrostatic adhesion force of a toner, so that transfer efficiency is improved
Implementation Method 2
when the surface layer has a layer thickness of A μm and the first layer has a ten-point average roughness of B μm, a relationship of an expression (1) is satisfied: 0.25×A≤B
Data Source
AI summary
An intermediate transfer belt (image carrier) includes a first layer and a surface layer disposed on the first layer and including an inorganic oxide containing an organic component, in which when the surface layer has a layer thickness of A μm and the first layer has a ten-point average roughness of B μm, a relationship of 0.25×A≤B is satisfied.