Intermediate Transfer Belt Surface Layer Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intermediate transfer belts in electrophotographic image forming apparatuses experience increased dynamic friction force, particularly in varying environmental conditions, which affects cleaning performance and durability, and existing solutions either fail to adequately reduce friction or complicate the apparatus with additional components.
Innovation Solution
An intermediate transfer member with a substrate layer and a surface layer containing a cured product of a polymerizable monomer, specifically a compound represented by the formula A-[(L-B)k-D]m, which includes a tetra- or higher-valent organic group, an alkylene oxide group, and a (meth)acryloyl group, to reduce dynamic friction force while improving cleaning performance without additional mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning member made of an elastic body is disposed for cleaning the intermediate transfer belt, then cleaning performance is improved, but the dynamic friction force of the intermediate transfer belt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the surface layer by incorporating specific compounds (carboxylic acid compounds and/or hydroxyl group-containing compounds) in controlled amounts (0.1-10 mass%). This compositional parameter change modifies the surface properties to reduce dynamic friction force while preserving cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surface layer structure by combining the base curable resin with specific functional compounds (carboxylic acid compounds and/or hydroxyl group-containing compounds). This composite material approach allows the surface layer to simultaneously achieve low dynamic friction force and good cleaning performance through the synergistic effects of different components.
2Force
If the dynamic friction force is reduced by mixing a lubricant in the surface layer, then dynamic friction force decreases, but the durability of the intermediate transfer belt deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical nature of the friction-reducing agents from conventional lubricants to specific carboxylic acid compounds and/or hydroxyl group-containing compounds. These compounds provide friction reduction through chemical interactions rather than simple lubrication, thereby maintaining material integrity and durability while achieving the desired reduction in dynamic friction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses small amounts (0.1-10 mass%) of specific compounds that can be effectively utilized and then replaced or replenished, rather than relying on large amounts of conventional lubricants that degrade and require frequent replacement. This approach maintains durability while achieving friction reduction.
3Reliability
If the thickness of the surface layer is increased to maintain durability, then durability is improved, but the dynamic friction force cannot be sufficiently reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the surface layer by incorporating specific compounds (carboxylic acid compounds and/or hydroxyl group-containing compounds) in optimized amounts (0.1-10 mass%). This allows sufficient friction reduction to be achieved with thinner surface layers, thereby maintaining durability without requiring excessive thickness.
4Force
If a dedicated apparatus for applying a lubricant is disposed, then dynamic friction force is reduced, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the friction reduction function into the intermediate transfer belt itself by incorporating carboxylic acid compounds and/or hydroxyl group-containing compounds directly into the surface layer. This eliminates the need for separate lubricant application apparatus, thereby reducing the number of components while achieving the desired friction reduction effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate transfer belt becomes self-lubricating through the inclusion of friction-reducing compounds in its surface layer. The belt automatically provides its own friction reduction capability without requiring external lubricant application systems, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.
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 effectively suppresses the increase in dynamic friction force and enhances cleaning performance across various environments, simplifying the image forming apparatus and improving its operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the surface layer contains at least a cured product of a polymerizable monomer
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present invention, increase in a dynamic friction force can be suppressed and cleaning performance of a cleaning member can be improved under any operating environment without additionally providing a special mechanism. An intermediate transfer member includes a substrate layer and a surface layer, the surface layer contains a cured product of a polymerizable monomer, and the monomer contains a compound represented by the following formula (1):A-[(L-B)k-D]m(D)l (1)wherein A represents a tetra- or higher-valent organic group, B independently represents an alkylene oxide group having 4 to 15 carbon atoms, D independently represents a (meth)acryloyl group, L independently represents —(CO)— or a single bond, k independently represents an integer of 1 or more, l represents an integer of 0 to 3, m represents an integer of 2 or more, and a sum of l and m represents an integer of 3 or more.