JP2002123104A - Intermediate transfer member provided with interchangeable sleeve, and the usage of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an intermediate transfer roller used for an electrostatic electrophotographic device equipped with an interchangeable sleeve member which can be easily detached from a center member. SOLUTION: As for the intermediate transfer roller(ITR) used for the electrostatic electrophotographic device, the intermediate transfer roller used for a device where a toner image is carried by an image carrying member to the ITR and then, transferred to an image receiving body is provided with a center member including a cylindrical core part member coated with at least a single layer including a compliant layer, and an interchangeable sleeve member which can be detached from the center member, and also, which is provided with an endless belt and also, which comes into tight contact with the center member.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an electrostatic electrophotographic apparatus, and more particularly to a sleeve type intermediate transfer member for electrostatically transferring a toner image (toner image) to an image receiving member.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In an electrostatographic machine, toner is transferred from an imaging member to a receiver (e.g.,
It is well known to use non-compliant intermediate transfer rollers to move to paper) and has been implemented in commercially available electrostatographic copying and printers. A toner image formed on a primary image-forming material is transferred to an intermediate transfer roller (ITR) in a first transfer operation, and then transferred to an ITR in a second transfer operation.
The image is transferred from the TR to the image receiver. In the second transfer of the toner image from the intermediate transfer roller to the receiver, a transfer backup roller is typically used behind the paper receiver and the nip is configured to press the receiver against the ITR.

Secondly, Limey et al. In US Pat. No. 5,084,735 and Zalezky and Gomez in US Pat. No. 5,084,735 for using a transfer backup roller for transfer.
In US 5,370,961, the use of a compliant intermediate transfer roller covered by a thick compliant layer and a relatively thin and hard overcoat allows the use of a compliant intermediate transfer roller from an imaging member as compared to a non-compliant intermediate roller. It discloses that the quality of electrostatic toner transfer to the toner is improved. Zaretzky furthermore
U.S. Pat. No. 5,187,526 discloses that electrostatic transfer can be improved by independently determining the resistance between the ITR and the transfer backup roller. Bax et al. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,701,567 discloses an ITR having electrodes embedded in a compliant blanket to spatially control the applied transfer field. Toms and Benwood,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,965 discloses the use of a compliant ITR bonded to a feed web in a multicolor electrostatographic apparatus. Mei and Toms in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,715,505 and 5,828,931 disclose compliant imaging members having a thick compliant blanket coated with a thin photoconductive material.

The offset lithography printing industry has used endless belt type blankets on intermediate rollers. For example, as disclosed by Julian in U.S. Pat.No. 4,144,812,
The intermediate lithographic roller has a portion having a diameter slightly smaller than the body of the roller, and the blanket member is moved until the set of holes in which the member is located on the roller reaches a position where the liquid passes through the holes under pressure, e.g. under compressed air. Sliding can be performed along a narrow area, thereby extending the blanket member and sliding the entire blanket member over the body of the roller. After the blanket is in place, the source of compressed air or fluid under pressure is turned off, thereby relieving the blanket member of the tensioned state to a reduced state, the tension of which may allow the blanket member to moderately roll the blanket member. Enough to be included.

An electrostatographic imaging member in the form of a removable exchangeable endless imaging belt on a rigid roller is disclosed by Yu et al. In US Pat. No. 5,415,961. The electrostatographic imaging member is disposed on a rigid roller and is removable from the rigid roller by means of stretching the endless imaging belt with a compressed fluid.

An intermediate transfer roller consisting of a rigid core and a removable replaceable intermediate transfer blanket are disclosed by Lander et al. In US Pat. No. 5,335,054 and by Gazitt et al. In US Pat. No. 5,745,829, wherein The intermediate transfer blanket is rigidly and interchangeably fixed to the core. The intermediate transfer blanket disclosed as used in connection with a liquid developer for toning a preliminary image consists of a substantially rectangular sheet mechanically secured to a core by a gripper. The core (or drum) is recessed by the gripper
Having. Due to the presence of the dent, the entire surface of the intermediate transfer drum cannot be used for transfer, which is used when transferring toner from the preliminary image forming member to the intermediate transfer roller, or when transferring toner from the intermediate transfer roller to the image receiving member. This is disadvantageous because when transferring, expensive means are needed to keep the effective part of the drum in the proper direction. Furthermore, the fact that the blanket does not form a continuous coating over the core surface is likewise a disadvantage since two of its edges are retained by the gripper. Other drawbacks also arise because the formation of gaps between these edges is not avoided, whereby contamination can accumulate and lead to transfer artifacts.

Accordingly, there is provided an improved electrostatographic intermediate transfer apparatus and method using a sleeve-type transfer roller in which the electrostatographic blanket member can be removed and replaced, thus eliminating the aforementioned disadvantages. It is necessary to provide devices and methods that do not. Further, there is provided an apparatus and method for removing and replacing an electrostatographic blanket member from a rigid cylindrical center member, wherein the center member remains fixed to the device during the replacement.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide an apparatus and method that significantly reduces costs and facilitates the installation and removal of an electrostatographic blanket member.

The present invention provides such an improved apparatus and method. Further advantages will become apparent from reading the following description.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved intermediate transfer roller that can be used in a multicolor electrostatic printing apparatus that uses a parallel image forming station and a feed web. . The improved intermediate transfer roller includes a replaceable sleeve member that can be removed from the cylindrical core member when the sleeve member requires replacement due to wear or damage or after a predetermined operating life. The new sleeve member can be mounted on an expensive and durable center member, providing significant cost savings by retaining the expensive center member for extended use. Further, the present invention allows for the removal or positioning of the sleeve on the center member so that the center member remains fixed to the electrostatic printing device.

According to the present invention, there is provided an intermediate transfer roller (ITR) for use in an electrostatographic apparatus, comprising a substantially cylindrical core member that can be coated with at least one layer including a compliant layer. The intermediate transfer roller comprising: a mold center member; and a replaceable sleeve member detachable from the center member and having an endless belt periphery and in close contact with the center member. It can be placed on the central member by the arranging means and can be detached from the central member by the sleeve member removing means, so that the sleeve member is not only during operation of the ITR, but also during arranging the sleeve member on the central member or The shape of the endless belt is maintained while removing the sleeve member from the center member.

[0011]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which the relative relationships between the components are illustrated, and the apparatus may be modified. It should be understood. For easy understanding of the drawings,
In some cases, the relative dimensions of the elements that make up the intermediate transfer roller are exaggerated.

Since devices of the type described here are well known, this description will focus particularly on those parts which either form part of the invention or which cooperate directly with the invention.

Preferably, the present invention can be used in electrostatographic full-color image formation utilizing a plurality of color toner images. Here, each color toner image is formed on a preliminary image forming member (PIFM),
Is transferred to an intermediate transfer member (ITM) at the stage of
In a second step, the image is transferred to a receiver, for example paper. As an alternative to electrostatographic recording, each preliminary color image may be electrostatographically recorded using a needle recorder or other well-known recording method to record a toner image on a PIFM that may have a dielectric member. In other words, it is possible to use a method of recording the toner image, that is, a method of electrostatically transferring the toner image as described herein. More broadly, the preliminary image is formed using electrostatography and PIFM, which can include a web or drum. In the case of a drum or roller format, it is referred to as PIFR. The present invention can be used as a monochromatic or color electrostatographic apparatus.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, FIG. 9 shows an electrostatographic imaging apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The imaging device, generally indicated by the reference numeral 500, is in the form of an electrostatographic imaging device, in particular, a color imaging device. Here, in the color image forming apparatus, the image receiving body is a paper transport web
b: a color independent image is formed in each of the four color modules as it moves through the device while supported on the PTW), registered and transferred to the receiver. Examples of PTW are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,016,415, filed by Herrick et al. And in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 6,075,415. The device features four color modules, but can be applied to one or more modules through the present invention.

Each of the modules 591B, C, M, and Y has a single feed web 516, which may be in the form of an endless belt, operate with all modules as shown, and the receiver receives PTW 516 from module to module.
A similar structure except that it is transported by The components in FIG. 9 that are similar between the modules are labeled with the same reference numerals and associated color modules, for example, black,
Cyan, magenta and yellow
w) with B, C, M and Y subscripts. It shows that three receivers or sheets 512a, b and c receive images from different modules simultaneously. The fourth image receiver 512d indicates that it is supported by the PTW 516 after receiving the color toner image. As mentioned above, it should be understood that each receiver can receive one color image from each module, and in this example up to four color images can be received by each receiver. In moving the receiver with the PTW 516, each color image transferred to the receiver at the transfer nip of each module is registered by the previous color transfer.
transfer, so that the four-color image formed on the receiver has the colors of the register superimposed on the receiver. The image receiving body is sequentially removed from the PTW and sent to a fusing section (not shown), where the dry toner image is fused or fixed. PTW is, for example, 2 of PTW.
It is readjusted for reuse by supplying charge to both surfaces using opposed corona chargers 522, 523 that neutralize the charge on one surface.

Each color module includes a preliminary imaging member such as a drum or a preliminary imaging roller (PIFR) illustrated at 503B, C, M and Y. Each of the B, C, M and Y PIFRs has a photoconductive surface upon which a colored marking particle image or a series of differently colored marking particle images is formed. To form an image, the outer surface of the PIFR is uniformly charged by a pre-charger such as corona charger devices 505B, C, M and Y or other stable chargers such as rollers, brush chargers. Can be
The uniformly charged surface may be, for example, a laser 506 for each module 591B, C, M, and Y, or more preferably, a suitable exposure device such as an LED or other electro-optical or optical exposure device. And selectively alters the charge on the surface of the PIFR to produce an electrostatic image corresponding to the reproduced image. The electrostatic image is developed by applying colored marking particles to the latent image bearing photoconductive drum by developing stations 581B, C, M and Y. The developing stations are each a special color of the associated colored toner marking particles. Each module forms a series of different color marking particle images on a respective photoconductive drum. Instead of a suitable photoconductive drum, a photoconductive belt can also be used.

It is well recognized that small toner particles are required for high quality electrostatographic color imaging. Coulter Multisizer (Coulte
It is preferred to use small diameter toner particles having an average bulk weight diameter of 2 to 9 microns, as determined by a suitable commercially available particle sizing device such as a Multisizer. More preferably, the present invention uses a toner particle diameter of 6 to 8 microns. A widely practiced method of improving toner transfer is to use toner particles having an additive (a so-called surface additive) containing submicron particles such as silica, alumina, titania, etc. attached to the surface of the toner particles.
In the practice of the present invention, it is preferred to use a surface additive comprising submicron hydrophobic silica fume particles, but other methods utilizing submicron particle surface additives are also effective.

At each transfer nip, each marking particle image formed on each PFIR is outside a respective second or intermediate image transfer member, for example, an intermediate transfer roller (ITR) labeled 508B, C, M and Y. It is transferred to the side. After transfer,
The toner image is removed from the surface of the photoconductive drum by a suitable cleaning device 504B, C, M, and Y to prepare a reusable surface to form the next toner image. The lengths of the PIFR and ITR described herein are generally longer than the widest image receiving sheet for receiving an image.

The ITRs are center members 541B, C, M and Y
Removable sleeve member 542 replaceable with
B, C, M, and Y. The center member preferably remains coupled to the frame of the device 500 when the sleeve member is removed from the center member or when the sleeve member is disposed on the center member. The center members 541B, C, M and Y include a rigid core member (not separately shown) having a substantially cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion of the core member has an outer surface having a substantially cylindrical outer shape. However, the cylindrical portion of the core member is generally not rigid everywhere, but can have a hollow tube or the internal structure can include chambers, pipes, stiffening struts, and the like. Preferably, the core member is a metal (such as aluminum). The center members 541B, C, M, and Y
One or more layers surrounding the core member, including a compliant layer, may be included (not separately shown).
The substantially cylindrical part of the core member is precisely made with high tolerance,
Preferably, the runout is less than 80 microns, more preferably less than 20 microns. Run-out is defined herein as the maximum radius measured from the axis of rotation of the core member, also minus the minimum radius, and is measured over the entire working length of the substantially cylindrical portion of the core member. Sleeve members 542B, C, M, and Y each include one or more compliant elastomeric layers (not separately shown) or include one or more non-compliant layers. The compliant layer is about 50MPa here
(50 × 10 ⁶ Newton / m ² ), defined as having a Young's modulus less than about 50 MPa (50 MPa).
x10 ⁶ Newton / m ² ). The compliant blanket layer, which may be included in either the center member or the sleeve member, is preferably comprised of a polymeric material, such as an elastomer such as polyurethane or other materials known from the literature. The elastomer blanket layer has a suitably low resistance and can be doped with a sufficiently conductive material (an anti-static material or an electrically conductive dopant known as an anti-static ion conductive material). The compliant elastomeric layer of the center member or sleeve member is preferably a formed material having a Poisson's ratio of 0.2 to 0.5.
Alternatively, it may be in the form of a non-formed material. The Poisson's ratio of the foam is determined by applying a compressive pressure along one direction of a rod sample of the material, for example, the z-axis in Cartesian coordinates, measuring the corresponding transverse strain parallel to the x-axis (or y-axis) And it can be measured in macroscopic size by dividing the x-axis strain by the z-axis strain. More preferably, the compliant layer or sleeve layer is a compliant elastomer having a Poisson's ratio of 0.45 to 0.5. The non-compliant layer included in the sleeve member is preferably comprised of a polymeric material such as polyurethane or other materials known from the literature.

Generally speaking, layer compliance can be considered in terms of macroscopic compliance and microscopic compliance. In macroscopic compliance, the layer can conform to a relatively large feature, for example, at the end of a large shaded solid area with a thick toner coating. On the other hand, microscopic compliance operates, for example, on the scale of individual toner particles.

The outer surface of the core member may be an extremely thin skin region having low adhesion properties (not shown in FIG. 9), such as a surface having submicron particles such as silica, titania, or of the order of molecular size. (Not shown in FIG. 9) so as to have a group of chemical molecules having a thickness and a low surface energy (not shown in FIG. 9).

The innermost surface of the sleeve member 543 for each module 591B, C, M and Y has low adhesion properties (not shown in FIG. 9) such as a surface with submicron particles such as silica, titania, etc. Extremely thin surface regions or chemically selected or modified surface regions having thicknesses on the order of molecular size and having chemical molecules exhibiting low surface energy (not shown in FIG. 9) May have.

The bias voltage is 503 which is a PIFR.
The ITRs 508B, C, and M are used to cause electrostatic transfer of the toner image from each of B, C, M, and Y.
And Y. The bias voltage is applied to the center member directly through the conductive core member or through a conductive coating such as a metal film formed on the surface of the non-conductive core member. When the center member has a compliant elastomer blanket layer coated on the core member, the compliant blanket has a resistance of about 10 ¹⁰ Ω-cm or less. On the other hand, if the bias voltage is applied through the components of the sleeve member, the resistance of the central member or its components is insignificant. When a bias voltage is applied to the sleeve member, a strengthening band (SB) or a stiffening layer (st
iffening layer (SL). The stiffening layer extends beyond the side edges of the sleeve and is engaged by an electrical bush that engages the stiffening layer extension so that the sleeve rotates when the sleeve is supported on the center member. Engagement (interlock: engagem
ent) to transfer the bias voltage to the stiffening layer.

An IT of the present invention having a relatively conductive structure
Using M, the transfer of a single color marking particle image to the surface of an ITM requires a relatively narrow nip width (preferably 2-15 mm).
And more preferably 3-8 mm) and a relatively modest potential, for example 600 volts, by connecting a potential source (not shown) to each of the central members 541B, C, M and Y. Then, it can be realized. The nip width is measured in the moving direction of the image receiving sheet.

The intermediate image transfer is performed on each of the B, C, M, and Y modules 591 to which a bias voltage has been appropriately applied by the power supply 552 so as to induce the charged toner particle image to be transferred to the image receiving sheet. A single color marking particle image formed on each surface 542B (others are not identified) of the member drum is fed to a nip between an intermediate image transfer member drum and a transfer support roller (TBR) 521 (see FIG. 1). (Image receiving member). The nips 510B, C, where the receiver is fed from a suitable receiver supply (not shown) and receives each marking particle image in an appropriately registered relationship to form a composite multicolor image. Move serially to each of M and Y. As is well known, colored pigments overlap each other and form a color region that is different from the color of the pigment. The receiver exits the last nip and, by a suitable transport mechanism (not shown), the marking particle image is converted to heat and / or pressure,
Preferably, by both applications, it is transported to a fuser fixed to the receiver. A detachment charger 524 may be provided to deposit neutralized charges on the receiver to facilitate removal of the receiver from the belt 516. The receiver with the fixed marking particle image is then transported to a remote location for recovery of operation, or replaced and moved again through the machine to receive a second image on the backside. Each I
TM is the cleaning device 511B,
Clean by C, M and Y and prepare it for reuse. First and second in each module
Is preferably performed without heating, so that there is no fusing or sintering of the toner image transferred to the receiver sheet until the sheet enters the fuser. The toner used preferably has a glass transition temperature higher than the temperature at which transfer occurs at the first and second transfer nips.

The image receiver utilized with the playback device 500 can vary substantially. For example, they
It may be thin or thick paper or a transparent sheet.

Any suitable sensor of a known type (not shown), such as a mechanical, electrical, or optical sensor, is used in the imaging device 500 to provide control signals to the device. Such sensors are positioned along the path of movement of the receiver while supplying the receiver to the fuser through various nips. Other sensors may be associated with the first imaging member photoconductive drum, the intermediate image transfer member drum, the transfer support member, and various image processing stations. Thus, the sensor senses the position of the receiver in the path of travel and the position of the first imaging member photoconductive drum with respect to the imaging processing station, and emits an appropriate signal indicative of each. Such a signal is sent as input information to a logic control unit LCU including a microprocessor, for example. Based on such signals to the microprocessor and the appropriate program, the control unit LCU generates signals to control the timing operation of the various electrostatographic processing stations for performing the imaging process, and The drive is controlled by a motor M for various drums and belts. Generating programs for many commercially available microprocessors suitable for using the invention is a traditional technique well understood in the art. The specific details of any program will, of course, depend on the architecture of the designed microprocessor.

FIG. 13 shows an ITM of the invention denoted by reference numeral 90.
Fig. 3 schematically shows the sleeve member of the roller, on which the outer surface 91 of the sleeve member is marked with a series of descriptive markings or indicia provided on the sleeve to indicate parameters relating to the sleeve. ing. The indicia is located in a sub-region 92 ″ located near the end of the roller and outside of the area used for transfer. More preferably, the indicium is located on the end of the sleeve 90. 92 "(the individual layers including sleeve 90 are not shown). In the enlarged view 92 of either the small area 92 'or 92 "shown in FIG.
Indicates that the barcode may be in the form of a barcode as shown in FIG. The scanner can be mounted on a multicolor electrophotographic apparatus, so that, for example, the ITM roller can be monitored during operation of the apparatus or during non-operation of the apparatus, or the scanner can be externally mounted during the installation or maintenance of the inventive roller. Can be prepared. In general, the indicium can be read, sensed or detected by the indicium detector 95. As indicated by the dashed arrow B in FIG. 13, the analog or digital output of the indicia detector may be sent to a logic control unit (LCU) incorporated in the electrostatographic apparatus using the inventive ITM roller. Can, or, for example,
It can be processed externally on a portable computer during installation or service of the ITM roller of the invention, or it can be processed by any other suitable data processor. The indicium can be read optically, magnetically, electrically, mechanically, or using radio frequency. In addition to the barcode 93, the indicia may include appropriate markings, including indicia and plain language, and may be a colored code. The indicia can be read or interpreted visually by eye. Suitable materials for the indicia are, for example, inks, paints, magnetic materials, reflective materials, etc., which can be applied or formed directly on the surface of the sleeve member. The indicium may be a memory device that stores the code and communicates electrically or electro-optically to the detector. Alternatively, the indicium may be located on a label applied to the outer surface of the sleeve member. The indicium may be in a raised form or may be formed by stamping with a die or otherwise by deforming a small localized area on the outer surface of the sleeve member. . The deformation can be sensed mechanically, or
Otherwise, indicia detector 9 in the form of a contact probe
5 or by other mechanical means. Placing the indicia on the inner surface of the sleeve member or on the outer surface of the center member is also desirable depending on the covering.

Different types of information can be encoded or recorded on the indicium. For example, the outer diameter of the roller can be recorded, thereby adjusting the nip width or registration parameters. Radial I
The effective resistance of the TM roller can be recorded on the indicium,
Thereby, the bias voltage applied to the rollers can be adjusted appropriately for optimal performance.
The effective hardness and the effective Young's modulus of the inventive roller can be recorded on the indicium, whereby the nip width can be adjusted appropriately. The date of manufacture of the roller can be recorded for diagnostic purposes, so that the end of the life of the roller can be inferred and replaced at the right time. Special information on the runout of each given roller, for example as measured after manufacture, can also be recorded on the indicium, this information being used, for example, to optimize registration between modules. Can be used. Further, the orientation of the inventive roller, such as, for example, the skew between the inventive roller and the first imaging roller, may be noted on the indicium.

When the outer diameter of the ITM sleeve is recorded on the indicium, the information can be used to time the registration system calibration as described below. For example,
The registration system can use a software algorithm that controls the speed of the start of the line clock signal sent to the LED write head. An independent line clock signal start is used for each module, each controlling the color toner length of each color independent image generated by each module, so that the color toner image length is correctly over the entire image. It is guaranteed to be uniform. Generally,
Changing the engagement between the first imaging roller and the ITM roller changes the speed ratio,
Thereby changing the length of the image so that engagement is increased or decreased, for example by stretching or compressing the image. ITM sleeve members cannot actually be manufactured to have the same outer diameter. Typical variation is ± 50 μm. Thus, the small difference in diameter of the newly installed ITM sleeve effectively changes the engagement between the first imaging roller and the ITM roller. Newly installed ITM
By using the sleeve diameter information, the registration unit can immediately correct the beginning of the line clock signal, thereby maintaining correct image length and uniformity. Such adjustment of the parameters in the algorithm that controls the beginning of the line clock signal is one of several parameters that must be controlled to ensure accurate registration of each digital image written by the write head. It is. The prior knowledge of the outer diameter given to the bar code reduces the calibration time of the registration system.

The indicium may also include run-out information about the sleeve. The sleeve diameter may or may not be different at different points along the periphery. Similarly, PI
FR also has a diameter variation known as runout, as described above. It is desirable to mount an ITM with a sleeve so that when engaging the PIFR, the ITM does not have a maximum diameter peak that engages periodically. The position of the indicia or indicia on the sleeve depends on the PIFR
Can be expressed relative to the axis of rotation of the sleeve.

The endless feed web 516 is mounted on a plurality of support members. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the plurality of support members are preferably driven as shown by a motor M (other members, such as skis or bars, of course, are suitable for use with the present invention). Rollers 513 and 514 to be used. The drive of the rollers by the motor M drives the PTW 516 which can be used to drive each ITM with friction. Alternatively, the ITM can drive each PIFM frictionally or have a separate drive. The processing speed is determined by the speed of the PTW, usually 300 mm · sec ⁻¹ . The PIFM may be slightly bent relative to the ITM. The endless belt or web 516 has 10
It preferably contains a material having a bulk electrical resistance of greater than ⁵ Ω-cm, and the electrostatic holding of the receiver (ho
When ld down) is not used, 10 ⁸ Ω-cm to 1
More preferably, it has a bulk electrical resistance of between 0 ¹¹ Ω-cm. When using electrostatic holddown of the receiver, the endless belt or web must be 1 × 10 ¹² Ω-
More preferably, it has a bulk electrical resistance of greater than 1 cm. This bulk resistance is at least one layer resistance if the belt is multilayer. The web material is
Fluorinated copolymers (such as polyvinylidene fluoride), polycarbonate, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimides (such as Kapton ™),
Polyethylene napthoat
e) or any of a variety of flexible materials such as silicone rubber. Regardless of the material used, such web materials can include additives such as antistatic (antistatic) agents (eg, metal salts) or small conductive particles (eg, carbon). The desired resistance can be imparted to the web. When using a high resistance material (eg, greater than 10 ¹¹ Ω-cm), once the receiver is removed, another corona charger is required to discharge any residual charge remaining on the PTW. PTW
May have an additional conductive layer below the resistive layer that applies a bias voltage to facilitate marking particle image transfer, but without a conductive layer instead through one or more support rollers or a corona charger It is more preferable to have a configuration in which a transfer bias is applied by using. The endless belt is relatively thin (20 μm-1000 μm, preferably 50 μm-200 μm) and flexible (flexible). It is also contemplated that the present invention has application to electrostatographic color devices which normally employ a continuous paper web receiver and do not require a separate feed web. Such a continuous web is usually supplied from a paper roll that is supported so that the paper can be unwound from the roll, as the paper typically passes through the apparatus as a continuous sheet.

When supplying the receiver on the belt 516, the charge is provided by the charger 526 on the receiver.
The image receiver may be electrostatically pulled to the belt 516. A blade 527 associated with the charger 526 may be provided to press the receiver against the belt and to remove air between the receiver and the belt. The receiver may sometimes engage one or more image transfer nips, and preferably does not simultaneously engage the fuser nip and the image transfer nip. The path of the serially received receiver in transfer to a variety of different color images is usually straight, and receivers of different thicknesses are utilized.

The support structures 575a, 575b, 575c,
575d and 575e are provided before and after the entrance of each transfer nip to engage the belt on the back side and change the linear path of the belt to provide a winding of the belt for each ITM, whereby each side of the nip (each side) ) There is preferably a belt winding larger than 1 mm on the top or on at least one side of the nip, and the total winding is preferably not more than 20 mm. This winding can reduce pre-nip ionization and post-nip ionization. The nip is a location where the pressure roller contacts the back side of the belt, or a location where the pressure roller is not used, where the electric field is substantially applied. However, the image transfer area of the nip is an area smaller than a full turn. ITM
The winding of the belt about follows the curvature of the ITM, but is independent of engagement with the ITM while moving along a line substantially equal to the tangent to the plane of the cylindrical ITM. Provide a path to the leading edge of the Belt 516
, B, C, M and Y transfer support rollers (TB
Pressure is applied by R) 521 to apply a force to the surface of the compliant ITM to match the relief of the receiver during transfer. Preferably, TBR521 on PTW516
The pressure for each of B, C, M and Y is 7 per square inch.
£ or more. The TBR 521 may be replaced with a corona charger, a biased blade, or a biased bush. Substantial pressure (preferably without the presence of a stepped temperature) is applied to each transfer nip, and the advantages of a compliant intermediate continuous copy member, namely, the conformation of the toned image to the receiver and the image The contents of the realization. The pressure may be applied solely by a transfer biasing mechanism applied by other members such as rollers, shoes, blades or bushes or by additional pressure. ITM is also PIF
R engages with pressure (cooperates with pressure) to transfer the toner image on PIFR to ITM. References are PIFR and I
It discloses the use of an air cylinder to bias the TR together into the nip. The spring can be used either alone or in combination with an air cylinder.

Referring to FIG. 9, and as described above, the sleeve members 542B, C, M and Y are connected to the center member 541.
Can be removed (removed) from B, C, M and Y
Alternatively, it can be located on the center members 541B, C, M and Y, which preferably remain coupled to the frame of the device 500 during their operation. Removing means for removing the sleeve member from the central member,
And an exchange means for arranging the sleeve member on the central member is disclosed in connection with the specification relating to the further specificity of the central member.

The removal and replacement means preferably includes the use of granules under pressure to facilitate removal of the sleeve member or placement of the sleeve member on the center member. Here, removing or replacing includes sliding the sleeve member along the central member. The preferred fluid is compressed air at a pressure in the range of about 50-150 psi.

A core member having a simple central member (without additional layer)
When, the core member can have a gradually tapered portion starting from one end, and the gradually tapered portion is integral with the core member. FIG. 10 shows a sleeve member 1 mounted in an actuated position on a core member 101 having a tapered portion 104 located at one end of a roller.
2 shows the roller 100 of the invention having an O.02. The tapered portion 104 is coaxial with the substantially cylindrical portion of the core member, with the diameter of the tapered portion starting from a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion to a maximum diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion. To increase. The taper allows the sleeve member to slide into the tapered portion during placement of the sleeve member on the core member, as indicated by the arrow labeled A. In a substantially cylindrical portion, the plurality of holes or ports 103 are coupled to a chamber located within the core member, the chamber is connectable to a source of compressed air, and the plurality of holes are substantially near the gradually tapered portion. It is located in the target cylindrical part. The equally spaced groups of holes 103 are preferably located around the boundary and are located a few mm from the beginning of the gradually tapered portion. When compressed air is transmitted from the chamber through the aperture to elastically stretch the sleeve member during placement of the sleeve member on the substantially cylindrical portion, thereby causing the sleeve member to be in an active position on the core member, The source of compressed air can be shut off and the sleeve member can release the core member and grip the core member in a steady state. Similarly, compressed air is used to elastically stretch the sleeve member during removal of the sleeve member. A central member that includes a thick compliant layer coated on a core member can also have a tapered end (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 11, the roller of the invention denoted by reference numeral 200 can have a tapered member 205 adjacent to an end of the core member 201 and detachable from the end. Thus, the tapered member has a maximum outer diameter that is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the end of the core member adjacent to the tapered portion so that the compressed air expands the sleeve 202 during deployment or removal. And a group of ports 203 that can pass through.

As shown in FIG. 12, the roller of the invention denoted by reference numeral 300 has a central member 306 including a core member 301 having an additional layer such as a thick compliant layer 307. It is useful to use a separable tapered member 305 that is adjacent and coaxially oppositely connectable to that end. Thus, the tapered member 305 has a maximum outer diameter that is less than or equal to the outer diameter of the end of the central member adjacent to the tapered portion. The end of the central member adjacent to the taper includes a cylindrical portion 304 having a diameter substantially equal to the working length of the central member including the thick compliant layer. A cylinder length having a group of holes or ports 303 is located around the periphery and compressed air is passed through those holes during sleeve 302 removal or removal.
Can be stretched.

Other mechanisms, such as temporarily centering the inner diameter of the sleeve member, so that the sleeve member can be easily and non-destructively removed from or disposed on the center member. It can be larger than the outer diameter of the member. For example, heating or cooling of one or both members can be used to take advantage of the difference in thermal expansion between the sleeve member and the center member.

An image of an air-enabled device for sleeve expansion has been disclosed in the prior art.

The sleeve member in the operative position on the center member has an inner surface in non-stick contact proximate the outer surface of the center member. In the case of the present invention, the non-adherent contact is such that the sleeve member is caused by a force per unit area much less than the force per unit area generated by the compressed air used to extend the sleeve during removal from the center member. Means that it can be separated cleanly from During operation of the ITR of the present invention, the sleeve member is substantially uniformly elastically stretched about the center member, thereby creating an radial force that presses the sleeve member against the outer surface of the center member in an adherent manner. . Thereby, the inner peripheral edge of the sleeve is substantially equal to the outer peripheral edge of the central member.

The ITR of the present invention includes a sleeve member in the form of an endless belt that is removable from and replaceable on the center member. Not only during the operation of the ITR,
The sleeve member retains the shape of the endless belt during placement of the sleeve member on the central member when the ITR is not activated, or during removal of the sleeve member from the central member when the ITR is not activated. No mechanical means, such as grippers, are provided to hold the sleeve member to the center member during operation of the ITR.

The center member of the present invention comprises the following (a):
(B) or one of (c) may be included: (a) a bare core member; (b) a blanket layer formed on the core member, wherein the blanket layer has the following other properties: Is preferred: the Young's modulus is 10 MPa or less, preferably 1-5 MPa, and the thickness is 2-20 mm;
Or (c) a blanket layer coated on the core member, and a stiffening layer (SL) capable of applying a bias voltage in close contact with the outside of the blanket layer. SL is preferably about 500m
m, more preferably having a thickness of 10-200 μm, preferably having a resistance of less than about 10 ¹⁰ Ω-cm, preferably greater than about 0.1 GPa and more preferably 50-300 GPa. It has a Young's modulus. SL can include any suitable material such as metal, elastomer or plastic. A preferred material for the stiffening layer is nickel. The stiffening layer is preferably a seamless web or tube, but may be, for example, an endless web or tube assembled from sheets by ultrasonic welding or adhesive.

The sleeve member of the present invention can include one of the following layer structures. The order described is for layers starting from the inside of the sleeve member (nearest to the center member): sleeve member (i): non-compliant material; sleeve member (ii): non-compliant material + (plus) outer release layer (Oute
sleeve member (iii): thick compliant elastomer blanket layer + outer release layer; sleeve member (iv): thin reinforced band (SB) with thick elastomer blanket layer overlaid + ORL; sleeve member (V): a thin reinforced band (SB) with a thick elastomer blanket layer coated thereon + a stiffening layer (SL) formed on the outside of the thick blanket layer and in close contact with the thick blanket layer; sleeve member (vi) : Thin reinforced band (SB) with a relatively thick compliant elastomer blanket layer coated thereon and SL and relatively thin compliant elastomer blanket layer + ORL; sleeve member (vii): thin compliant elastomer blanket layer coated on top SL + ORL done.

In the sleeve members (i) and (ii), the non-compliant material may be rigid or flexible, having a Young's modulus greater than about 100 MPa and a
m and a resistivity of 10 ⁷ -10 ¹³ Ω-cm.

In the above sleeve members (iii) to (vii), the compliant elastomer layer preferably has an electric resistance of 10 ⁷ -10 ¹¹ Ω-cm, more preferably 10 ⁹ Ω-cm, and Has a Young's modulus of less than about 10 MPa, more preferably 1-5 MPa.

In the sleeve members (iii) to (vi), the thick compliant layer preferably has a thickness of 2-20 mm, and in the sleeve members (vi) and (vii), the thin compliant layer The layer is preferably 0.5-4mm
Having a thickness of

In the above sleeve members (v) to (vii), the stiffening layer preferably has an electrical resistance of less than 10 ¹⁰ Ω-cm and a thickness of less than about 500 μm, more preferably 20-200.
It has a thickness of μm and a Young's modulus which is preferably greater than about 0.1 GPa and more preferably 50-300 GPa. The stiffening layer band or bands can comprise any suitable material such as metal, elastomer, or prestic. The stiffening layer is preferably a seamless web or tube, but may be, for example, an endless web or tube assembled from sheets by ultrasonic welding or adhesive. The stiffening layer with high loop stiffness is deformed following the pressure nip (compli
When antly distorted, large deformation of the periphery of the ITM is effectively prevented. For non-compressed compliant layers, the stiffening layer is the ITR in the area adjacent to the nip
Reduce the expansion of The expansion or other deformation can be created by the incompressible nature of the compliant layer below the stiffening layer. The stiffening layer allows for flattening of the ITR at the nip, but reduces the amount of expansion near the nip, thereby reducing overdrive.

In the sleeve members (iv) to (vi), the reinforcing band may be rigid or flexible,
It has a Young's modulus of about 100-300 GPa and a thickness of preferably 20-500 μm, more preferably 40-100 μm. SB is metal,
The material can include any of elastomers, plastics, or reinforcing materials such as, for example, silicone belts. The stiffening band is preferably a seamless web or tube, but may be, for example, an endless web or tube assembled from sheets by ultrasonic welding or adhesive. When the reinforced band is resistive, the inner surface (closest to the center member) is coated with a conductive material to improve electrical contact to the center member, and further, to the underside of the sleeve member (not shown). It is preferable to ensure a uniform electrical potential at all points above.

The sleeve members (iii), (iv), (v)
In i) and (vii) the outer release layer is preferably 1-
50 μm, more preferably 4-15 μm thick and preferably about 10
Young's modulus greater than 0 MPa, preferably about 10⁷-10¹³
Ω-cm, more preferably about 10 ^TenΩ-cm electrical resistance
Having. A preferred material for the outer release layer of the present invention is Ezeni
No. 5,968,658 to Rimba et al.
Such a ceramer.

In the above-mentioned sleeve member (vi), the composition may be different from the relatively thin compliant elastomer blanket layer and the relatively thick compliant elastomer blanket layer. Is preferred.

In the center or sleeve member of the present invention, including the interface between the resistive layers, it may be advantageous to provide a thin conductive layer to improve electrical contact and uniformity of the electric field (not shown). .

The ITM of the present invention can be used in other environments that do not include a feed web.

FIGS. 1 to 8 show various embodiments of the intermediate transfer roller according to the present invention. These embodiments provide different combinations of IT for the center member and the sleeve member.
R and in each of FIGS. 1 to 8 it is shown that the sleeve member is located on the central member. Table 1 shows the above center members (a), (b) and (c).
Various embodiments and sleeve members (i) to (v
These combinations are summarized based on ii).

[Table 1]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an ITR having a replaceable sleeve member. The ITR is shown at 10 and includes a central member 11 in the form of a bare core member and a sleeve member 12 made of a non-compliant layer. This embodiment has limited applications for high quality imaging, but is particularly useful in transfer devices that include large toner particles or very smooth receivers, and in non-electrostatic transfer processes. The center member and the replaceable sleeve member have the properties shown in Table 1 for the case of FIG.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the ITR having a replaceable sleeve member. The ITR is indicated by reference numeral 20,
It has a central member, which is a core member 21, and a sleeve member 25 comprising a non-compliant layer 22 and an outer release layer 23. The ORL may be necessary to help prevent toner particles from adhering to the rollers as the toner is transferred from the ITR to the receiver. Also, this embodiment has limited applications for high quality imaging, but is somewhat better than the first embodiment. The center member and the replaceable sleeve member have the properties shown in Table 1 for the case of FIG.

A third embodiment of the ITR having a replaceable sleeve member is shown in FIG. The ITR is indicated by reference numeral 30,
It has a central member, which is a core member 31, and a sleeve member 35 comprising a compliant elastomer layer 32 and an outer release layer 33. An outer release layer may be necessary to help prevent toner particles from adhering to the rollers as the toner is transferred from the ITR to the receiver. The compliant layer, especially when the toner is transferred from the ITR to the receiver, particularly when the toner is transferred from the ITR to the receiver (as compared to the first and second embodiments). Greatly improves transfer. However, it can be difficult to place a sleeve member comprising layers 23 and 33 over the core member, or to remove the sleeve from the core material. The center member and the replaceable sleeve member have the properties shown in Table 1 for the case of FIG.

A fourth embodiment of the ITR having a replaceable sleeve member is shown in FIG. The ITR is indicated by reference numeral 40,
A central member as the core member 41, the reinforcing band 44 and the SB
Compliant elastomeric layer 4 coated on
2 and an outer release layer 43 coated on the compliant layer 42. This embodiment is very effective. Because the reinforcement band 44
Does not only provide a suitable release surface to the bare core material 41, but also provides structural reinforcement in handling the sleeve member during placement or removal from the center member. The center member and the interchangeable sleeve member are shown in Table 1 for the case of FIG.
Has the characteristics shown in FIG. This fourth embodiment is the most preferred of the embodiments that do not include a stiffening layer.

A fifth embodiment of the ITR having a replaceable sleeve member is shown in FIG. The ITR is indicated by reference numeral 50,
A central member, which is a core member 51; a reinforced band 54; a compliant elastomer layer 52 coated on the reinforced band 54;
Member 5 having a stiffening layer 53 in close contact with
5 is included. A thin release layer (not shown) can be coated on the outside of the stiffening layer 53 if necessary. While macro compliance can be kept large, roller micro compliance is limited to applications where small toner particles are electrostatically transferred. The center member and the replaceable sleeve member have the properties shown in Table 1 for the case of FIG.

A sixth embodiment of the ITR having a replaceable sleeve member is shown in FIG. This very efficient ITR
The embodiment of the present invention is designated by reference numeral 60 and includes a central member which is a core member 61 and a sleeve member 69 having a reinforcing band 64, wherein the sleeve member comprises a reinforcing band 64 and a reinforcing band 64.
An overlying inner relatively thick compliant elastomer blanket layer 66 and a stiffening layer 65 disposed outside and in intimate contact with the inner blanket layer 66 and the stiffening layer 6
5 has a relatively thin compliant elastomer blanket layer 67 coated thereon and an outer release layer 63 coated over the outer blanket layer 67. The presence of the outer blanket layer 67 provides excellent micro-compliance in addition to the macro compliance guaranteed by the relatively thick inner blanket layer 66. The center member and the replaceable sleeve member have the properties shown in Table 1 for the case of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a seventh embodiment of the ITR having a replaceable sleeve member. An embodiment of this ITR is shown at 70. The active portion of the center member 78 includes a core member 71 coated with a relatively thick compliant layer 76,
Sleeve member 79 also includes a stiffening layer 75 coated with a relatively thin compliant elastomer blanket layer 77, with an outer release layer 73 coated thereon. Compliant layer 7 coated on core member 71
This embodiment is preferred because the sleeve member 79 is less costly as long as 6 lasts at the end of its useful life or during many replacements of the damaged or damaged sleeve. However, this embodiment has the limitation that the unprotected elastomeric coating coated on the core can create difficulties in placing the sleeve member on the center member or removing the sleeve member therefrom. The center member and the replaceable sleeve member have the properties shown in Table 1 for the case of FIG.

FIG. 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the ITR having a replaceable sleeve member. This ITR embodiment is designated by reference numeral 80. The active portion of the central member 82 includes a core member 81 coated with a relatively thick compliant blanket layer 86 that closely contacts a stiffening layer 88 outside the compliant layer 86. The sleeve member 89 is SL8
5, overlying the SL 85 with a relatively thin compliant elastomer blanket layer 87 over which the outer release layer 83 is coated. SL85 and 8
Each of 8 is preferably about half the thickness of the stiffening layer disclosed in the above embodiment. The elastomer blanket layer 86 is protected at the central member 82 with SL88, which is further protected at the sleeve member 89 by SL88.
The eighth embodiment is preferred because it provides an excellent release surface from a similar SL85. Furthermore, the eighth embodiment is preferred over the sixth embodiment because of the cost advantages guaranteed by the simpler and cheaper sleeve members. The center member and the replaceable sleeve member have the properties shown in Table 1 for the case of FIG.

A preferred mode of the fourth embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. The core member 41 has an outer diameter of 154.
00 mm ± 0.01 mm, surface roughness R _z <3 μm (or R
_z <4 μm; Martin hard coat (Martin Ha) with a 0.25 mm cut-off as measured by Mitatoya micro profilometer using the method of ANSI B46.1.
rdcoat). The reinforcement band (SB) 44 of the sleeve member 45 is a seamless tube made of copper-coated nickel. S
B44 is 125 μm ± 5 μm (or 125 μm ± 10 μm
m) thickness, inner surface roughness R _z <2 μm (measured by Mitatoya micro profilometer using ANSI B46.1 method with 0.25 mm cut off), Young's modulus 210 GPa ± 10 GP
a (measured by the method of ASTM D412), having an inner diameter of 153.925 mm ± 10 mm and a length of 370.0 mm ± 0.3 mm. The blanket layer 42 coated on the SB 44 of the sleeve member 45 includes polyurethane doped with an anti-stat as described in Example 4 below, and has a surface roughness _RA. <0.5 μm and R _Z <3 μ
m (measured by Mitatoya micro profilometer using the method of ANSI B46.1 with 0.25 mm cutoff),
Young's modulus 3.5MPa ± 1.0MPa (measured by the method of ASTM D575), hardness 60 ± 5 ShoreA, bulk resistance measured at 70 ° F and 35% relative humidity 5 × 10 ⁸ Ωcm ± 0.5 × 1
0 ⁸ Ωcm, outer diameter 174.00mm ± 0.05mm (sleeve member 4
5 was measured when the core member 41 was in place on the core member 41, and the runout was 20 μm or less (the sleeve member 45 was
1 (measured when in place above 1), less than the length of SB44. The outer release layer 43 is coated in a ring on the blanket layer 42 and includes a ceramer as described in US Pat. No. 5,968,658 to Ezenilimber et al., And has a surface roughness R _A <0.5 μm and R _Z <3 μm.
m (measured by a Mitatoya micro profilometer using the method of ANSI B46.1 with a 0.25 mm cut-off) having a thickness of 4 μm ± 1 μm. The release layer 43 has a Young's modulus of 1.1 GPa ± 0.4 GPa (measured by the method of ASTM D882) and a bulk resistance between 1 × 10 ¹⁰ Ωcm and 2 × 10 ¹² Ωcm. What are temperature and humidity for resistance measurements?

The method for manufacturing the sleeve member of the present invention is described below in sections (1), (2) and (3). The sleeve is preferably seamlessly routed (seamless throu
ghout), but some lower layers may have seams so as not to affect the electrical and mechanical properties for transfer on the outer surface.

(1) Before coating blanket layer
Selection and formation of the reinforcement band of the adhesion between the reinforcement band 44 and the blanket layer 42 (ad
hension) is desirable for the production of sleeve members that include severe grinding processes. Strong adhesion ensures that the sleeve member is ground and finished by high-tech equipment and can provide very low runout. Enhancement of adhesion to the nickel-enhanced band can be achieved, for example, by degreased nickel with a ketone solvent, or by completely cleaning the nickel surface by etching it with a diluted strong acid or base. . Roughening the surface can also help strongly promote adhesion. Another method of enhancing adhesion is to use an electroformed copper plated nickel belt, for example, available from Stoke Screen America, Inc. of Charlotte, NC, for the reinforced band. In addition to copper, metals such as aluminum or zinc can be used to coat the nickel surface to enhance adhesion. Alternatively, the adhesion can be greatly improved by surface treatment of the nickel, for example by using a commercially available urethane primer to induce a chemical bond between the nickel and the polyurethane.
Examples of such primers include CONAP AD6, available from Konap, Inc. of Oreen, NY.
®, CONAP AD1147 ®, Chemlok 210 ®, Cheml available from Lord Road Company, Cary, NC
ok213 (registered trademark), Chemlock 218 (registered trademark), or Chemlock 219 (registered trademark). The extra layer (primer layer) between the nickel and the conductive polyurethane blanket begins to stain,
Such primers are less desirable because they change the resistance of M. A preferred method is to perform a surface treatment on the nickel sleeve as in the following example.

Example 1 Surface Treatment of Nickel Sleeve Prior to Polyurethane Casting An electroformed nickel belt, available from Stoke Screen America of Charlotte, NC, is precleaned, rinsed with water and air dried.
Prepare processing solution: 2% by weight (wt%) (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (3-aminopropyltriethoxyl available from Gerest, Tullytown, PA)
ethoxysilane)) and 98% by weight (95% ethanol + 5%
water). The shelf life of the processing solution is one hour. For processing solution
Wear a clean nickel belt for 10 minutes. Rinse the nickel belt with ethanol. Cure the sleeve at 150 ° C for 30 minutes.

(2) Blanket formation and preparation: A polyurethane blanket is formed on a reinforced band in a mold by casting from commercially available prepolymers, polyols, chain extenders and antistatic agents. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,729,925 and 5,212,032 disclose bis (oxydiethylenebis (polycaprolactone)) 5-sulfo-1,3-
Benzenedicarboxylate (bis [oxydiethylenebis (poly
caprolactone) yl] 5-sulfo-1,3-benzenedicarboxylat
It discloses the preparation of a resistant polyurethane elastomer based on e)). In U.S. Pat. No. 4,729,925, controlled resistance is achieved by the antistatic agent methyltriphenylphosphonium, known as PIP.
sphonium) provided by the inclusion of sulfates. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,032, the controlled resistance is abbreviated as DG
Provided by including an antistatic agent made from a combination of diethyl glycol and iron chloride designated as FC. Suitable procedures are given in Examples 2, 3 and 4.

Example 2 Polyurethane blanket type using PIP antistatic agent
And forming PIP antistatic agent 55.385 g, and PPG2000 diol terminated prepolymer 597.58 grams available from Midland, MI Dow Chemical Company, available from Waitoko Inc. CT grain witch SAG
Mix with 3 drops of 47 defoamer. 282.66 grams of preheated L42 diisocyanate prepolymer, available from Uniroyal Chemical Company of Middlebury, CT,
And 126.38 grams of EC300 diamine available from Albemarle of Baton Rouge, Louisiana (no heating). Optionally, if necessary, add 3 drops of dibutyltin dilaurate (available from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, WI). Mix quickly and degas the mixture for 5 minutes. The mixture is poured into a mold containing the pretreated reinforced band described above and cured at 80 ° C. for 18 hours.

Example 3 Polyurethane Blanket Using DGFC Antistatic Agent
0.364 grams of formed DGFC antistatic agent and PPG 2000 available from Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI
52.83 grams of diol-terminated prepolymer with SA available from Witco, Inc., Glenwich, CT
Mix with 3 drops of G47 antifoam. 52.83 grams of preheated L42 diisocyanate prepolymer, available from Uniroyal Chemical Company of Middlebury, CT,
And add 11.19 grams (no heating) of EC300 diamine available from Albemarle of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Optionally, if necessary, add 3 drops of dibutyltin dilaurate (available from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, WI). Mix quickly and degas the mixture for 5 minutes. The mixture is poured into a mold containing the pretreated reinforced band described above and cured at 80 ° C. for 18 hours.

Example 4 Polyurethane blanket type using PIP antistatic agent
2 hours and heated at 100 ° C. prior to use VB635 diisocyanate terminated prepolymer available from adult CT Middlebury Uniroyal Chemical Company. The T-1000 diol terminated prepolymer available from ChemCentral, Buffalo, NY is dried at 100 ° C. under vacuum for 2 hours before use. Measure the weight and mix according to: PIP
Antistatic agent 41.25g, T-1000 1330.44g, VB63
5 at 1865.12 grams, 63.185 grams of TP-30 available from Perstop, Toledo, Ohio, and 17 drops of DABCO polymerization catalyst available from Aldrich Chemical Co., Milwaukee, WI. Very well mixed, 5-
Degas for 8 minutes. Pour the degassed mixture into a sleeve mold. Place the mold in a preheated 100 ° C oven
Cure at 16 ° C for 16 hours.

(3) Release Layer US Pat. No. 5,968,656 discloses ceramer release overcoat film compositions and coating techniques. The preferred method of coating the ITM of the present invention is ring coating. Alternatively, spray coating, dip coating, and transfer coating can be used. Prior to any coating, the coating solution can be heated or diluted with a co-solvent. Concentration to a properly controlled thickness, uniformity, drying, and curing will depend on the method chosen. Co-solvents include alcohols, acetates (acetates), ketones and the like.

In accordance with the above, the invention is described in the following numbered paragraphs:

1. An intermediate transfer roller (ITR) for use in an electrostatographic apparatus comprises: a central member comprising a substantially cylindrical core member that can optionally be coated with one or more layers, including a compliant elastomeric layer. And a replaceable sleeve member detachable from the central member and having an endless belt periphery and in intimate contact with the cylindrical core member, the sleeve member being disposed on the cylindrical core member by a sleeve locating member. Can be
The sleeve member can be detached from the cylindrical core member by a sleeve detaching member. Hold the belt mold.

2. In the ITR according to paragraph 1,
During operation of the ITR, the sleeve member is elastically stretched substantially uniformly around the cylindrical core member, thereby non-adherently pressing the sleeve member against the outer surface of the cylindrical core member. Thus, the inner periphery of the sleeve member is substantially equal to the outer periphery of the cylindrical core member when in use disposed on the cylindrical core member, and the sleeve member is then moved during operation of the ITR. No additional means, such as mechanical means, are provided to hold the cylindrical core member.

3. In the ITR according to paragraph 1,
The cylindrical core member is a substantially rigid material, and the outer surface of the core member preferably has a runout of less than about 80 μm.

4. In the ITR according to paragraph 1,
The core member is a substantially rigid material, and the outer surface of the core member preferably has a runout of less than about 20 μm.

5. In the ITR according to paragraph 1,
The cylindrical core member includes a conductive surface to which a current or voltage source can be connected.

6. In the ITR according to paragraph 1,
The sleeve member includes a non-compliant layer.

7. In the ITR according to paragraph 6,
The non-compliant layer has a Young's modulus greater than about 100 MPa.

8. In the ITR according to paragraph 6,
The non-compliant layer has a thickness greater than about 100 μm and has an electrical resistance of 10 ⁷ -10 ¹³ Ωcm.

9. In the ITR according to paragraph 6,
The sleeve member includes an outer release layer (ORL) overlying the non-compliant layer.

10. In the ITR according to paragraph 1, the sleeve member includes: a compliant elastomer blanket layer (CBL); and an outer release layer (ORL) covering the outside of the CBL.

11. In the ITR according to paragraph 10, the CBL has a thickness of 2-20 mm.

12. In the ITR according to paragraph 1, the sleeve member comprises: a reinforced band (SB);
A compliant elastomer blanket layer covering the outside of the layer; and a stiffening layer (S
L); and an optional outer release layer coated on the SL.

13. In the ITR according to paragraph 1, the sleeve member comprises: a reinforced band (SB);
A compliant elastomer blanket layer coated on the outside of the layer; and an outer release layer (ORL) coated on the outside of the compliant elastomer layer.

14. In the ITR according to paragraph 12, the CBL of the sleeve member has a thickness of 2-20 mm.

15. In the ITR according to paragraph 13, the CBL of the sleeve member has a thickness of 2-20 mm.

16. In the ITR according to paragraph 1, the sleeve member comprises: a reinforced band (SB);
A compliant elastomeric layer comprising an inner blanket layer (IB) coated on the outside of the layer;
Stiffening layer (SL) outside of IB and in close contact with IB
And; an outer blanket layer (OB) covering the outside of the SL
An outer release layer (ORL) overlying the OB.

17. In the ITR according to paragraph 16, the CBL comprising IB and OB have substantially the same composition and bulk physical properties.

18. In the ITR according to paragraph 16, the OB has a thickness of 2-20 mm.

19. In the ITR according to paragraph 16, the IB has a thickness of 0.5-4 mm.

20. In the ITR according to paragraph 1, the center member comprises a compliant elastomeric layer with a coating on the outside of the cylindrical core member,
Compliant elastomer layer is substantially uniform 2-20
mm thickness.

21. In the ITR according to paragraph 20, the central member includes a stiffening layer (SL) outside and in intimate contact with the compliant elastomeric layer.

22. In the ITR according to paragraph 1, the sleeve member comprises: a reinforced band (SB);
A compliant elastomer layer covering the outside of the layer; and a stiffening layer (SL) covering the outside of the compliant elastomer layer.

23. In the ITR according to paragraph 22, the compliant elastomeric layer of the sleeve member is
It has a thickness of 2-20mm.

24. In the ITR according to paragraph 1, the sleeve member comprises: a stiffening layer (SL); a compliant elastomeric layer coated on the outside of the SL layer;
An outer release layer (ORL) that covers the outside of the compliant elastomeric layer.

25. In the ITR according to paragraph 24, the compliant elastomeric layer of the sleeve member has a thickness of 0.5-4 mm.

26. In an ITR according to any of paragraphs 16, 21, or 24, the stiffening layer includes a means by which the stiffening layer can be connected to a voltage or current source.

27. Paragraphs 10, 12, 13, 1
In an ITR according to any of 6,20,22 or 24, the compliant elastomeric layer is 10 ⁷ -10 ¹¹
It has an electrical resistance of Ωcm.

28. Paragraphs 10, 12, 13, 1
In an ITR according to any of 6,20,22 or 24, the compliant elastomer layer has a thickness of about 10 ⁹ Ω · c.
m.

29. Paragraphs 10, 12, 13, 1
In an ITR according to any of 6,20,22 or 24, the compliant elastomer layer has a thickness of 0.1MPa-10MPa.
It has a material having a Young's modulus of a.

30. Paragraphs 10, 12, 13, 1
In an ITR according to any of 6, 20, 22 or 24, the compliant elastomer layer comprises a material having a Young's modulus of 1 MPa-5 MPa.

31. Paragraphs 10, 12, 13, 1
In an ITR according to any of 6, 20, 22 or 24, the compliant elastomer layer comprises a Poisson's ratio of 0.2-0.5.

32. In an ITR according to any of paragraphs 9, 10, 13, 16 or 24, the outer release layer has a thickness of 1-50 μm.

33. In an ITR according to any of paragraphs 9, 10, 13, 16 or 24, the outer release layer has a thickness of 4-15 μm.

34. In an ITR according to any of paragraphs 9, 10, 13, 16 or 24, the outer release layer comprises a material having a Young's modulus greater than 100 MPa.

35. In the ITR according to paragraphs 9, 10, 13, 16 and 24, the outer release layer is 10 ⁷ −
It has an electrical resistance of 10 ¹¹ Ωcm.

36. In the ITR according to paragraphs 9, 10, 13, 16 and 24, the outer release layer is about 10 ¹⁰
It has an electrical resistance of Ωcm.

37. Paragraphs 12, 16, 21, 22
And 24, the stiffening layer is about 10 ¹⁰
It has a resistance smaller than Ωcm.

38. Paragraphs 12, 16, 21, 22
Or the ITR according to any of the preceding 24, wherein the stiffening layer has a thickness of about 500 μm.

39. In the ITR according to any of paragraphs 12, 16 or 22, the stiffening layer may be 20-200 μm
Having a thickness of

40. IT according to paragraph 21 or 22
At R, the stiffening layer has a thickness of 10-100 μm.

41. Paragraphs 12, 16, 21, 22
Or 24, the stiffening layer has a Young's modulus greater than about 0.1 GPa.

42. Paragraphs 12, 16, 21, 22
Or the ITR according to either 24, wherein the stiffening layer has a Young's modulus greater than 50-300 GPa.

43. In the ITR according to any of paragraphs 12, 13, 16, or 22, the enhancement band is
It has a Young's modulus greater than 100-300 GPa.

44. In the ITR according to any of paragraphs 12, 13, 16, or 22, the enhancement band is
It has a thickness of 20-500 μm.

45. In the ITR according to any of paragraphs 12, 13, 16, or 22, the enhancement band is
It has a thickness of 40-100 μm.

46. In the ITR according to any of paragraphs 12, 13, 16, or 22, the enhancement bands are:
Has about 10 ¹⁰ [Omega] cm less than the electrical resistance; comprises means capable of connecting the stiffening layer to a voltage source or current source; that means can be engaged by an electric brush which is connected to the potential source An extension may be included at the end of the side edge of the band.

47. In the ITR according to paragraph 1, the core member includes a progressively tapered portion beginning at one end of the core member, the progressive taper portion being integrally formed with the core member and substantially cylindrical actuation of the core member. Being coaxial with the portion, the diameter of the tapered portion starts from a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion and increases to a maximum diameter substantially the same size as the diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion.

48. In the ITR according to paragraph 47, the substantially cylindrical portion includes: a plurality of holes or slots connected to a chamber located inside the core member, wherein the chamber is connectable to a source of fluid under pressure;
A plurality of holes or slots are located near the substantially cylindrical portion near the gradual taper; both the sleeve locating means and the sleeve removing means position the sleeve member over the substantially cylindrical portion during the sleeve placement. To elastically stretch the member or to elastically stretch the sleeve member during removal of the sleeve member from the substantially cylindrical portion;
A fluid under pressure transmitted from the chamber through the plurality of holes.

49. In an ITR according to paragraph 1, the ITR comprises: a separable taper member with a gradual taper, the gradual taper being removed coaxially with the end of the central member with which the separating taper abuts. Wherein the diameter of the tapered portion increases from a diameter smaller than the diameter of the central member abutting the separable taper member to a maximum diameter substantially the same size as the diameter of the central member abutting the separable taper member; The largest diameter is adjacent the end of the central member that abuts the separable taper member.

50. In the ITR according to paragraph 49, the center member includes: a plurality of holes or slots located on or near a periphery of the center member adjacent an end abutting the separable taper member; In any case, in order to elastically stretch the sleeve member while disposing the sleeve member on the center member, or to elastically stretch the sleeve member while removing the sleeve member from the center member, Including a path of fluid transmitted under pressure transmitted from the chamber through the plurality of holes.

51. The frame member of the electrostatographic electrophotographic apparatus, wherein the center member according to paragraph 1 is used when the sleeve member is disposed on the center member by the sleeve positioning means or when the sleeve member is removed from the center member by the sleeve removing means. Remains fixed at

52. A separable taper member according to paragraph 49 is attached to the center member when the sleeve member is positioned over the center member by sleeve placement means or when the sleeve member is removed from the center member by sleeve removal means.

53. The electrostatic type electrophotographic transfer device in the electrostatic type electrophotographic device is: a preliminary image forming member (PIF)
M); an intermediate transfer roller (ITR) with a central member and a replaceable removable sleeve member;
Pressure contact between M and the ITR
means for applying a ct engagement to form a nip width; and means for applying a transfer electric field for electrostatically transferring a marking particle toner image formed on the PIFM to the ITR to the nip width. , The removable replaceable sleeve member of the ITR is an endless belt, the tubular shape not only during operation of the ITR, but also during placement of the removable replaceable sleeve member on the central member or during removal of the continuous tube from the central member. Keep cylindrical shape.

54. In the electrostatic electrophotographic transfer device in the electrostatic electrophotographic device according to paragraph 53, the PIF
M includes a photoconductor.

55. In an electrostatic electrophotographic transfer apparatus in an electrostatic electrophotographic apparatus according to paragraph 53, the ITR
Remains attached to the frame of the electrostatographic apparatus when the replaceable removable sleeve member is placed on or removed from the center member.

56. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 53, the replaceable removable sleeve member includes a layer having a non-compliant material.

57. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 53, the replaceable removable sleeve member includes a compliant elastomeric layer.

58. In an electrostatographic transfer apparatus in an electrostatographic apparatus according to either paragraph 56 or 57, the replaceable removable sleeve member includes an outer release layer (ORL).

59. In the electrostatographic electrophotographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 53, the replaceable removable sleeve member is: a reinforced band (SB)
And a compliant elastomer layer located outside the SB layer and in close contact with the SB layer; and an ORL covering the compliant elastomer layer.

60. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 53, the replaceable removable sleeve member comprises: a stiffening layer (SL);
A compliant elastomer layer located outside the SL layer and in intimate contact with the SB layer; and an ORL covering the compliant elastomer layer.

61. In the electrostatographic electrophotographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 53, the replaceable removable sleeve member is: a reinforced band (SB)
A stiffening layer (SL) located outside the inner compliant elastomeric layer and in close contact with the inner compliant elastomeric layer; and located outside the SL and in close contact with the SL. An outer compliant elastomeric layer; and an ORL covering the outer compliant polymer layer.

62. In the electrostatographic electrophotographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 53, the replaceable removable sleeve member is: a reinforced band (SB)
A stiffening layer (SL) located outside of the compliant elastomer layer and in intimate contact with the compliant elastomer layer;
including.

63. The electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 53, wherein the central member includes a compliant elastomer layer covering the outside of the core member.

64. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 53, the central member includes a stiffening layer outside the compliant elastomer layer and in intimate contact with the compliant elastomer layer.

65. An electrostatographic imaging apparatus; a pre-imaging member (PIFM); an intermediate transfer roller (ITR) having a center member and a replaceable removable sleeve member in intimate contact with the center member; Means for forming a first nip width by applying pressure contact interlock with the ITR; and a transfer electric field for electrostatically transferring a marking particle toner image formed on the PIFM to the ITR. Means for applying at a nip width of 1; a nip relationship with the ITR (nip rela
transfer back-up r with transfer
a moving web supported by an oller (TBR), the moving web for supporting an image receiving member (image receiving member) at a second transfer nip between the web and the ITR;
Means for establishing a transfer electric field at said second transfer nip, said transfer for electrostatically transferring a toner image to an image receiving body brought into intimate contact with said ITR at said second transfer nip. Electric field establishing means;
The replaceable removable sleeve member of the TR is an endless belt and is a tubular cylinder not only during operation of the ITR, but also during placement of the replaceable removable sleeve member on the center member or during removal of the continuous tube from the center member. Keep shape.

66. In the electrostatographic imaging apparatus according to paragraph 65, the center member of the ITR is mounted on the electrostatographic imaging apparatus when the replaceable removable sleeve member is positioned on or removed from the center member. It remains connected to the frame member.

67. In an electrostatographic electrophotographic transfer apparatus in an electrostatographic electrophotographic apparatus according to paragraph 65, the PIF
M includes a photoconductor.

68. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 67, the replaceable removable sleeve member includes a layer having a non-compliant material.

69. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 67, the replaceable removable sleeve member includes a compliant elastomeric layer.

70. In an electrostatographic transfer apparatus in an electrostatographic apparatus according to either paragraph 68 or 69, the replaceable removable sleeve member includes an outer release layer (ORL).

71. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 65, the replaceable removable sleeve member is: a reinforced band (SB)
And a compliant elastomer layer located outside the SB layer and in close contact with the SB layer; and an ORL covering the compliant elastomer layer.

72. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 65, the replaceable removable sleeve member comprises: a stiffening layer (SL);
A compliant elastomer layer located outside the SL layer and in intimate contact with the SB layer; and an ORL covering the compliant elastomer layer.

73. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 65, the replaceable removable sleeve member is: a reinforced band (SB)
A stiffening layer (SL) located outside the inner compliant elastomeric layer and in close contact with the inner compliant elastomeric layer; and located outside the SL and in close contact with the SL. An outer compliant elastomeric layer; and an ORL covering the outer compliant polymer layer.

74. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 65, the central member includes a compliant elastomer layer located outside the core member.

75. In the electrostatographic transfer apparatus of the electrostatographic apparatus according to paragraph 65, the replaceable removable sleeve member is: a reinforced band (SB)
A stiffening layer (SL) located outside the inner compliant elastomeric layer and in close contact with the inner compliant elastomeric layer; and located outside the SL and in close contact with the SL. An outer compliant elastomeric layer; and an ORL covering the outer compliant polymer layer.

76. Forming a toner image on the preliminary image forming member in the toner transfer method; and transferring the toner image from the preliminary image forming member to the intermediate transfer roller in a transfer nip formed by pressure contact between the preliminary image forming member and the intermediate transfer roller. Electrostatically transferring the toner image from the PIFM to the intermediate transfer roller, wherein the intermediate transfer roller includes a center member and a replaceable removable sleeve member, wherein the sleeve member includes a central member. Providing an endless belt that is non-adhesive and in close contact with the endless belt.

77. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 76, the central member includes a core member having a substantially cylindrical portion having a runout of 20-80 μm and a compliant elastomer layer covering the substantially cylindrical portion.

78. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 77, the compliant elastomer layer has a thickness of 2-20 mm and a Young's modulus of 1-10 MPa.

79. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 77, the compliant elastomer layer is about 10 ¹⁰
It has an electrical resistance smaller than Ωcm.

80. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 77, the stiffening layer is located outside the compliant elastomer layer and is in intimate contact with the compliant elastomer layer.

81. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 80, the stiffening layer has an electrical resistance of less than about 10 ¹⁰ Ωcm, a thickness of 10-500 μm, and a Young's modulus of 0.1-300 GPa.

82. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 76, the replaceable removable sleeve member is 100M.
It has a Young's modulus greater than Pa, a thickness greater than about 100 μm, and an electrical resistance of 10 ⁷ -10 ¹³ Ωcm.

83. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 82, the replaceable removable sleeve member includes an outer release layer (ORL) coating over and outside the non-compliant layer.

84. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 83, the ORL has a thickness of 1-50 μm, a Young's modulus greater than 100 MPa, and an electrical resistance of 10 ⁷ -10 ¹³ Ωcm.

85. Toner transfer method according to paragraph 76
The replaceable removable sleeve member
Compliant elastomer layer and compliant elastomer
An outer release layer (OR
L) and the compliant elastomer layer is 1-10
Young's modulus of MPa, thickness of 2-20mm, and 10⁷-10 ¹¹
Ωcm electrical resistance, outer release layer (ORL) 1-50
μm thickness, Young's modulus greater than 100 MPa, and 10⁷-
10¹³It has an electrical resistance of Ωcm.

86. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 76, the replaceable removable sleeve member is 100-30.
0GPa Young's modulus, 20-500μm thickness, and 10 ¹⁰ Ωc
a reinforced band having a Young's modulus of 1-10 MPa, a thickness of 2-20 mm, and an electrical resistance of 10 ⁷ -10 ¹¹ Ωcm. Compliant elastomer layer is 1-50μm thick, 100M
It is coated with an outer release layer (ORL) having a Young's modulus greater than Pa and an electrical resistance of 10 ⁷ -10 ¹³ Ωcm.

87. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 76, the replaceable removable sleeve member is about 10
Including a stiffening layer having an electrical resistance of less than ¹⁰ Ωcm, a thickness of 20-500 μm, and a Young's modulus of 0.1-300 GPa, the outer surface of the stiffening layer having a Young's modulus of 1-10 MPa, 2-20 mm Covered by a compliant elastomer layer having a thickness and an electrical resistance of 10 ⁷ -10 ¹¹ Ωcm, the compliant elastomer layer being 1-50 μm thick, 100M
It is coated with an outer release layer (ORL) having a Young's modulus greater than Pa and an electrical resistance of 10 ⁷ -10 ¹³ Ωcm.

88. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 76, the replaceable removable sleeve member is located in close contact with the reinforced band, the inner compliant elastomeric layer covering the outer side of the reinforced band, and the outer compliant elastomeric layer. A stiffening layer, an outer compliant layer covering the outside of the stiffening layer, and a release layer covering the outer compliant layer.

89. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 88, the reinforced band has a Young's modulus of 100-300 GPa, 20-500
μm thickness and electrical resistance less than 10 ¹⁰ Ωcm, the inner compliant layer has a Young's modulus of 1-10 MPa, and a thickness of 2-20 mm, and the stiffening layer has a thickness of about 10 ¹⁰ Ω.
cm, electrical thickness of 20-500 μm, and 0.
Has a Young's modulus of 1-300 GPa, the outer elastomer layer is 1-10
Young's modulus of MPa, thickness of 0.5-4 mm, and 10 ⁷ -10
^The outer release layer has an electrical resistance of ¹³ Ωcm, a thickness of 1-50 μm, a Young's modulus greater than 100 MPa, and 10 ⁷ -10
^It has an electrical resistance of ¹³ Ωcm.

90. In the toner transfer method according to paragraph 89, the inner compliant layer is about 10 ¹⁰ Ωcm
Has a lower electrical resistance.

91. In the toner transfer method according to any of paragraphs 80, 87 or 88, the stiffening layer is connectable to a voltage or current source.

92. Electrostatic electrophotographic imaging:
Forming a toner image on the preliminary image forming member; and a preliminary image forming member and an intermediate transfer roller (IT).
R) formed by pressure contact between
Electrostatically transferring the toner image from the preliminary image forming member to the intermediate transfer roller (ITR) at the transfer nip width, wherein the electric field urges the toner image from the PIFM to the ITR and the ITR replaces the center member A removable sleeve member, the sleeve member comprising an endless belt that is non-stick and in close contact with the center member; forming a toner image on a pre-imaging member (PIFM); and an endless feed web. ITR
Providing a second transfer nip width at a transfer nip defined between; and providing a support roller behind the endless feed web to form an electric field between the ITR and the support roller; Advancing an image receiver attached to a web to the nip, thereby forming a transfer electric field for electrostatically transferring the toner image from an ITR to the image receiver.

93. In electrostatographic imaging according to paragraph 92, the first transfer nip width is 2-15.
mm.

94. In the electrostatographic imaging method according to paragraph 92, the first transfer nip width is 3-8 m
m.

95. In electrostatographic imaging according to paragraph 92, during operation of the ITR, the sleeve member is elastically stretched substantially uniformly around the center member, thereby bringing the inner surface of the sleeve member out of the center member. An inner working force is produced that non-adherently presses against the sides, so that the inner periphery of the sleeve member is substantially equal to the outer periphery of the center member when actuated on the center member, where:
No additional means, such as mechanical means, are provided to hold the sleeve member to the center member during operation of the ITR.

96. In electrostatographic imaging according to paragraph 92, the sleeve member includes one or more compliant layers.

97. In electrostatographic imaging according to paragraph 92, the sleeve member includes a non-compliant layer.

98. In electrostatographic imaging according to paragraph 92, the sleeve member includes an outer release layer.

99. In electrostatographic imaging according to paragraph 92, the sleeve member includes a multilayer structure having a reinforced band as the innermost layer.

100. In electrostatographic imaging according to paragraph 92, the sleeve member includes a multilayer structure having a stiffening layer as an innermost layer.

101. In the electrostatographic imaging method according to paragraph 92, the sleeve member is 2-20 mm
A relatively thick compliant layer, a stiffening layer covering the inner compliant layer, and a relatively thin compliant layer 0.5-4 mm thick covering the stiffening layer,
Wherein the relatively thick compliant layer is thicker than the relatively thin compliant layer.

102. In electrostatographic imaging according to paragraph 92, the center member includes a core member coated with a compliant layer.

103. In electrostatographic imaging according to paragraph 102, the compliant layer is coated on its outer surface with a stiffening layer.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, it is clear that variations and embodiments can be practiced within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of an intermediate transfer roller (ITR) of the present invention, wherein a substantially cylindrical portion of a core member is covered with a sleeve member having a non-compliant layer. is there.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the ITR of the present invention, wherein a substantially cylindrical portion of the core member is covered with a sleeve member having a non-compliant layer and an outer release layer. .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the ITR of the present invention, wherein the substantially cylindrical portion of the core member is covered by a sleeve member having a thick compliant layer and an outer release layer. is there.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the ITR of the present invention, wherein the sleeve member has an inner reinforcement band, a thick compliant layer on the reinforcement band, and an outer release layer on the compliant elastomer layer. It is sectional drawing of what the substantially cylindrical part of the core member covered.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the ITR of the present invention, the comp having an inner reinforcement band, a thick compliant elastomeric layer on the reinforcement band, and a stiffening layer on the compliant elastomeric layer. It is sectional drawing of what the substantially cylindrical part of the core member coat | covered with the client sleeve member.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a sixth embodiment of the ITR of the present invention, showing an inner reinforcement band, a relatively thick inner blanket layer on the reinforcement band, a stiffening layer on the inner blanket, and its stiffening. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a compliant sleeve member having a relatively thin outer blanket layer on a layer and an outer release layer on the outer blanket layer covering a substantially cylindrical portion of the core member.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the ITR of the present invention, wherein the central member includes a substantially cylindrical portion of a core member coated with a relatively thick compliant layer, and the sleeve member includes a central member. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a member covering a sleeve member having a stiffening layer, a relatively thin compliant layer on the stiffening layer, and an outer release layer on the compliant layer.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the ITR of the present invention, wherein the central member is a substantially cylindrical portion of a core member covered with a relatively thick compliant layer covered by a stiffening layer. Wherein the sleeve member covers the central member, the sleeve member comprising a stiffening layer, a relatively thin compliant layer on the stiffening layer, and an outer release layer on the compliant layer. is there.

FIG. 9 is a schematic side elevational view of an imaging apparatus using four modules, each module having a photoconductive pre-imaging roller (PIFR) and a PIF;
A sleeve ITR in which the monochromatic toner image from R comprises a cylindrical central member and a removable replaceable sleeve member
The sleeve member is provided with an endless belt in non-adhering and close contact with the center member to transfer a single color toner image from the ITR to an image receiver that is adhered to and carried on an endless web through each of the four modules. FIG. 3 is a diagram with an endless web and a web drive to facilitate electrostatic transfer, showing only the basic components for clarity.

FIG. 10 is a cut-away view along a portion of an assembled inventive sleeve ITM having an end having a tapered portion, wherein the sleeve member is slidable over the tapered portion and a set of ports; FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of a sleeve member expanded by compressed fluid exiting from the core member, whereby the expanded sleeve member is movable along the length of the core member until the sleeve member is in an active position on the core member.

FIG. 11 is a cutaway view along a portion of the assembled inventive sleeve ITM, comprising an end in the form of a removable taper, wherein the sleeve member is slidable over the taper; A cutaway view in which the expanded sleeve member is expanded by compressed fluid exiting from a group of ports in the core member, whereby the expanded sleeve member is movable along the length of the core member until the sleeve member is in an active position on the core member. It is.

FIG. 12 is a cut-away view along a portion of an assembled inventive sleeve ITM, comprising a central member including a core member and a thick compliant layer coated over the core member, a group of ports. An end of the central member having a cylindrical portion with a removable taper portion of the central member, the cylindrical portion having an outer diameter substantially the same as the diameter of that portion of the central member including the compliant layer; The sleeve member is slidable over the tapered portion and is expanded by compressed fluid exiting from the group of ports, whereby the expanded sleeve member extends the length of the core member until the sleeve member is in the active position on the central member. FIG. 3 is a cutaway view that is movable along.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the exterior of the assembled inventive sleeve ITM, wherein the indicia is located on the outer surface of the sleeve member in a small area located adjacent the end of the sleeve member. FIG.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a bar code type indicium used in the sleeve member of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 20 ITR 21 core member 22 non-compliant layer 23 outer release layer 25 sleeve member 30 ITR 31 core member 32 compliant elastomer layer 33 outer release layer 35 sleeve member 40 ITR 41 core member 42 compliant elastomer layer 43 outer release layer 44 reinforcement Band 45 sleeve member 50 ITR 51 core member 52 compliant elastomer layer 53 outer release layer 54 reinforced band 55 sleeve member 60 ITR 61 core member 63 outer release layer 64 reinforcement band 66 inner relatively thick compliant elastomer blanket layer 67 outer relatively Thin compliant elastomer blanket layer 69 Sleeve member 70 ITR 71 Core member 73 Outer release layer 75 Stiffening layer 76 Compliant layer 7 Compliant elastomer blanket layer 78 center member 79 sleeve member 80 ITR 81 core member 82 center member 83 outer release layer 85 stiffening layer 86 relatively thick compliant blanket layer 87 relatively thin compliant elastomer blanket layer 88 stiffening layer 89 sleeve Member 500 Electrostatic electrophotographic apparatus 503 Drum 508 Intermediate transfer roller 510 Nip 512 Image receptor (sheet) 516 Feed web 521 Transfer support roller 541 Central member 591 Module

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Alan Chowdley, USA 14534, New York Pittsford Trotters Field de Ran 6 (72) Inventor Craig M. Cody United States of America 14546 New York Scottsville Robert Kiglay Drive 92-1 (72) Inventor Stephen Colmier United States 14586 New York West Henrietta Alvarston Way 300 (72) Inventor Earl G. Gomez United States 14621 New York Rochester Cartage Drive 24 (72) Inventor Dennis Grab United States 14551-9551 New York Soda Sodas Center Road 7011 (72) Inventor Diane M. Helic USA 14609 New York Rochester Melrose Street 245 (72) Inventor Biao Tang United States 14607 New York Rochester East Avenue 520 (72) Inventor Thomas N. Tom United States of America 14420 New York Blockport Lake Road South 5578 (72) Inventor Joseph A. Pavlisco United States 14534 New York Pittsford West Bloomfield Road 433 F-term (reference) 2H200 JC02 JC09 JC13 JC15 JC16 JC20 MA03 MB06 PB01 PB37 PB38 PB39 3J103 AA02 AA53 FA16 GA02 GA57 GA58 GA60

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An intermediate transfer roller (ITR) for use in an electrostatographic electrophotographic apparatus, wherein the intermediate transfer roller is used in an apparatus for transferring a toner image from an image transport member to the ITR and to an image receptor. A central member including a cylindrical core member coated with at least one layer including a compliant layer; replaceable from the central member and having an endless belt perimeter and in intimate contact with the central member. And a sleeve member. 2. An indicia disposed on or within the sleeve member, wherein the indicium is visually, mechanically, electrically, optically, magnetically, or radio-frequency-controlled by an indicium detector. The center member of claim 1, wherein the center member is provided on or within the sleeve member to indicate a readable, sensible, or detectable sleeve-related parameter. 3. A method of manufacturing an intermediate transfer roller (ITR) for use in an electrostatographic apparatus in which a toner image is transferred from an image transport member to an ITR and then to an image receptor; at least a compliant layer coated. A method of manufacturing an intermediate transfer roller (ITR), comprising: providing a center member having a cylindrical core portion; and arranging an endless sleeve member that is in close contact with the center member and that is removable from the center member.