Photoreceptor web for liquid electrophotographic printer

Abstract: A photoreceptor web (10) for a liquid electrophotographic printer on which a predetermined image is developed at a development unit (20) and the developed image is transferred to a transfer unit (30) to be printed on a sheet of paper, in which a total length of the photoreceptor web is 32±0.25 inches (81.3±0.64cm). The total length of the photoreceptor web (10) is set to include a plurality of image zones (C1-C3) in which an image to be printed on a sheet of paper is developed, an interval zone (I1, I2) provided between the image zones (C1-C3) as an allowance space, a drip line removing zone (R) provided to avoid frictional contact with a squeegee roller (24) of the development unit (20) when the drip line is removed, a seam portion (S) formed by combining both end portions of the photoreceptor web for forming a closed path, and a mark zone (T) where a mark for detecting the seam portion (S) is provided. Thus, the photoreceptor web (10) does not occupy excess installation space in the printer and development, transfer and drip line removing operations are performed smoothly.

Description: The present invention relates to a photoreceptor web for a liquid electrophotographic printer which is a medium on which an image is developed and the developed image is printed on a sheet of paper. A typical liquid electrophotographic printer such as a color laser printer, as shown in Figure 1, includes a photoreceptor web 10 circulating and being supported by a plurality of rollers 11, 12 and 13, a development unit 20 for developing a predetermined imaged formed on the photoreceptor web 10, and a transfer unit 30 for transferring an image developed on the photoreceptor web 10 to a sheet of paper 1. The development unit 20 is for developing an image to be printed on a transfer surface of the photoreceptor web 10 using developer, and includes a laser scanner 21 for forming an electrostatic latent image of a desired image by scanning a laser beam onto the photoreceptor web 10, a development roller 23 for developing the electrostatic latent image by forming a development film between the photoreceptor web 10 and itself with developer supplied through a supply line 22, and a squeegee roller 24 for squeegeeing excess developer which is not used for development by pressing the photoreceptor web 10. Thus, during printing, the image on the photoreceptor web 10 is developed at the development unit 20 and the developed image is transferred to the paper 1 while it passes the transfer unit 30. Here, the development unit 20 and the squeegee roller 24 still squeegee excess developer by pressing the photoreceptor web 10. Reference numeral 25 denotes a development backup roller and reference numeral 26 denotes a squeegee backup roller installed to face the squeegee roller 24 with the photoreceptor web 10 interposed therebetween for supporting a pressing force by the squeegee roller 24. Thus, to perform the development and transfer processes, the photoreceptor web 10 needs an image zone where an image is developed and an interval zone between one image zone and the next image zone. Figure 2 shows the structure of the photoreceptor web 10 having image zones C1, C2 and C3 and interval zones I1 and I2. Preferably, for continuous printing, the photoreceptor web 10 develops images equivalent to at least three pages for each rotation. Accordingly, the three image zones C1, C2 and C3 and the two interval zones I1 and I2 therebetween are needed, as shown in the drawing. Reference character S denotes a seam portion where both end portions of the photoreceptor web 10 is connected to form a closed path. When printing is completed, developer remains on a portion of the photoreceptor web 10 between the development roller 23 and the squeegee roller 24, as shown in Figure 3. The remaining developer is commonly referred to as a drip line D and the drip line D must be removed periodically whenever printing is completed to guarantee that a clear image can be continuously developed. To remove the drip line D , when printing is completed, the squeegee roller 24 is rotated in a reverse direction, that is, clockwise on the drawing sheet. Reference numeral 27 denotes a blade that contacts the squeegee roller 24 closely and makes developer flowing along the outer circumferential surface of the squeegee roller 24 drop downward to remove the drip line D . Thus, when printing is completed, the circulation speed of the photoreceptor web 10 is reduced and the squeegee roller 24 is slightly lowered to reduce the pressing force applied to the photoreceptor web 10. Then, the squeegee roller 24 is rotated in a reverse direction so that the drip line D formed between the photoreceptor web 10 and the squeegee roller 24 is removed. Preferably, the drip line removing operation is performed near the seam portion S . Because the seam portion S corresponds to a non-image portion where no image can be developed and the drip line removing operation generates friction as the photoreceptor web 10 and the squeegee roller 24 are driven in directions opposite to each other, which may do damage to the surface of the photoreceptor web 10, the operation is preferably performed around the seam portion S which is least useful. Therefore, in manufacturing a photoreceptor web, factors such as the image zone, the interval zone and the area for a drip line removing operation should be taken into consideration. For example, a lengthy photoreceptor web increases the cost and takes more space in the printer. Hence, a photoreceptor web having an optimized length, which does not need a large installation space in the printer and also guarantees that all the above operations are performed smoothly, is needed. EU 0 320 985 discloses a photoreceptor belt which has residual toner removed by a cleaning blade 70 that constantly wipes the residual toner from the belt 37. With a view to solve or reduce the above problems, it is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a photoreceptor web for a liquid electrophotographic printer having an optimized length which does not require a large installation space in the printer and enables smooth performance of development, transfer and drip line removing operations. According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a photoreceptor web for a liquid electrophotographic printer on which a predetermined image is developed at a development unit and the developed image is transferred to a transfer unit to be printed on a sheet of paper, wherein a total length of the photoreceptor web is 32±0.25 inches (81.3±0.64cm), which total length is set to accommodate a plurality of image zones in which an image to be printed on a sheet of paper is developed, an interval zone provided between the image zones as an allowance space, a drip line removing zone provided to avoid frictional contact with a squeegee roller of the development unit when the drip line is removed, a seam portion formed by combining both end portions of the photoreceptor web for forming a closed path, and a mark zone where a mark for detecting the seam portion is provided. Preferably, three places each having a length of approximately 8.5 inches (21.6cm) are provided as the image zones. Preferably, two interval zones are provided between the three image zones and each of which is approximately 1.5 inches (3.8cm) long. Preferably, the drip line removing zone includes an operation zone of approximately 2 inches (5.1cm) where a drip line removing operation is performed by the squeegee roller, a first preparation zone of approximately 0.25 inches (0.64cm) which is an allowance space provided between the image zone and the operation zone, and a second preparation zone of approximately 0.25 inches (0.64cm) which is an allowance space provided between the seam portion and the operation zone. Preferably, the seam portion is approximately 0.5 inches (1.3cm) long. Preferably, the mark zone is approximately 0.5 inches (1.3cm) long. The invention includes a printer including a web in accordance with the first aspect. For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a view showing the structure of a liquid electrophotographic printer; Figure 2 is a view showing the photoreceptor web shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view for explaining a drip line removing operation of the liquid electrophotographic printer; Figure 4 is a view showing an unfolded photoreceptor web according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 5 and 6 are views showing the photoreceptor web shown in Figure 4 corresponding to various paper sizes. Figure 4 shows an unfolded photoreceptor web according to an embodiment of the present invention. The photoreceptor web is actually installed at a printer in a state in which the seam portion S at both ends thereof are connected forming a closed path. Referring to the drawing, there are three places for image zones C1, C2 and C3 where an image to be printed on a sheet of paper is developed. Three places for the image zones C1, C2 and C3 help in managing smooth continuous printing operations. In other words, smooth continuous printing is possible when the amount of images which can be developed per rotation of the photoreceptor web 10 is equivalent to at least three sheets of paper. In selecting the size of each of the image zones C1, C2 and C3, a standard of a letter-sized page of 8.5 inches × 11 inches (21.6cm x27.9cm) is commonly used, along with an A4 size (210 mm × 297 mm). As the short side of the paper is arranged to match the lengthwise direction of the photoreceptor web 10, images of an A4 size page can be included in the image zones C1, C2 and C3 in the same manner. Thus, 25.5 inches (64.8cm) corresponding to 8.5 inches (21.6cm) × 3 places is needed as the image zones C1, C2 and C3. Next, there must be interval zones I1 and I2 as an allowance space between the respective image zones C1, C2 and C3. The interval zones I1 and I2 are needed for a delay time for performing picking up, transfer and arrangement of each sheet of paper because the paper for printing is not continuously supplied to the transfer unit 30 (see Figure 1). In a typical liquid electrophotographic printer, a delay time of 0.4 sec is generated for arranging the next sheet of paper after one sheet of paper is printed and putting it to the transfer unit 20. As the photoreceptor web 10 circulates at a speed of 3.0 inch/sec (7.6cm/sec) in a print mode, allowance of 1.2 inches (3cm) at the minimum is needed considering the delay time of 0.4 sec. Also, considering a slight error to the above, a total of 1.5 (3.8cm) inches is needed for the allowance. Thus, the interval zones I1 and I2 between the image zones C1, C2 and C3 except for an area for the seam portion S take 3 inches (7.6cm) (1.5 inches (3.8cm) × 2 places). As the interval zone between the image zones C3 and C1, having the seam portion S , includes a zone R where the drip line removing operation is performed, it is set different from the other interval zones I1 and I2. First, to perform the drip line removing operation, the rotation direction of the squeegee roller 24 (see Figure 1) must be changed reversely. Smooth driving of the squeegee roller 24 in a reverse direction is possible by reducing the pressing force applied to the photoreceptor web 10 in advance. When the drip line is removed, the speed of the photoreceptor web 10 is decelerated to 0.75 inch/sec (1.9cm/sec) from 3 inch/sec (7.6cm/sec). Thus, a time of about 0.2 sec is needed for the above speed and pressure reduction after passing the image zones C1, C2 and C3. Here, 0.32 sec is needed considering a safety rate of 1.6, during which the photoreceptor web 10 circulating at a speed of 0.75 inch/sec (1.9cm/sec) travels as much as about 0.25 inches (0.64cm). Thus, a first preparation zone R1 of 0.25 inches (0.64cm) is needed to be set prior to the drip line removing operation. Next, in an operation zone R3 where the drip line removing operation is actually performed, the distance between the development roller 23 and the squeegee roller 24 where a drip line is formed is one inch, as shown in Figure 3. In this one inch (2.5cm), developer of about 1.6 ml forms a drip line D . Thus, to remove the drip line, the squeegee roller 24 is rotated in a reverse direction in a state in which the photoreceptor web 10 circulates. Basically, an absolute distance of one inch must be traveled to remove the drip line formed between the development roller 23 and the squeegee roller 24 as it passes the squeegee roller 24. After traveling a distance of one inch, the squeegee roller 24 is further rotated three turns more so that the remaining developer adhering to the squeegee roller 24 is completed removed. According to experiments, however, during the drip line removing operation, the squeegee roller 24 must be rotated in reverse at a relative speed of 9 inch/sec (22.9cm/sec) with respect to the photoreceptor web 10 to effectively remove the drip line. Thus, when the speed of the photoreceptor web 10 is 0.75 inch/sec (1.9cm/sec), the squeegee roller 24 must be rotated at 9.25 inch/sec (23.5cm/sec) in a reverse direction to effectively remove the drip line D . The linear speed of 8.25 inch/sec (20.9cm/sec) corresponds to a rotational speed of about three turns per second considering that the diameter of the squeegee roller 24 is 22 mm (0.87 inches). As a result, about one second is needed to rotate the squeegee roller 24 three turns and the photoreceptor web 10 circulating at a speed of 0.75 inch/sec (1.9cm/sec) travels 0.75 inches (1.9cm) for that period, so that a distance of about one inch (2.5cm) is needed. Thus, by adding the one inch (2.5cm) to the absolute distance of one inch (2.5cm) between the development roller 23 and the squeegee roller 24, a total of 2 inches (5.1cm) of the operation zone R3 is needed. Next, after the drip line D is removed, the squeegee roller 24 is separated from the photoreceptor web 10 before contacting the seam portion S . Here, about 0.2 sec is needed as the time for preparation. Thus, considering the safety rate of 1.6, a second preparation zone R2 of about 0.25 inches (0.64cm) which is a distance of movement at a speed of 0.75 inch/sec (1.9cm) for 0.32 seconds is needed. Thus, the overall drip line removing zone R take 2.5 inches (6.4cm) which is the sum of the first and second preparation zones R1 and R2 and the operation zone R3. The seam portion S is usually formed to be inclined with a width of 0.5 inches (1.3cm). After the seam portion S , a mark zone T of 0.5 inches before the image zones C1, C2 and C3, in which a TOF (top of forming) 10a that is a mark for detecting the position of the seam S is formed. Consequently, considering all necessary zones, a total of 32 inches (81.3cm) are needed, including 25.5 inches (64.8cm) for three 8.5-inch (21.6cm) places of the image zones C1, C2 and C3, 3 inches (7.6cm) for two 1.5-inch (3.8cm) of the interval zones I1 and I2 between the image zones C1, C2 and C3 not crossing the seam portion S , 2.5 inches for the drip line removing zone R consisting of two 0.25 inches (0.64cm) for the first and second preparation zones R1 and R2 and 2 inches (5.1cm) for the operation zone R3, 0.5 inches (1.2cm) for the seam portion S , and 0.5 inches (1.3cm) for the mark zone T . Thus, a photoreceptor web having a length of 32 inches (81.3cm) is the optimal size as it does not take excessive installation space in a printer and simultaneously smooth development, transfer and drip line removing operations are performed. Also, as one inch instead of 0.75 inches (1.91cm) is taken into consideration when the operation zone R3 of the drip line removing zone R is calculated, a margin of at least 0.25 inches (0.64cm) is included. Therefore, a range of allowance of about ±0.25 inches (0.64cm) is allowed with respect to 32 inches (81.3cm) which is the accurate length of the photoreceptor web. Although the photoreceptor web 10 is manufactured based on a letter-sized page, for example, sheets of paper of A4 size (210 mm × 297 mm or 8.26 inch × 11.69 inch) can be used with no problem, as shown in Figure 5. That is, as the length of the short side of an A4 size paper is 8.26 inch (210 mm), when three image zones are to be set, a total of 0.72 inches (1.83cm) is left compared to a case of a letter size paper having a short side length of 8.5 inches (21.6cm). The leftover length is included in the first preparation zone R1 so that more allowance exists before the drip line begins to be removed. When sheets of paper of A3 size (297 mm × 420 mm or 11.69 inch × 16.5 inch) are used, the long side thereof must be arranged in a lengthwise direction of the photoreceptor web, as shown in Figure 6, as the paper goes beyond the width of the photoreceptor web if it is arranged in a widthwise direction thereof. Thus, only one image zone C1 is set in the 32 inch (81.3cm) photoreceptor web 10. In this case, 12 inches (30.5cm) are left including two interval zones compared to the letter size paper. Accordingly, the first preparation zone R1 is extended to 12.25 inches (31.72cm) so that more sufficient allowance is provided prior to the drip line removing operation. Thus, sheets of paper having different sizes can be used by increasing or decreasing the first preparation zone R1 or the second preparation zone R2. As described above, in the photoreceptor web for a liquid electrophotographic printer according to the present invention, development, transfer and drip line removing operations are smoothly performed and also no excess installation space in the printer is needed.

Claims: A photoreceptor web (10) for a liquid electrophotographic printer on which a predetermined image is developed at a development unit (20) and the developed image is transferred to a transfer unit (30) to be printed on a sheet of paper, wherein a total length of the photoreceptor web (10) is 81.3±0.64cm (32±0.25 inches) which total length is set to accommodate a plurality of image zones (C1-C3) in which an image to be printed on a sheet of paper is developed, an interval zone (I1-I2) provided between the image zones (C1-C3) as an allowance space, a drip line removing zone (R) provided to avoid frictional contact with a squeegee roller (24) of the development unit (20) when the drip line is removed, a seam portion (S) formed by combining both end portions of the photoreceptor web (10) for forming a closed path, and a mark zone (T) where a mark for detecting the seam portion (5) is provided. The photoreceptor web as claimed in claim 1, wherein three places each having a length of approximately 21.6cm (8.5 inches) are provided as the image zones (C1-C3). The photoreceptor web as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein two interval zones (I1, I2) are provided between the three image zones and each of which is approximately 3.8 cm (1.5 inches) long. The photoreceptor web as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the drip line removing zone includes an operation zone of approximately 5.1 cm (2 inches) where a drip line removing operation is performed by the squeegee roller (24), a first preparation zone of approximately 0.25 inches (0.64cm) which is an allowance space provided between the image zone (C1-C3) and the operation zone, and a second preparation zone of approximately 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) which is an allowance space provided between the seam portion (15) and the operation zone. The photoreceptor web as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the seam portion (5) approximately is 1.3cm (0.5 inches) long. The photoreceptor web (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mark zone (T) is approximately 1.3cm (0.5 inches) long. A printer including a web (10) in accordance with any of claims 1 to 6.

Inventors: CHANG KEE-SON, KWAK JIN-GEUN, CHANG, KEE-SON, KWAK, JIN-GEUN
Applicants: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD, SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: G03G15
IPC codes: G03G21, G03G15, G03G5