JP2001130773A - Medium conveying belt and manufacturing method for it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a medium conveying belt having excellent electrostatic attraction force, capable of easily scraping toner and ink, and having the front surface not to be easily damaged. SOLUTION: A conductive electrode pattern is formed on the tubular front surface made of high polymer materials, one or more electrode protecting layers are formed on it, and the difference of the belt thickness between a part having the electrode pattern and a part having no electrode pattern is set to not more than 10 μm.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a medium transport belt, and more particularly, to a belt used for transporting paper or OHP film used in an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser beam printer or a facsimile, or an ink jet printer. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a belt used for conveying or drying paper or an OHP film of a bubble jet printer.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine, paper is conveyed by placing the paper on a resin belt such as PC or vinylidene fluoride, or by conveying the resin belt in advance and charging the surface. A method has been known in which the paper is conveyed by adsorbing the paper by the charge.

[0003] On the other hand, the present inventor and the like have a problem in stability in transporting a medium by such a conventional transport method, and it is difficult to achieve high speed of a copying machine. A medium transport belt having heat resistance, electric resistance, and ink resistance was obtained according to the use conditions and the like. That is, an electrode pattern on the belt, and an electrode protective layer formed on this pattern,
By applying a voltage, the paper is electrostatically attracted, and by specifying the configuration and material properties of the belt, a medium transport belt having excellent paper transportability, heat resistance, withstand voltage, and the like is proposed.

[0004]

Such a medium transport belt is used for paper or OHP used in an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser beam printer or a facsimile.
When used for transporting a film or the like, toner adheres to the belt surface and must be removed with a blade or brush.

[0005] Even when the medium transport belt is used for transporting or drying paper or OHP film in an ink jet printer or a bubble jet printer, ink adheres to the belt surface and must be removed with a blade or brush. is there.

If there is a large difference between the thickness of the portion including the electrode pattern and the thickness of the portion not including the electrode pattern, there is a problem that a dent occurs in the thin portion, and the toner or ink easily accumulates in the dent. .

[0007] Further, in the recessed portion, the contact between the medium and the electrode protective layer is deteriorated, and there is a problem that the suction force is weakened.

The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studies and studies to eliminate irregularities in the attraction force and dents on the surface while maintaining the excellent characteristics of the conventional medium transport belt. Thus, the medium transport belt according to the present invention, which has a small difference between the two and has excellent long-term durability against scraping of toner and ink and has suction transportability, has been conceived.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a medium transport belt provided on an outer peripheral surface of a tubular member formed of a polymer material.
An electrode pattern having conductivity is formed, and one or more electrode protection layers are formed on the electrode pattern. The difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness is less than 10 μm.

In the method for manufacturing a medium transport belt according to the present invention,
A material having a volume resistivity value of 10 ⁹ Ω · cm or more between the electrode patterns is ± 10 μm with respect to the thickness of the electrode patterns.
Fill to a thickness in the range of

In another manufacturing method of the medium transport belt of the present invention, the thickness of the electrode pattern is set to a range of ± 10 μm.

Here, in this specification, “± 10 μm
“Within the range of” is greater than −10 μm and +10 μm.
A value smaller than m and “within the range of ± 5 μm” means a value larger than −5 μm and smaller than +5 μm.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of a medium transport belt according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

The medium transport belt of the present invention is, for example, as shown in FIG.
In the case of the medium transport belt 10 as shown in FIG. 1, a conductive electrode pattern 14 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a tubular object 12 formed of a polymer material, and a resin simple substance or a resin is formed on the electrode pattern 14. An electrode protection layer 16 made of a composite resin obtained by mixing an additive with a resin is formed.

FIG. 2 is an exaggerated view particularly showing the difference in the thickness of the medium transport belt for the purpose of clarifying the description of the present invention. In a medium transport belt in which an electrode protection layer is formed on an electrode pattern, the thickness of the electrode pattern may cause unevenness in the entire belt thickness. A difference occurs in the thickness between the portion a where the electrode pattern exists and the portion b where the electrode pattern does not exist, and the dent 11 is easily formed on the belt surface at the portion where the electrode pattern does not exist.

Here, in the present invention, the "maximum thickness" of the belt means the thickness of the entire belt (a,
a ′, a ″...), and the “minimum thickness” of the belt means the thickness of the entire belt (b, b ′, b ″...).
For the present electrode pattern, it is the average value measured at 1 cm intervals. The measurement conditions were as follows: temperature 20 ° C, humidity 60%
Then, the belt which has been left for one day or more is measured. The measuring device is a general one known to those skilled in the art.

In the medium transport belt of the present invention, the difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness is less than 10 μm, preferably 5 μm.
It is less than μm.

If the thickness difference is larger than 10 μm, a thin portion is dented when scraping ink or toner, and the ink or toner remains in that portion. Further, the contact area between the paper and the outermost peripheral surface of the medium transport belt decreases, and the effective area for suction decreases, so that the attraction force of the belt decreases.

In the present invention, for example, in FIG. 2, by setting the thickness of the electrode pattern 14 to be less than 10 μm, preferably 5 μm, the difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness is less than 10 μm, preferably less than 5 μm. You can get a belt. Here, the thickness of the electrode pattern means a value obtained by subtracting the average value of the thickness on the center line between all the electrode patterns from the average value of the thickness on the center line of all the electrode patterns. The measuring device can be any device known to those skilled in the art.

Alternatively, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, a conductive electrode pattern 14 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a In addition, a filler 25 is formed of a material having a high insulating property, the electrode protection layer 16 is formed thereon, and a medium transport belt 21 having a difference between a maximum thickness and a minimum thickness of less than 10 μm, preferably less than 5 μm can be obtained. it can. In this case, the thickness of the electrode pattern 14 is optional, and the line width and pitch of the electrode pattern 14 are optional, and can be set variously. The material having a high insulating property for filling the gap between the electrode patterns preferably has a volume resistivity of 10 ^9.
Ω · cm or more, more preferably a volume resistivity value of 10
¹² Ω · cm, most preferably a volume resistivity of 10 ¹⁵
Ω · cm or more. Volume specific resistance value is 10 ⁹ Ω · c
If it is less than m, the insulation between the electrodes when the paper is adsorbed is insufficient, the leakage current between the electrodes increases, and the adsorbing force decreases. The thickness of the filler 25 is the same as the thickness of the electrode pattern 14 or the thickness of the electrode pattern ± 10 μm, preferably ± 5 μm.

Here, in the present specification, the volume resistivity is determined by preparing a material into a film of 100 μm at a temperature of 20 μm.
It is a value measured at a measurement voltage of 500 V using SM-10 manufactured by Toa Denpa Kogyo Co., Ltd. after standing for 24 hours at a temperature of 60 ° C. and a humidity of 60%.

Alternatively, the medium transport belt of the present invention may be configured as shown in FIG. In this case, a conductive electrode pattern 14 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular article 12 formed of a polymer material,
An electrode protection layer 16 is formed on the electrode pattern 14,
Further, an outer electrode protection layer (hereinafter, also referred to as an outer layer or an outermost layer) 20 made of a resin alone or a composite resin obtained by mixing an additive with the resin is formed to constitute the medium transport belt 24. The difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness at this time is also less than 10 μm, preferably less than 5 μm. Here, the thickness of the electrode pattern is less than 10 μm, preferably 5 μm.
It can be less than μm.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
7 can also be configured. That is, an electrode pattern 14 having conductivity is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular article 12 formed of a polymer material, and a filler 25 is formed between the electrode patterns 14. Is formed, and an outer peripheral layer 20 made of a resin alone or a composite resin obtained by mixing an additive with the resin is formed. In this case, the thickness of the electrode pattern 14 can be set arbitrarily. Further, the line width and the pitch of the electrode pattern 14 are arbitrary and can be set variously. The filler 25 for filling the gaps between the electrode patterns is preferably made of a material having a high insulating property.
^{It is at least 9} Ω · cm, more preferably at least 10 ¹² Ω · cm, and even more preferably at least 10 ¹⁵ Ω · cm. When the volume specific resistance value is less than 10 ⁹ Ω · cm, when the paper is adsorbed, the insulating property between the electrodes is insufficient, the leakage current between the electrodes is increased, and the adsorbing force is reduced. The thickness of the filler 25 is set to be the same as the thickness of the electrode pattern 14, or the thickness of the electrode pattern ± 10 μm, preferably ± 5 μm. In this manner, the medium transport belt 27 in which the difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness of the entire belt is adjusted to less than 10 μm, preferably less than 5 μm is configured.

As described above, in the present invention, in the medium transport belt having one or two electrode protection layers provided on the electrode pattern, the difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness of the entire belt is less than 10 μm, preferably less than 5 μm. It is. Alternatively, a medium transport belt in which three or more electrode protection layers are provided on the electrode pattern may be formed, and the difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness of the whole may be less than 10 μm, preferably less than 5 μm.

In addition, the electrode protective layer is formed to be thin at the portion where the electrode pattern exists and thick at the portion where the electrode pattern does not exist, and the difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness is less than 10 μm, preferably less than 5 μm. A conveyor belt can also be obtained.

The polymer material forming the tubular article 12 of the present invention is, for example, an engineering plastic. Specifically, polyamide 6, polyamide 66, polyamide 46, polyamide MXD6, polycarbonate, polyacetal, polyphenylene ether, PET ( Polyethylene terephthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), polyarylate, liquid crystal polyester, polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, aramid, non-heat Plastic polyimide, thermoplastic polyimide, fluorine resin, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, polymethylpentene, phenol resin, unsaturated polyester resin , 1 selected from the group consisting of epoxy resin, silicone, and diallyl phthalate resin
Types or combinations of two or more types are preferred. Among them, particularly preferably, although not limited, for example, a material having a tensile modulus of 2000 MPa or more and / or a material having a glass transition temperature of 150 ° C. or more can be used. In order to increase the modulus of elasticity and the glass transition temperature, the polymer material may be reinforced with fillers, fibers and the like. Here, the tensile modulus is measured by a method based on JIS K 7127. More specifically, a No. 1 test piece was prepared using a 100 μm film as a material, and the test speed was 450 mm / m in a test environment of 23 ° C. ± 2 ° C. and a relative humidity of 50 ± 5%.
In is a value obtained by taking the average of three points. The glass transition temperature is measured by a method according to JIS K7121.

Alternatively, the polymer material forming the tubular material is a non-thermoplastic polyimide resin or a thermoplastic polyimide resin.

Among them, a thermoplastic polyimide resin having a glass transition temperature Tg of 150 ° C. or higher, more preferably 230 ° C. or higher can be used. The medium transport belt 10 is a belt used for transporting paper or OHP film in an electrophotographic apparatus such as a copier, a laser beam printer, or a facsimile, or transporting paper or an OHP film in an inkjet printer apparatus or a bubble jet printer apparatus. A belt used for drying and the like. Therefore, under the use conditions of the belt, the thermoplastic polyimide resin constituting the medium transport belt 10 has a glass transition temperature Tg of 150 ° C. or more, more preferably 230 ° C. or more, so that the heat used at the glass transition temperature Tg or less is obtained. The plastic polyimide resin functions as a heat-resistant resin.

Next, an example of the thermoplastic polyimide resin used for the medium transport belt of the present invention will be described. The thermoplastic polyimide film, unlike a conventional non-thermoplastic (thermosetting) polyimide film, has melt flowability in a predetermined high temperature range while having heat resistance, and is excellent in workability. Also,
The adhesiveness of the joint portion in the heat resistant resin belt of the present invention is excellent as compared with a non-thermoplastic polyimide film. The thermoplastic polyimide according to the present invention has a chemical structural formula represented by the general formula (1)

[0030]

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Wherein m and n are integers, and the ratio of m / n is in the range of 0.01 to 100. A and B are both tetravalent organic groups, and X and Y Represents a divalent organic group).
Further, A in the general formula (1) derived from an acid dianhydride monomer is a monomer that imparts thermoplasticity.
General formula (2)

[0032]

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(In the formula, R ₁ and R ₂ each represent a divalent organic group.) It is preferable that at least one selected from the group of tetravalent organic groups represented by the following formula: Further, B in the general formula (1) is

[0034]

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It is preferable that at least one selected from the group of tetravalent organic groups represented by Further, as the diamine, X and Y in the general formula (1) are derived from a monomer that imparts thermoplasticity.

[0036]

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(In the formula, R ₃ represents a divalent organic group.)
And 5

[0038]

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It is preferable that at least one selected from the group of divalent organic groups represented by

Here, an example of a method for producing a thermoplastic polyimide applicable to the heat-resistant resin belt of the present invention will be described. The thermoplastic polyimide is first prepared from an acid dianhydride having an ester group in the molecular chain represented by the general formula (2) (preferably 10
-90 mol%) and an aromatic dianhydride (preferably pyromellitic dianhydride) represented by the above formula (3), and a diamine represented by the above formula (3) Are reacted in an organic solvent to obtain a polyamic acid solution which is a polyimide precursor solution. Then, by further heating and drying to imidize, polyimide is obtained. However, this embodiment is an exemplification and is not limited to this.

As the film of the polymer material used for the medium transport belt, for example, a film made of only the above-mentioned thermoplastic polyimide may be used, but a film obtained by mixing a mixture obtained by adding another resin to the thermoplastic polyimide is used. May be used.

The non-thermoplastic polyimide film used for the medium transport belt of the present invention is represented by the following general formula (4).

[0043]

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(However, R ₄ is

[0045]

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Wherein R ₅ is a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and m and n are integers. ) Can be used, but the film is not limited to this.

Some non-thermoplastic polyimide films include:
It includes all resins represented as thermosetting polyimide resins or reaction-curing polyimide resins. As the non-thermoplastic polyimide film, for example, a film made of only a non-thermoplastic polyimide resin may be used, or a film made of a non-thermoplastic polyimide film mixed with an additive may be used. To mix additives into the non-thermoplastic polyimide film, the precursor is mixed with the additives.

A method for forming a tubular material represented by the tubular material 12 in FIG. 1 will be described more specifically. Both ends of a non-thermoplastic polymer material film are joined with a thermoplastic material to form a tubular material. Method, a method of forming a tubular by heating and joining both ends of the thermoplastic polymer material film,
Alternatively, a method can be used in which a non-thermoplastic polymer material film and a thermoplastic polymer material film are laminated with their butted end positions shifted, formed into a tube, and heated and joined to form a tube. further,
It is also possible to use a method in which a non-thermoplastic polymer material or a thermoplastic polymer material is directly formed into a tube by a mold or the like, a method in which a varnish is formed, and a method in which the material is uniformly applied on a mold.
The tubular article may be formed by any method and is not particularly limited. Further, the tubular article may be obtained by forming a predetermined electrode pattern and / or an electrode protective layer on a polymer material film and then forming a tubular article.

An electrode 14 having a predetermined pattern is formed on the surface of the tubular object 12 shown in FIG. 1. The electrode pattern 14 has an end extending alternately so that a voltage can be applied. I have. The electrode pattern represented by the electrode pattern 14 in FIG. 1 is formed by screen-printing a conductive paste made of silver, copper, aluminum, carbon, or the like on the surface of a tubular object, or forming a metal foil or metal thin film of aluminum, copper, or the like on a tubular member. After being adhered to the surface of the object, it is formed into a predetermined pattern by etching, or formed into a predetermined pattern by depositing a metal such as aluminum through a mask on which the predetermined pattern is formed. Or to be configured. The electrode pattern is not limited to the shape of the electrode pattern 14 shown in FIG. 1. For example, the electrode pattern may be formed in a comb shape, and may be a pattern in which the comb teeth mesh with each other.

The medium transport belt 21 shown in FIG.
When the filler is filled between the electrode patterns as in the case of the medium transport belt 27 shown in (1), a material having a high insulating property is used as the filler. The volume resistivity of the filler is 10 ⁹ Ω
cm or more, more preferably 10 ¹² Ω · cm
It is more preferably at least 10 ¹⁵ Ω · cm. The filler may be a material made of the same resin or a composite resin as the electrode protective layer.

[0051] In addition, among these, under high temperature and high humidity
Current to prevent high current and maintain high adsorption power under high temperature and high humidity.
For this purpose, the lower the water absorption, the better. In particular, use environment 30
Water absorption rate when adsorption power at 80 ° C and 80% RH is required
It is preferable to use a resin of 1% or less, more preferably
It is preferable to use a resin of 0.5% or less.

Here, the water absorption is a value measured based on JIS K7209. More specifically, the film of the test piece was dried for 24 ± 1 hour in a constant temperature bath maintained at 50 ° C. ± 2 ° C., and the weight of the product cooled in a desiccator was set to W1, and immersed in distilled water for 24 hours. The weight of the surface from which water droplets were wiped off was designated as W2, and the water absorption (%) = (W2-W
1) Calculate by the formula of ÷ W1 × 100. Hereinafter, this measurement and calculation method will be used when referring to the water absorption in the present specification.

The filler to be filled between the electrodes is appropriately selected from a resin, a composite resin, and an inorganic material. As the resin, any resin can be used as long as the resin has a high volume specific resistance value, but engineering plastic is preferable. Specifically, the same types of resins as those exemplified as the material for manufacturing the tubular member of the medium transport belt of the present invention can be used. The filler can also be a mixture of two or more resins.

The composite resin in the filler refers to a resin obtained by mixing a resin and an inorganic additive. Examples of inorganic additives include ceramic materials and viscous minerals such as silica, alumina, zirconia, titania, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron nitride, mullite, magnesia, steatite, forsterite, zircon, cordierite, glass, and mica. And the like. A mixture of two or more of these may be used. Examples of the inorganic material include organometallic compounds that can be formed into an inorganic material after heat treatment, such as an organic silicon compound, an organic titanium compound, and an organic aluminum compound. A mixture of two or more of these may be used.

An electrode protection layer typified by the electrode protection layer 16 shown in FIG. 1 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular object on which the electrode pattern is formed, and the electrode pattern is protected from external force. One or more electrode protection layers may be formed.

Although this electrode protective layer is not particularly limited,
Resin alone or composite resin. Here, the composite resin in the electrode protection layer refers to a resin obtained by mixing an additive such as a conductive additive and / or a high dielectric constant additive into a single resin.

The resin used for the electrode protection layer 16 includes a thermoplastic resin, a non-thermoplastic resin, a rubber, and a thermoplastic elastomer. These include thermosetting resins, reaction-curing resins, and resins known as ionomers. More specifically, isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymer, AAS (acrylonitrile-acryl-styrene copolymer), AES (acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene copolymer), AS (acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer), ABS (acrylonitrile- Butadiene-styrene copolymer), ACS
(Acrylonitrile-chlorinated polyethylene-styrene copolymer), MBS (methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer), ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer, EV
A (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), EVA-based (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer), polyvinyl acetate, chlorinated vinyl chloride, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polypropylene, Carboxyvinyl polymer, ketone resin, norbornene resin, vinyl propionate, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), TPX, polybutadiene, PS (polystyrene), styrene maleic anhydride copolymer, methacryl, EMAA (ethylene methacrylic acid), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PVC
(Polyvinyl chloride), polyvinylidene chloride, PVA
(Polyvinyl alcohol), polyvinyl ether, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl formal, cellulosic, nylon 6, nylon 6 copolymer, nylon 66,
Nylon 610, nylon 612, nylon 11, nylon 12, copolymer nylon, nylon MXD, nylon 46, methoxymethylated nylon, aramid, PET
(Polyethylene terephthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PC (polycarbonate), PO
M (polyacetal), polyethylene oxide, PPE
(Polyphenylene ether), modified PPE (polyphenylene ether), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), PES (polyether sulfone), PSO (polysulfone), polyamine sulfone, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PAR (polyarylate), poly Paravinylphenol, polyparamethylenestyrene, polyallylamine, aromatic polyester, liquid crystal polymer, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), ETFE (tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene), FEP (tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene), EPE (tetra Fluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-perfluoroal, kill vinyl ether), PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether) ), PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene), ECTFE (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PVF (polyvinyl fluoride), PU (polyurethane), phenolic resin, urea resin, melamine-based Resin, guanamine resin, vinyl ester resin, unsaturated polyester, oligoester acrylate, diallyl phthalate, DKF resin, xylene resin, epoxy resin, furan resin, PI (polyimide), PEI (polyetherimide), PAI (polyamideimide) , Acrylic silicone, silicone, poly (p-hydroxybenzoic acid), maleic resin, NR
(Natural rubber), IR (isoprene rubber), SBR (styrene butadiene rubber), BR (butadiene rubber), CR
(Chloroprene rubber), IIR (isobutylene / isoprene rubber), NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber), EP
M (ethylene propylene rubber), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), CPE (chlorinated polyethylene rubber), CSM (chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber), ACM (acrylic rubber), ethylene acrylic rubber, U (urethane rubber), silicone rubber , Fluoro rubber, tetrafluoroethylene propylene rubber, CHR (epichlorohydrin rubber), polysulfide rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, special polyether rubber, liquid rubber, norbornene rubber, TPO (olefin thermoplastic elastomer), T
PU (urethane-based thermoplastic elastomer), PVC (PVC-based thermoplastic elastomer), TPS (styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer), TREE (polyester-based thermoplastic elastomer), PA-based (polyamide elastomer), PB-based (butadiene elastomer), Examples thereof include a soft fluororesin, a fluoroelastomer, an elastic epoxy resin, and the like, or a combination of two or more resins selected from these.

When the medium transport belt of the present invention is exposed to a high temperature, the resin forming the electrode protective layer is preferably a resin having a Tg of 150 ° C. or higher. More preferably, it is a polyimide resin or a thermoplastic polyimide resin having a Tg of 150 ° C. or higher.

Of these, in order to prevent leakage current under high temperature and high humidity, maintain high adsorption power under high temperature and high humidity, and to prevent dielectric breakdown when paper absorbs ink, The lower the water absorption of the resin forming the electrode protection layer 16 is, the better. In particular, when an adsorbing force at a use environment of 30 ° C. and 80% RH is required, it is preferable to use a resin having a water absorption of 1% or less, more preferably 0.5% or less. Specifically, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber having an absorption of 1% or less, olefin resin, styrene resin, acrylic resin, silicone resin, aromatic resin, polyacetal resin, polyvinylidene chloride resin, Selected from the group consisting of vinyl chloride resin, amide resin, urethane resin, nitrile resin, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, guanamine resin, vinyl ester resin, epoxy resin, furan resin, and fluorine resin. At least one resin or a chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber having a water absorption of 1% or less, an olefin resin, a styrene resin, an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, an aromatic resin, a polyacetal resin, a polyvinylidene chloride resin , Polyvinyl chloride resin, amide resin, c Tan resins, nitrile resins, phenol resins, urea resins, melamine resins,
Guanamine resin, vinyl ester resin, epoxy resin,
A mixed resin containing at least 30 vol% of at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a furan resin and a fluorine-based resin is exemplified.

When a resin having a water absorption of 1% or less is used for the electrode protective layer, it is preferable because the medium conveying belt is provided with the adsorbing power and the dielectric breakdown resistance under high temperature and high humidity.

Further, when it is desired to impart ink resistance to the belt surface, the electrode protective layer is formed by mixing a conductive additive and / or a high dielectric constant additive with the ink-resistant resin alone or the ink-resistant resin. Preferably, the composite resin is Alternatively, an outer peripheral layer is provided with a plurality of electrode protective layers, and the outer peripheral layer is formed of an ink-resistant resin alone or a composite resin obtained by mixing a conductive additive and / or a high dielectric constant additive with the ink-resistant resin. Can be formed. One or more outer peripheral layers may be formed.

Here, the ink-resistant resin is not limited, but may be selected from a fluorine resin, an olefin resin, a styrene resin, an acrylic resin, a silicone resin, a polyacetal resin, and an aromatic resin. At least one kind of resin or these resins
ol% or more.

Specific examples of such an ink-resistant resin include PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), ETF
E (tetrafluoroethylene-ethylene), FEP (tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene),
EPE (tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-perfluoroal, kill vinyl ether), P
FA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether), PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene), ECTFE (ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene), PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), PVF (polyvinyl fluoride), vinylidene fluoride -Hexafluoropropylene-based, vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene-tetrafluoroethylene-based rubber, vinylidene fluoride-pentafluoropropylene-based rubber, vinylidene fluoride-pentafluoropropylene-tetrafluoroethylene-based rubber, vinylidene fluoride-perfluoro Methyl vinyl ether-tetrafluoroethylene rubber, vinylidene fluoride-chlorotrifluoroethylene rubber, fluoro rubber Typically, DAI-EL T-530,
Daiel T-630 (thermoplastic fluororubber manufactured by Daikin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.), soft fluororesin (typically, Cefralsoft G150F100N, Cefralsoft G1)
50F200), fluorine elastomer, isobutylene maleic anhydride copolymer, AAS (acrylonitrile-
Acrylic-styrene copolymer), AES (acrylonitrile-ethylene-styrene copolymer), AS (acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer), ACS (acrylonitrile-chlorinated polyethylene- Styrene copolymer), MBS (methyl methacrylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer), ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer, EVA
(Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer), EVOH (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer), chlorinated vinyl chloride, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polypropylene, carboxyvinyl polymer, norbornene Resin, PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), TPX, polybutadiene, PS (polystyrene), styrene maleic anhydride copolymer, methacryl, EMAA (ethylene methacrylic acid), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), polyvinyl ether, polyvinyl butyral , Polyvinyl formal, NR (natural rubber), IR (isoprene rubber),
SBR (styrene butadiene rubber), BR (butadiene rubber), CR (chloroprene rubber), IIR (isobutylene / isoprene rubber), NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber), EPM (ethylene propylene rubber), EPDM
(Ethylene propylene diene rubber), CPE (chlorinated polyethylene rubber), CSM (chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber), ACM (acrylic rubber), ethylene acrylic rubber, norbornene rubber, TPO (olefin-based thermoplastic elastomer), TPS (styrene-based) Thermoplastic elastomer), PB type (butadiene elastomer), PVC
(PVC), PVC (PVC thermoplastic elastomer), silicone rubber, acrylic silicone, PO
M, PEEK, PEK, PPE, PPS, PSF, PE
It may be at least one or a combination of two or more selected from S, PBT, PET, PEN, PC, PAR, and liquid crystal polyester.

Among such ink-resistant resins, a resin having a specific structure can be preferably used. Specifically, -CH ₂ -CF ₂ - or a fluorine-based resin having a structure of _{-CH 2 -CHF-; -CH 2 -CCl 2} - polyvinylidene chloride having a structure of the resin; -CH ₂ -CHC
a polyvinyl chloride resin having a 1- structure; and -CH
_2- CR ₁ R _2- (R ₁ is H, CH ₃ , Ph, COO
X and R ₂ are H, CH ₃ , Ph, COOX, and X is an organic group. Examples include, but are not limited to, olefin-based resins, styrene-based resins, and acrylic resins having the structure of (1).

The volume resistivity of the electrode protection layer 16 is particularly limited.
Although not specified, preferably 10⁹-10^FifteenΩ · cm
Yes, more preferably 10^Ten-10¹⁴Ω · cm is good,
And the dielectric constant is 3.0 or more, preferably 5.0 or more.
Is good. Volume resistivity is 10 ⁹Ω ・ cm
Insufficient insulation between adjacent electrodes causes leakage current
I will be. In addition, the volume resistivity is 10^FifteenΩ · cm above
If it turns, it is difficult for charges to be induced on the surface of the electrode protection layer.
And the adsorbing power decreases. Also, the voltage applied to the electrode
After removing the paper, the residual charge remains for a long time,
It is not preferable because it remains. On the other hand, the dielectric constant is below 3.0
When it is turned, the charge on the belt surface becomes
It is not preferable because the attraction force becomes insufficient.

[0066] The electrode protection layer has the above-described predetermined volume resistivity and
The electrode protection layer is adjusted to have a dielectric constant.
Apply conductive powder and / or high dielectric constant powder to the constituent resin.
It is preferable to mix them appropriately.

Here, as the conductive powder used for adjusting the volume resistivity of the electrode protective layer, carbon powder, graphite, metal powder, metal oxide powder, conductive-treated metal oxide, antistatic agent And at least one selected from these depending on the purpose.
More than one kind of conductive powder is used. The amount of the conductive powder to be added is appropriately set depending on the intended volume resistivity of the electrode protective layer, but is usually preferably 2 to 50 vol%, and more preferably 3 to 30 vol%, based on the total volume of the electrode protective layer. More preferred. The size of the conductive powder is appropriately selected according to the purpose, but preferably has an average particle diameter of usually 50 μm or less, more preferably has an average particle diameter of less than 10 μm, and has an average particle diameter of 1 μm or less. Is more preferred.

As the high dielectric constant powder used for adjusting the dielectric constant of the electrode protective layer, an inorganic powder having a dielectric constant of 50 or more is used. For example, titanium oxide, barium titanate, potassium titanate, titanium Examples include lead oxide, lead niobate, zirconate titanate, and magnetic powder. More preferably, an inorganic powder having a dielectric constant of 100 or more is preferably used. For example, barium titanate,
Examples include lead zirconate titanate, titanium oxide, and magnetic powder. The shape of the high dielectric constant powder is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a spherical shape, a flake shape, a whisker shape, or the like.
More than one kind of high dielectric constant powder is used. The size of the high dielectric constant powder is not particularly limited. For example, in the case of a spherical shape, the average particle size is preferably 50 μm or less, more preferably the average particle size is less than 10 μm,
Those having an average particle size of 1 μm or less are more preferred. In the case of a whisker, the length is 50 μm or less and the diameter is 0.5 to
Those having a size of 20 μm can be used. Furthermore, the amount of the high dielectric constant powder to be added is appropriately set depending on the desired dielectric constant of the electrode protective layer, but is usually preferably 5 to 50 vol%, more preferably 10 to 30 vol%.

The structure of the medium transport belt is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, but may be formed by forming a resin layer 22 on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular member 12 as shown by a two-dot line in FIG.
By forming a resin layer 22 of the same material and substantially the same thickness as the outer peripheral layer 20 on the inner peripheral surface of the tubular object 12, the obtained medium transport belt 24 can be prevented from warping.

As shown in FIG. 6, an electrode pattern 14 and an electrode protection layer 16 are laminated on the outer peripheral surface of
It is also preferable to form a resin layer 26 of the same material and substantially the same thickness as the electrode protection layer 16 on the inner peripheral surface side of the tubular object 12. It is possible to prevent the obtained medium transport belt 28 from warping.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7, an electrode pattern 14 and an electrode protection layer 16 are laminated on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular object 12, and the electrode protective layer 16 is provided on the inner peripheral surface side of the tubular object 12.
A resin layer 26 made of the same material as the above is provided with substantially the same thickness.
Forming a peripheral layer 20 for protecting the medium transport belt 30
May be configured. In this case, the material of the outer peripheral layer 20 does not need to be the same as that of the resin layer 26 on the inner peripheral surface side. Further, it is preferable to provide a resin layer 32 made of the same material as that of the outer peripheral layer 20 with substantially the same thickness on the inner surface of the resin layer 26 on the inner peripheral surface side of the medium transport belt 30. In any case, the thickness of the electrode pattern can be less than 10 μm, preferably less than 5 μm.

Further, although not shown, in a configuration in which the outer peripheral layer and / or the inner peripheral layer are provided, a filler made of the same or different material as the electrode protective layer is embedded between the electrode patterns to form the medium transport belt. May be.

In any case, the surface roughness Ra of the outermost peripheral surface of the medium transport belt of the present invention is preferably 0.5 μm or less, and more preferably 0.2 μm or less.

The example of the configuration of the medium transport belt according to the present invention has been described above. Next, an example of a method of manufacturing the medium transport belt will be described using the medium transport belt 10 as an example. First,
After a tubular material 12 made of a polymer material serving as a base is formed as a seamless belt by a casting method, an electrode pattern 14 is formed on the outer surface of the tubular material 12.
Further, the electrode patterns 14 alternately extending on the outer peripheral surface.
The medium transport belt 10 is manufactured by forming the electrode protective layer 16 by, for example, a coating method except for the end portions of the above.

After a film is formed in advance from a polyimide resin, both ends of the film are joined to form a belt to obtain a tubular material 12, and then an electrode pattern 14 and an electrode protection layer 16 are formed in the same manner as described above. The medium transport belt 10 may be manufactured by performing the following steps. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8, an electrode pattern 14 is formed on the surface of a film 18 formed of a polyimide resin, and then an electrode protection layer 16 is further formed as shown by a two-dot chain line. May be joined to form a belt shape to manufacture the medium transport belt 10. In this case, when a filler is buried between the electrode patterns, the filler is buried before the electrode protection layer 16 is formed. Further, after the electrode pattern 14 is formed on the surface of the film 18 formed of a polyimide resin, both ends of the film 18 are joined to form a belt, and then the electrode protection layer 16 is further formed as shown by a two-dot chain line. Thus, the medium transport belt 10 can be manufactured. Here, when the filler is buried between the electrode patterns, the filler is formed before forming the belt shape.

In these manufacturing methods, the electrode protection layer 1
The method of forming 6 is to form the electrode protection layer 16 by, for example, coating the resin in a varnish form and applying the varnish on the electrode pattern 14, or to previously form the electrode protection layer in a film form, There is a method of laminating or winding one or more layers of the film on the electrode pattern 14 to form the electrode protection layer 16. Examples of the laminating method or the winding method include, but are not limited to, a thermocompression bonding method using a hot press method or a hot roll method.

In these manufacturing methods, the method of filling the gap between the electrode patterns 14 with the filler 25 is such that the insulating material is formed in a varnish shape, and the varnish is formed in the electrode pattern 1.
4, a filler 25 or a film made of an insulating material is cut into widths between the electrode patterns, laminated between the electrode patterns to form a filler 25, or bonded with an adhesive or an adhesive. There is a method to make the filler 25 by
It is not limited to these. It is also possible to apply the material of the electrode protection layer as a varnish and form the filler 25 and the electrode protection layer 16 at the same time.

The method for producing the medium transport belt of the present invention can be appropriately selected according to the purpose of the obtained medium transport belt, and is appropriately selected according to the material of the tubular material 12. Further, the manufacturing method can be appropriately set in accordance with the structure of another medium transport belt.

Although the medium transport belt according to the present invention has been described above, the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to these. In addition, it is possible to arbitrarily perform various treatments on the surface of the obtained medium transport belt, and the present invention can be variously improved, modified, and modified based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention.
The present invention can be implemented in a modified mode.

[0080]

(Example 1) A non-thermoplastic polyimide film (Apical 50NPI (manufactured by Kaneka Chemical Co., Ltd.)) having a thickness of 50 μm was coated with an epoxy-based silver paste to form an electrode having a width of 6 μm.
mm, electrode distance 3 mm, electrode pattern 1 having a thickness of 9 μm
4 was formed. On this electrode pattern 14, a soft fluororesin (Sefuralsoft G150F200 (manufactured by Central Glass Co., Ltd.)) film was heated at 200 ° C. by using a hot press.
At a pressure of 50 kg / cm ² and a thickness of 125
A μm electrode protection layer 16 was formed.

The difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness was 8 μm. The obtained film was formed into a tube to prepare a medium transport belt of the present invention.

In order to measure the paper adsorbing force of the medium transport belt, a DC voltage of 3 kV was applied between the electrodes of the electrode pattern, and as shown in FIG.
%) The lower A5 size paper 40 was adsorbed to the belt 10. Thereafter, the paper 40 was pulled in a direction parallel to the surface of the belt 10 in the direction of the arrow in the figure, and the maximum force when the paper 40 was moved was measured as the attraction force. As shown in Table 1, the medium transport belt 10 of the present invention was very excellent in the NN attracting force of the paper 40.

The ink resistance of the medium transport belt 10 was evaluated as follows. An inkjet ink (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) is dropped on the electrode protection layer, and the electrode protection layer is coated with a urethane blade (hardness 65 to 75,
Tensile strength 200-400 kgf / cm ² , elongation 300-
400%, tensile modulus of 45 to 80 kgf / cm ² )
It was scraped off with a force of about 3 kg and the appearance was observed. In Table 1, a sample where the ink was not removed was marked "x", and a sample where the ink was removed was marked "O". As shown in Table 1, the medium transport belt of the present invention was excellent in ink scraping property.

[0084]

[Table 1]

Example 2 A medium transport belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the electrode pattern was formed to a thickness of 5 μm. The difference between the maximum and minimum thickness of the media transport belt is 3
μm.

In the same manner as in Example 1, the NN adsorbing power of the paper 40 and the ink scraping property were measured. Table 1 shows the results. The medium transport belt of the present invention has a
The ink had excellent ink scraping properties.

Example 3 A non-thermoplastic polyimide film (Apical 50NPI (manufactured by Kaneka Chemical Co., Ltd.)) having a thickness of 50 μm was coated with an epoxy silver paste to form an electrode having a width of 6 μm.
An electrode pattern 14 having a thickness of 20 μm, a distance between electrodes of 3 mm and a thickness of 20 μm was formed. An insulating paste (FC-230G) having a volume resistivity of 10 ¹⁵ Ω · cm is provided between the electrode patterns.
-21, manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.) at a thickness similar to the thickness of the electrode pattern, and dried and cured at 100 ° C. for 1 hour. Thereafter, a soft fluororesin (Sefuralsoft G1)
A 50F200 (manufactured by Central Glass Co., Ltd.)) film was bonded using a hot press at 200 ° C. under a pressure of 50 kg / cm ² to form an electrode protection layer 16 having a thickness of 125 μm. The difference between the maximum and minimum thickness of the media transport belt is 2
μm.

In the same manner as in Example 1, the NN adsorbing power and the ink scraping property of the paper 40 were measured. Table 1 shows the results. The medium transport belt of the present invention has a
The ink had excellent ink scraping properties.

(Example 4) A non-thermoplastic polyimide film (Apical 50NPI (manufactured by Kaneka Chemical Co., Ltd.)) having a thickness of 50 μm was coated with an epoxy-based silver paste to form an electrode having a width of 6 μm.
An electrode pattern 14 having a thickness of 20 μm, a distance between electrodes of 3 mm and a thickness of 20 μm was formed. After embedding an insulating paste between the electrode patterns using the same material and the same method as in Example 3,
On top of this, an epoxy composed of a 2: 1 mixture of bisphenol A type epoxy resin (Epicoat 1001 (Yukaka Epoxy Co., Ltd.)) and novolak type phenol resin (PSM-4327 (Gunei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.)). A resin was applied to form an electrode protection layer having a thickness of 25 μm. On top of this electrode protection layer, a further (Sefralsoft G150F200
(Central Glass Co., Ltd.))
The outer peripheral layer 20 having a thickness of 100 μm was formed by bonding at 00 ° C. under a pressure of 50 kg / cm ² . The difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness of the medium transport belt was 2 μm.

In the same manner as in Example 1, the NN adsorbing power of the paper 40 and the ink scraping property were measured. Table 1 shows the results. The medium transport belt of the present invention has a
The ink had excellent ink scraping properties.

Example 5 A paste having a volume resistivity of 10 ⁸ Ω · cm (a mixed resin 85 v of 2: 1 of 15 vol% of carbon black, a bisphenol A type epoxy resin and a novolak type phenol resin) was applied between the electrode patterns 14.
ol% of the mixture) to obtain a medium transport belt in the same manner as in Example 3. The difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness was 2 μm.

In the same manner as in Example 1, the paper 40 was evaluated for the NN adsorption power and the ink scraping property. Table 1 shows the results. The paper 40NN adsorption power was inferior to Example 3, and the ink scraping property was as excellent as Example 3.

Comparative Example 1 An electrode pattern 14 having a thickness of 30
A medium transport belt was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the belt was formed with a thickness of μm. The difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness was 28 μm.

In the same manner as in Example 1, the paper 40 was evaluated for the NN adsorption power and the ink scraping property. Table 1 shows the results. The paper 40NN adsorption power and the ink scraping property were inferior to those of Examples 1 to 3.

(Comparative Example 2) A non-thermoplastic polyimide film (Apical 50NPI (manufactured by Kaneka Chemical Co., Ltd.)) having a thickness of 50 μm was coated with an epoxy silver paste to form an electrode having a width of 6 μm.
The electrode pattern 14 having a thickness of 30 mm was formed with a distance of 3 mm between the electrodes. On this electrode pattern 14, a cresol novolak type epoxy resin (Epicoat 180S65
(Yukaka Shell Epoxy Co., Ltd.)) and novolak type phenolic resin (PSM-4327 (Gunei Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.))
An epoxy resin consisting of a mixture of 2: 1 was applied to form an electrode protection inner layer 16 having a thickness of 25 μm. On this electrode protection layer 16, a further (Sefralsoft G150F200
(Central Glass Co., Ltd.))
The outer peripheral layer 20 having a thickness of 100 μm was formed by bonding at 00 ° C. under a pressure of 50 kg / cm ² . The difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness was 25 μm.

In the same manner as in Example 1, the NN adsorbing power of the paper 40 and the ink scraping property were evaluated. Table 1 shows the results. Paper 40NN adsorption power and ink scraping property were inferior to those of Example 4.

[0097]

According to the medium transport belt of the present invention, a conductive electrode pattern is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a tubular material formed of a polymer material, and an electrode protective layer is formed on the electrode pattern. Further, an outer peripheral layer is further formed as necessary. In the medium transport belt of the present invention, the difference between the thickness of the portion including the electrode pattern and the thickness of the portion not including the electrode pattern is smaller than 10 μm, so that the toner and the ink are excellent in scraping property and the paper and the OHP are sufficiently absorbed. Can be transported.

[0098] The medium transport belt of the present invention can also be configured such that the thickness of the electrode pattern is less than 10 µm. In this case, a medium transport belt in which the difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness is less than 10 μm can be easily obtained.

The medium transport belt of the present invention is also filled with a material having a volume resistivity of 10 ⁹ Ω · cm or more so as to be within a range of ± 10 μm between electrode patterns with respect to the thickness of the electrode patterns. It is obtained by doing. Such a medium transport belt is excellent in scraping properties of toner and ink while maintaining excellent suction power.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory perspective view of a medium transport belt according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional explanatory view of a main part of the medium transport belt shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional explanatory view of a main part showing another embodiment of a medium transport belt according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional explanatory view of a main part showing still another embodiment of the medium transport belt according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional explanatory view of a main part showing still another embodiment of the medium transport belt according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional explanatory view of a main part showing still another embodiment of the medium transport belt according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional explanatory view of a main part showing still another embodiment of the medium transport belt according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory plan view of a main part showing an embodiment of the method for manufacturing the medium transport belt shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory plan view of a main part showing a method for testing the attraction force of the medium transport belt according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10, 21, 24, 27, 28, 30: Medium transport belt 12: Tubular object 14: Electrode pattern 16: Electrode protective layer 18: Film 20: Outer peripheral layer 22, 26, 32: Resin layer 25: Filler 40: Paper

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 3F101 LA05 LA07 LB03 LB08 4F213 AA16 AA40 AD15 AG03 AG16 WA14 WA40 WA41 WA52 WA56 WB01 WB11 WF05 WF46

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A medium carrier in which a conductive electrode pattern is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a tubular article formed of a polymer material, and one or more electrode protective layers are formed on the electrode pattern. A medium transport belt, wherein a difference between a maximum thickness and a minimum thickness is less than 10 μm. 2. The medium transport belt according to claim 1, wherein a difference between the maximum thickness and the minimum thickness is less than 5 μm. 3. The medium transport belt according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the electrode pattern is less than 10 μm. 4. The medium transport belt according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the electrode pattern is less than 5 μm. 5. A material having a volume resistivity of at least 10 ⁹ Ω · cm is filled between the electrode patterns.
Or the medium transport belt according to 2. 6. The method for manufacturing a medium transport belt according to claim 5, wherein a volume specific resistance between the electrode patterns is one.
A method for manufacturing a medium transport belt, characterized by filling a material having a thickness of at least ^{9 9} Ω · cm with a thickness in the range of ± 10 µm with respect to the thickness of the electrode pattern. 7. The method for manufacturing a medium transport belt according to claim 5, wherein a volume specific resistance between the electrode patterns is one.
A method for manufacturing a medium transport belt, comprising filling a material having a thickness of at least ^{9 9} Ω · cm with a thickness in a range of ± 5 μm with respect to the thickness of the electrode pattern. [0000]