JPH09151343A - Recording liquid and recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To impart a recorded image with aromatic function. SOLUTION: An ejection medium containing an ink and a perfume is used in a recording process comprising the ejection of the droplets of the ejection medium and the application of the droplets to a recording object. In the case of recording by ejecting mixed liquid droplets mixed with a quantitative medium or the ejection medium and applying the ejected droplets to a recording object, a perfume is added to the ejection medium and/or the quantitative medium. The quantitative medium contains one of the dilution liquid or the ink and the ejection medium contains the other component.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a recording liquid and a recording method. Specifically, by adding a fragrance to the recording liquid,
The present invention relates to a recording liquid and a recording method capable of forming a recorded image having an aroma.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, especially in offices and the like, document creation using a computer called desktop publishing has become popular, and recently, not only letters and figures but also a natural color like a photograph is displayed. There is also an increasing demand for outputting images together with characters and figures. Along with this, it is required to print a high-quality natural image, and reproducing halftones is becoming important.

Further, a so-called on-demand type printer device, in which ink droplets are ejected from nozzles to print on a print medium such as paper or film only when necessary in accordance with a print signal, is small in size and low in cost. Since it can be made into a new material, it is rapidly spreading in recent years.

Various methods have been proposed for discharging ink droplets as described above, and a method using a piezo element or a method using a heating element is generally used.
The former is a method in which pressure is applied to ink to discharge it by deformation of a piezo element. The latter is a method in which the ink is ejected at a pressure of bubbles generated by heating and boiling the ink by the heating element.

Various methods have been proposed as a method for reproducing the above-mentioned halftone with the above-mentioned on-demand type printer device for ejecting ink droplets. That is, the first method is to control the size of a droplet to be ejected by changing the voltage or the pulse width of the voltage pulse applied to the piezo element or the heating element, and to express the gradation by changing the diameter of the print dot. To be

However, according to this method, if the voltage or pulse width applied to the piezo element or the heating element is too low, ink cannot be ejected, so that the minimum droplet diameter is limited, and the number of gradation stages that can be expressed is small. Expression of low density is difficult, and it is not enough to print out a natural image.

As a second method, one pixel is constituted by a matrix of, for example, 4 × 4 dots without changing the dot diameter, and gradation expression is performed in a unit of this matrix using a so-called dither method. Method. In this case, expression of 17 gradations is possible.

However, in this method, for example, when printing is performed at the same dot density as in the first method, the resolution becomes the first.
And the roughness is conspicuous, which is insufficient for printing out a natural image.

[0009]

On the other hand, the inventors of the present invention changed the concentration of the ejected ink droplets by ejecting the diluent and the ink while mixing them, and It has been proposed to provide a printer device that enables controlling the density, expresses gradation without causing deterioration of resolution, and prints out a natural image.

By the way, as the resolution of the recorded image has been increased, the recorded image can be used for various purposes such as displaying it for viewing, printing it on a postcard, etc. and using it as a card. The number of users is increasing. Therefore, it is very likely that such a recorded image will be used in various fields in the future, and it is very likely that the recorded image is required to have other functions.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a recording liquid and a recording method capable of imparting an aroma function to such a recorded image.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the recording liquid of the present invention is characterized in that at least a fragrance is contained in the recording liquid for recording by ejecting and depositing liquid droplets. It is what

Further, the recording liquid of the present invention is characterized by containing an ink or a diluting liquid.

Further, the recording method of the present invention is characterized in that, when the recording medium is recorded by discharging droplets of the discharging medium, the discharging medium contains at least ink and fragrance. To do.

Further, according to the recording method of the present invention, at least one of the ejection medium and the quantification medium is at least when ejecting mixed droplets in which the quantification medium is mixed with the ejection medium and adhering it to the recording material. It is characterized by containing a fragrance.

At this time, the quantitative medium contains one of the diluent and the ink, and the ejection medium contains the other one.

When the recording liquid of the present invention is used, the perfume is dispersed in the recorded image to be recorded, and the recorded image has an aroma.

If a recording liquid containing ink is used among the recording liquids of the present invention, and the liquid droplets are discharged from the recording liquid as an ejection medium and the recording material is made to adhere to the recording material, it has an aroma. The recorded image is recorded.

Further, among the recording liquids of the present invention, for example, a liquid containing ink is used as a quantitative medium, a diluting liquid is used as an ejection medium, and a mixed liquid droplet in which the quantitative medium is mixed with the ejection medium is ejected to produce a recording material. A recording image having a fragrance is formed even when the recording is performed by applying the recording medium onto the. Even if the recording liquid of the present invention is used as the ejection medium and the diluting liquid is used as the quantitative medium, a recorded image having an aroma is similarly formed.
Further, among the recording liquids of the present invention, for example, one containing a diluent is used as a quantitative medium, ink is used as an ejection medium, or the recording liquid of the present invention is used as an ejection medium, and ink is used as a quantitative medium. Even so, a recorded image having an aroma is formed. Furthermore, even if both the quantitative medium and the ejection medium are used as the recording liquid of the present invention, a recorded image having an aroma is formed.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

As a liquid jet recording apparatus equipped with a printer apparatus to which the recording method using the recording liquid of the present invention is applied, there is a so-called serial type apparatus having a structure as shown in FIG. That is, a drum 2 on which a print paper 1 as a material to be printed (recording material) is supported and a printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied are configured.
It is mainly composed of a print head 3 for printing (recording).

At this time, the print paper 1 is the drum 2
The paper is pressed and held on the drum 2 by a paper pressure roller 4 provided in parallel to the axial direction. A feed screw 5 is provided near the outer periphery of the drum 2 in parallel with the axial direction of the drum 2. The print head 3 is held by the feed screw 5. That is, the print head 3 is configured to move in the axial direction of the drum 2 as indicated by an arrow M in the figure by the rotation of the feed screw 5.

On the other hand, the drum 2 includes a pulley 6, a belt 7,
It is rotationally driven by a motor 9 via a pulley 8 as indicated by an arrow m in the figure. Further, the rotation of the feed screw 5 and the motor 9 and the print head 3 are driven and controlled by the head drive, head feed control, and drum rotation control 10 based on the print data and the control signal 11.

In the above arrangement, the print head 3
When is moved to perform printing (recording) for one line, the drum 2 is rotated by one line and the next printing is performed. When the print head 3 moves and prints, it may be unidirectional or reciprocal.

As a liquid jet recording apparatus equipped with a printer apparatus to which the recording method of the present invention is applied, there is also a so-called line type apparatus having a structure as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, this liquid jet recording apparatus has substantially the same configuration as the liquid jet recording apparatus shown in FIG.
A print head in which a plurality of print heads are fixed and arranged in the axial direction of the drum 2 instead of the print head 3 which is held by the feed screw 5 and is movable in the axial direction of the drum 2 by rotation of the feed screw 5. Twelve are arranged. That is, the print head 12
In this case, one line is printed at the same time, and when one line is printed, the drum 2 is rotated by one line and the next printing is performed. Further, in this case, it is possible to print one line at a time, divide one line into a plurality of blocks, or alternately print every other line.

A block diagram of the printing and control system in such a liquid jet recording apparatus is shown in FIG. The signal input 21 such as print data is input to the signal processing control circuit 22,
The signal processing control circuit 22 arranges them in the printing order and sends them to the head 24 (print head) via the driver 23. The printing order differs depending on the configuration of the head 24 and the printing unit, and also has a relationship with the input order of the printing data. If necessary, the printing order is temporarily recorded in a memory 25 such as a line buffer memory or a one-screen memory and then taken out. To the head 24, a gradation signal and an ejection signal are input.

When the number of nozzles is very large in a multi-head, an IC is mounted on the head 24 to reduce the number of wirings connected to the head 24. Further, a correction 26 is connected to the signal processing control circuit 22 so that γ correction,
Color correction in the case of color, variation correction of each head, and the like are performed. In the correction 26, the predetermined correction data is
It is generally stored in the M map format and taken out in accordance with external conditions such as nozzle number, temperature, and input signal.

The signal processing control circuit 22 includes a CPU and a DSP.
Generally, the processing is performed by software, and the processed signal is sent to various control motor drives and the like 27. In various control motor drive and others 27, control such as drive of a motor for rotatingly driving a drum and a feed screw, synchronization, cleaning of a head, supply and discharge of print paper, and the like are performed. Further, it goes without saying that the signals include an operation unit signal other than print data and an external control signal.

Next, the structure of the print head 3 which constitutes the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied will be described. However, here, an example of a print head of a printer device of a so-called carrier jet system that mixes and ejects these while mixing ink with a diluting liquid is described, and an example of a print head having a plurality of nozzle groups is described.
It is assumed to have a plurality of nozzle sets corresponding to the structure of the liquid jet recording apparatus described above. Print head 3
4, the ink and the diluent are mixed and ejected, and the pressure chamber unit 31 having two types of pressure chambers and the first piezo unit 32 corresponding to the above two types of pressure chambers.
And a head block 63 composed of the second piezo unit 33, and a diluent tank and an ink tank (not shown). The head block 63
Are formed according to the color type of the ink filled in the ink tank.

The pressure chamber unit 31, which mixes and ejects the ink and the diluting liquid as described above, has a first diluting liquid ejection port inside as shown in the enlarged view of FIG.
Nozzle 34, a first introduction port 35 communicating with this, a second nozzle 36 serving as an ink ejection port, and a second introduction port 37 communicating with this are formed in a plate shape. The orifice plate 38 and the pressure chamber side wall 3 as shown in FIG.
9a, 39b, 39c, 39d and 39e are formed as partition walls, and are constituted by a first pressure chamber 40 serving as a diluting liquid channel, a second pressure chamber 41 serving as an ink channel, and a vibrating plate 42. To be done.

In the orifice plate 38, as shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 5, one ends of the first and second nozzles 34 and 36 face the one main surface 38a serving as a print surface, and the first and second nozzles 34 and 36 face each other. One end of each of the first and second inlets 35 and 37 communicating with the second nozzles 34 and 36 has the one main surface 38.
The rear surface 38b facing a is exposed. Therefore, the first introduction port 35 and the first nozzle 34 as a whole penetrate through the orifice plate 38, and the second introduction port 37.
The second nozzle 36 and the orifice plate 3 as a whole
8 will be penetrated. The first and second nozzles 34 and 36 are formed so that the angle between the opening directions indicated by θ in FIG. 5 is, for example, 45 °, and these nozzles form a nozzle group.

Further, in the orifice plate 38, as shown in FIG. 4, the first and second nozzles 3 are provided.
4, 36, and a first supply chamber 43 having a substantially U-shaped cross-section and serving as a diluent reservoir so as to sandwich the first and second introduction ports 35, 37.
And a second supply chamber 44 having a substantially U-shaped cross section, which serves as an ink reservoir
However, the opening is formed so as to face the back surface 38b facing the one main surface 38a which is the printing surface.

At this time, pressure chamber side walls 39a, 39b, as partition walls, are formed on the back surface 38b side of the orifice plate 38.
39c, 39d, 39e are formed in a laminated manner, and the opening of the first supply chamber 43 and the opening of the first inlet 35 are formed by the portions where the pressure chamber side walls 39a, 39b, 39c, 39d, 39e are not formed. The first pressure chamber 40 serving as a flow path is formed, and the opening of the second supply chamber 44 and the opening of the second inlet 37 are connected to form a second flow path.
The pressure chamber 41 is formed.

The pressure chamber side walls 39a, 39b,
A vibration plate 42 is laminated on 39c, 39d and 39e to close the first and second pressure chambers 40 and 41.

Further, the first piezo unit 32 is
A first laminated piezo element 45 in the form of a plate in which piezoelectric materials and conductive materials are alternately laminated, a first support 46 for fixing one end of the first laminated piezo element 45, And a first holder 47 for fixing the first support 46 to which the laminated piezo element 45 is fixed to the pressure chamber unit 31. The same applies to the second piezo unit 33, in which one end of a second laminated piezo element 48 is fixed to a second support 49, and these are attached to the pressure chamber unit 31 by a second holder 50. Fixed.

The first and second laminated piezoelectric elements 45,
Reference numeral 48 denotes a layer obtained by laminating a piezoelectric material and a conductive material in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the first and second pressure chambers 40 and 41;
Alternatively, either one laminated in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction may be used. The laminated piezo element has a characteristic of extending in the laminating direction when a voltage is applied.

Therefore, the former laminated piezo element expands in the longitudinal direction of the first and second pressure chambers 40 and 41 by the application of a voltage, but contracts in the direction orthogonal thereto. Therefore, this laminated piezo element does not apply pressure to the pressure chamber. Such a laminated piezo element is referred to as d
_This is referred to as a _31- mode laminated piezo element.

On the other hand, in the latter laminated piezoelectric element,
When a voltage is applied, the first and second pressure chambers 40 and 41 extend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and apply pressure to the pressure chambers. Such laminated piezoelectric element is referred to as a laminated piezoelectric element of the d ₃₃ mode.

The first laminated piezo element 45 is arranged so as to face the first pressure chamber 40 via the diaphragm 42, and the second laminated piezo element 48 is also arranged in the diaphragm 42.
It is arranged so as to face the second pressure chamber 41 via.

Therefore, in the head block 63 having the above-described structure, the diluting liquid passes from the diluting liquid tank (not shown) to the first supply chamber 4 through the supply pipe and the supply groove (not shown).
3, the first nozzle 34, which is connected to the first inlet 35 through the first pressure chamber 40 as shown in FIG.
First meniscus D ₁ is formed on the tip portion.

The same applies to one of the inks, which is supplied from the ink tank (not shown) to the second supply chamber 44 through the supply pipe and the supply groove (not shown), and from there, as shown in FIG. The second meniscus D ₂ is formed at the tip of the second nozzle 36 by filling the second nozzle 36 communicating with the second inlet 37 through 41.

Further, in the head block 63,
As described above, the plurality of nozzle sets including the first nozzles 34 and the second nozzles 36 are arranged adjacent to each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the one main surface 38 a side of the orifice plate 38 of the head block 63, the plurality of nozzle groups 60 composed of the first and second nozzles 34, 36 have the first nozzles 34 adjacent to each other. , The second nozzles 36 are arranged adjacent to each other.

Further, the head block 63 is designated by AA in FIG.
A cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by'is shown in FIG. 7. In the orifice plate 38, a plurality of first nozzles 34 communicating with the first introducing port 35 are arranged adjacent to each other, A plurality of pressure chambers 40 are also arranged adjacent to each other. Further, a plurality of first laminated piezo elements 45 facing the plurality of first pressure chambers 40 are also arranged adjacent to each other, one end of which is held by the support body 46, and further, the support body 4
6 is fixed to the first holder 47.

The head block 63 has a first supply pipe 6 for supplying a diluent, for example, to a first supply chamber (not shown).
2 and a second supply pipe 53 for connecting this to an external diluent tank (not shown) are also formed. In addition, the head block 63 has the same configuration on the second nozzle 36 side.

Next, FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the orifice plate 38 taken in the vicinity of the first and second pressure chambers 40 and 41. The first supply chamber 43 is divided into a plurality of first pressure chambers 40. Corresponding sizes are formed at corresponding positions, these first pressure chambers 40 are respectively connected to the first supply chamber 43, and the first supply chamber 43 and the first supply pipe 62 are They are connected by the first supply groove 54.

On the other hand, the second supply chamber 44 is formed in a size corresponding to the plurality of second pressure chambers 41 and at the corresponding positions, and these second pressure chambers 41 are formed in the second supply chambers 44. , And the second supply chamber 44 and the third supply pipe 55 are connected by a second supply groove 56. At this time, the third supply pipe 55 is connected to the external ink tank and the first supply pipe 62 by the fourth supply pipe (not shown).

Next, FIG. 9 shows a view of the head block 63 from the one main surface 38a side of the orifice plate 38. For example, the first block is formed on the one main surface 38a side of the first pressure chamber 40.
The first nozzle 34 is communicated with the first pressure chamber 40 via the introduction port 35 of the first pressure chamber 40, and the first pressure chamber 40 is provided on the opposite side to the first nozzle 34.
The laminated piezo element 45 of is arranged.

Therefore, the second from the diluent tank (not shown)
The dilution liquid supplied to the first supply chamber 43 through the first supply pipe 53 and the first supply pipe 62 is supplied to the plurality of first pressure chambers 40, respectively. The first nozzles 34 corresponding to the respective first pressure chambers 40 and communicating with the first inlet 35 are filled. Then, each first laminated piezoelectric element 4 corresponding to each first pressure chamber 40
When 5 is deformed to pressurize each of the first pressure chambers 40, the diluent is discharged from each of the first nozzles 34 communicating with the first pressure chamber 40 on the side opposite to the first laminated piezo element 45. The Rukoto.

That is, the plurality of first laminated piezo elements 4
If all 5 are deformed to pressurize the plurality of first pressure chambers 40, the diluent is discharged from the plurality of first nozzles 34 at once, and the selected first laminated piezo element 45 is deformed. Then, the diluent is discharged from the selected first nozzle 34 corresponding to this.

This also applies to the second pressure chamber 41 side, and the second nozzle 36 is communicated with the one main surface 38a side of the second pressure chamber 41 via the second inlet 37. ,
The second laminated piezo element 48 is arranged on the side of the second pressure chamber 41 opposite to the second nozzle 36.

Therefore, from the ink tank (not shown) to the fourth
The ink supplied to the second supply chamber 44 via the second supply groove 56 via the second supply chamber 57 and the third supply pipe 55 is supplied to each of the plurality of second pressure chambers 41. The second nozzle 36 corresponding to the second pressure chamber 41 and communicating with the second inlet 37 is filled. Then, each second laminated piezoelectric element 4 corresponding to each second pressure chamber 41
When 8 is deformed to pressurize each of the second pressure chambers 41, ink is ejected from each of the second nozzles 36 communicating with the second pressure chamber 41 on the side opposite to the second laminated piezo element 48. It will be.

That is, the plurality of second laminated piezo elements 4
If all 8 are deformed to pressurize the plurality of second pressure chambers 41, the diluent is discharged from the plurality of second nozzles 36 at once, and the selected second laminated piezo element 48 is deformed. Then, ink is ejected from the selected second nozzle 36 corresponding to this.

When printing is performed by the liquid jet recording apparatus having such a structure, for example, when the so-called d ₃₁ mode laminated piezo elements are used as the first and second laminated piezo elements 45 and 48, the driving voltage Figure 1 shows the application timing
0 is shown.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10A, for example, 20 [V] is applied to the first laminated piezo element 45 in advance at the time of waiting before printing, at the time shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10B, for example, 10 [V] is applied to the second laminated piezo element 48 in advance at the time of waiting before printing and at the time shown in FIG. A schematic enlarged view of the vicinity of the first and second nozzles 34, 36 at this time is shown in FIG. 11, but the first nozzle 34 formed in the orifice plate 38 has the first main surface 38a side on the first main surface 38a side. Meniscus D ₁ of the second nozzle 36 is formed on the main surface 3 of the second nozzle 36.
A second meniscus D ₂ is formed on the 8a side.

At the time of printing, based on the signals from the head drive, head feed control, and drum rotation control 10 described above, first, the ink 52 is pushed out from the second nozzle 36 and exudes, as shown in FIG. At the time shown by the middle (B), the voltage of the second laminated piezo element 48 is set to, for example, 5
[V], and in this state, for example, 150 [μs
ec] is retained. Then, the second laminated piezo element 48 gradually expands in the longitudinal direction, the second pressure chamber 41 is gradually pressurized through the diaphragm 42, as schematically shown in FIG. Internal pressure is applied to 36, and the ink 52 exudes from the outside of the second nozzle 36 to the vicinity of the opening of the first nozzle 34 and mixes with the diluting liquid 51 of the first nozzle 34.

Then, the ink 52 is placed in the second nozzle 36.
And draws only the quantified ink into the first nozzle 34.
The voltage of the second laminated piezo element 48 is set to 10 [V] at the time shown by (C) in FIG. 10B so as to remain near the opening.
Gradually return to. Then, the second laminated piezo element 48 gradually shrinks in the longitudinal direction, the internal pressure of the second nozzle 36 is released, and the ink 52 tries to return to the inside of the second nozzle 36. As a result, only the determined ink remains near the opening of the first nozzle 34.

Next, in order to discharge the diluting liquid 51 from the first nozzle 34, as shown in FIG. 10A, the voltage of the first laminated piezo element 45 is changed at the time point shown in FIG. 10D. For example, it is set to 0 [V]. Then, the first laminated piezo element 45 extends in the longitudinal direction, the first pressure chamber 40 is pressurized via the diaphragm 42, and an internal pressure is applied to the first nozzle 34. As a result, as schematically shown in FIG. 13, the diluting liquid 51 is pushed out by the internal pressure in the first nozzle 34, and a mixed solution of this diluting liquid and the ink remaining in the vicinity of the opening of the first nozzle 34. 58 is formed.

Next, from the time point indicated by (D) in FIG. 10A, the voltage is set to 0 [V] for 50 [μsec], for example.
At the time shown in (E) of (a), the first laminated piezo element 45
When the voltage of is returned to, for example, 20 [V], the first laminated piezo element 45 contracts in the longitudinal direction, the internal pressure of the first nozzle 34 is released, and the diluent 51 tries to return to the first nozzle 34. To do. As a result, as shown schematically in FIG. 14, a constriction 59 occurs between the diluting liquid 51 and the mixed solution 58 in the first nozzle 34, and finally the mixed solution 58 becomes The mixed solution 58 is ejected from the nozzle 34 of No. 1 and flies as spherical droplets as schematically shown in FIG. 16, and the droplets adhere to the above-mentioned printing paper 1 to perform printing.

The internal pressures of the first and second pressure chambers 40 and 41 return to their original values, and the dilution liquid 51 and the ink 52 are returned to the first pressure again.
And the second nozzles 34 and 36 are filled, and the state shown in FIG. 11 is obtained.

It should be noted that the ink quantitative pulse width is shown by T ₁ in FIG. 10B, between the time points shown in FIG. 10B and the time point shown in FIG. 10C, and T ₂ in FIG. 10A. Shown in the figure (D)
The diluting liquid ejection pulse width between the time point shown by and the time point shown by (E) in FIG. 10 and the ink quantitative voltage shown by V in FIG. 10B are variable.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, printing is performed by repeating the above operation, and the printing cycle indicated by T ₃ in FIG. msec].

In the head block 63, the orifice plate 38 and the pressure chamber side walls 39a, 39.
b, 39c, 39d, 39e, and the diaphragm 42,
A resin such as polysulfone, a dry film photoresist, and a metal plate such as nickel can be used.

Next, FIG. 17 shows a drive circuit of the print head. That is, the digital halftone data is supplied from another block, and is sent to each ink quantification unit (second laminated piezo element 48) control circuit 213 and ejection control circuit 214 by the serial / parallel conversion circuit 211. When the digital halftone data supplied from the serial / parallel conversion circuit 211 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold, the ink amount and the ejection are not performed. At the print timing, a print trigger is output from another block, the timing control circuit 212 detects it, and the ink fixed amount control signal and the ejection control signal are respectively sent at a predetermined timing to the ink fixed amount portion (second laminated piezoelectric element 48). ) Control circuit 2
13 and the discharge control circuit 214. Each signal is output at the timing previously shown in FIG.
In accordance with this, the ink metering portion (second laminated piezo element 48) 215 and the ejection portion (first piezo element 45)
A predetermined voltage is applied to 216.

Then, in the printer apparatus of this example,
As described above, the print head 3 includes the head block 63 including the pressure chamber unit, the first and second piezo units, the ink tank and the diluent tank, and as shown in FIG. The diluent tank 6 is provided on the main surface 63b side opposite to the one main surface 63a corresponding to the nozzle opening surface of the orifice plate 38 of the head block 63.
4 and a plurality of ink tanks 65, 66, 67, 68 are arranged exchangeably.

The plurality of ink tanks 65, 66, 6
7 and 68 are filled with yellow, magenta, cyan, and black inks, respectively, and the diluted liquid tank 64
Is filled with diluent.

As the above-mentioned ink, water or organic solvent, or a mixture thereof in which an aqueous dye or pigment of each color is dissolved or dispersed is preferable. And, if necessary, a viscosity adjusting agent, a surface tension adjusting agent, a preservative,
A pH adjuster or the like may be included.

On the other hand, the diluent is preferably colorless and transparent, such as water, an organic solvent, or a mixture thereof,
Further, a solution containing such a solution as a viscosity adjusting agent, a surface tension adjusting agent, an antiseptic, a pH adjusting agent and the like can be mentioned.

The second supply pipe 53 communicating with the first pressure chamber 40 of the head block 63 is provided with the diluent tank 64.
The first nozzle 34 can be filled with the diluent. On the other hand, the fourth supply pipe 57 communicating with the second pressure chamber 41 is connected to an ink tank 65 filled with, for example, yellow ink, so that the second nozzle 36 can be filled with ink. ing.

As described above, the second supply pipe 53 is connected to the diluting liquid tank 64 in the other head blocks 63 prepared according to the number of kinds of ink colors, and the fourth supply pipe is used. Reference numeral 57 is connected to each ink tank 66, 67, 68.

In the printer of this example,
The diluting liquid filled in the diluting liquid tank 64 is the recording liquid of the present invention containing at least the diluting liquid and the fragrance.
Although the head block 63 is illustrated as one head block here, the anti-ejection block 63 is formed by joining a plurality of head blocks.

That is, as schematically shown in FIG. 19, the diluting liquid tank 64 is filled with the recording liquid 71 containing the diluting liquid 69 and the perfume 70, and the diluting liquid tank 64 is supplied with the second supply (not shown). Both the diluting liquid 69 and the fragrance 70 are also contained in the recording liquid 71 supplied from the connection port 72 with the tube. Therefore, the recording liquid 71 supplied to the head block 63 also contains the diluent 69 and the fragrance 70 as they are.

When printing is performed by the liquid jet recording apparatus equipped with the print head 3 as described above, as shown in FIG. 20, the ink tank 65 filled with yellow ink, for example, is used. The ink 52 that is supplied and exudes from the second nozzle 36 of the head block 63 that is arranged opposite to the print paper 1 is supplied from the diluting liquid tank 64 and is filled in the first nozzle 34. The diluted liquid 69 and the recording liquid 71 containing the fragrance 70 are mixed.

Then, the recording liquid 71 is discharged from the first nozzle 34.
21, the mixed solution 58 of the recording liquid 71 containing the diluting liquid 69 and the fragrance 70 and the ink 52 is ejected, as shown in FIG.
Flies as spherical droplets.

The droplets of the mixed solution 58 adhere to the surface of the print paper 1 as shown in FIG. 22, and dots of the mixed solution 58 containing the fragrance 70 are formed on the surface of the print paper 1. . At this time, the first and second nozzles 3
The recording liquid 71 and the ink 52 supplied from the diluting liquid tank 64 and the ink tank 65 are refilled in the nozzles 4, 36.

Therefore, the recorded image formed on the print paper 1 emits an aroma as indicated by an arrow S in FIG. 22 due to the aroma of the aroma 70, and has an aroma function.

As the fragrance used in the recording liquid of the present invention, for example, CITRUS K50 manufactured by Shiono Koryo Co., Ltd.
45, MINT K5046, FLORAL K504
Common flavors such as 7 (all trade names), lemon oil, strawberry oil, vanilla oil can be used.

In the above-mentioned example, an example is described in which the diluting liquid is used as the recording liquid of the present invention containing the diluting liquid and the fragrance, but the ink is the recording liquid of the present invention containing the ink and the fragrance. Alternatively, even when both the diluting liquid and the ink are used as the recording liquid of the present invention, it is possible to form a recorded image having an aroma function as in the above-mentioned example.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, an example of using the print head in which the discharge medium is the diluent and the quantitative medium is the ink has been described, but the print head in which the discharge medium is the ink and the quantitative medium is the diluent is used. The present invention is also applicable to this case, and even in this case, if at least one of the ink and the diluting liquid is used as the recording liquid of the present invention, it is possible to form a recorded image having an aroma function as in the above example.

As described above, in a printer device having a density modulation type ink jet print head in which an ejection medium is an ink and a quantitative medium is a diluent, a printer device having a carrier jet type print head for expressing low density is provided. Although it is inferior to the above, on the contrary, a sufficient ink density can be obtained in the high density portion.

In both of the carrier jet system and the density modulation type ink jet system, so-called continuous gradation recording is possible, and therefore, particularly when printing a photographic image or the like, smooth gradation expression is possible.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, the example of using the print head which mixes and discharges the quantitative medium and the discharge medium has been described, but the present invention can be applied to the print head which discharges only the discharge medium as ink. Therefore, if the recording medium of the present invention is used as the ejection medium, it is possible to form a recorded image having an aroma function as in the above example.

As described above, in the recorded image formed by the recording method using the recording liquid of the present invention, not only the high resolution is achieved, but also the aroma function is provided.

Therefore, this recorded image exhibits a visual effect and an olfactory effect, and is expected to be used in various fields such as posters and cards, and its industrial value is very high.

Further, according to this method, several kinds of ink tanks or diluent tanks filled with the recording liquid of the present invention are prepared, and by exchanging them, recorded images having different fragrances can be easily obtained. It is also possible to form it.

[0085]

As is clear from the above description, when the recording liquid of the present invention is used, the perfume is dispersed in the recorded image to be recorded, and the recorded image has an aroma. Will be things.

If a recording liquid containing ink is used among the recording liquids of the present invention, and the liquid droplets are discharged as the recording liquid and deposited on the recording material to perform recording, it has an aroma. The recorded image is recorded.

Further, among the recording liquids of the present invention, for example, a liquid containing ink is used as a quantitative medium, a diluting liquid is used as a discharging medium, and mixed droplets of the quantitative medium mixed with the discharging medium are discharged to discharge a recording medium. A recording image having a fragrance is formed even when the recording is performed by applying the recording medium onto the. Even if the recording liquid of the present invention is used as the ejection medium and the diluting liquid is used as the quantitative medium, a recorded image having an aroma is similarly formed.
Further, among the recording liquids of the present invention, for example, one containing a diluent is used as a quantitative medium, ink is used as an ejection medium, or the recording liquid of the present invention is used as an ejection medium, and ink is used as a quantitative medium. Even so, a recorded image having an aroma is formed. Furthermore, even if both the quantitative medium and the ejection medium are used as the recording liquid of the present invention, a recorded image having an aroma is formed.

As described above, in the recorded image formed by the recording method using the recording liquid of the present invention, not only the high resolution is achieved but also the fragrance function is provided.

Therefore, this recorded image exhibits a visual effect and an olfactory effect and is expected to be used in various fields such as posters and cards, and its industrial value is very high.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a main part schematically showing an example of a liquid jet recording apparatus equipped with a printer device to which a recording method of the invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a main part schematic perspective view schematically showing another example of a liquid jet recording apparatus equipped with a printer device to which the recording method of the invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a printing and control system of an example of a liquid jet recording apparatus equipped with a printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an essential part showing a head block of a printer device to which the recording method of the invention is applied.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an essential part showing an enlarged vicinity of an orifice plate of a head block of a printer to which a recording method of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a head block of a printer device to which the recording method of the invention is applied.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a head block of a printer device to which the recording method of the invention is applied.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of an orifice plate of a head block of a printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a head block of a printer device to which the recording method of the invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a chart showing the application timing of the drive voltage of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a view showing, in the order of operation, an operation of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied, in which first and second meniscuses are formed in the first and second nozzles. It is sectional drawing which shows a state typically.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the operation of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied during printing, in which ink is mixed with the diluent of the first nozzle. Is.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing, in the order of operation, the printing operation of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied, and schematically showing a state in which a mixed solution of a diluting liquid and ink is formed. is there.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied during printing, and schematically showing a state in which a constriction occurs in the mixed solution.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied during printing, and schematically showing a state in which the mixed solution is discharged from the first nozzle. .

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied during printing, and schematically showing a state in which the mixed solution flies as spherical droplets. .

FIG. 17 is a circuit block diagram showing a drive circuit of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the invention is applied.

FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a main part of a print head of a printer device to which the recording method of the invention is applied.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part schematically showing the ink tank of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the invention is applied.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied during printing, schematically showing a state in which the ink is mixed with the diluent of the first nozzle. Is.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied during printing, and schematically showing a state in which the mixed solution flies as spherical droplets. .

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing, in the order of operation, the printing operation of the print head of the printer device to which the recording method of the present invention is applied, and schematically showing a state in which the mixed solution is deposited on the print paper.

[Explanation of symbols]

 34 1st nozzle 36 2nd nozzle 64 Diluting liquid tank 65, 66, 67, 68 Ink tank 69 Diluting liquid 70 Perfume 71 Recording liquid

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Naoko Nakajima 6-735 Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Sony Corporation

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A recording liquid for performing recording by discharging droplets and adhering the liquid onto a recording material, wherein the recording liquid contains at least a fragrance. 2. The recording liquid according to claim 1, further comprising an ink or a diluting liquid. 3. A recording method in which droplets of an ejection medium are ejected and deposited on a recording material to perform recording, wherein the ejection medium contains at least an ink and a fragrance. 4. A recording method for recording by ejecting a mixed droplet of a discharge medium mixed with a quantitative medium and depositing it on a recording material, wherein at least one of the discharge medium and the quantitative medium contains at least a fragrance. Recording method characterized by. 5. The recording method according to claim 4, wherein the quantitative medium contains one of the diluent and the ink, and the ejection medium contains the other one.