JP2001191533A - Printer heat and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a high quality and long life printer head and a printer capable of eliminating lowering of a printing density and variation in printing by suppressing the clogging during a heater is working. SOLUTION: The printer head comprises a heater chip provided on a base plate, a heating means formed on the heater chip and a transferring section having irregular structures which are arranged in one or more lines along the longitudinal direction of the heater chip. Ink held on the transferring section by a capillary phenomenon is allowed to fly toward a body to be transferred by heating the ink by means of the heating means corresponding to information to be recorded, thereby transferring the information to the body to be transferred. A thin plate with a groove made of a metallic sheet having the to be an ink supplying passage provided in one face thereof is stuck to the base plate at the face of the side having the transferring section of the heater chip with a heat curable epoxy adhesive in such a manner that the face having the groove is opposite to the heater chip and then the ink supplying passage for supplying the ink to the transferring section is formed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer for recording information such as characters and images on a recording medium such as photographic paper, and more particularly to a printer which heats ink held in an ink flying section by a heating means. The present invention relates to a printer that flies and records.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, for example, a color image processed by a personal computer or the like, or a color image captured by a video camera, an electronic still camera, or the like is printed out.
It is used for viewing and other purposes. For this reason, the need for a printer capable of obtaining high-quality full-color images has been increasing, especially for individuals and, for example,
There is a growing demand for relatively inexpensive printers for small offices, referred to as "small offices" or "home offices," to obtain high quality full color images.

As a color printing method, conventionally, a sublimation type thermal transfer method (or a dye diffusion thermal transfer method), a fusion heat transfer method, an ink jet method, an electrophotographic method, a thermally developed silver salt method, and the like have been proposed. In particular, dye-diffusion thermal transfer systems and ink-jet systems can easily output high-quality images with a relatively simple device.

In the dye diffusion thermal transfer system, an ink layer in which a high concentration of a transfer dye is dispersed in an appropriate binder resin is applied to an ink ribbon or a sheet, and this is coated with a dye resin which receives the transferred dye. A thermal printer head (thermal head) is brought into close contact with a so-called thermal transfer paper at a certain pressure, and from above the ink ribbon or sheet.
The transfer dye is thermally transferred from the ink ribbon or sheet to the thermal transfer paper according to the amount of heat.

[0005] This operation is repeated for each of image signals decomposed into three subtractive primary colors, ie, yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). Can be obtained.

[0006] The thermal head is arranged to face the platen rollers, and between them, for example, an ink sheet having an ink layer provided on a base film, and a dyeing resin layer (dye receiving layer) coated on the surface of paper. The thermal transfer paper travels while being pressed against the thermal head by the rotating platen roller.

The ink in the ink layer selectively heated by the thermal head according to the image to be printed thermally diffuses into the dyeing resin layer of the thermal transfer paper heated in contact with the ink layer, For example, transfer in a dot pattern is performed.

The dye diffusion thermal transfer system is an excellent technique which can easily downsize and maintain a printer, has an immediacy, and can obtain a high-quality image comparable to a silver halide color photograph. However, in this method, generation of a large amount of waste and high running cost due to disposable use of the ink ribbon or the sheet were major drawbacks. In addition, it is necessary to use thermal transfer paper, and there is a problem that the cost is also increased in this respect.

[0009] The fusion thermal transfer system can transfer plain paper, but also uses an ink ribbon or sheet, and thus has a problem of generating a large amount of waste and high running cost due to disposable use. The image quality was not as good as silver halide photography.

Although the heat-developable silver salt method has high image quality, it also requires a high running cost due to the use of a special photographic paper and a disposable ribbon or sheet. There were also problems.

On the other hand, the ink jet system is, for example, an electrostatic attraction system, a continuous vibration generation system (piezo system), a thermal system, as shown in Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-59911 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-217. In this method, ink droplets are ejected from nozzles provided in a printer head by a method (bubble jet method) or the like, and the ink droplets are attached to printer paper or the like to perform printing. For example, in the case of the bubble jet method, ink supplied in a state where there is no escape area other than the orifice is rapidly bubbled by the heat generated by the heater, and ink droplets are ejected from the orifice by the pressure due to the volume expansion. In this method, the heater rapidly raises the temperature of the ink and instantaneously heats the ink to a temperature equal to or higher than the boiling point.
While the heater is stopped, the ink is supplied and replenished in the vicinity of the heater.

Therefore, plain paper can be transferred, and since an ink ribbon or the like is not used, the running cost is low, and there is almost no waste as in the case of using an ink ribbon or the like. Recently, color images can be easily printed, and thus the use of color images has been spreading.

Recently, the size of an ink droplet to be ejected has been reduced to two.
A method of realizing a density gradation of several steps in the same pixel by modulating to ~ 3 types or having 2 to 3 types of ink densities using light-colored ink has been realized. In principle, continuous density gradation within the same pixel is difficult, image quality is inferior to silver halide photography,
Further, since the area of the unit pixel is reduced to improve the image quality, there is a disadvantage that the recording time is very long.

On the other hand, in the electrophotographic system, the running cost is low and the transfer speed is high, but the image quality is not as high as that of silver halide photography, and the apparatus cost is extremely high.

That is, none of the above-described methods satisfy all the requirements of image quality, running cost, apparatus cost, transfer time and the like.

Therefore, as a color printing system capable of satisfying all of those requirements, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-1832
A thermal transfer recording system as described in JP-A-39-39 has been proposed.

In this method, the ink is heated by a heater provided in a transfer section of the printer head to fly the ink as fine particles.
Transfer is performed by adhering to a surface of an object to be transferred, such as printer paper, which is opposed to the apparatus via a gap of about 0 μm.

The transfer portion is provided with an ink holding structure having a concave-convex structure in which, for example, a large number of columnar bodies having a width or diameter of about 3 μm and a height of about 6 μm are erected at minute intervals of about 3 μm. A heater is provided below the holding structure to form a transfer unit.

By providing such an ink holding structure in the transfer section, the following effects can be obtained. That is, (1) the ink is spontaneously supplied to the transfer unit by the capillary phenomenon. (2) Due to the large surface area, the ink can be efficiently heated. (3) By appropriately setting the height of the columnar body, a predetermined amount of ink can always be held in the transfer unit. (4) Since the surface tension of the liquid generally has a negative temperature coefficient, the locally heated ink is subjected to a force directed to the outer peripheral portion having a low temperature, but its movement is suppressed to a minimum by the ink holding structure. Thus, a decrease in transfer sensitivity is prevented.

Therefore, by providing such an ink holding structure, it is possible to fly an amount of ink corresponding to the heating at the transfer section and transfer it to printer paper or the like.
Continuous control of the ink transfer amount, that is, density gradation within a pixel is possible. As a result, for example, a high-quality image comparable to a silver halide color photograph can be obtained.

Further, since it is not necessary to use an ink ribbon or the like, the running cost is low, and the use of an ink having good absorbency for plain paper or the coating of a plain paper with an ink-receiving layer is usually used. Since it is possible to transfer the recording paper to a very inexpensive recording paper equivalent to paper, the running cost can be reduced.

Also, since this method utilizes ejection by thermal action on ink, that is, dye,
It is not necessary to press the transfer part of the printer head that heats the ink against the transfer target such as the printer paper with high pressure, of course, and it is not necessary to make contact with the transfer part. There is no problem of thermal fusion between the ink heating unit and the printer paper.

That is, this thermal transfer recording system, similar to the dye diffusion thermal transfer system described above, has features such as miniaturization and easy maintenance of the printer, immediacy, and high quality of the image. Reduction of waste and running cost due to non-use of ribbons etc. can be achieved.
Cost reduction by using plain paper is also possible.

[0024]

In the above-described printer head of the thermal transfer recording system, a dry film (acrylate resin) is attached to the surface of the printer head on which the transfer portion of the heater chip is formed. Further, the film is etched in a strip shape, and a Ni sheet is adhered thereon to form a groove to be used as an ink flow path.

However, since the ink of the thermal transfer recording system uses an organic solvent as a solvent, the dry film is dissolved, and the components of the dry film eluted into the ink when the heater is driven cause kogation. However, the columnar body at the center of the heater of the printer head is covered. Further, the components of the dry film dissolve into the ink, and the quality of the ink changes. When these phenomena occur, the printer head causes a decrease in print density and uneven printing when performing transfer, which has a problem of greatly affecting print quality and shortening the life of the print head.

According to a test conducted by the present inventor, a printer head of the above-described thermal transfer recording system was formed, and after 44 hours had passed since ink was injected, a printer head in which a heater was driven for 5 hours and a dry film were arranged. This was compared with a printer head which was formed without being provided, and after 192 hours had passed since the ink was injected, the heater was driven for 5 hours. As a result, printer heads that do not use dry film generate much less kogation than printer heads that use dry film, and the pillars at the center of the heater are not covered with kogation. Has been confirmed.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the conventional situation, and proposes a method of forming an ink flow path without using a dry film in a printer head of a thermal transfer recording system, whereby a heater at the time of driving a heater is provided. An object of the present invention is to provide a high-quality and long-life printer head and printer that suppresses kogation and does not cause a decrease in print density or printing unevenness.

[0028]

A printer head according to the present invention comprises a heater chip disposed on a base plate, a heating means formed on the heater chip, and a single row extending over the heater chip in the longitudinal direction of the heater chip. A transfer portion having a concavo-convex structure arranged in a line shape as described above,
A printer head for transferring ink to a transfer target by heating ink by a heating unit in accordance with information for recording ink held by a capillary phenomenon in a transfer portion to thereby transfer the information to the transfer target. A grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on the surface of the heater chip is provided on the surface on the side where the transfer portion of the heater chip is formed, with the surface provided with the groove facing the heater chip. The ink supply path for supplying ink to the transfer section is formed by sticking through an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive.

The printer head according to the present invention is characterized in that a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface is formed by a heater having a grooved surface facing a heater chip. The chip is adhered to the surface on the side where the transfer portion is formed via an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive.
The epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive has resistance to the organic solvent used in the ink, and has a very small amount of elution into the ink. Therefore, in this printer head, the amount of substances eluted in the ink is extremely small. Therefore, in the printer head according to the present invention, kogation to the columnar body due to components eluted into the ink is suppressed.

[0030] A printer head according to the present invention comprises a heater chip provided on a base plate, heating means formed on the heater chip, and one or more lines arranged on the heater chip in a longitudinal direction of the heater chip. A transfer section having a concave-convex structure provided, and the transfer section heats the ink by a heating means in accordance with information for recording the ink held by the capillary phenomenon, thereby causing the ink to fly toward the transfer target to be transferred. A printer head for transferring information to a body, wherein a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface is used as a surface facing the heater chip. The ink is supplied to the transfer portion by attaching the heater chip to the surface on the side where the transfer portion is formed via an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound. It is characterized in that the ink supply passage for.

The printer head according to the present invention is characterized in that a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet having a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface is formed by a heater having a grooved surface facing a heater chip. The chip is adhered to the surface on the side where the transfer portion is formed via an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound. The adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound has resistance to the organic solvent used in the ink, and has a very small amount of elution into the ink. Therefore, in this printer head, the amount of substances eluted in the ink is extremely small. Therefore, in the printer head according to the present invention, kogation to the columnar body due to components eluted into the ink is suppressed.

A printer according to the present invention comprises a heater chip provided on a base plate, heating means formed on the heater chip, and one or more lines arranged on the heater chip in a longitudinal direction of the heater chip. A transfer section having a concave-convex structure, wherein the transfer section heats the ink toward the transfer target by heating the ink by heating means in accordance with information for recording the ink held by the capillary phenomenon, thereby causing the transfer target A printer provided with a printer head that transfers information to a thin sheet having a groove formed of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface, and a heater chip on the surface provided with the groove. The ink was supplied to the transfer portion by pasting the surface of the heater chip on the side where the transfer portion was formed as the opposing surface via an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive. It is characterized in that to form the ink supply passage.

The printer according to the present invention is characterized in that a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface has a surface on which the groove is provided facing the heater chip. And a printer head adhered via an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive to the surface on the side where the transfer portion is formed. Epoxy-based thermosetting adhesives have resistance to organic solvents used in inks,
Very little elution into ink. Therefore, in this printer, the amount of substances eluted in the ink is extremely small. Therefore, in the printer according to the present invention, kogation to the columnar body due to components eluted into the ink is suppressed.

The printer according to the present invention comprises a heater chip disposed on a base plate, heating means formed on the heater chip, and one or more lines arranged on the heater chip in the longitudinal direction of the heater chip. A transfer section having a concave-convex structure, wherein the transfer section heats the ink toward the transfer target by heating the ink by heating means in accordance with information for recording the ink held by the capillary phenomenon, thereby causing the transfer target A printer provided with a printer head that transfers information to a thin sheet having a groove formed of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface, and a heater chip on the surface provided with the groove. An ink supply passage for supplying ink to the transfer unit by attaching the transfer unit to the surface on the side where the transfer unit of the heater chip is formed as an opposing surface through an adhesive sheet. It is characterized in that formed.

The printer according to the present invention is characterized in that a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface has a surface provided with the groove facing the heater chip. And a printer head attached to the surface on the side where the transfer section is formed via an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound. The adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound has resistance to the organic solvent used in the ink, and has a very small amount of elution into the ink. Therefore, in this printer, the amount of substances eluted in the ink is extremely small. Therefore, in the printer according to the present invention, kogation to the columnar body due to components eluted into the ink is suppressed.

[0036]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a main part of a full-color printer incorporating a printer head to which the present invention is applied.
This printer includes a printer head having a plurality of transfer sections arranged in one or more lines, and heats the ink in the transfer section to fly the ink as fine particles. Then, the ejected ink is arranged to face the printer head via a predetermined head gap, and is attached to the surface of a transfer target such as printer paper which moves in a predetermined direction with respect to the printer head to perform transfer. This is a thermal transfer recording type printer. In the present invention, the term "flying" means vaporization, evaporation, convection of ink (those caused by uneven surface tension of the ink liquid surface, or boiling of components constituting the ink, due to heating by a heating means (for example, a heater). Due to the volume expansion of the ink due to thermal expansion or expansion due to heating of the dissolved air in the ink, thermal expansion of the ink, or thermal expansion of the heater or capillary structure). The meaning includes flying ink.

The printer includes a printer head 1, a head fixture 2, an ink tank 3, a paper feed roller 4 for supplying photographic paper as a transfer object, a photographic paper double insertion prevention claw 5, a photographic paper case 6, a photographic paper 7, a platen belt 8, a platen belt drive roller 9, a pressure roller 10 corresponding to each color of yellow, magenta, and cyan, a paper feed guide roller 11, a paper discharge roller 12, and a drive motor 1 for driving the platen belt
3, drive connection mechanism 14, controller and power supply storage section 15, printer head signal line 16, and radiation fin 1.
7 is provided.

The printer head 1 includes yellow, magenta,
Dedicated printer heads for three colors of cyan are provided.

The ink tank 3 holds ink to be supplied to dedicated printer heads for three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, and dedicated tanks are provided for each color.

The platen belt driving roller 9 is, for example,
The surface layer is covered with silicon rubber, and is formed to have a diameter of, for example, 16 mm.

Next, the operation of the printer will be described.
When a print command is input to the printer, the controller
An electric current is supplied to the drive motor 13, and the photographic paper 7 is discharged from the photographic paper case 6 by the paper feed roller 4 via the drive connection mechanism 14. At this time, the printing paper is peeled off by the printing paper double insertion prevention claw 5 so that the printing paper is not inserted and discharged, and is guided by the paper feed guide roller 11. The printing paper 7 discharged from the printing paper case 6 is sandwiched between the printer head 1 and the platen belt 8 driven by the platen belt driving roller 9, and is pressed by the pressing roller 10 toward the printer head. While being conveyed in the direction of the discharge roller 12. At this time, the printer head 1, for example, first discharges yellow ink and transfers it to the printing paper 7 in accordance with a signal from the controller. Then, the remaining two colors are sequentially ejected onto the printing paper 7 to complete the full-color printing. Finally, photographic paper 7
Is discharged out of the printer while being guided by the discharge rollers 13.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a printer head 1 to which the present invention is applied.

The printer head 1 includes a printer head signal line 16, a heater chip 18, a base plate 19, a grooved thin plate 20, and a driver IC (Integrated circuit).
21, an ink flow path 22, a transfer section 23, and an edge section 24.

The heater chip 18 includes a base plate 19
It is adhesively fixed on the top.

The transfer section 23 is provided at a predetermined interval, for example, at an interval of 84 μm, that is, 300
For example, 1216 units are arranged at intervals equivalent to dpi,
Each of the transfer units 23 has a heater (not shown). Further, on both sides of the transfer section 23, for example, ten dummy transfer sections (not shown) are arranged at regular intervals of 10 pieces.

The edge portion 24 is formed substantially parallel to the row of the transfer portion 23, and comes into contact with the printing paper. Further, by fixing the heater chip and the photographic paper at a predetermined angle, the distance between the transfer portion and the photographic paper, for example, is maintained at, for example, 200 μm from the edge portion and at 150 μm, for example.

Next, the operation of the printer head will be described. When a printing command is input to the printer, a drive signal corresponding to the image data is sent from the controller to the driver IC 21 via the printer head signal line, and the heater of each transfer unit is synchronized with the drive pulse of the paper feed motor. ON /
It is converted into a voltage pulse signal that turns off. Then, the above-described ink of each color passes from the ink tank dedicated to each color to the ink flow path in the base plate and the gap between the ink flow path plate, and is supplied to each transfer unit by a capillary phenomenon.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic sectional view of the transfer section, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the transfer section provided at the tip of the heater chip, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the transfer section.

As shown in FIG. 3, the heater chip 18
For example, a substrate 30 made of silicon is provided, and a polysilicon film 32 serving as a heater is formed on the substrate 30 via a silicon oxide (SiO ₂ ) film 31. The polysilicon film 32 includes a high-resistance portion 32b serving as a heating element, and low-resistance portions 32a connected to the common electrode 33 and the individual electrode 34 formed of, for example, an aluminum wiring pattern. Here, aluminum to which a second element is added, such as Al-Si or Al-Cu, can also be used. In addition, the substrate 3
As 0, for example, a thermally insulating substrate 3 such as a quartz substrate
When 0 is used, the polysilicon film 32 may be formed directly on the substrate 30 without providing a heat insulating layer such as the SiO ₂ film 31.

A protective film, for example, an SiO ₂ film 35 is formed on the polysilicon film 32, and the common electrode 33 and the individual electrode 3 are formed only on the low resistance silicon film 32b.
A window for energizing with 4 is opened. A barrier metal layer 36 made of, for example, a high melting point metal such as Ti or Cr is formed between the aluminum electrode pattern and the polysilicon film 32, and serves to prevent Al from diffusing into the polysilicon film 32. ing. Of the polysilicon film 32,
The high resistance section functions as the heater section 40 by resistance heating. Since the high resistance portion of the polysilicon film 32 does not directly contact the electrode and the barrier metal layer 36, Al does not diffuse into the high resistance portion of the polysilicon film 32 functioning as a heater. Therefore, the heat treatment in the process of forming the common electrode 33 and the individual electrode 34, or the self-heating when the polysilicon film 32 is driven as the heating element at the time of printing with the printer head, causes the heating element in the same head. The phenomenon that the resistance value changes and causes a deviation can be sufficiently suppressed. Then, the high-resistance portion of the polysilicon film 32 selected by the common electrode 33 and the individual electrode 34 according to the image information to be printed is heated, and the ink on the high-resistance portion is caused to fly to be transferred to a transfer object such as paper. I do.

For example, in one heater chip, 20 μm
The heater unit 40 having a size of about mx 20 μm is about 84 μm
1216 are formed at a period of .times., So that one heater corresponds to the transfer of one dot, so that a resolution of 300 dpi is realized.

As shown in FIG. 3, on the heater chip,
SiO ₂ is formed as a protective film on the entire surface including the common electrode 33 and the individual electrodes 34. 3 and 4
As shown in FIG. 7, a partition wall 38 surrounding each transfer unit 23 and defining a supply path 37 for supplying ink to each transfer unit 23, and a columnar body 39 forming an ink holding mechanism in each transfer unit 23 are formed. Are formed as a part of the SiO ₂ film 35, respectively. That is, for example, CV
SiO formed to a predetermined thickness by D (chemical vapor deposition) method
_{The two} films are anisotropically etched by a predetermined depth using, for example, an etching mask having a predetermined pattern, for example, by a reactive ion etching (RIE) method, so that the partition wall 38, each column 39, and other portions of the protective film are formed. Are simultaneously formed.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG.
For example, a columnar body 39 is formed in a square matrix of 9 × 9, and the central 3 × 3 are located on the heater unit 40. The size of each column 39 is, for example, about 0.2 to 10 μm in width and 2 to 15 μm in height.
And these are arranged at intervals of, for example, about 0.2 to 10 μm. The shape of each column 39 is not limited to a square column as in the illustrated example, but may be, for example, a column.

As shown in FIG. 4, a supply path 37 for supplying ink to each transfer section 23 is defined by a partition 38 having the same height as the column 39 in each transfer section 23. In the supply path 37, an auxiliary wall is provided at a substantially central position of a pair of partition walls 38 that partition the supply path 37. Further, the ink holding structure pattern by the column 39 in the transfer unit 23 is provided to extend to a portion between the pair of partition walls 38 defining the supply path 37 and the auxiliary wall. This auxiliary wall is formed simultaneously with the above-described partition wall 38 and columnar body 39 by, for example, a SiO ₂ film. Therefore, this auxiliary wall has substantially the same height as the partition wall 38 and the columnar body 39 described above.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, an ink flow path (not shown) for supplying ink from the ink storage section (not shown) to these supply paths 37 is formed on one main surface by etching or the like. The grooved thin plate 20 formed by the technique is attached to a predetermined position of the heater chip via a thermosetting adhesive so that the ink flow path faces the heater chip.

The grooved thin plate 20 is made of, for example, a metal sheet made of a Ni sheet. The grooved thin plate has, for example, 150 μm, 300 μm, and 60 μm on one main surface on the side facing the heater chip in accordance with the distance between the partition walls 38.
Three types of sheets provided with rows of convex portions having a height of 100 μm and a width of 20 μm are used every 0 μm. Grooved thin plate 20
Are the protrusions and the partition walls 3 of the heater chip as shown in FIG.
8 is arranged at a predetermined position of the heater chip via a thermosetting adhesive between the convex portion and the partition wall 38 of the heater chip. By heating at a predetermined temperature, the grooved thin plate and the heater chip are bonded. With such a configuration, a groove-shaped space is formed between the grooved thin plate and the heater chip, and this space is used as an ink flow path.

Here, the properties required of the thermosetting adhesive include the following.

1. 1. Resistant to the ink described below (organic solvent used for the ink). 2. The curing temperature is as low as 1000 ° C. or less, and the curing time is short. 3. has viscosity 4. After bonding, ink does not leak (does not cause chemical reaction with ink). 5. Has high adhesive strength An epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive can be suitably used as a material which satisfies these conditions and can be uniformly applied with a thickness of about 10 μm.

The epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive has resistance to the organic solvent used for the ink. That is, the epoxy thermosetting adhesive has low solubility in the organic solvent used for the ink. Therefore, the amount of elution into the ink is extremely small.

The epoxy thermosetting adhesive has a low curing temperature of 850 ° C. or less, and has a curing time of 1 hour.
It is as short as 20 minutes. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of the printer head, the thin plate with the groove and the heater chip can be bonded to each other in a short time at a low temperature, so that the productivity is excellent.

The epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive has an appropriate viscosity and can be applied with a uniform thickness.

Further, since the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive does not cause a chemical reaction with the ink, it does not react with the ink after curing to form a hole, and the ink does not flow out. .

Further, since the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive has high adhesive strength, the printer head has excellent durability.

Since the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive can be applied uniformly with a thickness of about 10 μm,
The thickness of the printer head is not increased, and the thickness of the printer head does not vary depending on the bonding position, or the thickness of the printer head does not vary from product to product.

As such an epoxy thermosetting adhesive, DBN600S (trade name, Kyushu Matsushita Electric Co., Ltd.)
XNR5505 (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals), XNR5504 (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals), Ablebond 342
37 (manufactured by Japan Able Stick Co., Ltd.), Ableb
ond400-5 (manufactured by Nippon Able Stick Co., Ltd.)
Etc. can be used.

As a method of applying a thin and uniform epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive to the projections of the grooved thin plate 20, a method using a bar coater or a method using a squeegee can be used.

The bar coater is a tool in which, for example, a wire is uniformly wound around a long rod-like member in a coil shape without any gap, and the solution is made uniform in thickness by a groove formed by the thickness of the wire. When applying an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive to the convex portions of the grooved thin plate 20 using a bar coater, the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive is placed on a smooth sheet such as an OHP film, for example. The epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive is spread thinly and evenly by sliding a bar coater on it. By mounting the grooved thin plate 20 thereon, the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive can be uniformly applied to the convex portions of the grooved thin plate. By using a bar coater, an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive having a thickness of about several μm to about 30 μm can be uniformly applied to the convex portions of the grooved thin plate. Further, by using the bar coater, the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive can be applied without filling the groove-shaped space serving as the ink flow path in the grooved thin plate 20 with the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive.

The squeegee is a spatular member formed of a material such as metal or plastic.
When applying an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive to the convex portion of the grooved thin plate 20 using a squeegee, for example, the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive is placed on a smooth sheet such as a wrapping sheet and the like. The epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive is spread thinly and uniformly by sliding a squeegee on the top. By mounting the grooved thin plate 20 thereon, the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive can be uniformly applied to the convex portions of the grooved thin plate. By using a squeegee, an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive having a thickness of about several μm to about 30 μm can be uniformly applied to the convex portions of the grooved thin plate. Further, by using the squeegee, the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive can be applied without filling the grooved space serving as the ink flow path in the grooved thin plate 20 with the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive.

By constructing the printer head as described above using such an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, a high-quality printer head and a printer can be manufactured, and the printer head is filled with ink. Even when the printer head is driven, the amount of the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive dissolved into the ink is extremely small. Since the amount of components eluted into the ink is extremely reduced, kogation to the columnar body due to the components eluted into the ink can be prevented. In addition, since kogation to the columnar body is prevented, a decrease in print density and the occurrence of print unevenness are prevented, and high-quality printing can be performed.

The grooved thin plate 20 may be adhered to a predetermined position of the heater chip via an adhesive sheet. That is, an ink flow path (not shown) for supplying ink from the ink storage unit (not shown) to these supply paths 37.
A grooved thin plate 20 formed on one main surface by a method such as etching so that the ink flow path is opposed to the heater chip, and a predetermined thickness of the heater chip is set via an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound. Affixed to the location.

In this case, the adhesive sheet is placed at a predetermined position on the heater chip, and the grooved thin plate 20 is further placed on the adhesive sheet, and heated at a predetermined temperature, thereby forming the grooved thin plate and the heater chip. And glue. When an adhesive sheet is used, the grooved thin plate and the heater chip are bonded by the adhesive sheet interposed between the convex portion of the grooved thin plate 20 and the partition wall 38 of the heater chip. The adhesive sheet remains between the convex portions of the grooved thin plate 20, that is, in the concave portions, but since the adhesive sheet is sufficiently thin,
A groove-like space is formed between the grooved thin plate and the heater chip, and this space is used as an ink flow path.

Here, the characteristics required for the adhesive sheet include the following.

1. 1. Resistant to ink (organic solvent used for ink) 2. The thickness of the adhesive sheet is thin (50 μm or less). 3. After bonding, ink does not leak (does not cause chemical reaction with ink). Adhesive sheets made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound can be suitably used as those satisfying these conditions having high adhesive strength.

The adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound has resistance to the organic solvent used for the ink. That is, the adhesive sheet made of the polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound has low solubility in the organic solvent used for the ink. Therefore, the amount of elution into the ink is extremely small.

Further, a sheet having a sheet thickness of 50 μm or less can be produced from a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound. Then, by using an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound having a sheet thickness of 50 μm or less, the grooved thin plate 2 is bonded when the grooved thin plate and the heater chip are bonded.
Even if the adhesive sheet remains in the concave portions between the 0 convex portions, that is, the concave portions, since the adhesive sheet is sufficiently thin, a groove-shaped space is formed between the grooved thin plate and the heater chip. The space can be used as an ink flow path.

Further, since the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive does not cause a chemical reaction with the ink, it does not react with the ink after curing to form a hole, and the ink does not flow out. .

Further, since the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive has high adhesive strength, the printer head has excellent durability.

As such an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound, a diamide film 7000 made of 12 nylon (trade name, manufactured by Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.) or the like can be used.

By constructing the printer head as described above using such an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound, a high-quality printer head and a printer can be manufactured. Even when the printer head is driven after being filled, the amount of the adhesive sheet made of the polyamide-based synthetic high molecular compound eluted into the ink is extremely small. Since the amount of components eluted into the ink is extremely reduced, kogation to the columnar body due to the components eluted into the ink can be prevented. In addition, since kogation to the columnar body is prevented, a decrease in print density and the occurrence of print unevenness are prevented, and high-quality printing can be performed.

The ink flowing in the ink flow path in the grooved thin plate 20 is separated on a partition wall 38 that partitions a supply path 37 in front of each transfer section 23 in accordance with a decrease in the liquid level. Flow into In the supply path 37, the partition 38
In addition, the ink is held at substantially the same height as the upper surface of the auxiliary wall and the columnar body 39, so that the ink can be reliably supplied to the transfer unit. Further, in each transfer section 23, the partition 3
The ink is held at substantially the same height as the upper surface of the column 8 and the column 39. As described above, by providing the ink holding mechanism including the columnar body 39 in each transfer unit 23, each transfer unit 23 is provided.
Can always hold a fixed amount of ink.

In each transfer section 23, the heater section 4
The ink consumed by the heating of 0 is spontaneously replenished on the heater section 40 by capillary action due to the presence of the columnar body 39. The flow of the ink from the ink storage section to each transfer section 23 described above is entirely caused by the spontaneous flow of the ink.

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view showing a state in which the above-described printer head performs transfer to a transfer target such as photographic paper.

The printer head 1 has a base plate 19 made of, for example, aluminum and also serving as a heat sink. A heater chip 18 formed on a silicon substrate, for example, a transfer portion described below, is adhered to a portion near the lower end of the base plate 19 by, for example, a silicon-based adhesive. In FIG. 7, the position indicated by one hatched line is the flying center of the ink in each transfer unit 23. A groove 43 is provided on the surface of the base plate 19 so that the heater chip 18 is evenly bonded to the bonding portion of the heater chip 18. 43 to escape.

On the base plate 19, a printed circuit board 41 on which a driver IC 21 and the like for driving heat generation are mounted.
However, it is also bonded with a silicon-based adhesive. As shown in FIG. 7, a mounting portion of the base plate 19 to which the printed board 41 is attached is formed with a concave portion which is lower by the thickness of the printed board 41, and the printed board 41 is formed in the concave portion.
Is mounted, the height including the driver IC 21 mounted on the printed circuit board 41 is set to be equal to the heater chip 1 mounted in parallel with the printed circuit board 41.
8 is configured to be approximately the same height as the upper surface.

The connection between the electrode pattern on the heater chip 18 and the driver IC 21 and the connection between the driver IC 21 and the wiring pattern on the printed circuit board 41 are connected, for example, with bonding wires (for connection). To protect (not shown), for example, a silicon-based coating agent JCR (Junction Coating Resi.
n) 42 is applied and thermoset.

The ink used in the printer constructed as described above is composed of a dye, a solvent, and additives added as necessary, and optimizes transfer sensitivity, heat stability, image quality, and storage stability. The selection of the materials and the ratio of the composition components are adjusted so that

A dye suitable for a printer has a suitable vaporization rate, has sufficient heat resistance, has sufficient solubility in the solvent described below, has low toxicity to the human body, and has a low toxic property on photographic paper. Any dye can be used as long as it has sufficient storage stability. Specifically, disperse dyes, oil-soluble dyes, basic dyes and the like are preferable. Particularly preferred dyes include dicyanostyryl yellow dyes described in JP-A-8-244363, JP-A-8-244364, and JP-A-8-244366.
Tricyanostyryl magenta dyes, anthraquinone magenta dyes, and anthraquinone cyan dyes are exemplified. These dyes are used after purification by some means, such as sublimation purification, recrystallization, zone melting, column purification, etc., in order to reduce evaporation residues and prevent thermal decomposition products from adhering to the recording section. It is desirable to do.

The ink solvent suitable for the printer has a melting point of 5
0 ° C., the boiling point is in the range of 150 ° C. or more and less than 500 ° C., the thermal decomposition temperature is higher than the boiling point, the compatibility with the dye is high, and the toxicity to the human body is low. Compounds can also be used. Specifically, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, diheptyl phthalate, dioctyl phthalate,
Phthalates such as diisodecyl phthalate, dibutyl sebacate, dioctyl sebacate, dioctyl adipate, dibasic fatty acid esters such as dioctyl adipate, dioctyl azelate, dioctyl tetrahydrophthalate, tricresyl phosphate, trioctyl phosphate And organic compounds generally referred to as plasticizers for plastics, such as phosphoric esters such as tributyl acetyl citrate and butyl phthalyl butyl glycolate.

Further, in order to adjust the physical properties of the ink, appropriate additives such as a surfactant, a viscosity modifier, and a preservative can be added to the ink as needed. However, these additives need to have the same boiling point as the solvent and the dye. Specifically, fluorinated fatty acid esters, silylated fatty acid esters, silicone oil, and the like can be used as the surfactant. Also,
Glycerin, tetraethylene glycol and the like can be used as the viscosity modifier.

The ink is prepared by dissolving the above-mentioned dye at a ratio of 5% by weight or more, preferably 10% by weight or more, more preferably 20% by weight or more, with respect to the above-mentioned solvent. At this time, in order to increase the solubility of the dye, two or more dyes may be mixed and used. Also, two or more solvents may be used as a mixture. And an additive may be added as needed.

The printing paper suitable for the printer is plain paper such as PPC paper, high-quality paper such as art paper, etc. In particular, in order to obtain a high quality image with high gradation and density, disperse dye or As a resin for coloring the oil-soluble dye, a special paper prepared by applying polyester, polycarbonate, acetate, CAB, polyvinyl chloride or the like onto a base paper can also be used. In order to improve the ink absorption speed, a large effect can be obtained by adding a porous pigment such as silica or alumina. Especially high-quality records,
For example, from the viewpoint of smoothness, color development, gloss, and ink absorption speed, an image receiving layer to which a porous pigment having a size of 0.1 μm or less is added in order to impart gloss to a film base such as a PET film. The photographic paper is excellent. In order to improve the storage stability of the transferred image, an effect can be obtained by adding an additive such as an ultraviolet absorber or a radical quencher to the image receiving layer. Also,
It is also effective to laminate a resin film on the photographic paper after transfer.

The present invention is not limited to the above description, and can be appropriately modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0094]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to experimental examples.

Experimental Example 1 First, a dry film (an acrylate resin),
Dibutyl phthalate (hereinafter referred to as DBP) and sebacic acid, which are typical organic solvents used as a solvent for inks of the thermal transfer recording system, for an epoxy thermosetting adhesive and an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide polymer compound. The elution amount with respect to dibutyl (hereinafter referred to as DBS) was examined. The evaluation of the elution amount was performed as follows.

Preparation of Evaluation Sample Preparation of Evaluation Sample for Dry Film A dry film cut to a size such that the bottom surface was buried was spread over the bottom surface of a glass bottle having a bottom area of 269 mm ² .
As a dry film, Neoflex (trade name, manufactured by Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc.) was used. Thereafter, 50 μl of the organic solvent was injected into the glass bottle, and the mixture was stirred at 50 ° C. for 24 hours using a magnetic stirrer (manufactured by Inuchi Seieido).

2. Preparation of Evaluation Sample for Epoxy-Based Thermosetting Adhesive An epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive was poured into a glass bottle having a bottom area of 78.5 mm ^{2 to} the extent that the bottom surface was filled, and was cured. Epoxy-based thermosetting adhesives include DBN600S (trade name, manufactured by Kyushu Matsushita Electric Co., Ltd.) and XNR5505 (Chiba Corporation).
Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.), XNR550
4 (Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.), A
Blebond 342-37 (manufactured by Nippon Able Stick Co., Ltd.) and Ablebond 400-5 (manufactured by Nippon Able Stick Co., Ltd.) were used. Thereafter, 30 μl of the organic solvent was injected into the glass bottle, and the mixture was stirred at a temperature of 50 ° C. for 24 hours using a magnetic stirrer (manufactured by Inuchi Seieido).

3. Preparation of Evaluation Sample of Adhesive Sheet Made of Polyamide Polymer Compound An adhesive sheet made of a polyamide polymer compound cut to a size such that the bottom surface is buried was spread on the bottom surface of a glass bottle having a bottom area of 269 mm ² . A diamide film 7000 was used as an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound. Thereafter, 50 μl of the organic solvent was injected into the glass bottle, and the mixture was stirred at 50 ° C. for 24 hours using a magnetic stirrer (manufactured by Inuchi Seieido).

Evaluation Method One drop of the organic solvent containing the non-volatile impurities prepared above was dropped on the fluorinated glass preparation. Then, a magnified photograph was taken with an optical microscope, the diameter of the grain was measured from the photograph, and the result was cubed to obtain a volume. Thereafter, the organic solvent dropped on the fluorinated glass preparation was evaporated by heating to 180 ° C. Then, the volume of the residual residue remaining on the fluorinated glass preparation was determined in the same manner as described above, and divided by the volume of the dropped organic solvent to obtain the elution amount. Table 1 shows the results.
Shown in

[0100]

[Table 1]

As can be seen from Table 1, as the organic solvent, D
When BP is used, the amount of the elution amount of neoprex, which is a dry film, is as high as 2370 ppm. In contrast, epoxy thermosetting adhesives DBN600S, XNR5505, XNR5504, A
blebond 342-37 and Ablebond 40
In the case of 0-5, the elution amount was 909 ppm even in the case of DBN600S with the largest elution amount, indicating that the elution amount was much smaller than that of the dry film.
Also, in a diamide film 7000 which is an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound, the elution amount is 88.
It can be seen that the elution amount is extremely small as compared with the dry film in ppm.

When DBS is used as the organic solvent,
As can be seen from Table 1, the Neoflex dry film has a very high elution amount of 973 ppm. On the other hand, epoxy thermosetting adhesive D
BN600S, XNR5505, XNR5504, Ab
lebond342-37 and Ablebond400
In the case of -5, the elution amount was 302 ppm even in the case of DBN600S, which had the largest elution amount, indicating that the elution amount was much smaller than that of the dry film. Also, in the case of the diamide film 7000, which is an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide polymer compound, the elution amount is 134.
It can be seen that the elution amount is extremely small as compared with the dry film in ppm.

As described above, when DBP and DBS were used as the organic solvent, the amount of elution to the organic solvent was determined by using an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive or an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound. Was confirmed to be able to be reduced.

Experimental Example 2 According to the above-described embodiment, a printer head provided with a transfer portion having a transfer portion structure as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 was manufactured.

Here, silicon was used as the material of the heater chip, and Ni was used as the material of the grooved thin plate. In the same manner as described above, the grooved thin plate is provided with 150 μm, 300 μm,
A groove serving as an ink flow path was formed by forming a protrusion having a height of 100 μm every 600 μm. Then, the grooved thin plate and the heater chip were bonded by applying DBN600S, which is an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, using a squeegee, and by heating to 85 ° C. to cure the adhesive.

Next, an ink was prepared. JP-A-8-2
After purifying a dye in which the amino group of the tricyanostyryl-based magenta dye described in JP-A-44364 is substituted with a butyl group by a column, 7 parts of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) is added to 1 part of the dye (dye concentration). : 12.5% by weight)
In addition, the mixture was stirred with an ultrasonic stirrer until completely dissolved to prepare a magenta ink.

When this ink was introduced into the cartridge of the printer head, the ink spontaneously passed through the tube by capillary force, reached the column structure of the recording portion of the head, and formed a meniscus. The thickness of the ink surface at the center of the heater was 6 μm.

The printer head manufactured as described above was incorporated into a printer to complete the printer.

Peach coated paper (manufactured by Nisshinbo Co., Ltd.) having a porous structure of several μm on the surface and using a binder resin having good compatibility with an oil-soluble dye and a solvent was used.

A rectangular driving pulse of 50 kHz was applied to the heater of the printer head at a duty of 80% shown in FIG. 8 to periodically heat the ink in the transfer section. 1
This pulse was applied to one pixel 255 times at maximum according to the image data. Pulse application time (255 × 20μs
ec = 5.1 msec) and a rest time of 0.9 msec for restoring the ink liquid level, the time (cycle) for forming one pixel is 6 msec (167 Hz). The applied power is 102 mW per heater.

By applying this continuous pulse to the heater, the ink in the transfer section is ejected as a mist or mist of a maximum of about 0.11 pl, and flies through a gap of 150 μm and adheres to the photographic paper. The ink adhering to the photographic paper immediately absorbed and developed color. Since the pulse application time is very short, the ink level completely returns to the initial state due to the capillary force due to the column structure of the head every time (period) for forming one pixel, and the next pixel can be printed.

Printing was repeated in the printer prepared above, and the life of the printer head was examined. Printing was performed immediately after the ink was introduced into the printer head.
Table 2 shows the results. FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the number of gradations and the reflection density obtained by measuring the printing result using a Macbeth densitometer.

Experimental Example 3 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were coated with XNR5505, which is an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, using a squeegee.
Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2 except that the adhesive was cured by heating to 140 ° C. and bonded. Table 2 shows the results.

Experimental Example 4 A thin plate with a groove and a heater chip were coated with XNR5504, which is an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, using a squeegee.
Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2 except that the adhesive was cured by heating to 120 ° C. and bonded. Table 2 shows the results.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 5 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were adhered by applying an Ablebond 342-37, which is an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, using a squeegee, and then curing the adhesive by heating to 75 ° C. Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2. Table 2 shows the results.

Experimental Example 6 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were adhered by applying an Ablebond 400-5 epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive using a squeegee, and then curing the coating by heating to 100 ° C. Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2. Table 2 shows the results.

Experimental Example 7 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were cured by heating to 170 ° C. through a diamide film 7000, which is an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide polymer compound and has a sheet thickness of 30 μm. Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2 except that the adhesive was adhered. Table 2 shows the results.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 8 Experimental Example 2 was repeated except that the grooved thin plate and the heater chip were cured by heating to 150 ° C. through a neoflex, which is an acrylate-based resin (dry film), and then bonded. Printing was performed in the same manner as described above. Table 2 shows the results.

Experimental Example 9 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were coated with DBN600S, an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, using a squeegee.
Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2 except that the ink was cured by heating to 85 ° C. and bonded, and that DBS was used as an organic solvent when preparing the ink. Table 3 shows the results.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 10 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were coated with XNR5505, an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, using a squeegee.
Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2 except that the ink was cured by heating to 140 ° C. and bonded, and that DBS was used as an organic solvent when preparing the ink. Table 3 shows the results.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 11 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were coated with XNR5504, an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, using a squeegee.
Printing was carried out in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2, except that the ink was cured by heating to 120 ° C. and bonded, and that DBS was used as an organic solvent when preparing the ink. Table 3 shows the results.

Experimental Example 12 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were adhered by applying Ablebond 342-37, which is an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, using a squeegee, and by heating to 75.degree. Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2, except that DBS was used as an organic solvent when preparing the ink. Table 3 shows the results.

Experimental Example 13 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were adhered by applying Ablebond 400-5, which is an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, using a squeegee, and curing the coating by heating to 100 ° C. Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2, except that DBS was used as an organic solvent when preparing the ink. Table 3 shows the results.

Experimental Example 14 A grooved thin plate and a heater chip were cured by heating to 170 ° C. through a diamide film 7000, which is an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide polymer compound and has a sheet thickness of 30 μm. Except that DBS was used as an organic solvent when preparing the ink,
Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2. Table 3 shows the results.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 15 A thin plate with a groove and a heater chip were cured by heating to 150 ° C. through a neoflex, which is an acrylate-based resin (dry film), and were bonded together, and an ink was produced. Printing was carried out in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2, except that DBS was used as the organic solvent. Table 3 shows the results.

Experimental Example 16 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 2, except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 4 shows the results.

Experimental Example 17 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 3 except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 4 shows the results.

Experimental Example 18 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 4, except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 4 shows the results.

Experimental Example 19 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 5, except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 4 shows the results.

Experimental Example 20 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 6, except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 4 shows the results.

Experimental Example 21 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 7, except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 4 shows the results.

Experimental Example 22 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 8 except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 4 shows the results.

Experimental Example 23 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 9 except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 5 shows the results.

Experimental Example 24 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 10 except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 5 shows the results.

Experimental Example 25 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 11 except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 5 shows the results.

Experimental Example 26 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 12 except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 5 shows the results.

Experimental Example 27 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 13 except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 5 shows the results.

Experimental Example 28 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 14 except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 5 shows the results.

Experimental Example 29 Printing was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 15 except that printing was performed one day after the ink was introduced into the printer head. Table 5 shows the results.

[0140]

[Table 2]

[0141]

[Table 3]

[0142]

[Table 4]

[0143]

[Table 5]

Table 2 shows that DBP was used as the organic solvent for the ink.
As a result of printing immediately after the ink was introduced into the printer head, the adhesive sheet made of epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive and polyamide polymer compound was used to bond the grooved thin plate and the heater chip. It can be seen that the printing life was greatly improved as compared with the case of bonding using an acrylate resin. In addition, even when an adhesive sheet made of an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive and a polyamide-based polymer compound was used, a good printing density was obtained. In addition, even when an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound was used, good printing density was obtained, so that the adhesive sheet remained between the convex portions of the grooved thin plate, that is, in the concave portions. However, since the adhesive sheet was sufficiently thin, a necessary and sufficient space was formed between the grooved thin plate and the heater chip, and it was confirmed that this space functions as an ink flow path. Also, from FIG. 8, it was confirmed that 64 or more gradation expressions can be performed in one pixel. Also, these things,
By considering the results of Table 1 together, it was found that the adhesive to the thin plate with grooves and the heater chip were bonded using an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive or an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound, so that the impurities to DBP were contaminated. , The amount of impurities dissolved in the ink can be reduced, and as a result, the contamination of the ink is reduced, so that kogation to the columnar body of the transfer portion is prevented, and a good print density is maintained. However, it was found that the life of the printer head could be improved.

Table 3 shows that DBS was used as the organic solvent for the ink.
As a result of printing immediately after the ink was introduced into the printer head, the adhesive sheet made of epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive and polyamide polymer compound was used to bond the grooved thin plate and the heater chip. It can be seen that the printing life was greatly improved as compared with the case of bonding using an acrylate resin. In addition, even when an adhesive sheet made of an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive and a polyamide-based polymer compound was used, a good printing density was obtained. In addition, even when an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound was used, good printing density was obtained, so that the adhesive sheet remained between the convex portions of the grooved thin plate, that is, in the concave portions. However, since the adhesive sheet was sufficiently thin, a necessary and sufficient space was formed between the grooved thin plate and the heater chip, and it was confirmed that this space functions as an ink flow path. Further, by considering these and the results of Table 1 together, the epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive, or
By bonding the grooved thin plate and the heater chip using an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound, the DBS
The amount of impurities dissolved in the ink, that is, the amount of impurities dissolved in the ink can be reduced, and as a result, the contamination of the ink is reduced. It has been found that the life of the printer head can be improved while maintaining the same.

Table 4 shows that DBP was used as the organic solvent for the ink.
The ink was introduced into the printer head and printing was carried out one day later.As a result, an adhesive sheet made of an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive and a polyamide-based polymer compound was used for bonding the grooved thin plate and the heater chip. In both cases, the printing life was greatly improved as compared with the case of bonding using an acrylate resin. In addition, even when an adhesive sheet made of an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive and a polyamide-based polymer compound was used, a good printing density was obtained. In addition, even when an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound was used, since a good printing density was obtained,
The adhesive sheet remains between the convex portions and the convex portions of the grooved thin plate, that is, the concave portion, but since the adhesive sheet is sufficiently thin, a necessary and sufficient space is formed between the grooved thin plate and the heater chip, It was confirmed that this space functions as an ink flow path. In addition, by considering these facts and the results of Table 1, the grooved thin plate and the heater chip were bonded to each other using an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive or an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound. By doing so, the amount of impurities dissolved in the DBP, that is, the amount of impurities dissolved in the ink, can be reduced. As a result, the contamination of the ink is reduced. It has been found that even in the case where the printing is performed, kogation of the transfer portion to the columnar body is prevented, and the life of the printer head can be improved while maintaining good print density.

As shown in Table 5, DBS was used as the organic solvent for the ink.
The ink was introduced into the printer head and printing was carried out one day later.As a result, an adhesive sheet made of an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive and a polyamide-based polymer compound was used for bonding the grooved thin plate and the heater chip. In both cases, the printing life was greatly improved as compared with the case of bonding using an acrylate resin. In addition, even when an adhesive sheet made of an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive and a polyamide-based polymer compound was used, a good printing density was obtained. In addition, even when an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound was used, since a good printing density was obtained,
The adhesive sheet remains between the convex portions and the convex portions of the grooved thin plate, that is, the concave portion, but since the adhesive sheet is sufficiently thin, a necessary and sufficient space is formed between the grooved thin plate and the heater chip, It was confirmed that this space functions as an ink flow path. In addition, by considering these facts and the results of Table 1, the grooved thin plate and the heater chip were bonded to each other using an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive or an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound. By doing so, the amount of impurities dissolved in the DBP, that is, the amount of impurities dissolved in the ink, can be reduced. As a result, the contamination of the ink is reduced. It has been found that even in the case where the printing is performed, kogation of the transfer portion to the columnar body is prevented, and the life of the printer head can be improved while maintaining good print density.

From the above, it is possible to maintain a good printing density while maintaining the print density by bonding the grooved thin plate and the heater chip using an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive or an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based polymer compound. It has been found that the life of the printer head and the printer can be improved.

[0149]

As described above in detail, in the printer head according to the present invention, a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet having a groove provided on one surface as an ink supply passage is provided. The surface is opposed to the heater chip, and is adhered to the surface on the side where the transfer portion of the heater chip is formed via an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive. Therefore, in this printer head, the amount of substances eluted in the ink is extremely small. Therefore, according to the present invention, kogation to the columnar body due to components eluted into the ink is suppressed, so that it is possible to provide a printer head of high quality and long life.

Further, in the printer head according to the present invention, a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet having a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface is provided on a surface facing the heater chip. Is attached to the surface of the heater chip on the side where the transfer portion is formed via an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound. Therefore, in this printer head, the amount of substances eluted in the ink is extremely small. Therefore, according to the present invention, kogation to the columnar body due to components eluted into the ink is suppressed, so that it is possible to provide a printer head of high quality and long life.

Further, in the printer according to the present invention, the grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface has the surface provided with the groove as a surface facing the heater chip. A printer head is attached to the surface of the heater chip on the side where the transfer section is formed, via an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive. Therefore, in this printer, the amount of substances eluted in the ink is extremely small. Therefore, according to the present invention, kogation to the columnar body due to components eluted into the ink is suppressed, so that it is possible to provide a high-quality and long-life printer.

Further, in the printer according to the present invention, the grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface has the grooved surface facing the heater chip. A printer head is attached to the surface of the heater chip on the side where the transfer section is formed via an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound. for that reason,
In this printer, substances eluted in the ink are extremely small. Therefore, according to the present invention, kogation to the columnar body due to components eluted into the ink is suppressed, so that it is possible to provide a high-quality and long-life printer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a printer head according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the vicinity of a transfer portion of the printer head according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged plan view near a transfer portion of the printer head according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic enlarged plan view of the vicinity of a transfer portion of the printer head according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a grooved thin plate is bonded to a heater chip.

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state in which transfer to photographic paper is performed by a printer head.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a drive pulse given to a heater.

FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the number of gradations and the reflection density in this experimental example.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 printer head, 2 head fixing bracket, 3 ink tank, 4 paper feed roller, 6 photographic paper case, 7 photographic paper, 8 platen belt, 9 platen belt drive motor, 11 paper feed guide roller, 12 paper discharge roller, 20
Grooved thin plate, 23 transfer unit,

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A heater chip disposed on a base plate, a heating means formed on the heater chip, and irregularities disposed on the heater chip in one or more lines in a longitudinal direction of the heater chip. A transfer unit having a structure, the ink held in the transfer unit by capillary action is heated by a heating unit according to information to be recorded, so that the ink flies toward a transfer target, A printer head for transferring information to an object to be transferred, wherein a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface is provided with a heater chip on the surface provided with the groove. By applying an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive to a surface of the heater chip on the side where the transfer portion is formed as an opposing surface of the heater chip, the ink is supplied to the transfer portion. Printer head and forming an ink supply passage for. 2. A heater chip disposed on a base plate, heating means formed on the heater chip, and irregularities disposed on the heater chip in one or more lines in a longitudinal direction of the heater chip. A transfer unit having a structure, the ink held in the transfer unit by capillary action is heated by a heating unit according to information to be recorded, so that the ink flies toward a transfer target, A printer head for transferring information to an object to be transferred, wherein a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface is provided with a heater chip on the surface provided with the groove. By sticking through an adhesive sheet made of a polyamide-based synthetic polymer compound to the surface of the heater chip on the side where the transfer portion is formed as the facing surface of the heater chip,
A printer head, wherein an ink supply passage for supplying the ink to the transfer section is formed. 3. The printer head according to claim 2, wherein said adhesive sheet is mainly composed of nylon 12. 4. A heater chip provided on a base plate, heating means formed on the heater chip, and irregularities provided on the heater chip in one or more lines in a longitudinal direction of the heater chip. A transfer unit having a structure, the ink held in the transfer unit by capillary action is heated by a heating unit according to information to be recorded, so that the ink flies toward a transfer target, A printer provided with a printer head for transferring information to an object to be transferred, comprising a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface, and a surface provided with the groove. By attaching an epoxy-based thermosetting adhesive to a surface of the heater chip on the side where the transfer portion is formed as a surface facing the heater chip, the transfer portion is formed. Printers and forming an ink supply passage for supplying the ink. 5. A heater chip disposed on a base plate, heating means formed on the heater chip, and irregularities disposed on the heater chip in one or more lines in a longitudinal direction of the heater chip. A transfer unit having a structure, the ink held in the transfer unit by capillary action is heated by a heating unit according to information to be recorded, so that the ink flies toward a transfer target, A printer provided with a printer head for transferring information to an object to be transferred, comprising a grooved thin plate made of a metal sheet provided with a groove serving as an ink supply passage on one surface, and a surface provided with the groove. By adhering, via an adhesive sheet, to the surface of the heater chip on the side where the transfer portion is formed as a surface facing the heater chip, the ink is applied to the transfer portion. Printers and forming an ink supply passage for supplying.