JP2002067295A - Ink-jet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ink-jet recording device capable of appropriately executing the transparent treatment and producing a high quality image print at the time of a transparent treatment of the ink receiving layer by heating and pressuring a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles in the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer disposed adjacently on the inner side of the ink receiving layer. SOLUTION: An ink-jet recording device comprising a recording head 3 for recording by ejecting an ink onto a recording medium 1 having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles in the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer disposed adjacently on the inner side of the ink receiving layer, a heating and pressuring means 4 for the transparent treatment of the ink receiving layer of the recording medium by heating and pressuring the recording medium, a temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressuring means in a predetermined temperature range, and a recording medium conveying means 2 for conveying the recording medium 1 after a recording operation by the recording head 3 to the heating and pressuring means, wherein the heating and pressuring time of the recording medium by the heating and pressuring means is 0.1 to 2 seconds, is provided.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus, and more particularly, to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on its surface layer, by performing recording by discharging ink, and then applying heat and pressure. The present invention relates to an ink jet recording apparatus in which a recording medium is heated and pressed by means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Ink jet recording, in which image recording is performed by ejecting ink in the form of fine droplets onto a recording surface of a recording medium,
Recent technological advances have made it possible to achieve high image quality approaching silver halide photography and to reduce the price of the apparatus, and it has rapidly spread.

[0003] The inks used in such ink jet recording are broadly classified into dye inks and pigment inks. Dye inks are soluble in solvents and exhibit high purity and vivid coloration.Because they do not generate scattered or reflected light due to their lack of particle properties, they are highly transparent and have clear hues. When the dye molecules are destroyed by a reaction or the like, there is a problem that light resistance is poor because the decrease in the number of molecules directly affects the coloring density. In contrast, pigment inks are insoluble in solvents, and dye molecules form particles and contribute to coloring in a state of being dispersed in the solvent, and even if molecules on the surface are destroyed by photochemical reactions, etc. Since there is a new dye molecule layer, there is an advantage that an apparent decrease in coloring power is small and image storability is superior to dye ink.

However, the pigment ink has a problem of poor glossiness due to the effects of scattered light and reflected light caused by particles.
Therefore, for the purpose of imparting gloss to the surface of a recording medium on which an image has been recorded using a pigment ink containing a dispersant, preventing bleeding of the image due to contact with water, and improving abrasion resistance, On the (image recording surface side), an image is recorded using a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer, and then the recording medium is heated. A technique has been proposed in which the thermoplastic resin particles in the ink receiving layer are melted and smoothed by applying pressure to make the ink receiving layer transparent (Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-164386).

[0005]

In such a technique,
The recording medium on which an image has been recorded by the recording head is conveyed to the heating and pressing means by the conveying means to make the ink receiving layer transparent, and is heated and pressed to make the ink receiving layer transparent. In order to produce a proper image print, it is desired to appropriately make the ink receiving layer transparent.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to heat and press a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles in the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of appropriately performing transparency when a receiving layer is made transparent and producing a high quality image print.

[0007]

The object of the present invention is achieved by the following inventions.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transport means for transporting a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressing means, wherein the heating and pressing time of the recording medium by the heating and pressing means is set to 0.1. 1 to 2 seconds.

[0009] This makes it possible to realize a heating and pressurizing treatment necessary and sufficient to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and to produce a high quality image print.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles in a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium transport unit that transports a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressurizing unit. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized by changing a heating and pressing time.

[0011] With this, it is possible to perform the heating and pressurizing treatment on the various recording media with the optimal heating time respectively.
This is effective for creating high quality image prints.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles in a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transport unit that transports a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressing unit, wherein the holding temperature range of the heating and pressing unit is set according to the type of the recording medium. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized by being changed.

[0013] With this, it is possible to perform the heating and pressurizing process on the various recording media at the optimum heating temperature respectively.
This is effective for creating high quality image prints.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transport unit that transports a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressing unit, wherein the heating and pressing unit faces each other across the recording medium. one of the rollers is contained in constituting, Lee, characterized in that at least one of the recording medium contact surface of the two rollers is composed of members of the longitudinal elastic modulus (Young's modulus) 10 ⁶ ~10 ⁷ Pa It is a Kujetto recording device.

This makes it possible to obtain an appropriate pressing force and pressurizing time with a simple configuration.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles in a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressing means, wherein the heating and pressing means is suspended between two or more rollers. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a belt member and a roller facing the belt member with a recording medium interposed therebetween.

Thus, since the roller and the belt member are brought into surface contact with each other by pressing, it is possible to obtain an appropriate pressing force and pressing time even during high-speed processing. Also,
By adjusting the arrangement of the belt member and the roller that suspends the belt member and the tension of the belt member, the contact area and the pressing force between the belt member and the roller facing the belt member can be easily adjusted. .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transport unit that transports a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressing unit, wherein the heating and pressing unit is provided with two opposed recording media. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a belt member and a group of rollers for suspending the belt member.

Thus, since the belt members are brought into surface contact with each other by pressure bonding, it is possible to obtain appropriate pressing force and pressing time even during high-speed processing. Further, by adjusting the arrangement of the rollers and the tension of each belt member, the contact area and the pressing force between the two belt members can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, there is a high degree of freedom in designing the recording medium in the transport direction,
This is advantageous for reducing the size of the device and improving operability.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transporting means for transporting a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressurizing means, wherein when the predetermined temperature range is T _O ± ΔT ° C., The inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein _O is 50 to 150 ° C, and ΔT is 10 ° C or less.

Thus, the temperature can be controlled within a temperature range necessary and sufficient to stably heat the recording medium, and the ink receiving layer can be made transparent with good quality and stability.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the pressing force of the recording medium by the heating and pressing means is 9.8 × 10 ^{4 to} 4.9 × 1.
An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a 0 ⁶ Pa.

Thus, the pressure can be increased with a pressure necessary and sufficient to stably press the recording medium, and the ink receiving layer can be made transparent with good quality and stability.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transport unit that transports a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressing unit, wherein a cleaning unit that cleans a recording medium contact surface of the heating and pressing unit is provided. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising:

Thus, it is possible to prevent the contact surface of the recording medium with the heating and pressurizing means from being stained, thereby preventing the image of the recording medium from being stained and from deteriorating the heating and pressurizing performance. It can always be made transparent with good quality.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer, and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transporting means for transporting a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressurizing means. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a transfer preventing liquid applying unit that applies a transfer preventing liquid for preventing transfer of ink to a recording medium contact surface of the heating and pressurizing unit. .

This prevents a part of the recording medium or the ink from being transferred to the recording medium contact surface of the heating / pressurizing means, so that the contact surface with the recording medium becomes dirty and the image on the recording medium becomes dirty. The pressure performance can be prevented from lowering, and the ink receiving layer of the recording medium can always be made transparent with good quality.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transporting means for transporting a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressurizing means. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a transfer prevention liquid applying unit for applying a transfer prevention liquid for preventing transfer of ink to a recording medium after recording and before heating and pressing.

This prevents a part of the recording medium or ink from being transferred to the recording medium contact surface of the heating / pressurizing means, so that the contact surface with the recording medium becomes dirty and the image of the recording medium becomes dirty, The pressure performance can be prevented from lowering, and the ink receiving layer of the recording medium can always be made transparent with good quality.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet recording apparatus according to the tenth or eleventh aspect, wherein the transfer preventing liquid contains silicone oil.

Thus, the transfer of the heating and pressing means to the recording medium contact surface can be reliably prevented by using an inexpensive and stable material.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, an ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transporting means for transporting the recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressurizing means, wherein the glossy liquid for imparting gloss to the recording medium is heated and heated. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a gloss liquid applying means for applying a glossy liquid to a recording medium contact surface of a pressure means.

Thus, in addition to making the surface of the recording medium transparent, glossiness can be further provided, and a higher quality image print can be produced.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer, and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressurizing means, wherein a gloss liquid for imparting gloss to the recording medium is recorded. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a gloss liquid applying means for applying to a recording medium.

Thus, in addition to the transparency of the surface of the recording medium, a further gloss can be given, and a higher quality image print can be produced.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet recording apparatus according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, further comprising means for controlling whether or not to apply the glossy liquid according to the type of recording medium.

As a result, it is possible to automatically select only the type of recording medium to which gloss is to be imparted and to impart gloss.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ink jet recording apparatus according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect, further comprising a glossy liquid application selecting means for selecting whether or not to apply the glossy liquid.

Thus, whether or not to impart gloss to the recording medium can be freely selected according to the purpose.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the glossy liquid comprises:
2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein said composition contains silicone oil.
An inkjet recording apparatus according to any one of Items 3 to 16.

This makes it possible to reliably impart gloss to the surface of the recording medium with a cheap and stable material.

The invention according to claim 18 is to discharge ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And a recording medium transport unit that transports a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating / pressurizing unit. When recording is not performed for a certain period of time, temperature control by the temperature control unit is performed. And the heat generation of the heating and pressurizing means is stopped.

As a result, wasteful power consumption is suppressed,
Power consumption can be reduced.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium transporting means for transporting a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressing means. And a second temperature range lower than the second temperature range.

Thus, power consumption can be saved, and the heating and pressurizing means can be quickly heated at the start of the heating and pressurizing process, so that the heating and pressurizing process can be restarted in a short time. it can.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, an ink is ejected to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Head for performing recording by heating, heating and pressurizing means for heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, and temperature control means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means in a predetermined temperature range And an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium transporting means for transporting a recording medium on which recording has been performed by the recording head to the heating and pressing means. If the temperature is kept in a second temperature range lower than the temperature range and recording is not performed for a certain period of time, the temperature control by the temperature control means is stopped to stop the heat generation of the heating and pressurizing means. An ink jet recording apparatus characterized.

As a result, wasteful power consumption for a long time can be suppressed, and power consumption can be saved.
When the image recording is resumed after the recording is stopped for a relatively short time, the heating / pressurizing means can be quickly heated, so that the heating / pressing process can be resumed in a short time.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, after the heating / pressurizing means stops generating heat or returns from the second temperature range, the heating / pressurizing means operates at a temperature equal to or higher than the minimum processing temperature and reaches a predetermined temperature range. The heating and pressurizing process for the recording medium is performed while the heating and pressurizing time is relatively long during the period.
21. An ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of 8 to 20.

Thus, it is not necessary to wait until the heating / pressing unit reaches a predetermined temperature range, so that the heating / pressing process can be started early, and the speed of image print creation can be increased accordingly.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, when the heating and pressurizing time of the recording medium is extended, the recording time per unit time length in the recording medium transport direction is relatively increased. 22. An ink jet recording apparatus according to item 21.

This makes it possible to make the recording speed of the image by the recording head substantially equal to the heating and pressurizing processing speed of the recording medium by the heating and pressurizing means. It is not necessary to provide a special recording medium storage means or the like for holding the recorded recording medium on standby.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the recording head is configured to perform recording by reciprocating scanning in a direction substantially perpendicular to a conveying direction of the recording medium, and to change a moving direction of the recording head. 23. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 22, wherein a recording time per unit length in a recording medium transport direction is lengthened by adjusting a stop time at the time of reversing.

This makes it possible to keep the driving frequency and scanning speed of the recording head constant without any change, to stabilize the ink ejection characteristics of the recording head, and to simplify the recording head driving circuit and scanning driving system. Can be changed.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the recording head is constituted by a linear head having ink ejection nozzles formed over the entire width of the recording medium, and by adjusting the ink ejection interval of the recording head. 23. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the recording time per unit length in the recording medium transport direction is lengthened.

In general, in the case of a linear head, the ink ejection interval is longer than that of a scanning type recording head. Therefore, even if the ejection cycle is changed to be longer, there is an advantage that the change in the ink ejection characteristics is small.

[0056]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

As shown in FIG. 26, the recording medium mainly used in the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention has an ink receiving layer 1B containing thermoplastic resin particles on the surface of a support 1A. 1B is provided with at least a pigment ink solvent absorption layer 1C having a void layer in which the ink solvent component is absorbed after the colorant and the ink solvent component are separated on the surface of the ink receiving layer 1B.

As the support 1A, a support conventionally used as a recording medium for ink jet can be used. For example, other than a paper support such as plain paper, art paper, coated paper and cast coated paper, etc. , A plastic support, a paper support coated on both sides with a polyolefin, and a composite support obtained by laminating these.

The thermoplastic resin particles contained in the ink receiving layer 1B include, for example, polycarbonate, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
Examples include polyvinyl acetate, polyester, polyamide, polyether, copolymers thereof, and salts thereof.
The thermoplastic resin particles are appropriately selected in consideration of ink receptivity, glossiness of an image after fixing by heating and pressurizing, image fastness and releasability.

Regarding the ink receptivity, when the particle diameter of the thermoplastic resin particles is less than 0.05 μm, the separation of the pigment particles from the ink solvent in the pigment ink becomes slow, which causes a decrease in the ink absorption speed. . If it exceeds 10 μm,
When coated on a support, it is not preferable from the viewpoint of the adhesiveness to the pigment ink solvent absorbing layer 1C adjacent to the ink receiving layer 1B and the film strength of the recording medium after coating and drying. For this reason, the preferred thermoplastic resin particle diameter is preferably 0.05
10 μm, more preferably 0.1 to 5 μm.

The thermoplastic resin particles forming the outermost layer exist in a dispersed state in a solvent such as water before coating and drying.
In the case of a single thermoplastic resin particle having no variation in the dispersed particle size, the particles are packed in the closest dense hexagon by drying after coating to form a single particle layer, and the porosity at that time is about 26%. It is.
However, thermoplastic resin particles are usually polydisperse, and the porosity changes depending on the state of aggregation of the thermoplastic resin particles. In addition, the size of the formed void depends on the particle size of the thermoplastic resin particles.

The coating thickness on the support 1A is as follows.
0.1 to 10 μm is preferable, and more preferably 0.5 to
7 μm.

The criteria for selecting the thermoplastic resin particles include the glass transition point (Tg). If the Tg is lower than the coating and drying temperature, for example, the coating and drying temperature during the production of the recording medium is already higher than the Tg, and the voids due to the thermoplastic fine particles through which the ink solvent permeates disappear. When Tg is equal to or higher than the temperature at which the support 1A is denatured by heat,
In order to form a melt film after inkjet recording with a pigment ink, a fixing operation at a high temperature is required, which causes problems on the load on the apparatus and the thermal stability of the support 1A. The preferable Tg of the thermoplastic resin particles is 50 to 150 ° C., and this temperature Tg is set as a target temperature range in the temperature control in the heating and pressurizing means of the ink jet recording apparatus as described later.

After the image is formed, it is necessary to suppress the deterioration of the image quality of the recorded image due to its storage over time as much as possible. In the case of using pigment ink, there is no need to worry about density reduction and discoloration in a relatively short period of time as in the case of dye ink.
It is necessary to select thermoplastic resin particles from the viewpoint of suppressing yellowing (decomposition) by V light.

The pigment ink solvent absorbing layer 1C adjacent to the outermost ink receiving layer 1B needs to have the ability to absorb the pigment ink solvent.
This effect is achieved by incorporating inorganic fine particles into the solvent absorbing layer of the pigment ink.

The inorganic fine particles used for the above purpose include, for example, light calcium carbonate, heavy calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, kaolin, clay, talc, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide. , Zinc sulfide, zinc carbonate, hydrotalcite, aluminum silicate, diatomaceous earth, calcium silicate, magnesium silicate, synthetic amorphous silica, colloidal silica, alumina, colloidal alumina, pseudoboehmite, aluminum hydroxide, lithopone, zeolite, hydroxylated And white inorganic pigments such as magnesium.

The average particle diameter of the inorganic fine particles can be determined by observing the fine particles themselves or the fine particles that have appeared on the cross section or surface of the void-type pigment ink solvent absorption layer with an electron microscope, and calculating the average particle diameter of 100 arbitrary particles. It is obtained as a simple average (number average). Here, the particle size of each fine particle is represented by a diameter assuming a circle equal to the projected area.

From the viewpoints of forming a high-density image, recording a clear image, and manufacturing at low cost, the inorganic solid fine particles include fine particle silica, colloidal silica and alumina synthesized by a gas phase method. Alternatively, it is preferable to use inorganic solid fine particles selected from alumina hydrate. Alumina or alumina hydrate may be crystalline or non-crystalline, and may have irregular particles,
Any shape such as spherical particles and needle-like particles can be used. At present, fine particle silica synthesized by such a gas phase method is commercially available, and there are various types of Aerosil manufactured by Nippon Aerosil Co., Ltd. as commercially available fine particle silica.

The average particle size of the inorganic fine particles is not particularly limited, but is preferably 100 nm or less, and the most preferable average particle size for forming the void layer differs depending on the compound. For example, in the case of the above-mentioned fumed silica, it is most preferable that the average particle diameter of the primary particles of the inorganic fine particles dispersed in the state of the primary particles (the particle diameter in the dispersion state before coating) is 4 to 20 nm. It can be preferably used.

As the pigment ink solvent absorbing layer 1C, besides using the above-mentioned inorganic fine particles, for example, JP-A-59-1485
No. 83, No. 55-51583, No. 58-72495, etc., liquids mixed with various hydrophilic resins and silica, JP-A Nos. 9-150574 and 10-181189.
The urethane resin emulsion containing an alkylene oxide or a polycarbonate described in the above item can also be used.

Further, in addition to forming the solvent absorbing layer of the pigment ink using the inorganic fine particles, a polyurethane resin emulsion, a water-soluble epoxy compound and / or acetoacetylated polyvinyl alcohol are used in combination therewith, and an epichlorohydrin polyamide resin is further used in combination. The pigment ink solvent absorbing layer 1C may be formed using the applied coating liquid.

The polyurethane resin emulsion in this case is preferably a polyurethane resin emulsion having a polycarbonate chain, a polycarbonate chain and a polyester chain and having a particle diameter of 3.0 μm. The polyurethane resin of the polyurethane resin emulsion is preferably a polycarbonate polyol, a polycarbonate polyol or a polyester polyol. Polyurethane resin obtained by reacting a polyol having and an aliphatic isocyanate compound,
More preferably, the compound has a sulfonic acid group in the molecule, and further contains an epichlorohydrin polyamide resin, a water-soluble epoxy compound, and / or acetoacetylated vinyl alcohol.

In the pigment ink solvent absorbing layer 1C using the above polyurethane resin, it is presumed that weak agglomeration of cations and anions is formed, and accordingly, voids having a pigment ink solvent absorbing capacity are formed, so that an image can be formed. You.

In the ink receiving layer 1 B and the pigment ink solvent absorbing layer 1 C of the recording medium 1, the total amount of voids (void volume)
Is preferably 20 ml or more per 1 m ² of recording paper. When the void volume is less than 20 ml / m ² , if the ink amount at the time of printing is 1 ml / m ² or less, the ink absorbency is good, but if the ink amount exceeds 40 ml / m ² , the ink is completely absorbed. Problems such as deterioration of image quality and slow drying property are likely to occur.

Although the upper limit of the void volume is not particularly limited, it is necessary that the thickness of the void-type ink absorbing layer is usually 50 μm or less so as not to deteriorate the physical properties of the coating such as cracks. , The void volume is 40 ml / m
It is difficult to make more than ² . The void volume is described in J. Mol. TAPP
I pulp test method No. When measured by the liquid absorption test method (Bristow method) of 51-87 paper or paperboard, it is represented by the liquid transfer amount (ml / m ² ) at an absorption time of 2 seconds. In the above measurement method, pure water (ion-exchanged water) is used for the measurement, but a water-soluble dye of less than 2% may be contained in order to easily determine the measurement area.

In applying the recording medium, a thickener may be used in order to improve the applicability. As a coating method, in addition to a bar coater, a roll coater, an applicator, a spinner, and the like, when two or more layers are simultaneously coated from the viewpoint of increasing production efficiency, extrusion coating and curtain coating are particularly effective.

The silicon emulsion or water-soluble silicon compound preferably contained in the ink receiving layer 1B is, for example, a dimethylsiloxane compound which is a siloxane having a functional group of methyl and which is a general release agent, or vinyl compound as a substituent of the compound. And a group, a hydrogen atom, a mercapto group, a methacryl group, an acryl group, an amino group, a phenyl group, and the like. Further, the content is preferably less than 1% by mass ratio to the thermoplastic resin particles 100. When the addition amount is 1% or more, the releasability is improved, but color unevenness presumably caused by non-uniformity of fixing due to heating and pressurization occurs, which is not preferable.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention.

The recording medium 1 is supplied by a supply unit (not shown), is conveyed rightward in the figure by a recording medium conveying unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a conveying unit) 2, and is arranged at a downstream side of the conveying unit 2. 3, a predetermined image is recorded and formed on the recording surface of the recording medium 1.

In the illustrated example, the recording medium 1 shows an example in which a long roll paper wound in a roll shape is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a sheet-shaped recording medium cut to an appropriate size is used. It may be.

The transport unit 2 includes a transport roller 21 that is driven to rotate by a drive unit (not shown), and a driven roller 22 that sandwiches the recording medium 1 between the transport roller 21 and the recording medium. In a state where the medium 1 is sandwiched between the transport roller 21 and the driven roller 22, the transport roller 21 is transported by a predetermined amount in the rightward direction (sub-scanning direction) in the drawing in accordance with image recording by the recording head 3 to be described later. It is supposed to.

The recording head 3 is movably mounted on a scanning guide 31 which is disposed downstream of the conveying means 2 and is provided so as to extend in the width direction of the recording medium 1 so as to be substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium 1. And a reciprocating scanning type recording head configured to be movable in the main scanning direction along the scanning guide 31 by driving means (not shown).

The recording head 3 includes, for example, Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black)
And the like, and has a plurality of ink tanks in which pigment inks of respective colors are stored, and by performing main scanning movement along the scanning guide 31 and ejecting predetermined ink at predetermined timing according to image data, A predetermined image is recorded and formed on the recording surface of the recording medium 1 in cooperation with the transport of the recording medium 1 by the transporting means 2.

As the pigment ink, conventionally known organic and inorganic pigments can be used. For example, azo pigments such as azo lake, insoluble azo pigment, condensed azo pigment, chelate azo pigment,
Polycyclic pigments such as phthalocyanine pigments, perylene pigments, anthraquinone pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxane pigments, thioindigo pigments, isoindolinone pigments, quinophthaloni pigments, and dye lakes such as basic dye lakes and acid dye lakes, Organic pigments such as nitro pigments, nitroso pigments, aniline black and daylight fluorescent pigments, and inorganic pigments such as carbon black.

Specific examples of the organic pigment are shown below.

The pigments for magenta or red include:
C. I. Pigment Red 2, C.I. I. Pigment Red 3, C.I. I. Pigment Red 5, C.I. I. Pigment Red 6, C.I. I. Pigment Red 7, C.I. I. Pigment Red 15, C.I. I. Pigment Red 16,
C. I. Pigment Red 48: 1, C.I. I. Pigment Red 53: 1, C.I. I. Pigment Red 57:
1, C.I. I. Pigment Red 122, C.I. I. Pigment Red 123, C.I. I. Pigment Red 139,
C. I. Pigment red 144, C.I. I. Pigment Red 149, C.I. I. Pigment Red 166, C.I.
I. Pigment Red 177, C.I. I. Pigment Red 178, C.I. I. Pigment Red 222 and the like.

Examples of pigments for orange or yellow include C.I. I. Pigment Orange 31, C.I. I. Pigment Orange 43, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 12,
C. I. Pigment Yellow 13, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 14, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 15, C.I.
I. Pigment Yellow 17, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 93, C.I. I. Pigment Yellow 94, C.I. I.
Pigment Yellow 138 and the like.

The pigments for green or cyan include:
C. I. Pigment Blue 15, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15: 2, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 15: 3,
C. I. Pigment Blue 16, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 60, C.I. I. Pigment Green 7 and the like.

A recording medium holding section 32 is disposed on the opposite side of the recording head 3 with the recording medium 1 interposed therebetween, and the recording medium 1 is suction-held on the surface by suction means (not shown).
When the image is recorded on the recording surface of the recording medium 1 by the recording head 3, the recording medium 1 is prevented from floating.

The heating and pressurizing means 4 is disposed downstream of the recording head 3 so as to heat and press the recording medium 1 on which an image has been recorded by the recording head 3. A pressure roller 42 for sandwiching the medium 1 between the medium 1 and the heating roller 41 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the heating roller 41 is a hollow roller, and has a built-in heating element 43 such as a halogen lamp heater as a heat source along its axial direction.
The heating roller 41 is heated by the heat of the heating element 43 to melt the thermoplastic resin particles contained in the ink receiving layer of the recording medium 1. A gear 41 is provided around the edge of the heating roller 41.
2 is formed and a gear 44 attached to the drive motor 44
The driving force of the drive motor 44 is transmitted by meshing with 1, and the drive motor 44 is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction. Reference numeral 411 is a bearing.

The heating roller 41 is preferably formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity so that the recording medium 1 can be efficiently heated by the heat generated from the heating element 43, and a metal roller is preferably used. . The surface is preferably coated with a fluororesin in order to prevent contamination by ink when the recording medium 1 is heated and pressed. In addition, a silicon rubber roller coated with heat-resistant silicon rubber can be used.

A temperature sensor 5 is arranged close to the surface of the heating roller 41. By detecting the temperature of the heating roller 41 by the temperature sensor 5, the amount of heat generated by the heating element 43 can be reduced by temperature control means (not shown). The temperature of the heating roller 41 is controlled so as to be maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

The pressure roller 42 is made of a metal roller such as stainless steel having an outer periphery coated with a rubber coating 42 a having elasticity. As shown in FIG. 3, the roller shafts 42 b at both ends of the roller 42 are supported by bearing frames 422 via bearings 421. Mounted and supported. The support frame 422 presses the recording medium 1 with a predetermined pressing force with the recording medium 1 interposed therebetween so that the pressure roller 42 can press the recording medium 1 against the heating roller 41. Urging members 45, 4
5 energized. In the illustrated example, the urging member 45,
Although the pressure roller 42 is urged in the direction of pulling the pressure roller 42 toward the heating roller 41 by 45, the pressure roller 42 may be urged in the direction of pressing the heating roller 41 side. Further, as the urging members 45, 45, a coil spring,
In addition to a leaf spring or the like, any material that can urge the pressure roller 42 toward the heating roller 41 with a predetermined elastic force can be used.

The recording medium 1 on which a predetermined image has been recorded by the recording head 3 is conveyed to the heating and pressing means 4 by the conveying means 2. The heating / pressurizing means 4 holds the recording medium 1 between the heating roller 41 and the pressure roller 42, and conveys the recording medium 1 at a predetermined speed by rotating the heating roller 41, and heats and presses the recording medium 1 in the process. Let
The thermoplastic resin particles in the surface ink receiving layer are melted and smoothed to make them transparent.

In the present invention, the heating and pressing time of the recording medium 1 by the heating and pressing means 4 is 0.1 to 2 seconds. When the heating and pressurizing time of the recording medium 1 is in this range, the heating and pressurizing treatment necessary and sufficient for the ink receiving layer of the recording medium 1 to be transparent can be performed, which is effective for producing a high-quality image print. . The heating and pressurizing time by the heating and pressurizing unit 4 can be set in the above range by appropriately adjusting the number of rotations of the heating roller 41.

In the present invention, the pressure roller 42 is
Rubber coating 4 having elasticity on its surface (recording medium contact surface)
By having 2a, the nip region formed between the heating roller 41 and the heating roller 41 is formed with a certain width.
At this time, the longitudinal elastic modulus (Young's modulus) of the rubber coating 42a, which is the recording medium contact surface of the pressure roller 42, is 10 ⁶ to 1
0 ⁷ Pa, preferably ^{1.0 × 10 6 ~4.0 × 10 6} P
a, the heating roller 41 and the pressure roller 42
Can be brought into pressure contact with a large contact area, and an appropriate pressing force and pressure time can be obtained with a simple configuration.

In addition, by coating the outer periphery of the heating roller 41 with heat-resistant silicon rubber or the like instead of the pressure roller 42,
The longitudinal elastic modulus (Young's modulus) in the above range may be provided, and both the heating roller 41 and the pressure roller 42 may be configured to have the longitudinal elastic modulus (Young's modulus) in the above range. In short, it suffices if at least one of the two rollers 41 and 42 is configured so that the recording medium contact surface has a longitudinal elastic modulus (Young's modulus) in the above range.

In the present invention, if the heating / pressing time of the recording medium 1 is changed according to the type of the recording medium 1, the optimal heating / pressing processing is performed on various recording media 1 respectively. This is effective for creating high quality image prints.

Here, the type of recording medium means the type of material of the support of the recording medium, the type of thickness of the support, the type of thermoplastic resin particles contained in the ink receiving layer of the recording medium, the type of recording medium. The type of surface quality (silk, gloss, etc.) is given.

Further, in the present invention, the holding temperature range of the heating and pressurizing means 4 may be changed according to the type of the recording medium 1. The heating and pressurizing process can be performed, which is effective for producing high-quality image prints.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show another embodiment of the heating and pressurizing means 4.

FIG. 4A shows that the heating roller 41 is shown in FIGS.
Is the same as that shown in FIG.
The belt member 47 suspended between the heating roller 41 and the two rollers 46a and 46b opposed to each other with the recording medium 1 interposed therebetween instead of the configuration of the pressure roller 42 for applying pressure between the heating roller 41 and the pressure roller 42.
It is constituted by.

In this embodiment, the belt member 47 is suspended between the rollers 46a and 46b with a predetermined tension.
By pressing the belt member 47 against the heating roller 41, the recording medium 1 is sandwiched between them and simultaneously pressed, so that the recording medium 1 is conveyed rightward in the figure by the rotation of the heating roller 41. I have.

As the material of the belt member 47, a metal member such as stainless steel or an elastic member such as silicon rubber can be used.

According to this embodiment, since the heating roller 41 and the belt member 47 are in surface contact, it is possible to obtain appropriate pressing force and pressurizing time even during high-speed processing. Further, by adjusting the arrangement of the rollers 46a and 46b and the tension of the belt member 47, the contact area between the heating roller 41 and the belt member 47 and the pressing force can be easily adjusted.

In FIG. 4B, the pressure roller 42 is the same as that shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and the belt member 47 is used instead of the heating roller 41. The heating element 43 is disposed inside the belt member 47 so as to directly heat the belt member 47. However, the rollers 46a and 46b for suspending the belt member 47 are hollow, and the rollers 46a and 46b are The heating element 43 is built in and the roller 4
6a and 46b may be heated.

The number of rollers for suspending the belt member 47 is not limited to two, but may be three or more.

FIG. 5 shows that the heating / pressing means 4 is constituted by two belt members 47a and 47b opposed to each other with the recording medium 1 interposed therebetween and a group of rollers (46c to 46g) for suspending the belt members 47a and 47b. 1 shows a configured embodiment.

The belt member 47a has two rollers 46c,
It is suspended with a predetermined tension between 46d, and the heating element 43 is arranged inside the suspension. The belt member 47a is heated by the heating element 43.

On the other hand, the belt member 47b is disposed so as to face the belt member 47a with the recording medium 1 interposed therebetween, and is suspended with a predetermined tension over three rollers 46e, 46f and 46g. The roller 46c,
46d are located between the rollers 46e and 46f and between the rollers 46f and 46g, respectively.

In this embodiment, the recording medium 1 is sandwiched between the belt members 47a and 47b, and the rollers 46c or 46d are rotationally driven by the driving means (not shown) to drive the belt member 47a counterclockwise, so that the right side of the drawing is obtained. Conveyed in the direction. The belt members 47a and 47b oppose each other in a pressure-contact manner, and the recording medium 1 is
In the process of being conveyed while being sandwiched between a and 47b, it is heated and pressurized at the same time.

According to this embodiment, since the belt members 47a and 47b are in surface contact with each other, it is possible to obtain an appropriate pressing force and an appropriate pressing time even during high-speed processing. Further, by adjusting the arrangement of the rollers 46c to 46g and the tension of the belt members 47a and 47b, the contact area and the pressing force between the belt members 47a and 47b can be easily adjusted. Further, by changing the arrangement of the rollers 46c to 46g, the degree of freedom in design in the transport direction of the recording medium 1 is increased as compared with the embodiments shown in FIGS. There is also an advantage that it is advantageous for improvement.

[0114] In the present invention, the recording
The pressure of the recording medium 1 is 9.8 × 10 ^Four~ 4.9 × 10⁶P
a is preferred. Pressure does not go above or below the above range
The ink receiving layer of the recording medium 1 is excellently transparent
It becomes difficult to obtain a necessary and sufficient pressing force for the formation. In addition,
The pressurizing force is applied to the pressurizing and heating means 4 with the pressure-sensitive paper sandwiched therebetween,
Measured by converting pressure from the degree of color development of pressure-sensitive paper
can do.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the structure of the cleaning means 6 for cleaning the recording medium contact surface of the heating and pressing means 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a heating roller 41 of the heating and pressing means 4.
An example is shown in which a cleaning roller 61 is provided on the recording medium contact surface on the outer peripheral surface.

The cleaning roller 61 is composed of a sponge roller having a sponge surrounding the outer periphery of a rotating shaft, extends in parallel with the heating roller 41, and is detachably provided.
The cleaning roller 61 normally has its sponge surface abutted on the recording medium contact surface of the heating roller 41 without rotating, and the sponge surface rubs the recording medium contact surface when the heating roller 41 rotates. Then, the dirt on the recording medium contact surface is wiped off.

The cleaning roller 61 is provided with a rotation driving means (not shown). For example, when the number of processed recording media 1 reaches a fixed processing amount, the driving is controlled to rotate by a predetermined angle (for example, 5 °), and the cleaning is performed. The recording medium contact surface of the heating roller 41 can be cleaned with a new surface of the roller 61. When the surface of the cleaning roller 61 is rotated by a predetermined amount and all surfaces become dirty, the cleaning roller 61 is removed and replaced with a new sponge surface or the cleaning roller 61.

FIG. 7 shows a heating roller 41 of the heating and pressing means 4.
An example is shown in which a cleaning belt 62 is provided on the recording medium contact surface on the outer peripheral surface.

The cleaning belt 62 is formed of a nonwoven fabric or the like so as to have at least the same width as at least the recording medium contact surface of the heating roller 41, is stretched between the two winding rollers 62a and 62b, and has one of the rollers 62a or 62b. And can be wound around the other roller 62b or 62a by a rotation driving means (not shown).

The cleaning belt 62 has two winding rollers 62a,
In a state of being bridged between the heating rollers 41 and 62b, the winding rollers 62a and 62b do not normally rotate, and the heating rollers 4a and 4b are arranged so as to contact the recording medium contact surface of the heating roller 41.
1 rotates and rubs the recording medium contact surface, thereby wiping off the dirt on the recording medium contact surface. Then, for example, when the number of processed recording media 1 reaches a fixed processing amount, the drive control is performed so that the winding roller 62a or 62b rotates a predetermined amount, and the new surface of the cleaning belt 62 cleans the recording medium contact surface of the heating roller 41. It is possible to do. When the entire cleaning belt 62 has been wound up, it is removed and replaced with a new one.

By providing the cleaning means 6 in the heating and pressurizing means 4 as described above, it is possible to prevent the contact surface with the recording medium 1 from being stained, thereby contaminating the image on the recording medium 1 and lowering the heating and pressurizing performance. It is possible to always make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium 1 transparent with good quality.

FIGS. 8 to 10 show the structure of the transfer preventing liquid applying means.

The transfer-preventing liquid applying means 7 shown above is provided on a part of the recording medium 1 (for example, thermoplastic resin particles contained in the ink receiving layer) or a recording head on the recording medium contact surface of the heating and pressing means 4. 3. An anti-transfer liquid for preventing the ink applied to the surface of the recording medium 1 from being transferred from 3
It is applied to the recording medium contact surface.

The transfer preventing liquid preferably contains silicone oil. Silicone oil is an inexpensive and stable material, and can reliably prevent contamination of the recording medium contact surface.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a coating roller 71 composed of a sponge roller impregnated with a transfer preventing liquid is disposed so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 41 which is a recording medium contact surface. The transfer prevention liquid impregnated in the application roller 71 by driving is applied to the recording medium contact surface. The application roller 71 is provided with a rotation driving means (not shown), for example, is rotated by a predetermined angle every time the number of processed sheets reaches a certain amount, so that the transfer preventing liquid can be applied on a new surface of the application roller 71. I have. The application roller 71 is configured to be detachable, and is replaced with a new one when the impregnated transfer prevention liquid runs out.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the two winding rollers 7
An application belt 72 made of non-woven fabric or the like stretched between 2a and 72b is impregnated with a transfer preventing liquid, and the application belt 72 is brought into contact with the recording medium contact surface of the heating roller 41. The transfer prevention liquid impregnated in the application belt 72 is applied to the recording medium contact surface. The take-up roller 72a or 72b is provided with a rotation drive means (not shown). For example, each time the number of processed sheets reaches a certain amount, the take-up roller 72a is rotated by a predetermined amount to take up the area where the anti-transfer liquid has been applied. The transfer prevention liquid can be applied on a new surface of the application belt 72. When the application belt 72 has been wound up, it is replaced with a new one.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, an application pad 73 made of a nonwoven fabric impregnated with a transfer preventing liquid is
The transfer prevention liquid impregnated in the application pad 73 is applied to the recording medium contact surface by rotating the heating roller 41 so as to abut the recording medium contact surface. The application pad 73 is configured to be detachable, and is replaced with a new one when the impregnated transfer prevention liquid runs out.

By providing the anti-transfer liquid applying means 7 for applying the anti-transfer liquid to the recording medium contact surface of the heating / pressing means 4 as described above, the transfer of the recording medium 1 to the recording medium contact surface of the heating / pressing means 4 is performed. Part or ink is prevented from transferring,
It is possible to prevent the image of the recording medium from being contaminated and to prevent the heating and pressurizing performance from deteriorating, and it is possible to always make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium 1 transparent with good quality.

FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the transfer preventing liquid applying means 7.

The anti-transfer liquid applying means 7 shown in this embodiment comprises:
It is arranged on the downstream side of the recording head 3 and on the upstream side of the heating and pressing means 4, not on the recording medium contact surface of the heating and pressing means 4,
The anti-transfer liquid is applied to the recording medium 1 after the image is recorded by the recording head 3 and before the heating and pressurizing process by the heating and pressurizing unit 4.

The transfer preventing liquid is impregnated in the same application pad 74 as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, and is provided so as to come into contact with the recording surface of the recording medium 1 after the recording head 3 has formed an image. And is in contact with the surface of the applied roller 75. Thereby, the application pad 7 is applied via the application roller 75.
The transfer preventing liquid impregnated in the recording medium 4 is applied to the recording surface of the recording medium 1.

As described above, even when the transfer preventing liquid applying means 7 is applied to the recording medium 1 after the recording of the image by the recording head and before the heating and pressurizing treatment by the heating and pressurizing means 4, It is possible to prevent a part of the recording medium 1 or the ink from being transferred to the recording medium contact surface of the heating / pressing means 4 and to prevent the image of the recording medium from being contaminated or to prevent the heating / pressing performance from being lowered. This is effective for always making the ink receiving layer of the recording medium 1 transparent with good quality.

In FIG. 11, the case where the transfer preventing liquid is impregnated into the coating pad 74 has been described. However, the transfer preventing liquid is applied to the coating roller 71 composed of a sponge roller shown in FIG. 8 or the coating belt 72 shown in FIG. Respectively, and apply the application roller 71 or the application belt 72 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the recording medium 1 may be applied via the application roller 75 or directly in contact with the recording medium 1.

FIGS. 12 to 14 show the structure of the gloss liquid applying means.

The gloss liquid applying means 8 shown above applies the gloss liquid for imparting gloss to the surface of the recording medium 1 to the recording medium contact surface of the heating / pressing means 4 to the recording medium contact surface. Like that.

The glossy liquid preferably contains silicone oil. Silicone oil is an inexpensive and stable material, and can surely impart gloss to the surface of the recording medium 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, an application roller 81 composed of a sponge roller impregnated with a glossy liquid is arranged so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the heating roller 41 which is the recording medium contact surface. Thus, the glossy liquid impregnated in the application roller 81 is applied to the recording medium contact surface. The application roller 81 is provided with a rotation driving means (not shown), and is rotated by a predetermined angle, for example, every time the number of processed sheets becomes a predetermined amount, so that the glossy liquid can be applied on a new surface of the application roller 81. . The application roller 81 is configured to be detachable, and is replaced with a new one when the impregnated gloss liquid runs out.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, a glossy liquid is impregnated into a coating belt 82 made of a nonwoven fabric or the like stretched between two winding rollers 82a and 82b, and the coating belt 82 is brought into contact with the recording medium of the heating roller 41. The gloss liquid impregnated in the application belt 82 is applied to the recording medium contact surface by the rotation of the heating roller 41 while being in contact with the surface.
The take-up roller 82a or 82b is provided with a rotation driving means (not shown), and for example, is rotated by a predetermined amount each time the number of processed sheets reaches a certain amount, and winds up the area where the gloss liquid has been applied. The glossy liquid can be applied on a new surface of the application belt 82. When the application belt 82 has been wound up, it is replaced with a new one.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the coating pad 83 made of a nonwoven fabric impregnated with a glossy liquid is brought into contact with the recording medium contact surface of the heating roller 41, and the coating pad 83 is impregnated by the rotation of the heating roller 41. The glossy liquid is applied to the recording medium contact surface. The application pad 83 is configured to be detachable, and is replaced with a new one when the impregnated gloss liquid runs out.

By providing the glossy liquid applying means 8 for applying a glossy liquid to the recording medium contact surface of the heating / pressing means 4 in this manner, it is possible to impart not only the surface of the recording medium 1 but also a further gloss. And a higher quality image print can be created.

FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of the gloss liquid applying means 8.

The gloss applying means 8 shown in this embodiment is not provided on the recording medium contact surface of the heating / pressing means 4 but on the recording head 3.
The glossy liquid is applied to the recording medium 1 after the image is recorded and formed. FIG. 15 (a)
FIG. 15B shows a mode in which the glossy liquid is applied to the recording medium 1 before the heating and pressurizing process by the heating and pressurizing unit 4, and FIG. And any mode may be used as long as the glossy liquid can be applied to the recording medium 1 after recording and forming an image by the recording head 3.

The glossy liquid was applied to the coating pad 8 shown in FIG.
The recording medium 1 is impregnated in the same application pad 84 as that of the recording medium 1 and can be applied to the recording surface of the recording medium 1 via an application roller 85 in contact with the application pad 84.

As described above, even when the glossy liquid applying means 8 is applied to the recording medium 1 after the image recording by the recording head, the glossiness is further increased in addition to the transparency of the surface of the recording medium 1 as described above. , And a higher quality image print can be created.

Note that the glossy liquid applying means 8 is
As shown in FIGS. 16 (a) and 16 (b), the entirety including the recording medium 1 and the coating roller 85 can be moved toward and away from the recording medium 1 as shown in FIGS. It is also preferable to have a means for automatically selecting whether or not to apply a glossy liquid in accordance with this.

As a means for determining the type of the recording medium 1, as shown in FIG. 17, a type code 11 such as a bar code having the type information recorded on the back surface (the side opposite to the recording surface) of the recording medium 1 is previously stored. In addition, a recording medium type discriminating sensor 9 is provided upstream of the glossy liquid applying means 8, for example, upstream of the recording head 3 as shown in FIG. By detecting the code 11, the type of the recording medium 1 can be determined, and the application or non-application of the gloss liquid can be controlled by moving the gloss liquid applying means 8 toward and away from the disc according to the result of the determination. As shown in FIG. 18, the recording medium type discrimination sensor 9
D and the like, and a light receiving unit 92 such as a phototransistor that receives the reflected light of the detection light emitted from the light projection unit 91 hitting the back surface of the recording medium 1 and the like. Type sensors can be used.

FIG. 19 shows a control flow of the gloss liquid applying means 8.

First, the type code 11 of the recording medium 1 is detected by the recording medium type determining sensor 9 and its type is determined (S1). Next, it is determined whether or not the determined type of the recording medium 1 is to apply the glossy liquid (S
2) As a result, if it is determined that the glossy liquid does not need to be applied to the recording medium 1 or should not be applied, the glossy liquid applying means 8 is moved to the recording medium 1 as shown in FIG. And moved to a position where the glossy liquid is not applied (S3). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is necessary or necessary to apply the glossy liquid,
As shown in FIG. 16A, the gloss liquid applying means 8 is moved to a position where the gloss liquid is applied by bringing the gloss liquid applying means 8 into contact with the recording surface of the recording medium 1 (S4).

As described above, the provision of the means for selectively determining whether or not to apply the gloss liquid in accordance with the type of the recording medium 1 enables the selective selection of only the type of recording medium 1 to which gloss is to be applied. Gloss can be provided.

In the present invention, it is preferable to have a glossy liquid application selecting means for arbitrarily selecting whether or not to apply the glossy liquid to the recording medium 1. Such glossy liquid application selecting means can be constituted by, for example, a glossy liquid application switch. When the operator arbitrarily operates the gloss liquid application selecting means, the gloss liquid applying means 8 is selectively moved to the contact position or the separated position with respect to the recording medium 1 as shown in FIGS. Let me change.

FIG. 20 shows a control flow of the gloss liquid applying means 8 when a gloss liquid applying switch is used as the gloss liquid applying selecting means.

First, it is determined whether or not the gloss liquid applying switch is in the ON state (S5). As a result, if it is determined that the gloss liquid applying switch is in the OFF state, the gloss liquid applying means 8 is turned on in FIG.
As shown in (2), it is moved away from the recording medium 1 to a position where the glossy liquid is not applied (S6). On the other hand, if it is determined that the liquid is in the ON state, the glossy liquid applying means 8 is brought into contact with the recording surface of the recording medium 1 as shown in FIG. .

By having the gloss liquid application selecting means for selecting whether or not to apply the gloss liquid, it is possible to freely select whether or not to apply gloss to the recording medium 1 according to the purpose. be able to.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, as the glossy liquid applying means 8 for applying the glossy liquid to the recording surface of the recording medium 1, the glossy liquid impregnating the application pad 84 has been described. The glossy liquid is impregnated into the application roller 81 shown in FIG. 12 or the application belt 82 shown in FIG. 13, and the glossy liquid impregnated in the application roller 81 or the application belt 82 is applied to the application roller as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. The coating may be performed via the recording medium 1 or directly through the recording medium 1.

In order to control whether or not to apply the glossy liquid to the recording medium 1, the type of the recording medium 1 can be determined by the recording medium type identification sensor 9, or the glossy liquid application selection switch can be arbitrarily set. By performing the operation, the application roller 81, the application belt 82, and the application pad 83 shown in FIGS. 12 to 14 may be configured to be movable toward and away from the heating roller 41.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the ink jet recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG. In the drawings, the description of the already-described reference numerals is omitted.

In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a host device, which is composed of a computer having image data to be recorded in the ink jet recording apparatus (parameters of an image recording size and the like, data of an image color-separated into YMCK, etc.). . The image data transmitted from the host device 100 is taken into the inkjet recording device via the interface unit 101.

Reference numeral 102 denotes an image memory for temporarily storing image data fetched from the host device 100; 103, a memory write controller for controlling writing of image data to the image memory 102; 104, image data stored in the image memory 102; A memory read controller 105 for controlling reading;
Is a head driver that drives and controls the ejection of ink from the recording head 3 in accordance with the image data read from the image memory 102.

Reference numeral 106 denotes a carriage motor for moving and scanning the recording head 3, 107 a transport motor for rotating the transport roller 21, 108 a heating roller motor for rotating the heating roller 41, and 109 a gloss liquid application selecting means. This is a gloss liquid application switch.

Reference numeral 110 denotes the host device 1 which controls the interface unit 101, the image memory 102, the memory write controller 103, and the memory write controller 104.
00, the image data, the heating roller temperature from the temperature sensor 5, the head driver 105,
The CPU controls the carriage motor 106, the transport motor 107, the heating roller motor 108, and the heating element 43, and controls the application of the gloss liquid by an operator operation of the gloss liquid application switch 109.

Next, the temperature control means of the heating and pressurizing means 4 in the present invention will be described.

In the present invention, the heating and pressurizing means 4 is maintained in a predetermined temperature range by the temperature control means. The predetermined temperature range held by the temperature control means may have a certain fluctuation range (ΔT) with respect to a target temperature (T _O ) necessary and sufficient for the ink receiving layer of the recording medium 1 to be transparent. Preferably, when the predetermined temperature range is T _O ± ΔT,
It is preferable that T _O is 50 to 150 ° C. and ΔT is 10 ° C. or less.

If T _O ± ΔT deviates from the above range, it exceeds the fluctuation range necessary and sufficient to stably heat the recording medium 1, and the ink receiving layer which is important for producing a high quality image print is made transparent. Is not performed well.

Each mode of the temperature control by the temperature control means will be described below. Hereinafter, the term “temperature” with respect to the heating and pressurizing means 4 refers to a temperature range having a certain fluctuation range.

In the first mode of the temperature control, when the image is not recorded for a predetermined time, the temperature control is stopped and the heating element 4 is stopped.
3 to stop the heat generation (sleep mode),
Is not to be heated.

This control flow will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the apparatus is started by turning on the power of the apparatus (S1).
0), the target temperature of the heating roller 41 is set to a standard temperature (T _normal ) at the time of heating and pressurizing the recording medium 1 (S1).
1) Then, the timer is started (S12).

After the timer is started, it is determined whether or not there is a print command (S13). If there is no print command, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time of the timer has exceeded the sleep mode start time (t ₂ ) (S14). If not exceeded, S13 ~
The process of S14 is repeated.

If the elapsed time of the timer exceeds t ₂ in S14, the temperature control is switched to the sleep mode, the power supply to the heating element 43 of the heating roller 41 is stopped, and the heating roller 41 is turned off (S15). Thereby, the temperature control is stopped, and the heating roller 41 is in a non-heating state. After the temperature control enters the sleep mode and the heating element 43 of the heating roller 41 is turned off, the process returns to S13 to determine again whether or not there is a print command, and repeats the processes of S13 to S15 until there is a print command.

When a print command is issued in S13, the target temperature of the heating roller 41 is set to a standard temperature (T _normal ) for heating and pressurizing the recording medium 1 (S16). The recording medium 1 is heated and pressurized. In S14, the timer elapsed time t ₂
Even if the print command is issued before the time exceeds the limit, the recording medium 1 is subjected to the heating and pressurizing processing according to the heating and pressurizing control flow.

As described above, if the temperature control means stops the temperature control and does not generate heat of the heating / pressurizing means 4 when the image is not recorded for a certain period of time, wasteful power consumption can be suppressed, Power can be saved.

Next, the flow of heating and pressurizing control when a print command is issued in S13 will be described with reference to FIG.

When a print command is issued in S13, the temperature (T) of the heating roller 41 is set to a target standard temperature (T _normal ) when the recording medium 1 is heated and pressed (S16). Next, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the heating roller 41 has almost reached the standard temperature (T normalT _normal ) (S17). If not, the temperature of the heating roller 41 is then reduced to the recording medium 1 (S17). Whether the temperature exceeds the minimum processing temperature (T _min ) required for heating and pressing
≧ T _min ) is determined (S18). The minimum processing temperature (T _min ) is a minimum temperature at which the thermoplastic resin particles in the ink receiving layer of the recording medium 1 can be melted when the rotation speed of the heating roller 41 is the slowest. Determined according to the type.

In S18, if T <T _min , T ≧ T
Wait until T _min, and when T ≧ T _min , set the rotation speed of the heating roller 41 and the recording speed of the recording head 3 to values according to the temperature reached by the heating roller 41 (S19), and heat and pressurize. Heating and pressurizing processing is performed with the processing time relatively long, and image recording is performed for a predetermined unit, for example, for each image line, for each image, and the like (S20).

In order to make the heating and pressurizing time relatively long,
It is preferable that the recording time per unit length of the image in the recording medium transport direction by the recording head 3 be relatively long. This makes it possible to make the recording speed of the image by the recording head 3 and the heating and pressurizing processing speed of the recording medium 1 by the heating and pressurizing unit 4 substantially the same. There is no need to provide any special recording medium storage means or the like for holding the recorded recording medium 1 in standby.

In order to relatively lengthen the recording time per unit length in the recording medium transport direction, the reciprocating scanning type recording head 3 that moves and scans in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium 1 is used. In this case, it can be adjusted by lengthening the stop time when reversing the moving direction of the recording head 3.
In this way, the driving frequency and the scanning speed of the recording head 3 can be kept constant without any change, the ink ejection characteristics of the recording head 3 are stabilized, and the driving circuit and the scanning driving system of the recording head 3 Is preferred because it can be simplified.

Further, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 25, the recording head has a length corresponding to the width of the recording medium 1 and is laid over the recording medium 1 in the width direction. 1 may be constituted by a linear recording head 3 ′ in which ink discharge nozzles are formed over the entire width of the recording medium 3. In the case of the recording head 3 ′, the unit length in the recording medium transport direction as described above is used. In order to make the recording time per contact relatively long, it can be adjusted by making the ink ejection interval of the recording head 3 'slow. Generally, in the case of the linear head 3 ', a reciprocating scanning type recording head 3
Since the ink ejection interval is longer than the above, even if the ejection cycle is changed to be longer, the change in the ink ejection characteristics is small.

When the image recording in the predetermined unit has been completed in S20, it is determined whether or not the image recording of the specified predetermined number of prints has been completed (S21). If not completed, the processing from S17 to S20 is performed. repeat.

In S17, if the temperature (T) of the heating roller 41 has almost reached the standard temperature (T _normal ), the rotation speed of the heating roller 41 and the recording speed of the recording head 3 are set to standard values (S22). The image recording and the heating and pressurizing process are performed until the printing of the commanded number of sheets is completed.

As described above, after the heating and pressurizing unit 4 returns from the stop of the heat generation, the heating and pressurizing unit 4 is at or above the minimum processing temperature and the heating and pressurizing unit 4 reaches the predetermined temperature range.
By making the heating and pressurizing time relatively long so as to perform the heating and pressurizing process on the recording medium 1, it is not necessary to wait until the heating and pressurizing unit 4 reaches a predetermined temperature range. The processing can be started, and the image print creation can be speeded up accordingly.

When the image recording in the predetermined unit is completed in S21, the process returns to S12 to start the timer (restart after reset), and the above-mentioned temperature control from S13 by the temperature control means is repeated.

A second mode of the temperature control by the temperature control means will be described.

In the second mode of the temperature control, when the image is not recorded for a predetermined time, the heating / pressurizing means 4 is kept in the second temperature range (energy saving mode) lower than the predetermined temperature range by the temperature control means. It is to be.

This control flow will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the apparatus is started by turning on the power of the apparatus (S3).
0), the target temperature of the heating roller 41 is set to a standard temperature (T _normal ) when the recording medium 1 is heated and pressed (S3).
1) Then, the timer is started (S32).

After the timer is started, it is determined whether or not there is a print command (S33). If there is no print command, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time of the timer has exceeded the energy saving mode start time (t ₁ ) (S34). If not exceeded, S33-S
34 is repeated.

If the elapsed time of the timer exceeds t ₁ in S34, the temperature control switches to the energy saving mode, and the target temperature (T) of the heating roller 41 is set to a temperature (T _low ) lower than the standard temperature (T _normal ). (S35). Thereby, the temperature of the heating roller 41 is controlled to a second temperature range lower than the predetermined temperature range. After the temperature control is switched to the energy saving mode and the temperature of the heating roller 41 is set to T _low , the process returns to S33 to determine again whether or not there is a print command, and the processes of S33 to S35 are repeated until there is a print command.

When a print command is issued in S33, the target temperature of the heating roller 41 is set to a standard temperature (T _normal ) for heating and pressurizing the recording medium 1 (S16). The recording medium 1 is heated and pressurized. In S34, the timer elapsed time t ₁
Even if the print command is issued before the time exceeds the limit, the recording medium 1 is subjected to the heating and pressurizing processing according to the heating and pressurizing control flow.
The control flow of the subsequent heating and pressurizing process is shown in S1 shown in FIG.
6 to S22, the description is omitted.

As described above, when the temperature control unit does not record an image for a certain period of time, if the temperature of the heating and pressing unit 4 is controlled to the second temperature range lower than the predetermined temperature range, the consumption In addition to saving power, the heating roller 41 can be quickly heated to the standard temperature at the start of the heating / pressing process, so that the heating / pressing process can be restarted in a short time.

In the heating and pressurizing process in the second embodiment, after the heating and pressurizing unit 4 returns from the second temperature range, the heating and pressurizing unit 4 is at a temperature equal to or higher than the minimum processing temperature and Until the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature range, the heating and pressing time of the recording medium 1 is increased by relatively increasing the heating and pressing time, so that the heating and pressing unit 4 is set to the predetermined temperature range. There is no need to wait until the temperature reaches the time point, and the heating and pressurizing process can be started early, so that the speed of image printing can be increased.

The third mode of temperature control by the temperature control means will be described.

In the third mode of the temperature control, when the image is not recorded for a certain period of time, the heating / pressurizing means 4 is kept in a second temperature range (an energy saving mode) lower than a predetermined temperature range, and is further fixed. When the time image is not recorded, the temperature control is stopped to stop the heat generation of the heating / pressurizing means 4 (sleep mode).

This control flow will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the apparatus is started by turning on the power of the apparatus (S4).
0), the target temperature of the heating roller 41 is set to a standard temperature (T _normal ) for heating and pressurizing the recording medium 1 (S4).
1) Then, the timer is started (S42).

After the timer is started, it is determined whether or not there is a print command (S43). If there is no print command, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time of the timer has exceeded the energy saving mode start time (t ₁ ) (S44). If not exceeded, S43-S
44 is repeated.

If the timer elapsed time exceeds t ₁ in S44, then it is determined whether the timer elapsed time has exceeded the sleep mode start time (t ₂ ) (S45). The relationship between the energy saving mode start time (t ₁ ) and the sleep mode start time (t ₂ ) is t ₁ <t ₂ . As a result, if the timer elapsed time has exceeded t ₁ but has not exceeded t ₂ , the temperature control is switched to the energy saving mode, and the target temperature (T) of the heating roller 41 is set to a temperature lower than the standard temperature (T _normal ). (T _low ) (S46). Thereby, the temperature of the heating roller 41 is controlled to a second temperature range lower than the predetermined temperature range. After the temperature control enters the energy saving mode and the temperature of the heating roller 41 is set to T _low , the process returns to S43 to determine again whether or not there is a print command.
The process from S43 is repeated until a print command is issued.

If the timer elapsed time exceeds t ₂ in S45, the temperature control switches to the sleep mode,
Stops power supply to heating element 43 of heating roller 41 and turns off
The state is set (S47). This stops temperature control,
The heating roller 41 is in a non-heating state. After the temperature control is switched to the sleep mode and the heating element 43 of the heating roller 41 is turned off, the process returns to S43 to determine the presence or absence of a print command again, and repeats the processing of S43 and subsequent steps until there is a print command.

When a print command is issued in S43, the target temperature of the heating roller 41 is set to a standard temperature (T _normal ) for heating and pressurizing the recording medium 1 (S16). The recording medium 1 is heated and pressurized. In S44, the timer elapsed time t ₁
Even if the print command is issued before the time exceeds the limit, the recording medium 1 is subjected to the heating and pressurizing processing according to the heating and pressurizing control flow.
The control flow of the subsequent heating and pressurizing process is shown in S1 shown in FIG.
6 to S22, the description is omitted.

As described above, when the image is not recorded for a fixed time in the temperature control means, the temperature of the heating and pressurizing means 4 is controlled to the second temperature range lower than the predetermined temperature range, and the image is further fixed for a certain time. When recording is not performed, if the temperature control of the heating and pressurizing means is stopped to stop the heat generation of the heating and pressurizing means, wasteful power consumption for a long time can be suppressed and power consumption can be reduced. In addition, when the image recording is resumed after the recording is stopped for a relatively short time, the heating roller 41 can be quickly heated to the standard temperature, so that the heating / pressing process can be resumed in a short time.

In the heating and pressurizing process in the third embodiment, after the heating and pressurizing unit 4 stops generating heat or returns from the second temperature range, the heating and pressurizing unit 4 is heated to the minimum processing temperature or higher and heated. Until the pressure means 4 reaches a predetermined temperature range, the heating and pressurizing time is relatively long so that the heating and pressurizing processing of the recording medium 1 is performed.
Does not need to wait until the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature range, the heating and pressurizing process can be started early, and the speed of image print creation can be increased accordingly.

[0202]

According to the present invention, a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles in the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer is heated and pressed to form the ink. In making the receiving layer transparent, it is possible to provide an ink jet recording apparatus capable of appropriately performing the transparency and producing a high-quality image print.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a heating and pressing unit.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line (iii)-(iii) of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the heating and pressing means.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the heating / pressing means.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing a cleaning unit.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the cleaning unit.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a transfer prevention liquid applying unit.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the transfer prevention liquid applying unit.

FIG. 10 is a structural view showing still another embodiment of the transfer preventing liquid applying means.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the transfer prevention liquid applying unit.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing a gloss liquid applying unit.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing another embodiment of the glossy liquid applying means.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the gloss liquid applying means.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing still another embodiment of the glossy liquid applying means.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the application of the glossy liquid is selectively performed.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a back surface of a recording medium provided with a type code;

FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram showing a recording medium type determination sensor.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a control flow of a gloss liquid applying unit.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing another control flow of the gloss liquid applying means.

FIG. 21 is a configuration block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a control flow according to a first embodiment of the temperature control means;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a control flow of a second mode of the temperature control means.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a control flow of a third mode of the temperature control means.

FIG. 25 is a configuration diagram illustrating another embodiment of the inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view showing a laminated structure of a recording medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: recording medium 2: recording medium transport means 3: (reciprocal scanning type) recording head 3 ': (linear) recording head 4: heating / pressing means 41: heating roller 42: pressure roller 43: heating elements 47, 47a, 47b: Belt member 46a to 46g: Roller for suspending the belt member 5: Temperature sensor 6: Cleaning means 7: Transfer prevention liquid applying means 8: Gloss liquid applying means 9: Recording medium type discriminating sensor 109: Gloss liquid applying selection Means (gloss liquid application selection switch)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Makoto Kaga 1 Sakura-cho, Hino-shi, Tokyo Konica Corporation F-term (reference) 2C056 EA05 EA13 EA16 EB06 EB13 EB30 EB45 EC06 EC30 EC36 HA33 HA44 HA45 HA46 2H086 BA02 BA05

Claims (24)

[Claims] 1. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means, the heating and pressing time of the recording medium by the heating and pressing means is 0.1 to 2 seconds. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: 2. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means, the heating and pressing time of the recording medium by the heating and pressing means is changed according to the type of the recording medium. An inkjet recording apparatus. 3. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium transport unit that transports a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing unit, the holding temperature range of the heating and pressing unit is changed according to the type of the recording medium. Inkjet recording device. 4. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink on a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium transport unit that transports a recorded recording medium to the heating and pressing unit, the heating and pressing unit includes two rollers opposed to each other across the recording medium. The recording medium contact surface of at least one of the two rollers has a longitudinal elastic modulus (Young's modulus) of 10 ⁶ to 10 ⁷ P.
An ink jet recording apparatus comprising the member a. 5. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording is performed to the heating and pressing means, the heating and pressing means includes a belt member suspended between two or more rollers, An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a belt member; and rollers facing each other across a recording medium. 6. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means, the heating and pressing means comprises two belt members opposed to each other with the recording medium interposed therebetween, An ink jet recording apparatus comprising: a roller group for suspending members. 7. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating / pressurizing means, when the predetermined temperature range is T _O ± ΔT ° C, T _O is 50 to 150.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the temperature and the temperature ΔT are 10 ° C. or less.
7. The ink jet recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. 8. The ink-jet recording method according to claim 1, wherein a pressure applied to the recording medium by the heating / pressurizing means is 9.8 × 10 ^{4 to} 4.9 × 10 ⁶ Pa. Recording device. 9. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. An ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means, wherein cleaning means for cleaning a recording medium contact surface of the heating and pressing means is provided. Inkjet recording device. 10. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink on a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. A part of the recording medium or ink is transferred to a recording medium contact surface of the heating and pressing means in an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means; An ink jet recording apparatus having a transfer preventing liquid applying means for applying a transfer preventing liquid for preventing the occurrence of the transfer to the recording medium contact surface of the heating and pressurizing means. 11. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. A part of the recording medium or ink is transferred to a recording medium contact surface of the heating and pressing means in an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means; An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a transfer prevention liquid applying means for applying a transfer prevention liquid for preventing the recording medium to a recording medium after recording and before applying heat and pressure. 12. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said transfer prevention liquid contains silicone oil. 13. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink on a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means, a gloss liquid for imparting gloss to the recording medium is brought into contact with the recording medium by the heating and pressing means. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a glossy liquid applying means for applying to a surface. 14. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on its surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent inside the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording is performed to the heating and pressing means, a gloss liquid for imparting gloss to the recording medium is applied to the recording medium after recording. An ink jet recording apparatus comprising a liquid applying unit. 15. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising means for controlling whether or not to apply said glossy liquid according to the type of recording medium. 16. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a gloss liquid application selecting means for selecting whether or not to apply said gloss liquid. 17. An ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 13, wherein said glossy liquid contains silicone oil. 18. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink to a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on a surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means, when recording is not performed for a certain period of time, the temperature control by the temperature control means is stopped and heating is performed. An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the heat generation of the pressure means is stopped. 19. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink on a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on the surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means, when recording is not performed for a certain period of time, the heating and pressing means is lower than the predetermined temperature range. An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the temperature is maintained in a second temperature range. 20. A recording head for performing recording by discharging ink on a recording medium having an ink receiving layer containing thermoplastic resin particles on its surface layer and a pigment ink solvent absorbing layer adjacent to the inside of the ink receiving layer. Heating and pressurizing the recording medium to make the ink receiving layer of the recording medium transparent, temperature controlling means for maintaining the temperature of the heating and pressing means within a predetermined temperature range, and the recording head. In an ink jet recording apparatus having a recording medium conveying means for conveying a recording medium on which recording has been performed to the heating and pressing means, when recording is not performed for a certain period of time, the heating and pressing means is lower than the predetermined temperature range. When the temperature is kept in the second temperature range and the recording is not performed for a certain period of time, the temperature control by the temperature control means is stopped to stop the heat generation of the heating and pressurizing means. Door recording device. 21. After the heating and pressurizing means stops generating heat or returns from the second temperature range, the heating and pressurizing means is heated and pressurized until the heating and pressurizing means reaches a predetermined processing temperature range or above a minimum processing temperature. 21. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the recording medium is heated and pressurized while the time is relatively long. 22. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 21, wherein when the heating / pressing time of the recording medium is increased, the recording time per unit length in the recording medium transport direction is relatively increased. 23. The recording head, wherein recording is performed by reciprocating scanning in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium, and a stop time when reversing the moving direction of the recording head. 23. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the recording time per unit length in the recording medium transport direction is lengthened by adjusting the recording time. 24. The recording head comprises a linear head in which ink ejection nozzles are formed over the entire width of the recording medium, and by adjusting the ink ejection interval of the recording head, the recording head in the recording medium transport direction. 23. The ink jet recording apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the recording time per unit length is lengthened.