JP3132859B2 - Recording device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a novel recording device,
Specifically, on the surface of the recording medium whose surface shows specific properties,
A latent image is formed by selectively or selectively and reversibly forming a region having a receding contact angle according to the heating temperature, and then a recording agent solution containing a color developing material in the latent image Alternatively, the present invention relates to a recording apparatus in which a dispersion liquid is supplied and visualized, and then transferred to recording paper.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An offset printing method using a lithographic printing plate is a typical example of a means for dividing a surface into a liquid-adhesive area and a non-liquid-adhesive area for image formation. However, with this offset printing method, it is difficult to incorporate the plate making process from the original plate and the printing process from the printing plate (printing plate) into one device, and it is difficult to reduce the size of the plate making and printing device. ing. For example, even in a relatively small office offset plate making press, the plate making device and the printing device are usually separate.

In order to eliminate such a defect of the offset printing method, a liquid-adhesive area and a non-liquid-adhesive area corresponding to image information can be formed, and can be used repeatedly (reversible). Recording methods and apparatuses have been proposed. Some of them are as follows. (1) Aqueous development method After applying a charge to the hydrophobic photoconductor layer from the outside, exposure is performed to form a pattern having a hydrophobic part and a hydrophilic part on the surface of the photoconductor layer, and only the hydrophilic part is formed. Transfer to paper etc. by attaching aqueous developer (Japanese Patent Publication No. 40-18992, Japanese Patent Publication No. 40-18993)
JP-B-44-9512 and JP-A-63-264392). (2) A method utilizing photochemical reaction of photochromic material A layer containing a material such as spiropyran or azo dye is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and the photochromic compound is hydrophilized by the photochemical reaction (for example, “Polymer Papers” No. 37). Volume 4
Issue, p. 287 (1980)]. (3) Method using the action of internal biasing force An amorphous state and a crystalline state are formed by physical change,
Construct the area where liquid ink adheres and adheres (Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-41)
No. 902).

According to the method (1), after the aqueous ink is transferred onto paper or the like, the hydrophilic portion is erased by static elimination, and another image information can be recorded. That is, it is possible to repeatedly use one master (photoconductor). However, since this method is based on the electrophotographic process, charging → exposure →
It requires a long process of development → transfer → discharge, and has drawbacks in that it is difficult to reduce the size and cost of the apparatus and to make maintenance free.

According to the method (2), hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can be freely and reversibly controlled by selectively changing the irradiation of ultraviolet light and visible light, but the reaction time is low due to poor quantum efficiency. It has the drawbacks of being extremely long, slow in recording speed, and lacking stability, and has not yet reached a practical level.

Further, according to the method (3), the information recording member used therein has stability after recording, but may have a physical structure change due to a temperature change before recording. However, there is still a problem in storage stability. In addition, since a means for applying a heat pulse and then quenching to erase the recorded information pattern is employed, there is an inconvenience that repetitive image formation cannot mimic the complexity.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a member having a surface having a reduced receding contact angle when heated and in contact with a contact material (B), unlike the conventional recording method. An apparatus for selectively or selectively and reversibly forming a desired pattern area (latent image) on the surface of the recording medium (A)) by an easy means, visualizing this and transferring it to recording paper. To provide. Another object of the present invention is that the application of the recording agent solution or dispersion liquid (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “ink liquid” for convenience) to the recording medium (A) is always performed satisfactorily even with environmental changes and aging, An object of the present invention is to provide a novel recording apparatus capable of obtaining a high quality transfer image.

[0008]

The recording apparatus of the present invention comprises selectively heating the surface of the following recording medium (A) in contact with the following contact material (B) or the recording medium (A).
The surface of the recording medium (A) is heated at a high heating temperature by contacting the surface of the recording medium (B) with the contact material (B) while the surface of the recording medium is selectively heated.
Means for supplying a contact material (B) for forming a latent image having a reduced receding contact angle to the surface of the recording medium (A), and means for heating the surface of the recording medium (A) for forming a latent image When,
A recording agent solution or dispersion containing a color developer is used as a recording material (A)
A recording agent applying unit for supplying the recording agent on the surface and attaching the latent image to the latent image to visualize the latent image; a unit for transferring the recording agent adhered to the surface of the recording medium (A) onto recording paper; Means for detecting the viscosity of the dispersion liquid. (A) A recording medium having a surface in which the receding contact angle is reduced when heated and brought into contact with a liquid. (B) A liquid, a vapor, or a solid that becomes a liquid or generates a liquid or a vapor below the temperature at which the receding contact angle on the surface of the recording medium (A) starts to decrease.

In the apparatus of the present invention, the latent image can be erased by heating the surface of the recording medium (A) on which the latent image is formed in the absence of the contact material (B). Image formation can be performed.

First, the operation of the surface of the recording medium (A) used in the apparatus of the present invention will be described. Recording medium used in the present invention
(A) has a surface exhibiting a function of decreasing the receding contact angle even after cooling when heated in contact with a liquid, and increasing when heated in the absence of a liquid. More specifically, the surface of the recording medium (A) is (i) a member containing an organic compound having a surface self-orientation function of a hydrophobic group, or (ii)
It is an organic compound having a hydrophobic group and composed of a member having the hydrophobic group oriented on the surface. The “surface self-orientation function” referred to in (i)
When a solid formed by forming a certain compound on a support or a solid formed by a certain compound itself is heated in the air, it means that the hydrophobic groups are oriented on the surface toward the air side (free surface side). This can be similarly applied to (ii).

Generally, in an organic compound, a hydrophobic group tends to be directed toward a hydrophobic atmosphere. This is fixed
This is caused because the surface energy of the air interface is reduced. This tendency is recognized as the molecular length of the hydrophobic group becomes longer. This is because the longer the molecular length, the higher the mobility of the molecule in heating.

More specifically, it has a hydrophobic group at a terminal.
Molecules (that lower surface energy)
(Free surface side) and easy surface orientation. Similarly, (−CH ₂
-) The linear molecule containing n (-CH ₂ CH ₂ - has a partial planar structures), each other molecular chain is easily oriented. In addition, the molecule containing (-Ph-) n also has a planar structure in the -Ph- portion, and the molecular chains are easily oriented. Note that -Ph-
Represents a p-phenylene group (the same applies hereinafter). In particular, a linear molecule containing an element having a high electronegativity such as fluorine has a high self-aggregation property and the molecular chains are easily oriented.

There is a relationship between the orientation state and the receding contact angle, and also between the receding contact angle and the liquid adhesion. That is, the adhesion of the liquid on the solid surface occurs mainly by tacking of the liquid on the solid surface. This tacking can be considered as a kind of frictional force when a liquid slides on a solid surface. Therefore, the “receding contact angle” θr in the present invention is given by cos θr = γ (γs−γse−πe + γf) / γev (where γ: surface tension of solid in vacuum γse: solid-liquid interface tension γev liquid Πe: Equilibrium surface tension γf: Friction tension γs: Surface tension of a solid without an adsorbed layer) (Saito, Kitazaki et al., Journal of the Adhesion Society of Japan) Vol.22, No.12, 1986).

Therefore, when the value of θr decreases, the value of γf increases. That is, the liquid is less likely to slide on the solid surface, and as a result, the liquid adheres to the solid surface.

As can be inferred from these mutual relations,
The liquid adhesion depends on the receding contact angle θr, and the receding contact angle θr is determined by any member having a surface self-orienting function on its surface. Therefore, in the apparatus of the present invention, since the recording medium (A) needs to form a desired pattern area on its surface and / or visualize with a recording agent, a member having a surface self-orientation function on the surface is inevitable. Must be selected.

As described above, the recording medium (A) used in the apparatus of the present invention has a "surface where the receding contact angle θr decreases when it is in a heated state and is in contact with a liquid". The shape of the recording medium (A) is arbitrary as long as the surface has the above-mentioned properties. Therefore, the recording medium (A) may be in the form of a film, or may have a configuration in which another coating film having the above-described properties is provided on a suitable support or molded body. I don't care. The molded body itself may be used, but its surface must have the above properties.

According to the recording medium (A), the liquid adhering portion in the latent image area becomes either lipophilic or hydrophilic depending on the type of the contact material (B). Any of ink, water-based ink, and the like can be used as needed.

Here, FIG. 1 shows an example in which members or materials that form a surface that forms a surface where the receding contact angle θr decreases when it is brought into contact with a liquid in a heated state are classified into several members.

FIG. 1 (a) shows an example of a compound having a self-orienting function, which is a compound having a hydrophobic group in a side chain of a high molecular polymer, and a main chain L and a hydrophobic group R are bonded by a bonding group J. are doing.

FIG. 1 (b) shows an example of a member in which the hydrophobic group is oriented on the surface of an organic compound having a hydrophobic group. The member is attached to the surface of an organic or inorganic material M by physical or chemical bonding.
A member on which the compound O having a hydrophobic group is formed.

FIG. 1 (c) shows an example of a member made of only the organic compound O having a hydrophobic group shown in FIG. 1 (b).

FIG. 1 (d) shows an example in which a linear molecule is present in the side chain of a polymer. The main chain L is connected to the molecule by a bonding group J, and has a hydrophobic group R at the end. It is a compound having a molecular chain N having a structure in the middle.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (d), the main chain L of the polymer compound may have a linear shape or a mesh structure.
In the example of FIG. 1B, the hydrophobic group-containing compound O may be further laminated on the hydrophobic group-containing compound O like a cumulative LB film. In the example of FIG. 1 (c), without having a main chain (L) or binding to an organic / inorganic material (M), etc.
This is a structure using only the hydrophobic group-containing compound O.

As the hydrophobic group, the terminal of the molecule is preferably -CH ₃ , -CF ₃ , -CF ₂ H, -CFH ₂ , -C (CF ₃ ) ₃ , -C (CH ₃ ) ₃
It is more preferable that the molecular length is long in terms of high molecular mobility. Among them, as the hydrophobic group, -F and / or -Cl is (may be as _{-CF 2 CF 2 C (Cl)} FCF 2 CF 3) 1 or more is a substituted alkyl group or unsubstituted alkyl group And those having 4 or more carbon atoms are desirable. Either fluorine-substitution or chlorine-substitution can be used, but fluorine-substitution is more effective. In these materials, in terms of the relationship between the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl group and the function, if the number of carbon atoms is 3 or less, the function suitable for the recording apparatus of the present invention will be reduced.

Although the principle of this function expression has not been completely elucidated yet, and there are many unclear points, the following is presumed.

First, a recording medium formed by the above compound
It is considered that the surface of (A) is a surface in which the hydrophobic groups are considerably oriented. Therefore, this surface has liquid repellency (because hydrophobic groups have low surface energy). In this state, when the surface of the recording medium (A) comes into contact with the contact material (B) and is heated, the molecular motion of the hydrophobic group due to the heating becomes active, and the interaction with the contact material (B) occurs. , Recording body
It is likely that at least part of the orientation (alignment) state of the surface of (A) changes to another state (i.e., another orientation state or a state in which the orientation is disordered), and to maintain that other state even after cooling. .
In addition, heating under the condition that the contact material (B) is in contact with the surface of the recording material (A) depends on the form of the contact material (B), depending on the form of the contact material (B). The liquid comes into contact under the pressure. Before this heating, the surface energy of the surface of the recording medium (A) is extremely small because the hydrophobic groups are aligned (oriented) on the surface.

However, the heating in the state where the contact material (B) is in contact with the contact material disturbs the orientation state and increases the surface energy. The receding contact angle θr is determined by the balance between the surface energies of the solid and the liquid, regardless of the type of the liquid. Therefore, if the surface energy of the solid increases,
Regardless of the type of liquid, the receding contact angle θr decreases.
Therefore, the adhesion to the liquid will increase.

Further, when the surface of the recording medium (A) is in a different state ("different orientation state" or "disordered state" different from the original orientation state) in the absence of the contact material (B). When heated, there is no interaction with the contact material (B), so the original alignment (orientation)
It seems to return to the state.

Therefore, the presence of the contact material (B) is not merely for quenching the surface of the recording medium (A) after heating, but causes some interaction with the compound on the surface of the recording medium (A). It is considered that a change to another state (a different alignment state or a state where the alignment is disordered) occurs only after this interaction.

As described above, when an alkyl group or a fluorine-substituted or chlorine-substituted alkyl group is employed as the hydrophobic group of the member (compound) forming the surface of the recording medium (A), the carbon number of the alkyl group is It is considered that the reason why the number is preferably 4 or more is based on the number necessary for the alkyl groups to be aligned (orientated) to some extent on the surface of the recording medium (A) and to perform active molecular motion during heating. When the contact material (B) is heated together with the surface of the recording medium (A), the molecules of the contact material (B) may be incorporated into the molecules on the surface of the recording medium (A). Furthermore, if fluorine or chlorine having a high electronegativity is present in the alkyl group, the interaction with a liquid, particularly a polar liquid, becomes large, so that a greater change in adhesion can be obtained than with a compound containing an alkyl group containing only hydrogen. In addition, an alkyl group containing fluorine has a strong self-aggregating property, has a high surface self-orientation function, and has a low surface energy, and thus is excellent in preventing background contamination.

Further, the surface of the recording medium (A) has a liquid repellency, which can be described by the surface energy of a solid. According to the study of the present inventors, the surface of the recording medium (A) was found to be 50 dyn / cm or less. It has been confirmed that it is desirable as a recording method based on the above. At higher values, the recording medium
The surface of (A) sometimes gets wet and may cause soiling of the background.

Here, the compound forming the surface of the recording medium (A)
Object (contact material while the surface of the recording medium (A) is selectively heated)
(B) when contacted with the surface of the recording medium (A) according to the heating temperature
Compound that forms a latent image showing a receding contact angle)
State. First, a vinyl for the types shown in FIGS.
Alkyl group (fluorine substitution and / or chlorine)
(Including substituted ones).
Specifically, formulas (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V), (VI) and (VII)R: -H, -CH_Three, -C_TwoH_Five, -CF_ThreeOr -C_TwoF_Five  Rf: C_FourAbove alkyl group or fluorine substitution or chlorine substitution
Group containing a substituted alkyl group, or (-C
F_Two−) P, (−CH_Two−) A hydrophobic group having p or —Ph— (p ≧ 4) m: a polymer having a monomer of an integer of 1 or more.

Other polymers include compounds of the formulas (VIII) and (IX)
And (X).R: -H, -CH_Three, -C_TwoH_Five, -CF_ThreeOr -C_TwoF_Five  Rf: C_FourThe above alkyl group or fluorine substitution or chlorine substitution
Group containing a substituted alkyl group, or (-CF
_Two-) p, (-CH_Two-) Hydrophobic group containing p or -Ph- (p ≧ 4) n: Integer of 10 or more

More specifically, Rf in these specific examples is as follows.
Examples of (1) to (20) can be given. (1) -CH_TwoCF_TwoCHFCF₃ (6) -CH_Two(CF_Two)_TenH (7)-(CF_Two)₆-O-CF_TwoCF_Three  (8) − (CH_Two)_Four-NH-CF_TwoCF_Three  (9) − (CF_Two)₆-CF_Three  (10) − (CH_Two)_TenC₈F₁₇ (13) -CH^TwoNHSO^TwoC⁸F¹⁷ (14)-(CF^Two)⁸-Ph-F (15) cs-CH^TwoCH^Two− (CF^Three■)⁶CF (CF
³)² (16) -CH^TwoCF^TwoCF^TwoCF^Three (17) -CH^TwoCH^TwoCH^TwoCH^Two■ F (18) -CH^Two(CF^Two)⁶CF^Three (19) -CH^Two(CF^Two)^FiveCF^Three (20)-(CH^Two)^ThreeCF^Three

Among these compounds, in particular, the following (X
It is desirable to use the material of I). (However, R ¹ : hydrogen, -CxHy or -CxFy (x = 1 or an integer of 2 or more, y = 2x + 1.) R ² : (-CH _2- ) p (p ≧ 1 integer) or ( -CH _2- ) qN (R ³ ) SO _2- (R ³ is -C
H ₃ or -C ₂ H _5, q ≧ 1 integer) m: 6 or more integers. ]

Accordingly, the most preferred specific compound of the member on the surface of the recording medium (A) in the present invention is And the like.

Furthermore, these formulas (I) (II) (III (IV) (V) (V
(I) In addition to the monomers of (VII) and (XI) (copolymer of two or more monomers), other monomers such as ethylene, vinyl chloride, styrene, butadiene, isoprene, chloroprene, vinyl alkyl ether, and vinyl acetate And a copolymer with vinyl alcohol and the like are also suitable as the above compound.

Further, a monomer of the formula (XI) and a polymerized monomer having a functional group, for example, CH ² CC (CH ³ ) COO (CH ² ) ² OH CH ² CC (CH ³ ) COOCH ² CH (OH) CH ³ CH ² = CHCOOCH ² CH (OH) C ⁸ F ¹⁷ etc. to form a copolymer and introduce a large number of functional groups into the polymer, or to formula (XI monomer and polymerizable monomer having a functional group) A cross-linkable polymer produced by forming a copolymer with a polymer and then cross-linking the copolymers containing a large number of functional groups with a cross-linking reagent is also an excellent material.

Examples of the crosslinking reagent include formaldehyde, dialdehyde, N-methylol compound, dicarboxylic acid, dicarboxylic acid chloride, bishalogen compound, bisepoxide, bisaziridine, diisocyanate and the like.

An example of the crosslinked polymer thus obtained is shown in the following chemical formula 1.

Embedded image

In the crosslinked polymer represented by the chemical formula 1, A
The block is an alkyl group which causes the above-mentioned change in thermal properties, while the B block is a site which cross-links linear polymers (cross-linked using diisocyanate as a cross-linking reagent).

In order to obtain a crosslinked film, a solution in which the above-mentioned copolymer and a crosslinking reagent are mixed is applied as a coating solution on a substrate, and a crosslinked polymer film is obtained by heating or irradiating an electron beam or light. What should I do?

In order to obtain a polymer from the above monomers, solution polymerization, electrolytic polymerization, emulsion polymerization, photopolymerization, radiation polymerization, plasma polymerization, graft polymerization, plasma-initiated polymerization,
An appropriate method is selected depending on the material, such as vapor deposition polymerization.

Next, the compound shown in FIG. 1 (b) will be described. Here, the formula (XII), (XII) and the material Rf-COOH · · · shown in (XIV) (XII) Rf- OH ··· (XIII) Rf- (CH 2) n-SiX ··· (XIV (Rf: a group containing an alkyl group having 4 or more carbon atoms or a fluorine-substituted or chlorine-substituted alkyl group, or in the molecular chain
(-CF ^2- ) p, (-CH ^2- ) p or a hydrophobic group containing -Ph- (p ≧ 4)) n: an integer of 1 or more X: chlorine, methoxy group or ethoxy group) It is desirable to use a material (surface energy is preferably about 50 dyn / cm or less) which is physically adsorbed or chemically bonded to the surface of an inorganic material such as copper or an organic material such as polyimide, polyester or polyethylene terephthalate.

Specific examples of the formulas (XII), (XIII) and (XIV) include CF^Three− (CF^Two)^Five-COOH, CF^Three− (CF^Two) 7-COO
H, CF^Three− (CF^Two)⁷− (CH^Two)^TwoOH, H- (CF^Two)^Ten-C
OOH, H- (CF^Two)^Ten-CH^TwoOH, F- (CF^Two)⁶-C
H^TwoCH^Two-Si (CH^Three) 2Cl, CF^TwoCl (CF^Three) CF (C
F^Two) 5COOH, CF^Three(CF^Two)⁷(CH^Two)^TwoSiCl 3 and the like.

The compound shown in FIG. 1 (c) is represented by the formula (XII)
Examples of the structure include only the material of the formula (XIII) or the formula (XIV).

Next, the recording medium (A) using the above compound will be described. The configuration of the recording body (A) is roughly classified into a configuration formed by the surface member itself and a configuration in which the surface member is formed on a support (preferably a heat-resistant support). In the embodiment, the above compound (surface member) itself is formed into a film, a plate, or a column. At this time, in the case of a film, the thickness of the film is desirably 1 μm to 5 mm.

In the embodiment, the compound may penetrate into the support to some extent. Recorded body (A)
The thickness of the film itself is preferably 30 mm to 1 mm. However, in terms of thermal conductivity, 100 mm to 10 μm is excellent, and in terms of wear resistance, 10 μm to 1 mm is excellent. The heat-resistant temperature of the support is 50 ° C to 300 ° C.
C is desirable.

The shape of the support may be any of a belt shape, a plate shape, and a drum shape, and is selected according to the application of the apparatus.
In particular, the drum shape is excellent in that dimensional accuracy in the device can be obtained. The size of the plate may be determined according to the size of the recording paper.

Further, when a mixture of the above-mentioned compound (material for forming the surface of the recording medium (A)) and another member, for example, a hydrophobic polymer or a hydrophobic inorganic material, is formed on a support, it is possible to prevent background smearing in printing. Is excellent. Further, in order to increase the thermal conductivity, it is preferable to mix a metal powder with the above compound.
Further, a primer layer can be provided between the support and the compound in order to improve the adhesion between the support and the compound. As the heat-resistant support, tetrafluoroethylene,
Resins such as silicone, polyimide, polycarbonate, epoxy, melamine, phenol, polyester, polyacetal, urea, and polyethylene terephthalate, and metals and metal oxides such as Ni, Al, Cu, Cr, and Pt are preferable. These supports may be smooth, rough or porous.

Next, the contact material (B) will be described. The contact material (B) is a liquid, a vapor, or a solid that becomes a liquid at a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature at which the receding contact angle on the surface of the recording medium (A) starts to decrease or generates a liquid or a vapor. In short, it is a liquid or a vapor from the beginning, or a solid that results in a liquid at or below the temperature at which the receding contact angle θr on the surface of the recording medium (A) starts to decrease. The steam here is a record
It suffices that at least a part of the liquid is condensed on or near the surface of (A) to generate a liquid, and the liquid can wet the surface of the recording medium (A). On the other hand, the solid here becomes a liquid, generates a liquid, or generates a vapor at or below the temperature at which the receding contact angle θr starts to decrease. The vapor generated from the solid is condensed on or near the surface of the recording medium to generate a liquid as in the case described above.

More specifically, these contact materials (B) are as follows. That is, as a liquid which is one of the contact materials, in addition to water, an aqueous solution containing an electrolyte, an alcohol such as ethanol and n-butanol, a polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin and ethylene glycol, and a ketone such as methyl ethyl ketone are available. Non-polar liquids such as polar liquids, linear hydrocarbons such as n-nonane and n-octane, cyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclohexane, and aromatic hydrocarbons such as m-xylene and benzene. Further, a mixture of these may be used, and various dispersion liquids and liquid inks may be used. More desirably, polar liquids are better.

As the vapor which is another one of the contact material (B), any liquid vapor of the contact material (B) can be used in addition to water vapor, and particularly, organic vapor such as ethanol vapor and m-xylene vapor can be used. Compound vapors (including those in a nebulized state) are mentioned. The temperature of the organic compound vapor must be lower than the melting point or softening point of the compound forming the surface of the recording medium (A).

Other solids which are other materials of the contact material (B) include higher fatty acids, low molecular weight polyethylene, polymer gels (polyacrylamide gel, polyvinyl alcohol gel), silica gel, and compounds containing water of crystallization. No.

When a recording material solution or dispersion such as the ink liquid is used as the contact material (B), visualization is performed simultaneously with formation of a latent image.

Next, the heating means will be described. As the heating means, there is non-contact heating using electromagnetic waves (light from a light source such as a laser light source or an infrared lamp is focused by a lens) in addition to contact heating using a heater or a thermal head.

FIG. 2 (a) shows that a film 2 of the compound constituting the surface of the recording medium (A) is formed on a support 1, and a liquid 3 of the contact material (B) is present on the film surface. It shows the state that it is doing. In this state, as shown in FIG.
When the film is heated, the receding contact angle θr is reduced on the surface of the film 2 to show remarkable wetting, and it is recognized that the film 2 has liquid adhesion. Furthermore, the film 2 having liquid adhesion is heated again in air, in a vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere (FIG. 2 (b)).
As a result, it is recognized that the receding contact angle θr increases on the surface of the film 2 and shows the liquid repellency again.

As a phenomenon which is somewhat similar to such a phenomenon, there is a method described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 54-41902 mentioned above. However, the method disclosed herein is mechanically different in that it provides a substantially disordered and generally amorphous layer of memory material in the recording material. . That is, in the present invention, without the presence of the contact material (B), the recording medium
(A) No state change can occur on the surface. Also,
In the method described in Japanese Patent No. 41902, reversibility cannot be obtained by a simple operation.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the liquid 3 is changed according to the image information.
Heat is applied to the film 2 under the contact of (as shown in FIG. 3 (b-1), the film 2 is brought into contact with a liquid in a state where heat is applied to the film 2 in accordance with image information in the absence of liquid. The same applies to the above), so that the surface of the film 2 of the heated portion is made to adhere to the liquid. In the figure, 4 is a heater, 31 is a liquid supply port, 41 is an infrared lamp, 5 is a lens, 6
Indicates a shutter.

FIG. 3A shows an example in which the heating of the membrane 2 is performed through the support 1, while the example shown in FIG.
This is an example in which heating is performed.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a change in the contact angle of the aqueous solution before and after the heating of the film 2 under the contact with the aqueous solution, and a change in the contact angle of the aqueous solution when the film 2 is further heated in the air. In FIG. 4, ○ indicates a forward contact angle, and △ indicates a receding contact angle.

In general, when the receding contact angle is a high value of 90 ° or more, the surface shows liquid repellency, and when the receding contact angle is a low value of 90 ° or less, the surface shows liquid adhesion.

The heating temperature of the surface of the recording medium (A) in contact with the contact material (B) is preferably in the range of 50 ° C. to 250 ° C., more preferably 80 ° C. to 150 ° C. Heating time is 0.1
It is on the order of milliseconds to 1 second, preferably 0.5 milliseconds to 2 milliseconds. As for the timing of heating, if a latent image is formed,
After the surface of the recording medium (A) is heated, the recording medium (A) is brought into contact with the contact material (B) before cooling, and the recording medium (A) is brought into contact with the surface of the recording medium (A) with the contact material (B). Heat the surface,
May be any of On the other hand, if the latent image is to be erased, the surface of the recording medium (A) is kept at 50 to 300 ° C., preferably 10
What is necessary is just to heat to 0-180 degreeC. Heating time in each case
It is about 1 millisecond to 10 seconds, preferably 10 milliseconds to 1 second.

Next, means for actually recording image information on the surface of the recording medium (A) will be described in more detail. One is a recording medium in response to an image signal in a liquid or vapor atmosphere.
The surface of (A) is heated to form a liquid adhering area on the surface of the recording medium (A) (latent image formation), and thereafter, the latent image area is contacted with a recording agent solution or a dispersion liquid by means of this latent image area. This is a method in which a recording agent is adhered to the surface of the recording medium (visualization), and thereafter, the recording agent on the surface of the recording medium (A) is transferred (transferred) to recording paper (indirect recording method). As described above, in the device of the present invention, the contact material
When a recording agent solution or dispersion liquid is used as (B), latent image formation and visualization are simultaneously performed. Further, in these methods, if a means for bringing the recording agent solution or dispersion liquid into contact with the latent image portion again after transferring the recording agent is performed, a printing method using the recording medium (A) as a printing plate is obtained. Further, in these methods, after the transfer of the recording agent, the surface of the recording medium (A) on which the latent image was formed in the absence of liquid or vapor is heated to erase the latent image. It becomes a reproducible recording method. FIGS. 5A and 5B show indirect recording methods (printing methods),
A typical process of a reversible indirect recording method (repeated recording method) of a recording medium will be described.

Next, the structure of the apparatus of the present invention including the recording medium (A) will be described. The surface of the recording medium (A), in which the receding contact angle decreases in accordance with the heating temperature when heated and in contact with a liquid (for convenience, may be referred to as `` film 2 '' or `` recording medium (A) surface '' ) Is not limited to that form. Therefore, the recording medium (A) may have a rigid cylindrical shape or a flexible film shape. However, since the rigid cylindrical recording body (the one having the film 2 formed on the surface of the cylindrical rigid body) has excellent controllability since the recording body (A) is hardly displaced when the recording body (A) is operated, the rigid cylindrical shape is used. (A) is preferable. Such a record (A)
A method of forming the film 2 on the substrate or a method of forming the molded body itself is adopted for the production of the film. In particular, since the molded body generally has low mechanical strength, a method of forming a film on a support is desirable. It is needless to say that the film 2 must be formed on the surface even when the recording body (A) is formed by the molded body itself.

When a resin is used for the support of the recording medium (A),
It is hard to say that this is a good conductor of heat, and it takes some time for the surface of the recording medium (A) to be heated and have liquid adhesion. Therefore, it may be conceivable to use a good heat conductor for the entire support or for a portion on the support 1.

FIG. 6A shows an example in which a good heat conductor such as a metal is used as a substrate (metal substrate 11), an organic thin film 12 is deposited thereon, and a film 2 is further formed thereon. However, in this case, the heat conduction speed in the vertical direction is improved. Examples of the organic thin film 12 include polyimide, polyester, phthalocyanine, and the like. This configuration is sufficient when the print dots can be relatively large, but is not suitable for the purpose of further high-density printing because the portion having liquid adhesion is expanded by heat diffusion in both directions. .
FIG.6 (b) is intended to prevent heat diffusion in the plane direction by providing a good heat conducting portion on the support 1 so as to reduce the size of the liquid adhering portion 2a. . Figure 6
In (b), 11a represents a miniaturized metal film.

Next, means for forming a latent image by heating will be described. As described above, as the heating source, a contact heating source such as a heater or a thermal head, or a non-contact heating source using electromagnetic waves such as a laser or an infrared lamp is desirable.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 schematically show two typical examples of the apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 3a is a colored ink liquid (recording agent), 42 is a thermal head, 43 is a laser light source, 41 '
Denotes an infrared lamp, 7 denotes a recording medium (A), 8 denotes an ink tank, 9 denotes an ink viscosity detecting means, 10 denotes a transfer roller, and P denotes a recording paper. In these examples, the latent image is erased if the surface of the recording medium 7 is heated in the absence of the ink liquid 3a by the infrared lamp 41 every time the recording medium 7 in the form of the endless belt makes one rotation. And therefore record 7
It is possible to obtain a new transfer image every one rotation.

Further, if the latent image is erased by heating the vicinity of the latent image portion after the transfer means in the absence of liquid or vapor, that is, in the air, in a vacuum, or in an inert gas, The recording medium is a recording device that can be used repeatedly. As a heating source for erasing a latent image, a contact heating source such as a heater or a thermal head or a non-contact heating source using electromagnetic waves such as a laser or an infrared lamp is desirable. Heating may be performed on the entire surface of the recording medium (A), or may be performed only on the latent image portion. However, heating over the entire surface is more preferable because the device configuration can be simplified. The latent image erasing means is provided at a position where the surface of the recording medium (A) is substantially cooled during the time from when heating for erasing is performed to when the latent image is formed again. The heating temperature required for erasing depends on the material of the surface of the recording medium (A), but is preferably a temperature equal to or higher than the temperature at which the receding contact angle of the material of the surface of the recording medium (A) starts decreasing and lower than the decomposition point.

Incidentally, the viscosity of the colored ink liquid (liquid ink) 3a as a recording agent solution or dispersion liquid varies depending on the atmosphere (temperature, etc.) at the time of use. Although the viscosity varies depending on the ink composition and the like, a volatile substance is often contained as a solvent, and the viscosity tends to increase with time due to evaporation of the solvent.

These changes in ink viscosity affect the amount of ink adhering to the latent image and the limit speed of the recording speed as shown in FIG. The limit development speed (limit recording speed) in FIG. 12 means a speed just above the speed at which ink adheres to the non-latent image portion at a speed higher than that. In particular, as the ink viscosity increases, the recording limit speed rapidly decreases, so that in a high-speed recording apparatus, the ink tends to adhere to the non-latent image portion due to the increase in viscosity, causing background smear. As shown in FIG. 12, the correspondence between the ink viscosity and the limit recording speed differs depending on the surface tension of the ink.
For example, in ink having a high surface tension of about 50 dyn / cm or more, the allowable range for the change in ink viscosity in low-speed printing is wide, for example, the moving speed (recording speed) of the recording medium (A) is 10 m.
When the ink viscosity is 5 Ocp at m / s, the viscosity may be changed up to 100 cp and the viscosity may be controlled so as to fall within the range of 50 cp to 100 cp. In high-speed recording, the allowable range for viscosity change is low, for example, the moving speed (recording speed) of the recording medium (A) is 30 m
When the ink viscosity is 20 cp at m / s, it is necessary to control the viscosity change up to 25 cp so that the viscosity falls within the range of 20 cp to 25 cp. With low surface tension inks, for example, inks of about 30 dyn / cm, the tolerance for viscosity changes is low,
For example, when the moving speed (recording speed) of the recording medium is 10 mm / s and the ink viscosity is 10 cp, the viscosity change is allowed up to 15 cp and 10 cp is allowed.
It is necessary to control so that the viscosity falls within the range of ~ 15 cp. These are examples, and the allowable range of the viscosity change is determined according to FIG. 12 in accordance with various inks and the recording speed, and it is necessary to control the viscosity to fall within the range.

The supply of the ink liquid to the surface of the recording medium (A) is performed by (i)
As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 13, the recording medium (A) is immersed in the ink liquid. (Ii) As shown in FIG. 11, the rotating roller is immersed in the ink liquid to some extent. And transfer the ink liquid to the surface of the rotating roller.
(A) Supply to the surface, etc. are performed. Among these ink supply means, the latter (ii) ink supply is performed by rotating roller 15.
In this case, the thickness of the ink liquid layer formed on the roller surface depends on the viscosity of the ink liquid 3a, and the higher the viscosity, the thicker the ink liquid layer. When the ink liquid layer becomes thicker, the ink liquid easily adheres to the non-latent image portion during development, and the background stain is easily generated. Therefore, when the development by the rotating roller 15 is performed, it is necessary to control the viscosity of the ink liquid in order to keep the thickness of the ink liquid layer constant.

As the ink liquid viscosity detecting means 9, a viscometer such as a rotational viscometer or an Ostwald viscometer is used. As mentioned earlier, the ink liquid viscosity needs to be kept constant based on the ink liquid viscosity detection means 9, but as a benefit, the detected ink liquid viscosity is input to the control circuit,
Based on this, the viscosity of the ink liquid is adjusted by heating or heat absorption or addition of a diluent, the amount of the ink liquid supplied to the recording body 7 is adjusted, or the user is informed of the control state and the viscosity of the ink liquid is adjusted. May be appropriately adjusted. An example of the method for adjusting the ink liquid viscosity in the above is as shown in FIG. Since the viscosity of the ink liquid decreases as the temperature of the ink liquid increases, if the viscosity of the ink liquid is higher than a preset viscosity of the ink liquid, the ink liquid 3a
Is heated by a heating member 13 such as a heater, and when the temperature is low, the heat of the ink liquid is absorbed by the cooling member 14. It is advantageous to use a member having a so-called Peltier effect, which absorbs heat when energized, as the cooling member 14.

As described above, it is desirable to keep the ink viscosity constant at all times. However, the energy applied to the thermal head is adjusted according to the ink viscosity without taking the means shown in FIG. (FIG. 10) or adjusting the rotation speed of the ink supply roller 15 (FIG. 11 (a)) or adding a solvent to the ink liquid (FIG. 13) to be supplied to the surface of the recording medium (A). Adjusting the amount of ink may be considered.
When controlling the thermal head, the energy applied to the thermal head is increased when the detected viscosity is lower than the preset ink viscosity, and the energy applied to the thermal head is increased when the detected viscosity is high. What is necessary is just to make it small. The ink supply roller 15 is a recording medium.
Although it is possible to rotate in the same direction as the moving direction of 7 or in the opposite direction, the rotation speed may be changed based on the detected ink liquid viscosity.

When the viscosity increases, the ink supply roller 15
Control the ink liquid layer on the roller surface by lowering the rotation speed of the roller or applying a counter blade to the roller surface. The control is performed by changing the number of rotations of the roller or changing the interval between the roller 15 and the blade 16 based on the viscosity change detection signal. To increase the viscosity, reduce the number of rotations or reduce the distance between the roller and the blade. When the number of rotations of the roller decreases, the boundary layer of the ink fluid on the roller surface becomes thinner and the ink liquid 3a
Becomes thinner. The relationship between the rotation speed and the thickness of the ink layer,
The relationship between the distance between the roller and the blade and the thickness of the ink liquid layer is not uniform because it depends on the roller surface shape and the roller diameter.When the roller is selected, the rotation speed and the ink layer thickness are experimentally determined. A calibration curve and a calibration curve of the distance between the roller and the blade and the thickness of the ink liquid layer were obtained, and the data was obtained.
It is stored in the control circuit of (b). Perform the reverse operation to reduce the viscosity. When the viscosity of the ink increases due to evaporation of the solvent of the ink, the viscosity is controlled by the solvent replenishing means as shown in FIG. At this time, it is more desirable to provide a stirring means so that the solvent is immediately dissolved in the ink.

If the stable supply of the ink liquid 3a is not performed even after performing these controls, it is conceivable that the materials of the ink and the recording medium 7 are deteriorated. In this case, the user can be notified of the status of the recording device and the action to be taken, and can take measures.

The erasing of the latent image is as described above. However, considering that the latent image is formed again on the recording medium (A), the recording medium (A) heated by the latent image erasing operation is taken into consideration.
It is necessary to provide a latent image erasing means (non-contact or direct heating) at a position where the surface is substantially cooled while being moved to a position where the surface is heated to form a latent image. Further, the heating temperature required for erasing depends on the material of the film 2, but it is desirable that the temperature be equal to or higher than the starting temperature at which the receding contact angle of the film 2 decreases and equal to or lower than the decomposition point.

As the recording paper, a transparent resin film, plain paper, ink-jet paper, type paper and the like are suitable.

Next, the recording agent will be described. In the present invention, in order to obtain a visible image on the recording layer surface, as a recording agent, writing ink, inkjet ink, printing ink,
From the recording agents used in the conventional printing and recording methods such as electrophotographic toners, those suitable for the present process can be selected and used. To give a more specific example,
For example, as the aqueous ink, a water-soluble ink composed of water, a wetting agent and a dye, an aqueous pigment-dispersed ink composed of water, a wetting agent, a pigment and a polymer compound for dispersion, or a pigment or a dye dispersed in water using a surfactant. Emulsion ink or the like is used. Examples of the wetting agent used in the aqueous ink include the following water-soluble organic liquid compounds.

Monohydric alcohols such as ethanol, methanol and propanol; ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, glycerin, low molecular weight polyethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, etc. Polyhydric alcohols; ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, triethylene glycol monoethyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monoethyl Ether, propylene glycol Polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers Roh ethyl ether, ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, polyhydric alcohol aryl ethers such as ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether; N- methyl-2-
Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds such as pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethylimidazolidinone, ε-caprolactam and γ-butyrolactone; amides such as formamide, N-methylformamide, N, N-dimethylformamide; monoethanolamine;
Amines such as diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoethylamine, diethylamine and triethylamine; sulfur-containing compounds such as dimethyl sulfoxide and sulfolane; propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate and the like.

As the water-soluble dye, a dye classified into an acid dye, a direct dye, a basic dye, a reactive dye and an edible dye in a color index and having excellent water resistance and light resistance is used. As specific examples of these dyes,
For example, the following are mentioned.

CI Acid Yellow 17,23,42,44,79,14
2 CI Acid Red 1,8,13,14,18,26,27,35,37,42,52,
82,87,89,92,97,106,111,114,115,134,186,249,254,289 CI Acid Blue 9,29,45,92,249 CI Acid Black 1,2,7,24,26,94 CI Food Yellow 3,4 CI Food Red 7,9, 14 CI Food Black 2 CI Direct Yellow 1,12,24,26,33,44,50,142,14
4,865 CI Direct Red 1,4,9,13,17,20,28,31,39,80,8
1,83,89,225,227 CI Direct Orange 26,29,62,102 CI Direct Blue 1,2,6,15,22,25,71,76,79,86,8
7,90,98,163,165,199,202 CI Direct Black 19,22,32,38,51,56,71,74,75,
77,154,168 CI Basic Yellow 1,2,11,13,14,15,19,21,23,2
4,25,28,29,32,36,40,41,45,49,51,53,63,65,67,70,73,
77,87,91 CI Basic Red 2,12,13,14,15,18,22,23,24,27,
29,35,36,38,39,46,49,51,52,54,59,68,69,70,73,78,8
2,102,104,109,112 CI Basic Blue 1,3,5,7,9,21,22,26,35,41,45,4
7,54,62,65,66,67,69,75,77,78,89,92,93,105,117,120,
122,124,129,137,141,147,155 Basic Black 2,8 etc.

As the pigments, azo-based, phthalocyanine-based, anthraquinone-based, quinacridone-based organic pigments may be used.
Dioxazine-based, indigo-based, thioindigo-based, perinone-based, perylene-based, isoindolenone-based, aniline black, azomethine-based, carbon black, and the like.Examples of inorganic pigments include iron oxide, titanium oxide, calcium carbonate, and barium sulfate. Examples include aluminum hydroxide, barium yellow, navy blue, cadmium red, chrome yellow, and metal powder.

Examples of the pigment dispersing compound include polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid and alkali metal salts thereof, acrylic resins such as water-soluble styrene acrylic resin, water-soluble styrene maleic resin, water-soluble vinyl naphthalene acrylic resin, water-soluble vinyl Naphthalene maleic acid resin, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, alkali metal salt of β-naphthalenesulfonic acid formalin condensate, high molecular compound having a salt of a cationic functional group such as quaternary ammonium or amino group in the side chain, polyethylene oxide,
Gelatin, proteins such as casein, gum arabic, natural gums such as tragacanth gum, glucoxides such as saponin, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose,
Natural polymer compounds such as ligninsulfonic acid and salts thereof, shellac and the like.

As the oil-based recording agent, as in the case of the aqueous ink, an oil-soluble dye dissolved in an organic solvent as a developing agent, a pigment dispersed in an organic solvent as a developing agent, a pigment or a dye, Those emulsified in an oily base as a developing agent are used.

The following are specific examples of the oil dyes. CI Solvent Yellow 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,
14,16,17,26,27,29,30,39,40,46,49,50,51,56,61,80,8
6,87,89,96 CI Solvent Orange 12,23,31,43,51,61 CI Solvent Red 1,2,3,16,17,18,19,20,22,24,2
5,26,40,52,59,60,63,67,68,121 CI Solvent Violet 7,16,17 CI Solvent Blue 2,6,11,15,20,30,31,32,35,36, Five
5,58,71,72 CI Solvent Brown 2,10,15,21,22 CI Solvent Black 3,10,11,12,27 etc.

Examples of a developing agent for dissolving a dye or dispersing a pigment include hydrocarbons such as n-octane, n-decane, mineralane spirit, ligroin, naphtha, benzene, toluene and xylene; Ethers such as butyl ether, dihexyl ether, anisole, phenetole, and dibenzyl ether; methanol, ethanol,
Alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and glycerin; polyhydric alcohol ethers such as diethylene glycol monobutyl ether; polyhydric alcohol ethers such as ethylene glycol monomethyl acetate, ethylene glycol monoethyl acetate, and ethylene glycol monobutyl acetate. Polyhydric alcohol acetates; oleic acid and the like.

The pigments exemplified above can also be used in oil-based inks. Examples of oil-based pigment dispersants include polymethacrylates, polyacrylates, methacrylate-acrylate copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl butyral, and the like. Examples include vinyl copolymers, cellulosic resins such as ethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose, polycondensation resins such as polyester, polyamide and phenolic resins, and natural resins such as rosin, shellac, gelatin and casein.

[0090]

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples.

Example 1 A fluorine-containing acrylate material 17F (manufactured by Osaka Organic Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) was solution-polymerized in 1,1,1-trichloroethane as a film 2 on a polyimide film (manufactured by Toray DuPont) having a thickness of about 50 μm. Record 7 was made by coating the polymer. An aqueous ink (dye: black direct dye 1.5% by weight, solvent: pure water / glycerin = 1/1, viscosity: 30 cp, surface tension: 50 dyn / cm) was used as the ink liquid 3a. The recording speed was 20 mm / s. Figure 9
As shown in FIG. As the detector, a rotational viscosity detector was used, and a torque detection signal applied to the rotating disk was sent to a control circuit, and the heater in close contact with the ink container was operated according to the signal. Viscosity threshold at heater start is 40cp
And When the recording device was left in an environment of 5 ° C., the control circuit was activated, and the ink viscosity was maintained at around 35 cp by heating the heater, and good printing was performed. On the other hand, when the apparatus was left at 5 ° C. without the viscosity detecting means and printing was performed, the ink adhered to the entire surface of the recording paper, and extremely severe background soiling occurred.

Embodiment 2 The same apparatus as in Embodiment 1 was provided with a solvent replenishing means as shown in FIG. 13. The replenishment of the solvent was carried out by a fluid pump, and the pure solvent was pure water. When the ink container was left uncovered for 2 days without a lid, a change in viscosity was detected, and the pump was activated. When the original viscosity was reached, the pump was stopped.

Example 3 As shown in FIG. 11 (a), development was carried out by an ink supply rotary roller. A blade with a movable mechanism was provided on the roller surface to control the ink layer. As the viscosity detecting means, a rotational viscometer was used as in Example 1. The recording body (A) was the same as in Example 1. The ink solution also used lauric acid as a solvent and dissolved an oil-soluble black dye (viscosity: 15 cp, surface tension: 30 d
yn / cm). The recording speed was 10 mm / s. By adjusting the blade, the thickness of the ink liquid layer was kept at about 20 μm to maintain good printing.

[0094]

According to the recording apparatus of the present invention, since the ink liquid viscosity detecting means is provided, it is effective for keeping the properties of the ink liquid constant, and a desired uniform clear image can be obtained for a long period of time. Obtainable. According to the recording apparatus of the second aspect, since the contact material (B) and the ink liquid are used in the same manner, the number of steps for forming an image can be reduced. According to the recording apparatus of the third, fourth, fifth and sixth aspects, since the properties of the ink liquid and the supply of the recording medium (A) with an appropriate amount of the ink liquid can be performed, an extremely good copied image can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of four typical examples of a form having a surface self-orientation function.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for basically explaining the function of a recording medium (A) used in the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for basically explaining the function of a recording medium (A) used in the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the receding contact angle θr observed on the surface of the recording medium (A) when the surface of the recording medium (A) is heated while the liquid is in contact with the surface of the recording medium (A) used in the apparatus of the present invention. The figure showing the change.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing two modes when the device of the present invention is used.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are views for explaining an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a relationship between the viscosity of an ink liquid used in the apparatus of the present invention and a limit developing speed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... substrate 2 ... film 3 ... liquid (3a ... colored ink) 4 ... heater 5 ... lens 6 ... shutter 7 ... recording medium (A) 8 ... ink tank (8a ... ink solvent tank) 9 ... ink viscosity detection means 10 ... Transfer roller 11… Metal substrate 13… Heater 14… Cooling element 15… Recording agent supply roller 16… Blade 17… Blade movable device 18… Propeller rotation motor 41,41 ′… Infrared lamp 42… Thermal head P… Pump

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Takeshi Takemoto, Inventor Ricoh 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Yasuyuki Okada 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-3-178478 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B41L 19/00-19/16 B41C 1/00- 1/16 B41M 1/00-5/26

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method of selectively heating the surface of a recording medium (A) below in contact with the following contact material (B) or contacting the surface of the recording body (A) selectively heating A contact material (B) is formed on the surface of the recording medium (A) by forming a latent image having a receding contact angle reduced in accordance with the heating temperature on the surface of the recording medium (A) by contact with the material (B). Supplying means, means for heating the surface of the recording medium (A) for forming a latent image, and supplying a recording agent solution or dispersion containing a color developing material to the surface of the recording medium (A) to form the latent image A recording agent applying unit for adhering and visualizing the latent image, a unit for transferring the adhering recording agent on the surface of the recording medium (A) to recording paper, and a unit for detecting the viscosity of the recording agent solution or dispersion. And a recording device. (A) A recording medium having a surface in which the receding contact angle is reduced when heated and brought into contact with a liquid. (B) Liquid, vapor, or solid that becomes liquid or generates liquid or vapor at a temperature equal to or lower than the temperature at which the receding contact angle on the surface of the recording medium (A) starts to decrease. 2. A means for supplying the contact material (B) to the surface of a recording material (A) by using a recording agent solution or a dispersion containing a color developing material as the contact material (B), 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said recording agent applying means is integrated into one. 3. The recording material applying means is a rotating roller, and the number of rotations of the rotating roller is changed according to the detected viscosity of the recording solution or dispersion. Recording device. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for keeping the viscosity of the recording agent solution or dispersion constant according to the detected viscosity of the recording agent solution or dispersion. 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the means for keeping the viscosity of the recording agent solution or dispersion constant is to heat or cool the recording agent solution or dispersion. 6. A method for maintaining the viscosity of the recording agent solution or dispersion constant, wherein when the viscosity increases, a solvent used in the recording agent solution or dispersion is added to the recording agent solution or dispersion. The recording device according to claim 4, wherein the recording device is a recording device.