JP7172372B2 - Device for ejecting liquid - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for ejecting liquid.

Inkjet printers have advantages such as low noise, low running costs, and easy color printing, and are widely used in general households as digital signal output devices.

Since ink containing metal oxides such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silica, alumina, and magnesium oxide tends to precipitate, the operator must remove the ink container (liquid container) such as a cartridge from the image forming apparatus before printing. It has been necessary to frequently perform the work of manually stirring the colorant by hand, redispersing the sedimented colorant, and then reattaching the colorant to the image forming apparatus. Such agitation not only lowers productivity, but also causes ink to drip from the connection between the ink container and the image forming apparatus, staining the apparatus. leading to various problems such as

In order to solve the above problem, each company is earnestly studying methods for improvement.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200002 describes a mechanism in which a partition plate interlocking with an ink container holding portion is provided inside an ink container that stores ink, and the partition plate is automatically rotated to agitate the ink.

However, in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to provide a stirring mechanism in the ink container, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes complicated and large. In particular, an apparatus having a plurality of ink containers tends to be larger.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for ejecting liquid that can efficiently agitate a liquid container with a simpler configuration.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the liquid ejecting apparatus of the present invention includes a liquid container for storing liquid, a liquid container holding section for holding a plurality of liquid containers, and a liquid ejecting section for ejecting the liquid. wherein the liquid container holding section is movable, and an apparatus main body having the liquid discharge section and a liquid container holding section holding the liquid container are separate bodies, and the apparatus main body and the liquid container holding section are separated from each other. are connected via a shaft member .

According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently stir the liquid container with a simpler configuration.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in an example of a device for ejecting liquid according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of connection between an apparatus main body and a cartridge holder; 1 is a schematic plan view of an example of an apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is another schematic plan view of an example of the apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention. 1 is a schematic side view of an example of an apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is another schematic side view of an example of the apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is another schematic plan view of an example of the apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a cartridge holder movement method; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a cartridge and a cartridge holder; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of reciprocating rotational movement of a cartridge holder; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of reciprocating parallel movement of a cartridge holder; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of reciprocating oblique movement of a cartridge holder; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the distance between the head and the recording medium holding section;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and can be changed within the scope of those skilled in the art, such as other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, etc. is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the functions and effects of the present invention are exhibited.

(Apparatus for ejecting liquid)
A device for ejecting a liquid according to the present invention includes a liquid container for storing a liquid (for example, ink), a liquid container holding section for holding a plurality of liquid containers, and a liquid ejection section for ejecting the liquid. The container holding part is characterized by being movable.
According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently stir the liquid container with a simpler configuration. In addition, without removing the liquid container from the apparatus, it is possible to perform stirring for uniforming the coloring material concentration in the liquid supplied from the liquid container, and to reproduce the stirring conditions.
Note that the liquid container may also be referred to as an ink container, and the liquid container holding section may also be referred to as an ink container holding section.

An embodiment of an apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the recording medium is conveyed in the depth direction (or frontward direction) of the paper surface, and FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium.

In FIG. 1, a carriage 10, a first head 11, a second head 12, a carriage scanning rail 13, an exhaust section 14, a platen 15 (recording medium holding section), a support member 16, a platen moving table 17, a maintenance unit 18, A cartridge 24 (liquid container) and a cartridge holder 26 (liquid container holding portion) are illustrated.

The platen 15 is a member that holds a recording medium, and its size and the like can be changed as appropriate.
Examples of the recording medium include, but are not particularly limited to, coated paper, plastic film, fabric, and the like, as well as fabric such as T-shirts, paper, and the like.
Also, the platen 15 is supported by a support member 16 .

The platen moving table 17 is a mechanism for moving the platen 15, and moves the platen 15 in the vertical direction (in the direction of the arrow indicated by (B) in the drawing). Move in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

A maintenance unit 18 is a mechanism for performing head maintenance, and is composed of a cap, a suction pump, an idle discharge receiver, and the like.

A carriage 10 is a housing having a first head 11 and a second head 12, and includes an encoder sensor, a moving belt, an elevating mechanism, and the like in addition to the heads.
The carriage scanning rail 13 is a rail for moving the carriage 10 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium.

Note that the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the recording medium may also be referred to as the main scanning direction, and the main scanning direction is indicated by an arrow (A) in the drawing. In addition, the conveying direction of the recording medium is sometimes called a sub-scanning direction, and the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction are orthogonal to each other.

The first head 11 and the second head 12 are included in a liquid ejection section that ejects liquid. The first head 11 is a head that ejects pretreatment liquid, and the second head 12 is a head that ejects ink. The first head 11 is provided upstream of the second head in the transport direction of the recording medium. The first head 11 and the second head 12 are provided with a plurality of fine nozzles, and liquid is ejected from the nozzles by driving piezoelectric elements, for example.
Note that when the first head 11 and the second head 12 are described without distinction, they may simply be referred to as heads.

The exhaust unit 14 is a mechanism for exhausting the gas in the device main body 22 to the outside of the device main body 22 . For example, it may have a fan, consisting of a fan connected to a motor, or the like.

A cartridge holder 26 is provided in the apparatus main body 22 .
The cartridge 24 stores liquid and is held by a cartridge holder 26 . Although three cartridges 24 are held in the cartridge holder 26 in FIG. 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of cartridges 24 can be changed as appropriate. Also, the type of liquid stored in the cartridge 24 is not particularly limited, and can be changed as appropriate.
It should be noted that the cartridge 24 and cartridge holder 26 in FIG. 1 are schematically illustrated, and the shape, position, etc. are not limited to this.

A liquid supply path (not shown) is connected to the cartridge 24 or the cartridge holder 26, and the liquid is supplied to the head (especially the second head 12) through the liquid supply path. The cartridge holder 26 is provided with a plurality of partitions, and the cartridges 24 are accommodated in the compartments partitioned by each partition. In this embodiment, for example, when the cartridge 24 is attached to the cartridge holder 26, a hollow needle for leading out the liquid from the cartridge 24 is inserted into the rubber plug provided on the mouth plug of the cartridge 24, and the liquid flows into the liquid supply path. supplied to the head via

The liquid supply path is preferably deformable and preferably capable of supplying liquid even when the cartridge holder 26 is moved. Moreover, the liquid supply path preferably has flexibility, and preferably has bendability so as not to be crushed even when the cartridge holder 26 moves. The liquid supply path may be changed as appropriate, and may be a tube, for example.

FIG. 2 shows an example of connection between the apparatus main body 22 and the cartridge holder 26. As shown in FIG. As shown here, for example, the device main body 22 and the cartridge holder 26 may be connected by a tube 27 (liquid supply path) and connected via a shaft member 28 . As described above, the cartridge holder 26 may be separated from the apparatus main body 22, and in this case, there is an advantage that the vibration during stirring is less likely to be transmitted to the apparatus main body 22. FIG.
The tube 27 is used to supply the liquid in the cartridge 24 to the device main body 22, for example, the second head 12, and may be plural.

The shaft member 28 is used to move the cartridge holder 26, and may be plural. The shaft member 28 is movable by driving means (not shown) and is also called a movable shaft. The cartridge holder 26 is moved by driving means, and the driving means may be provided in the apparatus main body 22 or may be provided in the cartridge holder 26 .

2(a) shows the direction when the apparatus main body 22 is viewed from the cartridge holder 26 side, and will be described later in detail about the movement method of the cartridge holder 26. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present embodiment, showing the carriage 10 and the platen 15 before movement.
As shown, the carriage 10 has a first head 11 and a second head 12, and the head reciprocates as the carriage 10 reciprocates in the main scanning direction. Note that the carriage scanning rail 13 is omitted in FIG.
Also, the platen 15 moves along the platen moving rails 19 together with the platen moving base 17 .

FIG. 4 is another schematic plan view of the apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present embodiment, and shows a state when the carriage 10 and the platen 15 in FIG. 3 are moved.
As shown, the platen 15 moves along platen moving rails 19 and moves in the direction of the arrow indicated by (C) in the figure. Since the recording medium moves while being held on the platen 15, the moving direction of the platen 15 and the conveying direction of the recording medium match.
Also, as shown in the figure, the second head 12 is arranged downstream of the first head 11 in the conveying direction of the recording medium.

When the platen 15 moves in the arrow direction indicated by (C) in the drawing and approaches the carriage 10, the liquid is ejected from the head while the carriage 10 scans in the main scanning direction (the direction (A) in the drawing). be. At this time, the pretreatment liquid is first ejected from the first head 11 toward the recording medium, and then the ink is ejected from the second head 12 toward the recording medium. As a result, printing and image formation on the recording medium are performed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the device for ejecting liquid according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic view of a main part of FIG.
The exhaust section 14 of the present embodiment is preferably arranged so that the gas between the first head 11 and the platen 15 (or the recording medium) flows upstream in the recording medium transport direction. Further, as indicated by the arrow (D) in FIG. 5, the gas inside the apparatus main body 22 is discharged to the outside.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, the flow direction of the space between the platen 15 and each head is the direction from the second head 12 toward the first head 11 ((D) in FIG. 6). arrow direction indicated). In other words, the gas between the first head 11 and the platen 15 (or recording medium) flows upstream in the recording medium transport direction.

Therefore, the pretreatment liquid mist generated in the vicinity of the first head 11 is less likely to reach the second head 12, and the pretreatment liquid mist adheres to the nozzle forming surface of the second head 12, causing the ink to aggregate. can be prevented. In addition, ejection reliability is improved by preventing aggregation of the ink.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 6, the flow in the space between the second head 12 and the platen 15 (or the recording medium) may also flow upstream in the transport direction of the recording medium.

FIG. 7 shows another schematic plan view of this embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates the gas flow (D) in the plan view of FIG.
As shown in the figure, in the apparatus for ejecting liquid according to the present embodiment, a plurality of exhaust units 14 are provided. In this embodiment, all of the plurality of exhaust units 14 are arranged upstream of the first head 11 in the transport direction of the recording medium ((C) in the figure).
As a result, the exhaust direction of the gas is directed upstream in the conveying direction of the recording medium, and the above-described effects can be exhibited.

Alternatively, the position of the recording medium may be fixed, and the carriage may be transported upstream and downstream. In this case, "upstream and downstream in the transport direction of the recording medium" in this embodiment may be considered as relative transport directions with respect to the head. That is, the upstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium corresponds to the downstream side in the transport direction of the head, and the downstream side in the transport direction of the recording medium corresponds to the upstream side in the transport direction of the head.

Next, movement of the liquid container holding portion in this embodiment will be described.
The cartridge holder 26 (liquid container holding portion) in this embodiment is configured to be movable. As a result, the liquid container can be efficiently agitated with a simpler configuration. In addition, the liquid supplied from the cartridge 24 can be agitated to have a uniform coloring material concentration without removing the cartridge 24 from the cartridge holder 26 or the apparatus. In addition, since agitation can be performed without removing the cartridge 24 from the apparatus, it is possible to prevent the coloring material from settling in the liquid from the beginning of use to just before the end of use. Furthermore, when the cartridge 24 is removed from the device and manually stirred, the stirring conditions vary depending on the operator, and the stirring conditions vary even for the same operator, making it impossible to obtain reproducibility. However, in this embodiment, the stirring conditions are reproducible, and the results do not vary.

Modes of movement of the cartridge holder 26 include, for example, periodic or non-periodic vibration or rotation.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram for explaining an example of a method of moving the cartridge holder 26. As shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the main part of the apparatus main body 22 when viewed from the direction (a) in FIG. 2, that is, when the apparatus main body 22 side is viewed from the cartridge holder 26 side.

FIG. 8(i) shows an example of rotational movement. For example, the cartridge holder 26 can be rotated by rotating the shaft member 28 as indicated by an arrow. Stirring conditions that can be defined here include, for example, rotation center coordinates, rotation angle, rotation speed, and stirring time.

FIG. 8(ii) shows an example of vibrating. For example, the cartridge holder 26 can be vibrated by vertically moving the shaft member 28 in the movable region 29 as indicated by an arrow. Stirring conditions that can be defined here include, for example, movement center coordinates, amplitude, movement speed, and stirring time.

FIG. 8(iii) shows another example of vibrating. For example, the cartridge holder 26 can be vibrated by horizontally moving the shaft member 28 in the movable region 29 as indicated by an arrow. Stirring conditions that can be defined here include, for example, movement center coordinates, amplitude, movement speed, and stirring time.

FIG. 8(iv) shows another example of vibrating. For example, the cartridge holder 26 can be vibrated by obliquely moving the shaft member 28 in the movable region 29 as indicated by an arrow. Stirring conditions that can be defined here include, for example, movement center coordinates, amplitude, angles formed with three axes, movement speed, and stirring time.

Next, FIG. 9 schematically shows a perspective view of the cartridge holder 26 (liquid container holding portion) in this embodiment. In FIG. 9, six cartridges 24 are provided in cartridge holder 26 . The cartridge holder 26 is provided with a plurality of partitions, and the cartridges 24 are accommodated in the partitions partitioned by the partitions, but the illustration of the partitions is omitted here.

As shown, the three axes forming 90° angles are the x-, y-, and z-axes. With the center of the cartridge holder 26 as the origin, the z-axis is set in the upper direction of the cartridge holder 26, the y-axis is set in the front direction, and the x-axis is set in a direction perpendicular to the zy plane.
Note that the center of the cartridge holder means the central point of the length, width, and height of the cartridge holder.

Next, FIG. 10 shows an example of rotation. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the yz plane, which is an example of reciprocating rotational movement. Reference numeral 26' indicates the position of the cartridge holder before rotation.

It is preferable to rotate at an angle (also referred to as rotation angle) in the range of −90° to +90° with respect to at least one axis selected from the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis. By thus providing a range of rotation angles and reciprocating and rotating, the sedimented coloring material can be redispersed more uniformly and more efficiently. If the cartridge 24 continues to rotate in one direction, there is concern that the centrifugal force will bias the coloring material within the cartridge 24 .

In this example, the coordinates of the rotation axis are (y, z)=(a, 0), and reciprocating rotational movement is performed at an angle of ±θ and an angular frequency of ω. Then, from the position 26' before rotation, it rotates by an angle θ with respect to the positive region of the z-axis, and rotates by an angle θ with respect to the negative region of the z-axis on the opposite side. In addition, it also rotates with respect to the positive region on the z-axis. Such a reciprocating rotational movement is performed for a time T, for example.

Note that in the example shown here, both the positive region and the negative region on the z-axis are rotated by an angle θ. In other words, in this example, the reciprocating rotational movement is symmetrical about the y-axis, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. It may be an asymmetric reciprocating rotational movement.

The coordinates of the fixed point can be changed as appropriate, and examples include (x, y)=(a, 0) and (z, x)=(a, 0). Moreover, the value of a in such coordinates can be changed as appropriate within the cartridge holder 26 .

Further, in FIG. 10, the reciprocating rotational movement is performed about the y-axis, but rotation about another axis, for example, the x-axis can be appropriately combined.

Next, FIG. 11 shows an example of vibration. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the yz plane, which is an example of reciprocating parallel movement. Reference numeral 26' indicates the position of the cartridge holder before translation. In the example shown here, the cartridge holder 26 performs a reciprocating parallel movement with an amplitude A and a period S for a time T in the direction parallel to the z-axis. As a result, the sedimented coloring material can be more uniformly redispersed without removing the cartridge 24 from the cartridge holder 26 .

Also, in this example, it moves with the amplitude A to the positive region of the z-axis, and moves with the amplitude A also to the negative region of the z-axis. That is, when the center of the cartridge holder 26' before movement is set as the origin, the reciprocating movement is symmetrical with respect to the origin. Such symmetrical reciprocating movement has the advantage of facilitating the configuration of the apparatus.

However, this embodiment is not limited to symmetrical reciprocating movement, and may be asymmetrical reciprocating movement. Asymmetric reciprocation includes, for example, changing the value of amplitude A in the positive and negative regions of the z-axis. In addition to this, for example, it moves to the positive region of the z-axis with an amplitude A, does not move to the negative region of the z-axis, and moves in another direction, for example, to the positive or negative region of the y-axis. etc.

Next, another example of vibration is shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the yz plane, which is an example of reciprocating oblique movement. Reference numeral 26' indicates the position of the cartridge holder before translation.

In the example shown here, the cartridge holder 26 performs a reciprocating oblique movement at an angle α with the y-axis, an amplitude A, and a period S for a time T. As a result, the sedimented coloring material can be more uniformly redispersed without removing the cartridge 24 from the cartridge holder 26 .

In the example shown here, it moves with an amplitude A into the positive regions of the y and z axes, and also moves with an amplitude A into the negative regions of the y and z axes. That is, when the center of the cartridge holder 26' before the movement is set as the origin, the reciprocating oblique movement is performed symmetrically with respect to the origin. Such symmetrical reciprocating movement has the advantage of facilitating the configuration of the device.

However, as in the example shown in FIG. 11, this embodiment is not limited to symmetrical reciprocating oblique movement, and asymmetrical reciprocating movement may be employed. Asymmetric reciprocation includes, for example, changing the value of amplitude A in the positive and negative regions of the y-axis and z-axis. In addition to this, for example, it moves in the positive region of the y-axis and z-axis with an amplitude A, and does not move in the negative region of the y-axis and z-axis in other directions, such as the positive direction of the y-axis or For example, moving to a negative area.

The movement method of the cartridge holder 26 is not limited to the above method as long as the sedimented coloring material can be redispersed, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the above methods may be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, if the way of movement can be reproduced, the case of random movement is also included.

Further, the movement of the cartridge holder 26 is preferably uniform motion or uniform acceleration motion. In this case, there is an advantage that the device can be easily constructed. In addition, the sedimented coloring material can be redispersed more uniformly.
In the case of reciprocating parallel (or oblique) movement, the direction of movement is one direction and the opposite direction, but it is uniform motion in which the absolute value of velocity is constant, or uniformly accelerated motion in which the absolute value of acceleration is constant. is preferably
In the case of rotational movement, it is preferable to use uniform motion in which the angular velocity is constant, or constant acceleration motion in which the acceleration at the angular velocity is constant.
In the case of reciprocating rotational movement, the direction of rotational movement is one direction and the opposite direction, but it is a constant velocity movement in which the absolute value of the angular velocity is constant, or a constant acceleration movement in which the absolute value of the acceleration at the angular velocity is constant. Preferably.

Various liquids can be stored in the cartridge 24, for example, liquids containing cyan, magenta, yellow, white color, or metallic color pigments can be stored.
When the cartridge 24 stores a white-colored liquid or a metallic-colored liquid, for example, when it stores a liquid containing a white-colored or metallic-colored pigment, the following is preferable. That is, it is preferable that the cartridge holder 26 move so that the change in acceleration of the cartridge 24 that stores the white color liquid or the cartridge 24 that stores the metallic color liquid is greater than the change in acceleration of the other cartridges 24 . White-color pigments and metallic-color pigments are more likely to settle than other pigments, so the above configuration can further prevent white-color pigments and metallic-color pigments from settling.

The above "acceleration change" refers to the amount of change in acceleration. In the case of reciprocating parallel (or oblique) movement, the change in acceleration is basically the same for all cartridges 24, so the cartridges 24 storing white-colored liquid or the cartridges 24 storing metallic-colored liquid can be arranged arbitrarily. can do.
In the case of rotational movement or reciprocating rotational movement, by arranging it at a position away from the rotation axis, it is possible to increase the change in acceleration compared to the cartridge 24 in which other liquids are stored.

Also, it is preferable that the cartridge holder 26 move only while the head is driving or resting.
When the head is being driven, it means that liquid is being ejected from the head. If even one of the plurality of liquids is being ejected, the head is being driven. By configuring the cartridge holder 26 to move only while the head is driving, the cartridge holder 26 moves at the timing when the liquid is supplied from the cartridge 24, so that the liquid in the cartridge 24 becomes more fluid and settles. It is possible to redisperse the coloring material more uniformly.

Further, the term "the head is resting" means that the liquid is not being ejected from the head. By configuring the cartridge holder 26 to move only when the head is at rest, it is possible to prevent the colorant from sedimenting due to the flow of the liquid in the cartridge 24 being stopped while the head is at rest. It can be redispersed more uniformly.

Next, FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of a main part of an apparatus for ejecting liquid according to this embodiment. 13, a first head 11 for ejecting pretreatment liquid from nozzles, a second head 12 for ejecting ink from nozzles, a platen 15 (recording medium holding unit) for holding recording medium 30, and heating recording medium 30 are shown. A heating means 40 for heating is shown.

When applying ink to a recording medium for printing, the use of a pretreatment liquid can improve the image density, so pretreatment is a frequently used means.
However, if drying (heating) is not performed after the pretreatment, bleeding occurs at color boundaries when ink is printed after the pretreatment, particularly on media such as fabrics and films. Therefore, drying may be performed after the pretreatment, but polyvalent metal salts, which are generally used as coagulants in the pretreatment liquid, tend to cause nozzle clogging due to drying. This is thought to be due to the grain size and precipitation due to counter ions and the like becoming prominent at high concentrations. Therefore, simply heating may cause non-ejection, and as a result, printing may not be possible.

In contrast, in the present embodiment, the distance ((a) in the figure) between the surface of the first head 11 on which nozzles are formed (also referred to as the nozzle surface) and the recording medium holding portion is set to 4.0 mm or more. preferably. As a result, while the recording medium to which the pretreatment liquid has been applied is heated, the solvent volatilized vapor generated by heating the recording medium is prevented from adversely affecting the nozzles. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both of properties and prevention of bleeding of printed matter.

In this embodiment, the distance between the nozzle surface of the first head 11 and the recording medium holding portion means the direction perpendicular to the nozzle surface and the recording medium holding portion.

The thickness of the recording medium is preferably 3.5 mm or less. When fabric is used as the print medium, the fluffiness of the fabric affects the landing accuracy, and the heated portion of the print medium rises and becomes close to the nozzle, causing heat conduction to the nozzle, resulting in ejection failure. I have something to do. On the other hand, by setting the thickness of the recording medium to 3.5 mm or less, such problems can be prevented. In other words, it can be said that the distance between the first head 11 and the recording medium is preferably 1.5 mm or more.
The thickness of the recording medium is measured by excluding the fluffed portion. Also, before measurement, the surface is smoothed by a pressing member or the like before measurement.

The recording medium is not particularly limited, and plain paper, glossy paper, special paper, cloth, and the like can be used.
The non-permeable substrate is a substrate having a surface with low water permeability and low absorbency, and includes materials that do not open to the outside even if there are many cavities inside. , refers to a substrate having a water absorption of 10 mL/m ² or less from the start of contact to 30 msec ^1/2 in the Bristow method.
As the impermeable substrate, for example, plastic films such as vinyl chloride resin films, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films, polypropylene, polyethylene and polycarbonate films can be suitably used.

The recording medium is not limited to those used as general recording media, and wallpaper, floor materials, building materials such as tiles, cloth for clothing such as T-shirts, textiles, leather, and the like can be used as appropriate. Ceramics, glass, metal, etc. can also be used by adjusting the configuration of the path for conveying the recording medium.

(Pretreatment liquid)
The pretreatment liquid used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can be ejected from the head, and can be appropriately selected from known liquids. It may contain a resin, if necessary.

The polyvalent metal ion can be appropriately selected from known ones, and examples thereof include calcium ion, magnesium ion, aluminum ion and the like. These may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together.

Polyvalent metal ions can be contained in the pretreatment liquid by dissolving a water-soluble polyvalent metal salt.
The polyvalent metal salt can be appropriately selected from known ones, and suitable examples include carboxylates (acetic acid, lactic acid, etc.), sulfates, nitrates, chlorides, and thiocyanates. In addition, polyvalent metal salt may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together. Among these, carboxylates, sulfates, nitrates, and chlorides, which have good solubility in water and water-soluble organic solvents, are preferable from the viewpoint of image quality such as color developability and bleeding resistance, and ejection reliability.

The content of polyvalent metal ions in the pretreatment liquid is preferably 30 mmol/L or more and 700 mmol/L, and preferably 60 mmol/L or more and 500 mmol/L, from the viewpoint of suppression of bleeding and density unevenness, color development, fastness and adhesion. /L or less is more preferable, and 100 mmol/L or more and 400 mmol/L or less is more preferable.

(ink)
Organic solvents, water, coloring materials, resins, additives, and the like used in the ink are described below.

<Organic solvent>
The organic solvent used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and any water-soluble organic solvent can be used. Examples thereof include polyhydric alcohols, ethers such as polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers and polyhydric alcohol aryl ethers, nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, amides, amines, and sulfur-containing compounds.
Specific examples of polyhydric alcohols include ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, and 1,4-butane. Diol, 2,3-butanediol, 3-methyl-1,3-butanediol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,3-pentanediol, 1,4-pentanediol , 2,4-pentanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,3-hexanediol, 2,5-hexanediol, 1,5-hexanediol, glycerin, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, ethyl-1,2,4-butanetriol, 1,2,3-butanetriol, 2,2,4-trimethyl- 1,3-pentanediol, petriol and the like.
Examples of polyhydric alcohol alkyl ethers include ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether, propylene glycol monoethyl ether and the like.
Examples of polyhydric alcohol aryl ethers include ethylene glycol monophenyl ether and ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether.
Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds include 2-pyrrolidone, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-hydroxyethyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, ε-caprolactam, γ-butyrolactone and the like. mentioned.
Amides include formamide, N-methylformamide, N,N-dimethylformamide, 3-methoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide, 3-butoxy-N,N-dimethylpropionamide and the like.
Amines include monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethylamine, and the like.
Examples of sulfur-containing compounds include dimethylsulfoxide, sulfolane, thiodiethanol and the like.
Other organic solvents include propylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate.
It is preferable to use an organic solvent having a boiling point of 250° C. or less because it not only functions as a wetting agent but also provides good drying properties.
As the organic solvent, polyol compounds having 8 or more carbon atoms and glycol ether compounds are also preferably used. Specific examples of polyol compounds having 8 or more carbon atoms include 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol and 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol.
Specific examples of glycol ether compounds include polyhydric alcohol alkyls such as ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether, and propylene glycol monoethyl ether. Ethers; polyhydric alcohol aryl ethers such as ethylene glycol monophenyl ether, ethylene glycol monobenzyl ether, and the like.

A polyol compound having 8 or more carbon atoms and a glycol ether compound can improve ink permeability when paper is used as a recording medium.

The content of the organic solvent in the ink is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. 20% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less is more preferable.

<Water>
The content of water in the ink is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. % or more and 60 mass % or less is more preferable.

<Color material>
The coloring material is not particularly limited, and pigments and dyes can be used.
An inorganic pigment or an organic pigment can be used as the pigment. These may be used individually by 1 type, and may use 2 or more types together. Mixed crystals may also be used as pigments.
Examples of pigments that can be used include black pigments, yellow pigments, magenta pigments, cyan pigments, white pigments, green pigments, orange pigments, glossy color pigments such as gold and silver, and metallic pigments.
As inorganic pigments, in addition to titanium oxide, iron oxide, calcium carbonate, barium sulfate, aluminum hydroxide, barium yellow, cadmium red, and chrome yellow, carbon black produced by known methods such as contact method, furnace method, thermal method, etc. can be used.
Organic pigments include azo pigments, polycyclic pigments (e.g., phthalocyanine pigments, perylene pigments, perinone pigments, anthraquinone pigments, quinacridone pigments, dioxazine pigments, indigo pigments, thioindigo pigments, isoindolinone pigments, quinophthalone pigments, etc.). , dye chelates (eg, basic dye chelates, acid dye chelates, etc.), nitro pigments, nitroso pigments, aniline black, and the like. Among these pigments, those having good affinity with the solvent are preferably used. In addition, resin hollow particles and inorganic hollow particles can also be used.
Specific examples of pigments for black include carbon blacks (C.I. Pigment Black 7) such as furnace black, lamp black, acetylene black and channel black, or copper and iron (C.I. Pigment Black 11). , metals such as titanium oxide, and organic pigments such as aniline black (C.I. Pigment Black 1).
Further, for color, C.I. I. Pigment yellow 1, 3, 12, 13, 14, 17, 24, 34, 35, 37, 42 (yellow iron oxide), 53, 55, 74, 81, 83, 95, 97, 98, 100, 101, 104 , 108, 109, 110, 117, 120, 138, 150, 153, 155, 180, 185, 213, C.I. I. Pigment Orange 5, 13, 16, 17, 36, 43, 51, C.I. I. Pigment Red 1, 2, 3, 5, 17, 22, 23, 31, 38, 48:2, 48:2 (Permanent Red 2B (Ca)), 48:3, 48:4, 49:1, 52: 2, 53:1, 57:1 (brilliant carmine 6B), 60:1, 63:1, 63:2, 64:1, 81, 83, 88, 101 (red iron oxide), 104, 105, 106, 108 ( cadmium red), 112, 114, 122 (quinacridone magenta), 123, 146, 149, 166, 168, 170, 172, 177, 178, 179, 184, 185, 190, 193, 202, 207, 208, 209, 213, 219, 224, 254, 264, C.I. I. Pigment Violet 1 (rhodamine lake), 3, 5:1, 16, 19, 23, 38, C.I. I. Pigment Blue 1, 2, 15 (phthalocyanine blue), 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:4 (phthalocyanine blue), 16, 17:1, 56, 60, 63, C.I. I. Pigment Green 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 17, 18, 36, etc.

The coloring material for the white ink used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and known inorganic white pigments can be used. Examples include silicas such as alkaline earth metal sulfates, carbonates, finely divided silicic acid, synthetic silicates, calcium silicate, alumina, alumina hydrate, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, talc, clay, and the like. . Moreover, the inorganic white pigment may be surface-treated by various surface treatment methods.
Among them, surface-treated titanium oxide is preferable because it exhibits relatively good dispersibility in an aqueous medium. For example, in order to avoid photocatalytic effects, titanium oxide surface-treated with an inorganic substance is preferred, and titanium oxide surface-treated with silica and alumina is preferred. Furthermore, it is also possible to use titanium oxide which has been surface-treated with the silica and alumina and then further surface-treated with a silane coupling agent, which is more preferred.

The coloring material for the metallic ink used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and known materials can be used. Examples thereof include fine powder obtained by finely pulverizing a single metal, an alloy, or a metal compound. More specifically, any one or more of a group of simple metals consisting of aluminum, silver, gold, nickel, chromium, tin, zinc, indium, titanium, silicon, copper, or platinum, Or it may be an alloy obtained by combining these group of metals, or pulverize any one or more of oxides, nitrides, sulfides, or carbides of these group of single metals or alloys Also included are those obtained by

As dyes, acid dyes, direct dyes, reactive dyes, and basic dyes can be used without particular limitation, and may be used singly or in combination of two or more.
As a dye, for example, C.I. I. Acid Yellow 17, 23, 42, 44, 79, 142, C.I. I. Acid Red 52, 80, 82, 249, 254, 289, C.I. I. Acid Blue 9,45,249, C.I. I. Acid Black 1, 2, 24, 94, C.I. I. Food Black 1, 2, C.I. I. Direct Yellow 1, 12, 24, 33, 50, 55, 58, 86, 132, 142, 144, 173, C.I. I. Direct Red 1, 4, 9, 80, 81, 225, 227, C.I. I. Direct Blue 1, 2, 15, 71, 86, 87, 98, 165, 199, 202, C.I. I. Directed Black 19, 38, 51, 71, 154, 168, 171, 195, C.I. I. Reactive Red 14, 32, 55, 79, 249, C.I. I. and Reactive Black 3,4,35.

The content of the coloring material in the ink is preferably 0.1% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less, more preferably 1% by mass or more and 10% by mass, from the viewpoints of improving image density, good fixability, and ejection stability. It is below.

As a method of dispersing the pigment to obtain an ink, a method of introducing a hydrophilic functional group into the pigment to make it a self-dispersing pigment, a method of coating the surface of the pigment with a resin and dispersing the pigment, and a method of dispersing the pigment using a dispersant. method, etc.
As a method of making a self-dispersing pigment by introducing a hydrophilic functional group into a pigment, for example, a method of adding a functional group such as a sulfone group or a carboxyl group to a pigment (for example, carbon) to make it dispersible in water. is mentioned.
As a method of coating the surface of a pigment with a resin and dispersing it, there is a method of encapsulating the pigment in microcapsules to make it dispersible in water. This can be rephrased as a resin-coated pigment. In this case, all the pigments mixed in the ink need not be coated with a resin, and uncoated pigments or partially coated pigments may be dispersed in the ink as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired. may be
Examples of the method of dispersing using a dispersant include a method of dispersing using a known low-molecular-weight dispersant and high-molecular-weight dispersant typified by surfactants.
As the dispersant, it is possible to use, for example, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, etc. depending on the pigment.
As a dispersant, RT-100 (nonionic surfactant) manufactured by Takemoto Yushi Co., Ltd. and sodium naphthalenesulfonate formalin condensate can also be suitably used as a dispersant.
A dispersing agent may be used individually by 1 type, or may use 2 or more types together.

<Pigment dispersion>
Inks can be obtained by mixing materials such as water and organic solvents with pigments. Ink can also be produced by mixing a pigment, water, a dispersant, and the like to form a pigment dispersion, and then mixing materials such as water and an organic solvent.
The pigment dispersion is obtained by mixing and dispersing water, a pigment, a pigment dispersant, and optionally other components, and adjusting the particle size. Dispersion should be carried out using a disperser.
The particle diameter of the pigment in the pigment dispersion is not particularly limited, but the dispersion stability of the pigment is improved, and the image quality such as ejection stability and image density is improved. 500 nm or less is preferable, and 20 nm or more and 150 nm or less is more preferable. The particle size of the pigment can be measured using a particle size analyzer (Nanotrack Wave-UT151, manufactured by Microtrack Bell Co., Ltd.).
The content of the pigment in the pigment dispersion is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. 50% by mass or less is preferable, and 0.1% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less is more preferable.
It is preferable to filter coarse particles with a filter, a centrifugal separator, or the like, and deaerate the pigment dispersion, if necessary.

<Resin>
The type of resin contained in the ink is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. resins, styrene-butadiene-based resins, vinyl chloride-based resins, acrylic-styrene-based resins, acrylic-silicone-based resins, and the like.
Resin particles made of these resins may also be used. Ink can be obtained by mixing resin particles in a resin emulsion state in which water is dispersed as a dispersion medium with a material such as a coloring material or an organic solvent. As the resin particles, appropriately synthesized ones may be used, or commercially available products may be used. Moreover, these may be used individually by 1 type, or may be used in combination of 2 or more types of resin particles.

The volume average particle diameter of the resin particles is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the intended purpose. 200 nm or less is more preferable, and 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less is particularly preferable.
The volume average particle diameter can be measured, for example, using a particle size analyzer (Nanotrack Wave-UT151, manufactured by Microtrack Bell Co., Ltd.).

The content of the resin is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. However, from the viewpoint of fixability and storage stability of the ink, the content is 1% by mass or more and 30% by mass or less based on the total amount of the ink. is preferable, and 5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less is more preferable.

The particle size of the solid content in the ink is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. From the viewpoint of enhancing image quality such as ejection stability and image density, the maximum frequency of the particle size of the solid content in the ink is preferably 20 nm or more and 1000 nm or less, more preferably 20 nm or more and 150 nm or less, in terms of the maximum number. The solid content includes resin particles, pigment particles, and the like. The particle size can be measured using a particle size analyzer (Nanotrack Wave-UT151, manufactured by Microtrack Bell Co., Ltd.).

<Additive>
Surfactants, antifoaming agents, antiseptic antifungal agents, anticorrosive agents, pH adjusters, etc. may be added to the ink as necessary.

<Surfactant>
Any of silicone surfactants, fluorine surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, and anionic surfactants can be used as surfactants.
The silicone-based surfactant is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the purpose. Among them, those that do not decompose even at high pH are preferred. Examples of silicone-based surfactants include side chain-modified polydimethylsiloxane, both-end-modified polydimethylsiloxane, single-end-modified polydimethylsiloxane, and side-chain both-end-modified polydimethylsiloxane. Those having a polyoxyethylene group or a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene group as a modifying group are particularly preferred because they exhibit good properties as water-based surfactants. As the silicone-based surfactant, a polyether-modified silicone-based surfactant can also be used, and examples thereof include compounds in which a polyalkylene oxide structure is introduced into the side chain of the Si portion of dimethylsiloxane.
Examples of fluorine-based surfactants include perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid compounds, perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acid compounds, perfluoroalkylphosphoric acid ester compounds, perfluoroalkylethylene oxide adducts, and perfluoroalkyl ether groups in side chains. Polyoxyalkylene ether polymer compounds are particularly preferred due to their low foaming properties. Examples of perfluoroalkylsulfonic acid compounds include perfluoroalkylsulfonic acids, perfluoroalkylsulfonates, and the like. Examples of perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acid compounds include perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acids and perfluoroalkylcarboxylic acid salts. Examples of polyoxyalkylene ether polymer compounds having perfluoroalkyl ether groups in side chains include sulfuric acid ester salts of polyoxyalkylene ether polymers having perfluoroalkyl ether groups in side chains, and polyoxyalkylene ether polymers having perfluoroalkyl ether groups in side chains. Examples thereof include salts of oxyalkylene ether polymers. Counter ions of salts in these _{fluorosurfactants} include Li, Na, K, _NH4 , _NH3CH2CH2OH , _{NH2 ( CH2CH2OH} ) ₂ , and _{NH ( CH2CH2OH} ). ₃ and the like.
Examples of amphoteric surfactants include laurylaminopropionate, lauryldimethylbetaine, stearyldimethylbetaine, lauryldihydroxyethylbetaine and the like.
Nonionic surfactants include, for example, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene alkylamines, polyoxyethylene alkylamides, polyoxyethylene propylene block polymers, sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan Examples include fatty acid esters and ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene alcohol.
Examples of anionic surfactants include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether acetates, dodecylbenzene sulfonates, laurates, and salts of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates.
These may be used individually by 1 type, or may use 2 or more types together.

The silicone-based surfactant is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. Examples include polydimethylsiloxane modified at both ends, and polyether-modified silicone surfactants having polyoxyethylene groups or polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene groups as modifying groups are particularly preferred because they exhibit good properties as water-based surfactants. .
As such a surfactant, an appropriately synthesized one may be used, or a commercially available product may be used. Commercially available products are available from, for example, BYK Chemie Co., Ltd., Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd., Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd., Nihon Emulsion Co., Ltd., Kyoeisha Chemical Co., Ltd., and the like.
The above polyether-modified silicone-based surfactant is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. Examples include those introduced into the side chain of the Si portion of siloxane.

(However, in general formula (S-1), m, n, a, and b each independently represent an integer, R represents an alkylene group, and R' represents an alkyl group.)
Commercially available products can be used as the above polyether-modified silicone-based surfactants. 1906EX (Japan Emulsion Co., Ltd.), FZ-2105, FZ-2118, FZ-2154, FZ-2161, FZ-2162, FZ-2163, FZ-2164 (Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.), BYK-33, BYK-387 (BYK-Chemie Corporation), TSF4440, TSF4452, TSF4453 (Toshiba Silicon Co., Ltd.) and the like.

As the fluorosurfactant, a fluorine-substituted compound having 2 to 16 carbon atoms is preferable, and a fluorine-substituted compound having 4 to 16 carbon atoms is more preferable.
Examples of fluorine-based surfactants include perfluoroalkyl phosphate ester compounds, perfluoroalkyl ethylene oxide adducts, and polyoxyalkylene ether polymer compounds having perfluoroalkyl ether groups in side chains. Among these, a polyoxyalkylene ether polymer compound having a perfluoroalkyl ether group in a side chain is preferable because of its low foamability, and in particular, fluorine-based compounds represented by general formulas (F-1) and (F-2) Surfactants are preferred.

In the compound represented by the general formula (F-1), m is preferably an integer of 0 to 10 and n is preferably an integer of 0 to 40 in order to impart water solubility.

In the compound represented by the general formula (F-2), Y is H, or CmF _2m+1 and m is an integer of 1 to 6, or CH ₂ CH(OH)CH ₂ -CmF _2m+1 and m is 4 to 6 Integer, or CpH _2p+1 where p is an integer from 1-19. n is an integer of 1-6. a is an integer from 4 to 14;
Commercially available products may be used as the fluorosurfactant. Examples of commercially available products include Surflon S-111, S-112, S-113, S-121, S-131, S-132, S-141, and S-145 (all manufactured by Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.); Fleurard FC-93, FC-95, FC-98, FC-129, FC-135, FC-170C, FC-430, FC-431 (both manufactured by Sumitomo 3M); Megafac F-470, F -1405, F-474 (both manufactured by Dainippon Ink and Chemicals); Zonyl TBS, FSP, FSA, FSN-100, FSN, FSO-100, FSO, FS-300, UR, Capstone FS-30, FS-31, FS-3100, FS-34, FS-35 (all manufactured by Chemours); FT-110, FT-250, FT-251, FT-400S, FT-150, FT- 400SW (all manufactured by Neos Co., Ltd.), Polyfox PF-136A, PF-156A, PF-151N, PF-154, PF-159 (manufactured by Omnova), Unidyne DSN-403N (manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd.) Among these, Chemours FS-3100, FS-34, FS- 300, FT-110, FT-250, FT-251, FT-400S, FT-150, FT-400SW manufactured by Neos Co., Ltd., Polyfox PF-151N manufactured by Omnova Co., Ltd., and Unidyne DSN- manufactured by Daikin Industries, Ltd. 403N is particularly preferred.

The content of the surfactant in the ink is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected according to the purpose. % or more and 5 mass % or less is preferable, and 0.05 mass % or more and 5 mass % or less is more preferable.

<Antifoaming agent>
The antifoaming agent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include silicone antifoaming agents, polyether antifoaming agents, and fatty acid ester antifoaming agents. These may be used individually by 1 type, or may use 2 or more types together. Among these, silicone-based antifoaming agents are preferred because of their excellent foam breaking effect.

<Preservative and antifungal agent>
The antiseptic and antifungal agent is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one.

<Antirust agent>
The rust inhibitor is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include acidic sulfites and sodium thiosulfate.

<pH adjuster>
The pH adjuster is not particularly limited as long as it can adjust the pH to 7 or higher, and examples thereof include amines such as diethanolamine and triethanolamine.

<Physical properties of ink>
The physical properties of the ink are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected depending on the intended purpose. For example, viscosity, surface tension, pH and the like are preferably within the following ranges.
The viscosity of the ink at 25° C. is preferably 5 mPa·s or more and 30 mPa·s or less, more preferably 5 mPa·s or more and 25 mPa·s or less, from the viewpoint of improving the print density and character quality and obtaining good ejection properties. more preferred. Here, the viscosity can be measured using, for example, a rotational viscometer (RE-80L manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.). Measurement conditions are 25° C., standard cone rotor (1°34′×R24), sample liquid volume 1.2 mL, rotation speed 50 rpm, 3 minutes.
The surface tension of the ink is preferably 35 mN/m or less, more preferably 32 mN/m or less at 25° C., from the viewpoint that the ink is appropriately leveled on the recording medium and the drying time of the ink is shortened.
The pH of the ink is preferably from 7 to 12, more preferably from 8 to 11, from the viewpoint of preventing corrosion of metal members in contact with the liquid.

(Post-treatment liquid)
The post-treatment liquid is not particularly limited as long as it can form a transparent layer. The post-treatment liquid is obtained by selecting and mixing organic solvents, water, resins, surfactants, antifoaming agents, pH adjusters, antiseptic antifungal agents, anticorrosive agents, etc., as necessary. Further, the post-treatment liquid may be applied to the entire recording area formed on the recording medium, or may be applied only to the area where the ink image is formed.

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples, but the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

(Preparation and evaluation method of print samples before and after stirring)
After attaching a cartridge filled with white ink having a titanium oxide pigment as a coloring material to a cartridge holder, MyPaper (PPC plain paper manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd.) was fixed with double-sided tape to a transparent PET film (ester film E5100 manufactured by Toyobo Co., Ltd.). On the other hand, a solid image of 50 cm x 50 cm created with Microsoft Word 2007 is printed using an inkjet printer (IPSiOGXe5500 manufactured by Ricoh Co., Ltd., partially modified so that the cartridge holder can move), and then in a constant temperature bath at 50 ° C. After drying for 1 hour, a print sample before agitation (before movement) was prepared.
Next, after the cartridge holder was allowed to stand for a certain period of time, stirring was performed under predetermined conditions, and the above-described procedure was performed again to prepare a print sample after stirring.
After that, the printed part was measured with a spectrophotometric densitometer (X-Rite 939 manufactured by X-Rite) with commercially available black paper laid under the printed sample before and after stirring prepared on the PET film. *, a*, b* were obtained. The color difference ΔE was calculated by the following formula (1).

ΔE={(ΔL*) ² +(Δa*) ² +(Δb*) ² } ^0.5 Equation (1)

ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* indicate differences in the colorimetric values (L*, a*, b*) of the print sample before and after stirring, respectively. In general, when ΔE = 0.6, the limit level of practical tolerance when considering various error factors, and when ΔE = 1, when two colors are placed side by side and compared When ΔE = 3, the difference is noticeable when comparing two colors from a distance, and when ΔE = 5, the difference is noticeable when comparing two colors in turn. It is

When agitation is sufficiently carried out, the coloring material that settles after being left still for a certain period of time is re-dispersed, so the concentration of the coloring material in the ink after agitation becomes uniform, and the color difference between the printed samples before and after agitation is very large. becomes a small value.
On the other hand, if the stirring is not sufficiently performed, only a part of the coloring material that has settled after standing for a certain period of time is redispersed. The color difference between the print samples of 1 is a large value.
If the color difference between the printed samples before and after stirring is small, it means that the partial dispersion of the colorant density caused by the sedimentation of the colorant due to the stirring has been eliminated, that is, the colorant has been sufficiently redispersed. , the redispersibility of the coloring material by stirring was evaluated using the following reference values for color difference.

[Evaluation criteria]
○: ΔE ≤ 0.6
△: 0.6 < ΔE ≤ 3
×: 3<ΔE

(Example 1)
Stirring was carried out for 5 minutes under the conditions of (y, z)=(30 cm, 0 cm) as the axis of rotation, reciprocating rotational movement at an angle of ±30 degrees and an angular frequency of 0.52 radians per second (FIG. 10). After that, the uniformity of the coloring material density was evaluated according to the procedure described above.
In Example 1, the white ink cartridge was arranged at the furthest position with respect to the rotation axis so that the change in acceleration was greater than that of the other cartridges.

(Example 2)
Stirring was carried out for 5 minutes under the conditions of (y, z)=(5 cm, 0 cm) as the axis of rotation, reciprocating rotational movement at an angle of ±30 degrees and an angular frequency of 0.52 radians per second (FIG. 10). After that, the same procedure as in Example 1 was used to evaluate the uniformity of the colorant density.
In the second embodiment, the rotation axis is set closer to the center of the cartridge than in the first embodiment, so that the swing width of the cartridge is smaller than in the first embodiment.
Also, as in Example 1, the white ink cartridge was arranged at the furthest position with respect to the rotation shaft.

(Example 3)
Stirring was carried out for 5 minutes under the conditions of reciprocating parallel movement in a direction parallel to the z-axis with an amplitude of 10 cm and a period of 1 second (FIG. 11). After that, the same procedure as in Example 1 was used to evaluate the uniformity of the colorant density.

(Example 4)
Stirring was performed for 5 minutes under the conditions of reciprocating oblique movement at an angle of 45 degrees with the y-axis, an amplitude of 10 cm, and a period of 1 second (FIG. 12). After that, the same procedure as in Example 1 was used to evaluate the uniformity of the colorant density.

(Comparative example 1)
The same procedures as in Examples 1-4 were performed, except that no stirring was performed.

(Comparative example 2)
The same procedure as in Examples 1-4 was performed, except that the stirring was performed manually.

Table 1 shows the results obtained.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 carriage 11 first head 12 second head 13 carriage scanning rail 14 exhaust section 15 platen 16 support member 17 platen moving base 18 maintenance unit 19 platen moving rail 22 apparatus main body 24 cartridges 26, 26' cartridge holder 27 tube 28 shaft Member 29 Movable region 30 Recording medium 40 Heating means

JP 2018-058612 A

Claims (11)

a liquid container for storing liquid;
a liquid container holder that holds a plurality of liquid containers;
a liquid ejection unit that ejects the liquid,
the liquid container holder is movable ,
An apparatus main body having the liquid discharge section and a liquid container holding section holding the liquid container are separate bodies, and the apparatus main body and the liquid container holding section are connected via a shaft member. A device that ejects a liquid. 2. The device for discharging liquid according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container holding portion vibrates or rotates. the plurality of liquid containers store a white-colored liquid or a metallic-colored liquid,
The liquid container holding part is characterized in that it moves such that the change in acceleration of the liquid container storing the white-colored liquid or the liquid container storing the metallic-colored liquid is greater than the change in acceleration of the other liquid containers. 3. The device for ejecting liquid according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The apparatus for ejecting liquid according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container holding portion moves only while the liquid ejecting portion is in operation or at rest. The liquid container holding portion has at least one axis selected from the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis, where the three axes forming an angle of 90° in the liquid container holding portion are the x-axis, the y-axis and the z-axis. 5. The device for ejecting liquid according to claim 1, wherein the device rotates at an angle of -90° or more and +90° or less with respect to the axis. 6. The liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid container holding part reciprocates symmetrically with respect to the origin when the center of the liquid container holding part before movement is set as the origin. A device that dispenses The liquid container holder is moved by moving the shaft member in a direction selected from a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and an oblique direction.
The apparatus for ejecting liquid according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shaft member moves in the movable region to vibrate the liquid container holder.
8. The device for ejecting liquid according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that: 9. The device for ejecting liquid according to claim 1 , further comprising a liquid supply path for supplying the liquid between the liquid container and the liquid ejection section. 10. The apparatus for ejecting liquid according to claim 9 , wherein the liquid supply path is deformable, and can supply the liquid even when the liquid container holder is moved. 11. The apparatus for ejecting liquid according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the liquids in the liquid containers contain pigments of cyan, magenta, yellow, white color, or metallic color, respectively.

Images