JPH01186328A - Multicolor recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform multicolor recording of two or more colors by one kind of ink by applying an image signal becoming positive or negative potential to ink according to desired hue. CONSTITUTION:When the pattern like positive voltage corresponding to an image signal is applied from a recording electrode 6, flowable ink 2 to which selective stickiness is imparted is transferred in the direction shown by an arrow D to reach an ink transfer position and at least a part of the ink 2 constituting an ink layer 2a is transferred to an intermediate transfer roll 5a to form an ink pattern 21a having the corresponding to a pH change on an anode side. When pattern like negative voltage is applied to the part of the ink layer 2a different from the part corresponding to the ink pattern 21a from the recording electrode 6, the flowable ink 2 to which selective stickiness is imparted is transferred to the intermediate transfer roll 5a to form an ink pattern 21b having hue corresponding to pH change on a cathode side. As mentioned above, since the direction of the pH change received by a colorant is different between the ink patterns 21a, 21b, the colors of the ink patterns can be made different.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image recording method that is low cost and allows multicolor recording.

BACKGROUND ART In recent years, with the rapid development of the information industry, various information processing systems have been developed, and recording methods and recording devices have been developed and adopted for each information system. Among these, typical plain paper recording methods include electrophotography and racer beam printers derived from it, as well as inkjet, thermal transfer, and impact printers (
(using wire dots, daisy foil, etc.).

Impact printers make a lot of noise and are difficult to fully print. Electrophotography, laser beam printers, etc. have high image quality resolution, but the equipment is complex and large,
Equipment cost is also a problem. Although inkjet ink jets have low consumable costs, they eject low-viscosity liquid ink from thin nozzles, which causes the ink to solidify and clog easily when not in use. Furthermore, the ink used for inkjet has a low viscosity, so after the ink is transferred to the paper,
Blurring and image blurring are likely to occur.

In addition, the thermal transfer method is a method in which patterned heat is supplied to a solid ink layer provided on a sheet-like support, and the ink is melted and transferred onto plain paper, etc.; , a relatively small-sized device is used, and the device cost is low. However, since an ink ribbon comprising a solid ink layer provided on an expensive support is used, and this ribbon is disposable, this thermal transfer method has the disadvantage of increasing the cost of consumables.

The present applicant previously proposed an image recording device that eliminates the above drawbacks and is capable of low running cost recording (Patent Application No. 61
-175191).

This image recording device includes: an ink carrier that has a surface capable of carrying a layer of fluid ink and is moved along an ink transfer position; and an ink carrier formed on the ink carrier at the ink transfer position. a transfer medium that is moved so as to be able to come into contact with the ink layer on the ink carrier; and an energy application means that makes it possible to apply energy to the ink layer on the ink carrier. This is an image recording device that allows fluid ink to be transferred onto a transfer medium.

In order to perform multi-color recording while taking advantage of the features of a recording device with such a configuration, it is possible to use multiple fluid inks of different colors and multiple ink-carrying rolls; Problems with alignment (alignment) are more likely to occur.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image recording method that makes it possible to perform multicolor recording of two or more colors using one type of ink while taking advantage of the features of the above-mentioned low-cost image recording apparatus.

Summary of the Invention As a result of intensive research, the present inventors have discovered that by using an ink having a specific composition, it is possible to selectively control the color tone of the ink while maintaining selectivity in controlling the tackiness of the ink. I discovered something.

The multicolor recording method of the present invention is based on the above knowledge,
More specifically, a step of forming a layer of the ink on an ink transporting means using an ink containing a substance whose color tone changes with a change in pH and whose viscosity can change with a change in pH; The recording method includes a step of selectively applying an image signal and transferring the ink to which an adhesive pattern is applied according to the image signal to a recording medium, It is characterized by applying an image signal having a positive or negative potential.

As mentioned above, when performing multicolor recording using two or more fluid inks, if multiple fluid inks containing colorants of different colors are used, the device configuration becomes larger. , and new problems such as color shift may occur.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, it is possible to use one type of ink and control the color tone of the pattern at the same time as controlling the adhesiveness of the pattern to the ink. Problems such as color shift between colors do not occur.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in further detail with reference to the drawings as necessary. In the following description, "%j" representing the quantitative ratio
"Parts" and "parts" are based on weight unless otherwise specified.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to FIG. 1, which is a schematic side sectional view in the thickness direction of a recording medium, showing an embodiment of the recording apparatus suitably used in the recording method of the present invention, the basics of the recording apparatus described above will be explained. We will explain the basic configuration.

First, the overall configuration will be explained with reference to FIG. 1.
An ink transport roll 1 serving as an ink transport means is provided so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow A (clockwise) while transporting fluid ink 2 contained in an ink reservoir 3.

At the ink transfer position, the ink transfer roll 1 faces the upper side of the drawing (the ink carrying surface side of the ink transfer roll 1) with a certain gap between it and the roll 1, and its surface is made of silicone rubber or the like, and the arrow A platen roll 4 serving as a transfer means that rotates in the B direction is arranged. This platen roll 4 is arranged so that the recording medium 5 that is in contact with the surface of the roll 4 at this ink transfer position is in contact with the layer 2a of the fluid ink 2 formed on the ink transport roll 1, and the arrow C
arranged so as to be transportable in the direction.

On the surface (ink carrying surface) side of the ink transfer roll 1 upstream from the ink transfer position where the ink transfer roll 1 and the platen roll 4 face each other, there is a plate with a certain gap from this surface.
Recording electrode 6 serving as a means for applying energy according to an image signal
is placed. The tip of this recording electrode 6 (one end where an electrode element is formed) is arranged so as to be able to contact the ink layer 2a.

The material constituting the surface (cylindrical surface) serving as the ink carrying surface of the ink transport roll 1 is such that the desired ink 2 is transferred onto the surface by transporting the ink 2 by rotation in the direction of arrow A.
Any material that can form the layer 2a can be used without any particular restriction. More specifically, in addition to conductors made of metals such as stainless steel, insulators made of various resins and the like are also used.

The surface of the ink transfer roll 10 made of such a material is
Although a smooth surface may be used, it is preferable that the surface be appropriately roughened (for example, to a roughness level of IS) from the viewpoint of further improving the conveying and supporting properties of the ink 2.

An ink layer 2 formed on the surface of this ink transfer roll 1
The thickness of a varies depending on the fluidity or viscosity of the ink 2, the material or roughness of the surface of the ink transfer roll 1, or the rotational speed of the roll 1). At the ink transfer position opposite to approximately 01
~30mm.

Furthermore, it is preferably about 0.1 to 10 mm (particularly 2 to 5 mm).

If the layer thickness of the ink 2 is less than 0.1 mm, it becomes difficult to form a uniform ink layer on the ink transport roll 1. On the other hand, if the ink layer thickness exceeds 30 mm, it becomes difficult to convey the ink 2 while keeping the surface layer of the ink layer (the layer that contacts the recording medium 5) at a uniform circumferential speed.
Furthermore, it becomes difficult to conduct electricity from the recording electrode 6 to the ink transport roll 1.

In order to more easily regulate the thickness of such 20 layers of ink,
If necessary, as shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later, an ink layer thickness regulating means consisting of a blade 7 or the like may be provided.

At the ink transfer position, the transfer medium facing the ink transfer roll 1 may be a sheet-like recording medium 5 (transferred in one direction) as shown in FIG. Intermediate transfer medium 5a (moving endlessly) as shown
It may be. In order to finally obtain a recorded image on plain paper, it is preferable to use the intermediate transfer medium 5a.

The sheet-like transfer medium 5 in FIG. 1 is a smooth coated paper that does not allow penetration of the liquid dispersion medium (preferably
It is also possible to use Bekk smoothness of 300 seconds or more), but in order to facilitate the selection of the material for ink 2, it is recommended to use plastics such as polyester, films made of metals such as aluminum, etc. due to their surface characteristics. It is more preferably used from

On the other hand, as an intermediate transfer medium, the metal or plastic film described above may be used by being transferred in one direction, or may be used as an endless held, or by adjusting the transfer speed at the ink transfer position, etc. From the viewpoint of precisely controlling the conditions and facilitating pressure transfer at the ink image transfer position, it is preferable to use an intermediate transfer roll 5a as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, as the material constituting the surface (cylindrical surface) of this intermediate transfer roll 5a, it is possible to use the same material as the material for the surface of the ink transfer roll 1, but this surface is made of chrome plating. It is preferable to improve the smoothness, stain resistance, or ease of cleaning by plating or the like. Ink 2 at the ink transfer position
In order to improve the selectivity of transfer, this intermediate transfer roll 5
It is preferable that the surface of a is higher in smoothness than the surface of the ink transport roll 1.

At the ink transfer position, this intermediate transfer roll 5a,
It is preferable to apply an appropriate shearing force to the layer 2a of the ink 2 which is sandwiched between the ink transport roll 1 and the ink transport roll 1. From this point of view, the peripheral speed of the intermediate transfer roll 5a is equal to or smaller than the peripheral speed of the ink layer surface layer (layer in contact with the roll 5a) on the ink transfer roll 1 (particularly 50% of the peripheral speed of the ink surface layer). ~95%) is preferred.

At this time, conversely, if the circumferential speed of the intermediate transfer roll 5a is made larger than the circumferential speed of the surface layer of the ink layer on the ink transfer roll 1, the entire ink layer is transferred to the intermediate transfer roll 5a when pl (value remains unchanged). The phenomenon becomes more likely to occur.

Note that when the surface of the intermediate transfer roll 58 and the surface of the ink transfer roll 1 are made to have substantially the same material and smoothness, the above-mentioned moderate shearing force should be applied to the layer of ink 2 at the ink transfer position. is preferred. The use of such shear force is closely related to the rheological properties of the ink, such as thixotropic behavior, pseudoplastic behavior, or dilatant behavior, but it is also preferable from the point of view of improving the selective transferability of the ink 2. It is a mode.

If the transfer rate of the ink image 21 from the intermediate transfer roll 5a to the recording material 9 such as plain paper is not 100%, the second
It is preferable to provide a cleaning means 8 having a blade 8a or the like as shown in the figure to clean the residual ink on the intermediate transfer roll 5a.

In addition, if the transfer recording image 22 formed on the recording material 9 is not sufficiently fixed to the recording material 9, the recording material 9
A known fixing means (not shown), for example, by heating, pressurizing, etc., may be provided downstream from the ink image transfer position.

The recording electrode 6 (or electron pair acceptor or electron pair donor addition port) is used as a means for imparting a 98-valence change to the fluid ink layer 2a on the ink transport roll 1 in accordance with an image signal.
Use.

The recording electrode 6 may be formed by providing a plurality of electrode elements 62 made of metal such as copper on a base 61, as shown in a partial schematic perspective view in FIG. A recording electrode in which an insulating film 63 made of polyimide or the like is provided on a portion other than the portion (the portion that contacts the ink) is preferably used. Insulating coating 63 of electrode element 62
It is preferable to plate the exposed portion with gold, platinum, or the like. From the viewpoint of durability, platinum plating is more preferable.

Next, one embodiment of the recording method of the present invention using the recording apparatus having the above configuration will be described.

Referring to FIG. 2, the fluid ink 2 in the ink container 3 has film-forming properties but is substantially sticky.
In addition, this ink 2 uses an ink that can be made sticky by changing the pH.
Contains a colorant whose color tone changes depending on the H change.

As the ink transfer roll 1 rotates in the direction of arrow A, the fluid ink 2 forms an ink layer 2a on the surface of the roll 1.
It is carried in the direction of the arrow while being carried as such.

The fluid ink 2 transferred in this way is exposed to the recording electrode 6 at the energized position where the ink contacts the recording electrode 6.
A positive voltage is applied in a pattern according to the image signal from the image signal. A current based on the voltage flows from the recording electrode 6 to the ink transfer roll 1 via the fluid ink 2, so that the fluid ink 2 changes due to a crosslinking structure change resulting from an electrochemical reaction in the ink 2, for example. In addition to imparting selective tackiness, the color tone of the ink 2 changes due to changes in p'H based on the electrochemical reaction and the like.

The fluid ink 2 imparted with selective tackiness is further transferred in the direction of the arrow to form a layer 2a made of the ink 2.
It reaches the ink transfer position where the intermediate transfer roll 5a contacts,
Based on the selective adhesiveness described above, at least a part of the ink 2 constituting the ink layer 2a is transferred onto the intermediate transfer roll 5a rotating in the direction of arrow B, and the ink has a color tone corresponding to the pH change on the anode side. A pattern 21a is formed.

On the other hand, when a patterned negative voltage is applied from the recording electrode 6 to a portion of the ink layer 2a that is different from the portion corresponding to the ink pattern 21a, selective tackiness is imparted to the fluid ink 2. . Based on this adhesiveness, the fluid ink 2 is transferred to the intermediate transfer roll 5a, and the pH on the cathode side is
An ink pattern 21b having a tone corresponding to the change is formed.

In this way, the colorant contained in the fluid ink 2 is exposed to p)! in the ink patterns 21a and 21b. Since the directions of change are different, it is possible to make these ink patterns have different colors.

These ink patterns 21a and 21b formed on the intermediate transfer roll 5a are transported as the roll 5a rotates in the direction of arrow B, and are transferred to the ink image transfer position at the ink image transfer position.
The image is transferred onto the recording material 9 under pressure from the platen roll 4a, forming transferred recorded images 22a and 22b.

Meanwhile, at the ink transfer position, the intermediate transfer roll 5
The fluid ink 2 that has not been transferred to a is further transferred in the direction indicated by the arrow, and is separated from the intermediate transfer roll 5a by the action of gravity etc. based on its non-adhesive property and returns to the ink container 3, where its fluidity increases. It will be made available again based on.

Next, the ink 2 suitably used in the recording apparatus of the present invention as described above will be explained.

As such ink 2, an ink that has film-forming properties and is substantially non-adhesive is preferably used. Preferably, the ink 2 includes a liquid dispersion medium, a polymer electrolyte that holds the liquid dispersion medium, and a colorant that changes color depending on a change in pH.

More specifically, in the present invention, the following inks are preferably used.

(1) Film-forming properties The ink used in the present invention preferably has film-forming properties such that an ink layer of 0.1 mm or more is formed on a stainless steel surface with a surface roughness of 13.

(2) Gently place a 5 cm x 5 cm piece of aluminum foil (after weighing it accurately) on the surface of the ink in a non-adhesive (or liquid dispersion medium retaining) container, and place it at a temperature of 25°C.
After being left for 1 minute in a τ atmosphere with a humidity of 60%, the aluminum foil was gently peeled off from the ink surface, and the aluminum foil was quickly and precisely weighed to determine the weight increase of the aluminum foil. In this case,
In the ink of the present invention, the solid component is not substantially transferred to the aluminum foil piece, and the weight increase amount of the aluminum foil is 0 to 100.
It is preferable that the amount is on the order of 0 mg (or even 0 to 100 mg). In addition, when peeling off the entire ink in the container from the aluminum foil, if necessary, the aluminum foil may be gently peeled off with a spatula or the like and accurately weighed.

If the non-adhesiveness of the ink used in the present invention is weaker than the above-mentioned level, the transfer of the ink itself to the transfer medium becomes practically negligible when the pH value remains unchanged, and the image quality deteriorates.

The ink having film-forming properties and non-adhesive properties as described above is preferably an ink having a gel state in a broad sense in which a liquid dispersion medium is held by a crosslinked structure material such as a polymer electrolyte.

In such gel-like ink, since the liquid dispersion medium is well retained in the gel, it is assumed that the ink (except for a small amount of the liquid dispersion medium) is not substantially transferred to the transfer medium. Ru.

When the above-mentioned gel-like ink is given a pattern-like change in pH value by applying electricity, etc., the cross-linked structure, ionic structure, or arrangement of particles changes, resulting in a pattern-like tackiness in these inks. It is presumed that this will be granted.

In the present invention, it is preferable to use an ink containing a polymer electrolyte as the ink 2 described above.

Here, the term "polymer electrolyte" refers to a polymer having a dissociative group in its polymer chain.

Examples of polymer electrolytes that become polymer ions that dissociate in water include natural products such as alginic acid and gelatin; and those synthesized by introducing dissociative groups into ordinary polymers such as polystyrene sulfonic acid and polyacrylic acid. Things can be mentioned.

Among polymer electrolytes, p) amphoteric polymers that can be dissociated as both acids and bases, from the viewpoint of being able to change the tackiness over a wide range of 98 valences, in order to change the ink tackiness by changing the valence of 1) Electrolytes (eg proteins) are preferably used.

The polymer electrolyte is 5 parts per 100 parts of the liquid dispersion medium.
It is preferable to use about 25 parts.

In the above-mentioned ink 2, it is presumed that the dissociation state of the polymer electrolyte changes due to a change in p)I, and tackiness is imparted in response to a change in pH.

Next, in order to impart a desired pH change to the ink 2, it is preferable to change the pH value near the electrode by electrochemical reaction. That is, it is preferable that the transfer of electrons to and from the ink by the recording electrode causes a change in ink adhesion due to a change in the crosslinking structure or a change in the dissociation state of the electrolyte.

p) Using a peptide compound of an amino acid as an example, an embodiment using a change in the dissociation state of a polyelectrolyte due to a monovalent change is explained. By changing the monovalent value to the alkaline side, the -NH3+ ion of the amino acid becomes -N
It becomes H2. On the other hand, the -000- ion of the amino acid becomes -COOH due to the pH value changing to the acidic side due to an anodic reaction (or addition of an electron pair acceptor) near the anode due to electrical current application. It is thought that such a change in the dissociation state of the amino acid causes a change in the crosslinked structure, resulting in a difference in adhesion.

According to the findings of the present inventors, the reaction at this time is estimated as follows, for example.

H, NRCOOH←-□H3NRCOO-pH acidic side
(2) Isoelectric point amino acid □→H2NRCOO- (1) pH alkaline side (1)! Cathode reaction by current flow or addition of electron pair donor (2) Anodic reaction by current flow or addition of electron pair acceptor In addition, the following can be used to change the 911 valency of amino acid peptide compounds or the adhesion due to current flow. It is thought that changes in the concentration of peptide compounds such as these are also involved.

That is, when the pn number of the ink is more acidic than the isocenter of the peptide compound, it is thought that the concentration of the peptide compound near the anode decreases by applying electricity, the viscosity decreases, and the adhesion of the ink increases.

On the other hand, when the pH value of the ink is on the alkaline side than the isoelectric point of the peptide compound, it is thought that the concentration of the peptide compound near the cathode decreases by applying electricity, the viscosity decreases, and the adhesion of the ink increases.

In the present invention, water itself is preferably used as the liquid dispersion medium, but if necessary, water may be used to prevent ink from drying.
For the purpose of maintaining wettability, a water-soluble organic solvent (for example, polyhydric alcohol) or a mixture thereof with water is also preferably used.

As the coloring agent that changes color that can be used in the present invention, for example, one that changes color depending on a change in pH (generally known as a designated agent for neutralization titration) is preferably used. A specific example is shown below.

In the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned colorants that develop color or change color, dyes and pigments that do not change color and are generally used as colorants in the fields of printing and recording may be added as necessary. good.

The above coloring agent is preferably used in a total amount of about 0.5 to 20 parts with respect to 100 parts of the liquid dispersion medium, including the coloring agent that does not change color.

In the recording method using the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 2 as described above, when the above-mentioned indo-oxine is used as a coloring agent that changes color, if the recording electrode 6 is used as an anode, the vicinity of the electrode 6 becomes Since the ink 2 is alkaline, it exhibits a blue color, and blue recording can be performed. On the other hand, if the recording electrode 6 is used as a cathode, the vicinity of the electrode 6 is acidic, so the ink 2 exhibits a red color, and red recording can be performed.

The colors that can be used in the multicolor recording of the present invention may be determined by colorants or
An appropriate one may be selected from the above-mentioned ones depending on the properties of the ink 2, such as its adhesiveness and isoelectric point.

Next, a method of supplying electricity from the recording electrode 6 to the ink 2 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the applied signal from the recording electrode 6 to the ink 2. In FIG. At this time, it is assumed that the ink transport roll 1 is grounded. Referring to FIG. 4, ink 2
When a +■ signal is input, the recording electrode 6 becomes an anode and a blue recorded image is obtained.

Next, when a signal of 1 is input to the recording electrode 6, the recording electrode 6 becomes a cathode, and a red recorded image is obtained.

The applied voltage, applied pulse width, and duty ratio applied to the recording electrode 6 are determined based on the adhesion of the ink 2 due to changes in p) l value,
It may be selected depending on the color change range and recording speed.

In the description of the recording method with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 above, ink that has fluidity at room temperature (e.g., soft gel-like) or ink that does not have fluidity at room temperature (e.g. , hard gel), for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a layer 2a of ink 2 is formed in advance on the core 1a to form the entire ink roll shape, and the ink is applied in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. Just use it.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable to smooth the surface of the ink layer 2a using a smoothing means 7a, such as a blade, from the viewpoint of facilitating continuous recording.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to Examples.

Example triethanolamine and indoxin
3 parts of oxine) were added to bring the pH value to 6.3.

The above ink is heated to form a sol, formed into an ink roll shape centered on a stainless steel roll (20 mmφ, surface roughness Is) using a mold, and then cooled to form a solid ink layer 2a at room temperature (25°C). An ink roll having a thickness of 1 mm was obtained.

Next, using the ink obtained as described above, an image was recorded using the apparatus shown in FIG.

That is, with reference to FIG.
An intermediate transfer device consisting of an ink roll 12 formed by forming an ink layer 2a with a thickness of 1 mm on a core 1a made of a cylindrical roll (surface roughness Is) with a diameter of φ, and an iron cylindrical roll (20 mmφ) with a hard chrome plated surface. Using the recording apparatus shown in FIG. 5, in which the roll 5a faces the ink transfer position with a gap equal to the ink layer thickness, the ink roll 12 was rotated in the six directions of the arrows at a rotation speed of about 1° rpm. on the other hand,
The intermediate transfer roll 5a was rotated in the direction of arrow B at a rotation speed of about 10 rpm while contacting this ink layer. At this time, when no current was applied to the ink layer 2a from the recording electrode 6, the ink 2 was not substantially transferred onto the intermediate transfer roll 5a.

On the other hand, a voltage of 50 V is applied to the ink layer 2a from the recording electrode 6 having the shape shown in FIG.
, 500 μsec pulses were applied, and the ink 2 was selectively transferred onto the intermediate transfer roll 5a, forming a blue ink pattern 21a. On the other hand, recording electrode 6
When a pulse of -5 OV and 500 μsec was applied to the ink layer 2a, a red ink pattern 21b was formed.

Next, at the ink image transfer position, the intermediate transfer roll 5a
q, recording material 9 made of plain paper transported in the direction of arrow E;
A platen roll 4a (a 20 mmφ iron cylindrical roll provided with a 4 mm thick silicone rubber layer) that rotates at a constant speed is opposed to the intermediate transfer roll 5a in the direction of arrow F, and from this platen roll 4a When a slight pressure was applied, transferred recorded images 22a and 22b corresponding to the blue and red ink patterns 21a and 21b were obtained on the recording material 9.

Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an ink whose tackiness can be controlled by a change in p)l, and in which a positive or negative potential is applied to an ink containing a colorant that develops or changes color due to a change in p)l. A recording method is provided that makes it possible to perform multicolor recording of two or more colors using one type of ink by applying a signal that generates .

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1, 2, and 5 are schematic side sectional views showing embodiments of a recording apparatus used in the recording method of the present invention, and FIG.
The figure is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the structure of a recording electrode used in the recording apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing pulses applied to the recording electrode. 1... Ink transport roll 2... Image recording ink 3... Ink container 4... Platen roll 5... Recording medium 5a... Intermediate transfer roll 6... pH change imparting means 7 ... Ink eyebrow thickness regulating means 7a ... Smoothing means 8 ... Cleaner representative diagram Figure 1

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A step of forming a layer of the ink on an ink transporting means using an ink that includes a substance whose color tone changes with a change in pH and is capable of changing tackiness with a change in pH;
A recording method comprising the steps of selectively applying an image signal to the ink by energizing the ink, and transferring the ink to which an adhesive pattern has been applied according to the image signal to a recording medium, the method comprising: . A multicolor recording method, characterized in that an image signal having a positive or negative potential is applied to the ink.