JPH08258301A - Recording apparatus and its manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prevent a recording material from flowing out of a recording part thereby securing good recording at all times, by providing the uppermost surface layer where an opening exposing the recording part is formed, making the opening larger than an area of the recording part, and setting a flow prevention means like a loop at an area of the enlarged opening to surround the recording part. CONSTITUTION: In a noncontact type printer of a dye evaporation model, a dye-storing part 87 is formed like a recess in an insulating plate 73 of SiO2 at a dye evaporation part 77 of a printer head 70. A group of minute columnar bodies 80 is set as a part of an evaporation structural body 101 at the storing part 87. A protecting layer 91 with an evaporation hole 91a is formed at a surface opposite to a bottom plate 102. The inside of the evaporation hole 91a accordingly becomes the evaporation part 77. A liquid fluororesin is injected in an annular groove 73a at an area of the insulating plate 73 exposed by the opening 91a, and then dried thereby to provide a liquid stop part 97 to surround the evaporation structural body 101. In this manner, a liquid dye 22 is prevented from flowing out of the dye-storing part 87.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording device and its manufacturing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in image recording of video cameras, televisions, computer graphics and the like, there is an increasing need for colorization of hard copy as well as recording of mono color. In response to this, various types of printers have been developed and deployed in various fields.

Among these recording methods, an ink sheet coated with an ink layer in which a high-concentration transfer dye is dispersed in a suitable binder resin, and a dyeing resin that receives the transferred dye are coated. The heat-sensitive recording head located on the ink sheet applies heat according to the image information, and the heat-sensitive recording head located on the ink sheet applies heat according to the image information. There is a method of thermal transfer.

The so-called thermal transfer system, which obtains a full-color image by repeating the above-mentioned operation for each of the image signals decomposed into yellow, magenta, and cyan, which are the three primary colors of subtractive color mixture, is compact and easy to maintain. Therefore, it is attracting attention as an excellent technology that has an immediacy and obtains a high-quality image comparable to a silver salt color photograph.

FIG. 35 is a schematic front view of the main part of such a thermal transfer type printer. According to this printer, a thermal recording head (hereinafter referred to as a thermal head) 1 and a platen roller 3 face each other, and an ink sheet 4 having an ink layer 4a provided on a base film 4b between them,
The recording paper (transferred material) 5 having the dyeing resin layer (dye receiving layer) 5a provided on the paper 5b is sandwiched and pressed against the thermal head 1 by the platen roller 3.

The ink (transfer dye) in the ink layer 4a selectively heated by the thermal head 1 is
The dots are transferred to the dyeing resin layer 5a of the transferred material 5, and thermal transfer recording is performed. In such thermal transfer recording, generally, a line system in which a longitudinal thermal head is fixedly arranged so as to be orthogonal to the recording paper traveling direction, or a serial head in which the thermal head reciprocates in a direction orthogonal to the recording paper traveling direction is used. The method is adopted.

By the way, the applicant of the present invention has been able to reduce the waste and the transfer energy, and to make the printer small and lightweight while taking advantage of the above-mentioned thermal transfer recording system.
A non-contact type dye vaporization type laser beam printer (LBP) as shown in 36 has already been proposed.

According to this recording method, a heat-fusible dye layer
A recording head (printing paper) 50 having a recording head (for example, a serial type printer head) 40 having 22 in the vaporizing section 17 and a receiving layer 50a for receiving the vaporized (or sublimated) dye 32.
A minute gap 17a in the range of 1 μm to 1 mm is provided between and.

Then, by irradiating the laser beam L, the liquefied dye stored in the dye storing portion 37 of the vaporizing portion 17 of the recording head 40.
22 is selectively heated to near its boiling point to be vaporized, the vaporized dye 32 is caused to fly in the void 17a, and transferred from the vaporization hole 23 onto the photographic printing paper 50 which is a recording medium to obtain continuous gradation. Get the image you have. This operation is the three primary colors of subtractive color, yellow,
Full colorization can be achieved by repeating each of the image signals decomposed into magenta and cyan.

In this recording method, the photographic printing paper 50 is opposed to the recording head 40, for example, on the upper side, and the laser light emitted from the laser 18 and condensed by the lens 19 is near the upper surface of the vaporizing section 17. It is advisable to irradiate L to cause the vaporized dye 32 to fly or move upward.

In this case, the transfer dye is emptied by the heating means.
In order to move 17a, in addition to the vaporization phenomenon, it is often seen when irradiated with a high-power laser, and the bonds of dye molecules are efficiently cut and the energy is used to etch at a very high rate. Phenomena and the phenomenon that gas energy generated by boiling or explosion is used to etch at a very high rate can also be used (a transfer mechanism other than such a vaporization mechanism is referred to as ablation: hereinafter the same).

Further, a head base having a laser beam transmitting property.
A dye reservoir 15 is provided in 14, and a liquefied dye 22 is accommodated between the dye reservoir 15 and a lid 13 fixed on the head base 14, and a dye passage 27 is provided from here.
The liquefied dye 22 is supplied to the vaporizing section 17 via the. In this case, in order to improve the supply efficiency and the vaporization efficiency of the dye to the vaporization unit 17, the dye escape due to the decrease in the surface tension of the dye caused by heat generation is prevented, and the continuous supply and retention of the dye by utilizing the capillary phenomenon. In order to do so, a bead aggregate 20 composed of small beads 21 is provided in the vaporization section 17.

A protective plate (not shown) is fixed on the lid 13 in order to hold the gap 17a and guide the photographic printing paper 50 moving in the X direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface). A heater for maintaining the liquefied state of the dye may be embedded in the protective plate. Here, the heater 26 is arranged in the dye containing portion (the passage 27).

The solid powder heat-meltable dye 42 in the solid dye storage tank 41 is supplied from a supply port 43 by a check valve 44,
It is heated to the melting point by the heater 26 and melted (liquefied). The liquefied dye 22 is supplied at a constant rate to the upper surface of the bead aggregate 20 of the vaporization section 17 at a high rate by the capillary phenomenon of the bead aggregate 20.

The entire printer including this printer head is, for example, for full color as shown in FIG.
Yellow, magenta, and cyan dye reservoirs 15Y, 15M,
15C is provided on each common base 14 to form each dye supply section or supply head section 37Y, 37M, 37C, and from there, 12 to 24 dots of each color dye are formed in rows to form a vaporization section 17Y. , 17M, 17C.

For each vaporizing part, a large number of condenser lenses 19 are provided for each laser beam emitted from a multi-laser array 30 in which 12 to 24 corresponding lasers (particularly semiconductor laser chips) 18 are arranged in an array. The light is condensed by the microlens array 31 in which is arranged (36 is a mirror for guiding the laser light L in the perpendicular direction).

As the condenser lens, the illustrated lens system may be used, but a single large-diameter condenser lens 38 indicated by an imaginary line may be used. The lens 38 is formed so that the refraction path changes so that the light emission position corresponds to the vaporization parts 17C, 17M, and 17Y described above according to the light incident position.
The multi-laser array 30 is driven and controlled by the control IC 34 provided on the substrate 33, and the heat sink 35 is also provided.
Is designed to allow sufficient heat dissipation.

In the case of mono-color printing, as shown in FIG. 38, a one-dimensional laser array 30 is produced, and each laser element can be operated independently and in parallel. Printing speeds of more than one time can be obtained (for example, 24 times speed is obtained by using a laser array with 24 beams).

Each of the printer heads described above accommodates as many liquefied dyes 22 as the number of recording dots corresponding to the number of recording dots in the dye accommodating portion 37, and the laser 18 also has an array having light emitting points corresponding to the number of recording dots. It is arranged in a shape.
Even with the above thermal transfer printer that does not rely on the laser 18,
The heating units of the thermal head 1 are also arranged in a dot pattern.

As described above, according to this dye vaporization type laser beam printer, regarding the dye consumed for recording, only the lost portion is voluntarily or forcibly in the molten state from the dye reservoir to the vaporization part. By pouring, or
It can be continuously applied onto an appropriate substrate, and the substrate can be continuously supplied to the vaporizing unit by moving to the transfer unit. This is possible because the dye contains little binder resin. Therefore, since the vaporizing section involved in recording can be repeatedly used many times, the ink sheet is disposable only once in the above-mentioned thermal transfer method, which is advantageous in terms of resource saving and environmental protection.

Further, since it is a vaporization type or an ablation type, recording can be carried out without contact between the dye layer and the recording medium (printing paper), so that it can be seen in the above-mentioned thermal transfer system at the time of the second and subsequent printing. The reverse transfer of the dyes and the color mixture do not occur, and the heating portion is only the head including the vaporizing portion, and the power consumption is remarkably reduced as compared with the above-mentioned thermal transfer method. At the same time, the printer can be made smaller and lighter because a small volume dye reservoir is used for supplying the dye instead of the above-described ink sheet.

Further, since this recording system utilizes vaporization or sublimation of the dye, it is not necessary to heat the dye receiving layer of the recording medium as in the above-mentioned thermal transfer system, and the ink sheet and the recording medium are not recorded. It is not necessary to press the body against the body with high pressure, and this is also advantageous in reducing the size and weight of the printer. Since the dye layer in the vaporized portion and the recording medium do not come into contact with each other, heat fusion cannot occur between them, and recording is possible even if the compatibility between the dye and the receiving layer resin is small. Therefore, the range of design and selection of the dye and the resin for the receiving layer is remarkably expanded.

Further, the semiconductor laser 18 is basically used as a light source as a heat energy supply source for vaporizing (or sublimating) the dye, but the semiconductor laser has a high conversion efficiency from electric power to light. Since the dye has excellent directivity and light collecting property, the heat energy transfer efficiency of the dye is also very high. Therefore, the total energy utilization efficiency is markedly higher than that of the conventional method (thermal transfer by the above-mentioned thermal head or ink jet), which is advantageous in downsizing and power saving.

Further, in the conventional ink jet type color printer, it is difficult to express gradation, but since the semiconductor laser can easily control the output power, the pulse width and the like, the above recording method can easily express multi gradation. realizable. That is,
An electric image created by a color video camera or the like can be converted into a dye transfer corresponding to an image signal by a semiconductor laser to form a full-color image having at least 128 gradations per color, which is comparable to silver halide photography. it can.

The head 40, which is a transfer member suitable for the dye vaporization type recording method, has the property of sufficiently withstanding the amount of heat instantaneously applied at the time of transfer, and spontaneously due to the capillary phenomenon to the vaporization part (transfer part). It is preferable to have a structure (20 in FIG. 36) that has a large surface area for supplying a liquid dye and can firmly hold the dye during transfer.
Further, by providing an appropriate heat retaining device, it becomes possible to use a dye or a dye mixture having a melting point of room temperature or higher.

A transfer dye suitable for this recording method is
It has an appropriate vaporization rate or ablation rate, and shows a fluid state at 200 ° C or lower in a single or mixed state,
Any dye may be used as long as it has necessary and sufficient heat resistance. Specific examples thereof include disperse dyes, oil-soluble dyes, basic dyes and acid dyes. In particular, when the ablation mechanism is superior to the vaporization mechanism, a dye having a large molecular weight and a low vaporization rate, such as a direct dye,
Even carbon black and pigments can be transferred. Even for a dye having a melting point of room temperature or higher, the melting point is lowered by mixing the dyes with each other or by mixing the dye and a volatile low molecular weight substance.

Further, the photographic printing paper suitable for this recording method has a proper compatibility with the transfer dye, easily accepts the transfer dye, accelerates the original color development of the dye, and fixes the dye. Any photographic paper can be used. For example, for the disperse dye, a paper having a surface coated with a polyester resin, a polyvinyl chloride resin, an acetate resin, or the like, which has good compatibility with the disperse dye, is preferable. The fixing of the dye transferred onto the printing paper may be performed by heating the transferred image so that the transferred dye on the surface penetrates into the image receiving layer.

The heating means of the dye transfer system is roughly classified into a method using a thermal head, a material that absorbs laser light and a wavelength range including the wavelength range of the laser light, and converts light energy into heat energy (photothermal conversion). A method of combining a body (not shown) and laser light can be mentioned.

When a laser beam is used, the resolution is remarkably improved, and by increasing the laser beam density in the optical system, it becomes possible to perform intensive heating, and the ultimate temperature is increased. As a result, the thermal efficiency is improved. There is a feature called.
Particularly, by using the multi-laser, the time for transferring one screen is significantly shortened.

However, the photothermal converter must be sufficiently heat resistant in order to continuously absorb the laser light of light energy. Therefore, as the photothermal converter used in this system, a thin film type light absorber such as a metal thin film that exhibits absorption matching the emission wavelength of a laser, or a two-layer film of a metal thin film and a ceramic thin film having a high dielectric constant is directly transferred. In addition to being provided on the part, heat resistance such as fine particle type light absorbers such as carbon black and metal fine particles, organic dyes such as phthalocyanine dyes, naphthalocyanine dyes, cyanine dyes, anthraquinone dyes or organometallic dyes A dye or pigment having excellent properties may be used by uniformly dispersing it in a transfer dye.

[0031]

Further, the applicant of the present invention has proposed another sublimation type color video printer, which does not require an ink sheet and a thermal head, and which saves power, is small in size, and is low in cost. , Japanese Patent Application No. 4-300587, Japanese Patent Application No. 5-1124
No. 1 and Japanese Patent Application No. 5-12106.

A similar structure of this printer will be concretely described with reference to FIGS. 39 to 43 (however, the portions common to the head of FIG. 36 are designated by the common reference numerals), and the head portion 60 serves as a disperse dye. Dye tank 41 containing solid powder sublimation dye 42
And a wear-resistant protective layer made of high-strength material located underneath
61, a spacer 62 located in the center, and a head base 63 located on the upper side. Note that FIG.
Is an upside down view of FIG. 39.

Further, a liquefied dye introducing section 64 for heating and liquefying the solid powder sublimation dye 42 in the dye storage tank 41, and introducing it.
A plurality of liquefied disperse dyes 22 are arranged along the liquefied dye introducing section 64 at predetermined intervals and are guided from the liquefied dye introducing section 64.
Each vaporizing part 17 for vaporizing the vaporized heat by the vaporization heat, a vaporizing heating element 65 provided below the liquid surface of the dye 22 in the vaporizing portion, a heat insulating material (block) 66 for supporting it, and a dye on the heating element 65. A small pillar that is a porous structure that holds and supplies 22
It has 80 groups. Electrodes 65A and 65B of heating elements are provided on both side surfaces of the heat insulating material 66, and are taken out through a structure not shown (however, an insulating structure with the heater 68 is not shown).

The protective layer 61 has a function of preventing dirt, dust, dust, foreign matter, etc. from entering the vaporization holes 23 of each vaporization section 17 when it comes into contact with the photographic printing paper 50 with a light pressure. It is formed of a metal-based or glass-based material such as tantalum, which has good thermal conductivity and excellent heat resistance and wear resistance. In addition, the protective layer 61
In this case, a plurality of square columnar holes 61a which become a part of the vaporization holes 23 of each vaporization part 17 are formed by fine processing such as an etching technique.

The spacer 62 is made of, for example, a glass-based or ceramic-based resin, a polyethylene-based resin, a metal-based resin such as tantalum, etc., and the melting temperature of the liquefied disperse dye 22 is adjusted and the protective layer 61 is adjusted depending on the material, thickness and combination thereof. It has a function of adjusting the temperature of the dye receiving layer 50a of the photographic printing paper 50 by the heat transfer of.

The photographic printing paper 50 is actually composed of a cellulosic resin or the like, and comprises a dye receiving layer 50a which absorbs disperse dyes, and a base material 50b. The base material 50b is formed by laminating a polypropylene layer having high heat resistance and good non-hygroscopicity, a base paper, and another polypropylene layer for balancing the polypropylene layer and preventing the photographic printing paper 50 from warping. The structure may be different, and a light absorption layer (which can be omitted) may be provided.

As shown in FIGS. 39, 40, and 42, the spacer 62 has a plurality of square columnar holes 62a each of which is a part of the vaporizing hole 23 of each vaporizing section 17, and the dye Storage tank 41 (41Y for yellow, 41M for magenta, 41 for cyan
Each vaporizing portion 17 extends from the C) side to the other end side of the head base 63.
A plurality of slots 64 communicating with the vaporization holes 23 are formed.

Further, a dye solution stopping layer 67 is provided between the protective layer 61 and the spacer 62. This dye liquid stop layer 67
Is a liquefied disperse dye formed of a fluorine-based or silicon-based resin material that is heat resistant and chemically stable.
Is prevented from leaking to the outside through the wall surface of the protective layer 61 and adhering to the dye receiving layer 50a of the photographic printing paper 50.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 39, 40 and 41, the liquid stop layer 67 is formed with a plurality of square columnar holes 67a each of which is a part of the vaporization hole 23 of each vaporization section 17. There is. The protective layer 61, the dye solution stopping layer 67, and the spacer 62 are adhered to each other with a heat-resistant adhesive.

The head base 63 is formed as thin as possible, for example, glass, ceramics or the like having a high melting point, no thermoformability, and low thermal conductivity. Further, as shown in FIG. 39, on the side of each dye storage tank 41 of the head base 63,
A supply port (connection hole) 43 communicating with each liquefied dye introducing section 64 is formed.

Further, each liquefied dye introducing portion of the head base 63
A plate-shaped heater (heating element) 68 is attached to the surface on the 64 side up to the inside of each dye bath 41. The heater 68 is made of, for example, carbon or a silicon compound, and is heated to 50 ° C.
It has a function of liquefying the disperse dye 42 in the form of a solid powder by generating heat of ˜300 ° C. and keeping the temperature in the liquefied state.

As shown in FIG. 39, one end of the heater 68 is bent vertically upward and inserted into each dye storage tank 41, and the other end is connected to each liquefied dye introducing part. It extends to the terminal end side of 64. Further, as shown in FIG. 43, the heater 68 is arranged on the entire surface of the head base 63 so that the spacer 62 and the protective layer 61 are kept warm so that the dye receiving layer 50a of the photographic printing paper 50 can also be heated.

The above-mentioned printer head shown in FIGS. 39 to 43.
According to 60, in addition to having the features described in the printer head 40 shown in FIGS. 36 to 38, in addition to the printer head 40, it has the following advantages.

First, since the heating of the dye for vaporization in each vaporization section 17 is performed not by using the laser light L but by the heat generation of the heating element 65 provided in each vaporization section, an expensive semiconductor laser ( In particular, it is possible to use a low-cost heating element instead of multiple laser arrays that are provided in parallel), and the vaporization efficiency directly uses the heat generated by the heater without depending on the electro-optical conversion efficiency of the laser. , The efficiency as a whole is improved.

However, the present inventor
As a result of examining 60, it was found that the following points to be improved remain.

The liquid stop layer 67 does not always prevent the leakage of the liquefied disperse dye 22 as described above, and sometimes the leaked liquefied disperse dye adheres to the dye receiving layer 50a of the printing paper 50.

In the structure of the printer head 60 described above, the liquified dye is prevented from flowing out by the dye liquid stopping layer 67 made of a resin such as fluorine, but since the dye liquid stopping layer 67 is provided on the entire surface, The high cost associated with the large amount of material required is unavoidable. Further, since the fluorine-based resin that is the material forming the dye liquid stop layer 67 is a liquid, the workability of its application is poor. Further, since the protective layer 61 is formed on the dye liquid stopping layer made of the fluorine-based resin, there is a problem that the adhesiveness is not good and the protective layer is easily peeled off.

[0048]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and reliably prevents the recording material from flowing out of the recording portion to ensure good recording. It is an object of the present invention to provide a recording apparatus and a manufacturing method thereof in which a means for preventing outflow can be easily provided.

[0049]

That is, according to the present invention, a recording section for accommodating a recording material, an outermost surface layer provided with an opening exposing the recording section, and an outflow of the recording material from the recording section. A recording material outflow prevention means for preventing the recording material outflow prevention means, and the opening is enlarged more than the area of the recording portion, and the recording material outflow prevention means surrounds the recording portion in the area of the enlarged opening. The present invention relates to a recording device provided in a ring shape.

The above-mentioned "annular shape" includes not only complete loop formation but also intermittent discontinuity and substantially loop appearance.

In the present invention, it is particularly desirable to form the recording material outflow preventing means in a belt shape in order to reduce the material cost.

Further, in the present invention, it is desirable from the viewpoint of preventing the outflow of the recording material to form the recording material outflow preventing means by the material that repels the recording material.

As a material for the recording material outflow prevention means, a fluorine resin is particularly suitable.

Further, in the present invention, it is possible to form an annular concave portion on the bottom surface of the opening of the recording portion and to provide the recording material outflow preventing means there.

In the present invention, the recording material outflow prevention means may be provided as a convex portion on the bottom surface of the opening around the recording portion.

Further, in the present invention, a recording section for accommodating the recording material, an outermost surface layer provided with an opening exposing the recording section, and recording for preventing the recording material from flowing out from the recording section. A material outflow preventing means may be provided, and an annular recess is formed on a side surface of the outermost surface layer facing the opening, and the recording material outflow preventing means may be provided in the annular recess.

Further, in the present invention, the recording portion is opposed to the recording medium with a predetermined gap, and the recording material outflow prevention is performed so that the outermost surface layer holding the predetermined gap does not overlap the recording material outflow prevention means. It is particularly desirable to be arranged to be provided around the means.

In this case, it is desirable that a layer of a material that repels the recording material is provided below the outermost surface layer.

Further, in the present invention, a recording material flying structure for flying a liquid recording material onto a recording medium to perform recording (for example, a minute vaporization structure composed of a porous structure of a group of small pillars and heat generation). It is desirable that the object) is provided in the recording unit.

It is desirable that the recording material flying structure is integrally provided on the recording material supply structure section.

Further, the recording material flying structure can be mounted in the recording material accommodating portion.

Further, in the present invention, it is desirable that the recording material flying structure is provided with a heating element (for example, an electric resistor) for heating and flying the liquid recording material.

Alternatively, the liquid recording material of the recording material flying structure may be heated by a heating beam (for example, a laser beam) to fly.

Further, in the present invention, it is desirable that the recording material flying structure for supplying and holding the liquid recording material to the opening side by the capillary phenomenon is provided.

Further, in the present invention, it is desirable that the recording material flying structure is provided with a porous structure which causes a capillary phenomenon.

The above-mentioned porous structure is preferably formed by an assembly of small pillars.

Further, in the present invention, it is desirable that the liquid recording material is vaporized or ablated so as to fly to the recording medium facing the liquid recording material in a non-contact state.

Further, according to the present invention, a recording portion for accommodating the recording material, an outermost surface layer provided with an opening exposing the recording portion, and recording for preventing the recording material from flowing out from the recording portion. Material outflow prevention means, the opening is enlarged than the area of the recording portion, in the area of the enlarged opening,
When manufacturing a recording apparatus in which the recording material outflow prevention means is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the recording portion, a material for forming the recording material outflow prevention means is applied in an annular shape around the recording portion. And a step of solidifying the material to form the recording material outflow prevention means.

In the above, it is desirable to form an annular recess around the recording portion and fill the annular recess with a material for forming the recording material outflow prevention means.

Alternatively, in place of the above, the step of providing a recording material flying structure for flying the liquid recording material to the recording medium to perform recording, and the step of forming the recording material around the recording material outflow preventing means. A step of providing an outermost surface layer having an opening in a region wider than the region.

[0071]

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, but it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

1 to 20 show the present invention in a non-contact type dye vaporization printer (for example, a video printer: hereinafter the same).
1 shows a first embodiment applied to.

First, the characteristic structure of the printer head 70 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the dye vaporization section 77 of the printer head 70, the thickness of the SiO 2 film is 20 μm or less, for example, 6 to 15 μm.
_The dye containing portion 87 is formed in a concave shape on the insulating plate 73 composed of _two layers, and the width and the diameter of the insulating plate 73 by the fine processing are formed in the containing portion.
10 μm or less (eg 1-2 μm), spacing 20 μm or less (eg 1-2 μm), height 20 μm or less (eg 6-m
15 μm) A group of fine small columnar small columns 80 are vaporized structures.
It is provided as part of 101.

The small pillars 80 are provided in the region of the insulating plate 73 having a height from the bottom surface of the accommodating portion 87 to the upper surface thereof, and have minute voids 92 between the small pillars. The voids form a porous structure as a whole. Void 92
Holds the liquefied dye 22 in the housing portion 87 by its capillary action, and at the same time supplies a sufficient amount of the liquefied dye 22 necessary for time-sequential operation for one dot of the printer upward (vaporization surface or liquid surface). It acts to do.

The group of small pillars 80 is divided into left and right two groups, and the upper surface 82C of the narrow protruding portion 82B formed by partially protruding the surface 82A of the spacer 82 has a thickness of, for example, 1 μm.
m heating elements 75 are locally provided in a rectangular shape. Therefore, the heating element 75 is provided separately from the columnar body 80 in a separate region. The protruding portion 82B is integral with the spacer 82, and a pair of electrodes 94 and 95 of the heating element 75 are provided at the same height as the upper surface 82C thereof.

The heating element 75 is a silicon-based compound such as carbon or polysilicon, and the bottom surface 87A of the dye accommodating portion 87 or a spacer.
It is formed on the surface 82A of 82, and a pair of aluminum electrodes 94 and 95 are provided on both sides thereof.

A signal voltage based on an image signal is applied between the electrodes 94 and 95 by matrix driving, and the energization generates heat at 50 to 500 ° C. in the heating element 75, which heats the liquefied dye 22 efficiently. To vaporize.
Further, since the spacer 82 made of quartz glass is integrally provided under the insulating plate 73, the spacer 82 acts as a heat insulating material, and the heat generated by the heating element 75 is efficiently used for heating the dye.

A supply passage 84 for the liquefied dye 22 is provided in the spacer 82.
Is formed, and this serves as the dye inlet port 84 ′ and the dye containing portion 87.
It has an opening on the bottom of. Therefore, the liquefied dye 22 is continuously introduced into the dye containing portion 87 through the passage 84 and the introduction port 84 ′ and is supplied to the vaporization structure 101. The spacer 82 is joined to the bottom plate 102.

On the other hand, a protective layer 91 having vaporization holes 91a is provided on the surface opposite to the bottom plate 102, and the vaporization structure 101 is positioned inside the vaporization holes 91a and covered by the vaporization holes 91a. A vaporization part 17 is formed by forming a gap of a predetermined distance from the recording body 50. The vaporization hole 91a is provided so as to be larger than the regions of the vaporization structure 101 and the dye introduction port 84 '.

An annular recess (annular groove) 73a is formed on the surface of the insulating plate 73 in the vaporizing section 17 so as to surround the vaporizing structure 101, and a liquid stop is formed in a strip shape as shown in FIGS. The part 97 is buried. As shown in the figure, the liquid stopping portion 97 has the same width w ₂ , thickness d, distance l ₂ with the vaporization structure portion 101, distance l ₁ with the side wall surface of the vaporization hole 91a, and the like in all four directions. . In this example, w ₂ is 10 μm and l ₁ is 5 μm.
m and l ₂ are set to 5 μm.

It should be noted here that the insulating plate 73 is exposed in the area exposed by the opening 91a enlarged as described above.
As described above, the liquid stop portion 97 is provided in a strip shape so as to surround the vaporization structure body 101.

The liquid stopping portion 97 is formed by injecting a fluorine-based liquid resin into the annular groove 73a and drying it. Liquefied dyes have extremely poor wettability with fluororesins, and vaporized structures
When the liquefied dye 22 flows out from the dye containing portion 87 of 101, the liquefied dye 22 is not repelled by the liquid stopping portion 97 and flows out to the outside thereof, and the liquefied dye is held reliably and the recording characteristics are maintained well. .

Further, since the opening 91a is larger than the region of the vaporization structure 101, even if the liquefied dye 22 overflows from the dye accommodating portion 87, the overflow of the liquefied dye is the maximum. Since it is difficult to reach the surface and is effectively blocked by the liquid stopper 97, it is possible to reliably prevent the recording from being disturbed by the synergistic effect of the liquid stopper 97 and the enlarged opening 91a. Good records are always made.

When the liquefied dye of the vaporization structure 101 is vaporized and flies to be used for recording, since the opening 91a is enlarged as described above, the flying of the vaporization dye is obstructed by the protective layer 91. There is no. Moreover, the enlargement of the opening 91a facilitates the formation of the liquid stopper 97.

Further, the liquefied dye 22 is accommodated in the dye accommodating portion 87, and the dye accommodating portion 78 (that is, the vaporization structure 101) is opened 91.
Since it is exposed by a, the dye containing portion 78 can be opposed to the photographic printing paper 50 in a non-contact manner, the dye does not return from the photographic printing paper to the dye containing portion, and more excellent recording is performed.

Moreover, by providing the liquid stopping portion 97 partially (in the shape of a band) as described above, the material cost is significantly reduced, and the injection method into the annular groove makes the application work as compared with the entire surface application. Sex is greatly improved. Also, the liquid stop
Since 97 is accommodated in the annular groove 73a, it is hard to drop out and is stable. Further, as shown in FIG. 39, the liquid stop layer formed of a fluororesin is not present on the entire surface between the protective layer 91 and the lower layer, and the protective layer 91 is easily peeled off. Be improved.

In this example, since the heating element 75 is provided on the protruding portion 82B of the spacer 82, the heat generated from the heating element is transferred only through the narrow protruding portion 82B. The area transferred to the 82 side is small, and the heat transfer by the protruding portion 82B is suppressed, so that the heating efficiency by the heating element 75 is good.

Moreover, the heating element 75 has the upper surface 82 of the protruding portion 82B.
Since it is provided in C and is present near the liquid surface of the dye 22, the heat of the heating element 75 efficiently heats the liquid surface region that directly influences the vaporization of the dye, thereby further increasing the vaporization efficiency of the dye 22. Can be improved. That is, it becomes possible to fully utilize the surface of the heating element 75 (the surface that generates heat).

Further, since the step portion 110 is present between the projecting portion 82B and the small column 80, the dye 22 is provided here.
Since the dye can be effectively held and supplied, and the dye can be supplied to the step portion 110 from one direction, only one introduction port 84 'is required and its position is not so limited.

In this embodiment, the width (width of the protruding portion 82B) w of the heating element 75 and its height h may be selected variously, but from the viewpoint of the above-mentioned heating efficiency, (2/3) h ≧
It is preferable that the relationship of w ₁ ≧ (1/3) h is satisfied.
For example, h = 6 μm and w ₁ = 3 μm. The height of the pillars 80 may be 20 μm or less, the diameter may be 10 μm or less, and the gap 92 may be 20 μm or less.

Since the above-mentioned porous structure is composed of a group of trabecular bodies 80, the escape of the dye 22 is suppressed by the capillary action between the trabecular bodies, and the dye 22 is effectively retained in the vaporized region. In addition, it is possible to supply heat in a fixed amount, to efficiently transfer heat, and to improve vaporization or ablation efficiency.
By supplying 22 in a fixed amount, good recording can be obtained with a constant vaporization or ablation amount.

In the printer head 70 of the present embodiment, the insulating plate 73 is integrated on the spacer 82, so that this integrated structure is thinner than the case where the insulating plate 73 or the spacer 82 is independent. It is thick and has high mechanical strength.

Therefore, the mechanical strength for processing the dye containing portion 87, the columnar body 80, the dye passage 84, and the like becomes sufficient, and the handling property, the processability, and the reliability are ensured without cracking or breaking. Furthermore, the yield and cost performance can be improved.

Further, since the spacer 82 is further joined and fixed to the bottom plate 102 made of a quartz glass plate, this bottom plate 102 acts as a reinforcing material, and the mechanical strength of the head becomes further sufficient. However, the bottom plate 102 does not necessarily have to be provided, and a dye storage tank (not shown) may be directly attached to the lower surface of the spacer 82.

The dye vaporizer 77 having the above-mentioned structure is
Although one dot is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the head 70, a plurality of dots are actually provided for each color (yellow Y, magenta M, cyan C) for full color as in FIGS. 38 to 42. Will be placed. Therefore, in this case, the structures of FIGS. 1 and 2 are arranged in a line. Although not shown,
A liquefied dye of each color is supplied to each of these vaporization sections from each storage tank through a dye supply path 84.

When color printing the photographic printing paper 50,
Heat is generated by the heating element 75 according to the image signal. Due to this heat of vaporization, the dye in each vaporization portion is vaporized and the holes 91 of the protective layer 91 are
It is transferred to the receiving layer 50a of the photographic printing paper 50 in the order of Y, M, and C through the sheet a.

The printer head 70 according to this embodiment is shown in FIG.
Similar to the head 60 shown in (4), it is of a thermal transfer system that heats the dye 22 to fly to the printing paper 50 through the gap,
It has the features of miniaturization, ease of maintenance, immediacy, high-quality images, and high gradation described above. Although a heater for liquefying the dye, a heater (heater 68 in FIG. 38) and the like are omitted, they may be adopted in the same manner as described in FIG.

Although the pillars 80 and the layers 73, 82 and 102 are made of glass, they can be made of other materials. For example, a polymer material such as polyimide, a ceramic material, a silicon material, a metal material, or a combination thereof can be used. Polymer materials can be used in printer heads
Since the structure is such that 70 is not pressed against the photographic printing paper 50, it is because a large pressure is not applied, and the heat dissipation is small when the heat generating element 75 is activated, and the thermal insulation is good.

Next, an example of a method of manufacturing the head 70 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, polysilicon (P-Si) 103 is formed to a thickness of about 1 μm on a spacer material 82 made of a quartz glass plate by CVD (chemical vapor deposition) or the like.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, a polysilicon layer 10 is formed.
3 is patterned by photolithography to form a heating element 75 on the spacer material 82, aluminum is further deposited on the entire surface by a vacuum deposition method or the like, and this is patterned by photolithography to form a pair of aluminum electrodes of the heating element 75.
94 and 95 are formed (see Figure 16). Further, an insulating SiO ₂ film 127 is sputtered on the entire surface to a thickness of about 1 μm (however, this SiO ₂ film 127 may be omitted in the following figures).

Then, as shown in FIG. 5, a metal mask 128 for selective etching of the heating element portion and the wiring portion is formed in a predetermined pattern. This can be formed by forming a film of chromium or the like on the entire surface by sputtering or the like and processing it by photolithography.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 17, the mask 12
The SiO ₂ film 127 is etched by 8 and the heating element 75 is thinly processed, and the surface area of the spacer 82 is also etched. As a result, the protruding portion 82B shown in FIG.
To form.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 18, a SiO ₂ layer 73 is formed on the entire surface to a thickness of 1 to 15 μm by a sputtering method or the like.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8, a metal thin film 104 of chromium or the like is deposited on the entire surface of the SiO ₂ layer 73 by a vacuum deposition method or a sputtering method, and this is patterned using a photoresist having a predetermined pattern as a mask. A pattern 87 'serving as a dye containing portion, a pattern 80' serving as a pillar, and a pattern 73a 'serving as an annular groove are formed. Instead of this patterning method, a photoresist may be first formed into a predetermined pattern, a metal thin film 104 may be deposited thereon, and the metal thin film 104 may be patterned into the shape shown in FIG. 8 by lift-off.

Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the spacer material 82 is processed from the back surface by powder beam etching (PBE) to form the dye supply passage 84 in the surface direction. in this case,
When the spacer material 82 is thick, the passage 84 may be processed after polishing the back surface to adjust the thickness.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10, a dye introduction hole 84 'communicating with the dye supply passage 84 is formed at the position of the dye containing portion pattern 87' by powder beam etching (PBE).
It is formed so as to penetrate the thickness of the _two layers 73.

Next, the mask metal 128 is removed by etching, and a part of the SiO ₂ layer 73 thereon is lifted off, as shown in FIG. It is not always necessary to remove this mask metal.

Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the annular groove 73a is finely processed by reactive ion etching (RIE) while masking the portion of the small column 80.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 20, a metal thin film is formed.
Reactive ion etching (R
IE), and the SiO ₂ layer 73 is provided with a dye containing portion 87 and a pillar 80.
And a group of. At this time, the group of small pillars 80 is separated from the heating element 75 on both sides of the heating element 75. Further, the dye introduction port 84 ′ opens the dye supply passage 84 to the dye containing portion 87.

Then, as shown in FIG. 13, after removing the pattern of chromium on the SiO ₂ layer 73, the annular groove 73a is filled with liquid fluororesin and dried to form the liquid stopper 97 as shown in FIG. Form.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, a bottom plate 102 made of a quartz plate is fixed to the back surface of the spacer material 82 by fusion bonding.
This fixing can also be performed by using a low melting point glass or an adhesive. After that, a protective layer 91 is formed on the upper surface so as to surround the liquid stop portion 97, and the head of FIG. 1 is completed.

As described above, the small pillar body 80 is finely processed on the SiO ₂ layer 73 provided on the upper surface of the spacer 82 to form the spacer 82.
A groove is formed on the back surface of the to form a passage 84, and a hole 84 'is formed by fine processing in the thickness direction to form a structure in which it is connected to the passage 84, thereby performing stable and low-cost processing. Further, it is possible to obtain a vaporization part structure which can be performed and is improved in alignment and strength, is highly accurate, and is highly reliable. Also heating element
The step portion 110 between 75 and the small column 80 can be determined by the selective etching amount in FIG. 6 and the sputtering amount in FIG.

FIG. 21 shows a second embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a non-contact type dye vaporization printer.

In this embodiment, the liquid stop layer 67 is formed on the entire surface between the protective layer 73 and the lower layer in the same manner as that shown in FIG.
In addition to the above, the same liquid stop portion 97 as that of the first embodiment is further provided, and other portions are the same as those of the first embodiment.
The configuration is similar to that of the above-mentioned embodiment.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, the vaporization structure 101
A ring-shaped liquid stop portion 97 is provided around the circumference of, and a liquid stop layer 67 is further provided on the outside thereof, so to speak, a double station stop measure is taken, preventing liquefied dye outflow. Of course, the effect is more complete.

FIG. 22 shows a third embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a non-contact type dye vaporization printer.

In this embodiment, a liquid stop layer 98 is provided on the inner wall surface of the vaporization hole 91a formed by the protective layer 91, in place of the strip-shaped liquid stop portion 97 in the first embodiment, which is buried in a ring shape. Is. The liquid stop layer 98 is also formed by coating using the same material as in the first embodiment. Liquid stop layer 98
Other than that, the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the effect of preventing the outflow of the liquefied dye is sufficient, and the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, there is an advantage that the material cost of the liquid stop layer is further reduced, and the liquid stop layer can be formed easily by coating. In this example as well, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to provide an annularly embedded liquid stop 97 (shown in phantom lines), but this need not be provided.

FIG. 23 shows a fourth embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a non-contact type dye vaporization printer.

In this embodiment, the liquid stopping portion 97 similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is provided so as to be spread further toward the outer periphery and in contact with the side surface of the vaporizing hole 91a of the protective layer 91. Yes,
The other parts are configured similarly to the first embodiment.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the distance l ₁ 'between the liquid stopper 97 and the peripheral edge of the vaporizing structure 101 is formed to be the same,
The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 24 shows a fifth embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a non-contact type dye vaporization printer.

In this embodiment, instead of burying the strip-shaped liquid stop portion 97 in the surface of the insulating plate 73 in a ring shape in the first embodiment, inside the vaporization hole 91a formed by the protective layer 91 An annular groove 91b is provided on the wall surface, and the annular groove 91b has a strip-shaped liquid stopper.
99 is buried. The other parts are constructed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Note that, in this example as well, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to provide an annularly embedded liquid stop portion 97 (indicated by a virtual line) on the bottom surface of the vaporization portion 17, but this is essential. Not essential.

FIG. 25 shows a sixth embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a non-contact type dye vaporization printer.

In this embodiment, like the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the strip-shaped liquid stopping portion 97 is provided in the vaporizing hole 91 of the protective layer 91.
Although it is embedded in the groove of the inner wall surface of a, the difference from the fifth embodiment is that the space between the vaporization structure 101 and the inner wall surface is small, and the vaporization structure 101 and the dye introduction port 84 ' That is, the inner wall surface of the vaporization hole 91a is close. That is, the vaporization hole 91a is made smaller than that in each of the other embodiments, and the other parts have the same configuration.

Therefore, even in this embodiment, the same effect as in the fifth embodiment can be obtained, but the outflow of the liquefied dye from the dye accommodating portion 87 to the liquid stopper 99 is extremely small.

FIG. 26 shows a seventh embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a non-contact type dye vaporization printer.

In this embodiment, unlike the embedded liquid stopper in each of the above-described examples, a liquid stopper is provided on the bottom surface of the vaporizing portion 17 in a convex shape as shown in the drawings. The configuration is similar to that of the first embodiment.

In this example, based on the completely same idea as the first embodiment, the liquid stopping part 100 of the same standard as that embedded in the groove in the first embodiment is printed on the exposed surface of the insulating plate by a printing method. It is formed in a convex shape. Therefore, the distances l ₁ , l ₂ etc. between the vaporization structure portion 101 of the liquid stopper 100 and the vaporization hole 91a of the protective layer 91 are the same as those in the first embodiment,
The same effect of preventing the outflow of the liquefied dye as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and the manufacturing process is further facilitated without the need for forming the annular groove.

FIG. 27 shows an eighth embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a non-contact type dye vaporization type printer.

In this example, as shown in FIG. 27, the heating element 75
Are directly formed on the surface of the spacer 82. Other examples are the same as those in the first embodiment. In this example, the heat energy emitted from the heating element 75 to the spacer 82 is larger than that in the first embodiment, but the manufacturing process of the recording apparatus is simplified. This is because the step of forming the protrusion (82B in FIG. 1) for forming the heating element on the spacer becomes unnecessary.

Also in this embodiment, substantially the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

FIG. 28 shows a ninth embodiment in which the present invention is applied to another non-contact type dye vaporization printer.

Also in this embodiment, the strip-shaped liquid stopping portion 97 is embedded in a ring shape around the vaporization structure 101 in the same manner as in the first embodiment, but in this example, as shown in the drawing, The vaporization method is a heating method in which the dye is vaporized by irradiating the laser light L emitted from the laser 18 and condensed by the lens 19 near the upper surface of the vaporization unit 17 to vaporize the dye.

That is, the spacer 82 is provided with the dye supply passage 84 and the introduction port 84 ', and the dye containing portion 87 is provided on the upper surface thereof.
And the pillars 80 are formed. In this structure as well, the spacers 82 themselves are thickened, and the mechanical strength is increased.

Therefore, the mechanical strength for processing the dye containing portion 87, the columnar body 80, the dye passage 84, etc. is sufficient, and the handling, the workability and the reliability are maintained without cracking or breaking. Furthermore, the yield and cost performance can be improved.

Since the columnar body 80 and the dye accommodating portion 87 can be formed by patterning the spacer 82, only the alignment at the time of patterning is required. Can be easily and highly accurately aligned, and the recording characteristics can be improved.

Further, since the spacer 82 is further joined and fixed to the bottom plate 102 made of a quartz glass plate, this bottom plate 102 acts as a reinforcing material, and the mechanical strength of the head becomes further sufficient.

In this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained, and since the vaporization structure does not have a heating element, the above-mentioned effects can be further obtained.

FIG. 29 shows a tenth embodiment in which the present invention is applied to another non-contact type dye vaporization printer.

In this embodiment, unlike each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the vaporizing part structure similar to the vaporizing part structure described in FIGS. 36 to 39 is used. That is, as shown in FIGS. 29 to 32, the vaporization structure 101 is attached together with the heat insulating material 66 in the plurality of square columnar holes 62a that are a part of the vaporization section.

As shown in FIG. 29, the printer head 70 according to this example is different from the example shown in FIG. 39 in that the heat insulating material 66 and the heat generating element 75 (and the group of the small pillars 80) in the vaporizing section 17 are removed. The vaporization structure 101 is similar to the above, but the fundamental difference is that the group of small pillars 80 is provided separately from the heating element 75.

That is, the heating element 75 is locally provided in a rectangular shape from one end to the other end on the upper surface 66A of the heat insulating material block 66, and the group of small pillars 80 generates heat on both sides of the heating element 75. It is provided separately from the body 75.

With this structure, as in the first embodiment described above, the heat of the heating element 75 does not escape through the small pillars 80 and can be used efficiently for heating. The dye can be sufficiently vaporized and supplied by the holding and supplying efficiency of the dye by the capillary action of the group of columns 80 and the dye holding effect at the step portion 110 on the heating element 75.

Moreover, since the heat of the heating element 75 is not directly transmitted to the small pillars 80, the small pillars 80 are not damaged by thermal stress.

The small column 80 and the heating element 75 may have the same size, interval, thickness, etc. as those described in the first embodiment. Further, in the head 70 of this embodiment, the electrodes 94A and 95A of the heating element 75 extend from the side surface of the heat insulating material 66 to the peripheral region thereof, and the wiring metals 94B and 95B are provided on the electrodes 94A and 95A. Has been.

The heat insulating material block 66 is fixed to the base 63 provided with the dye liquefying heater 68 by the adhesive 111. The spacer 62 on which the dye containing portion 17 is formed is the adhesive 11
It is fixed on the base 63 by means of 2, but the vaporization structure 101 is placed in the dye containing portion 17.

In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the strip-shaped liquid stopping portion 97 is formed on the exposed portion of the spacer 62 formed between the enlarged vaporizing hole 61a of the protective layer 61 and the edge of the hole 62a. Like the first embodiment, it is buried in the annular groove 62b.

By forming the liquid stopper 97 in this way, the effect of preventing the outflow of the liquefied dye can be obtained.

The pillar 80 and the layers 62 and 63 are made of glass, but can be made of other materials. For example, polymer materials such as polyimide, ceramics, silicon,
It can also be formed of a metal-based material or a combination thereof. The reason why the polymer material can be used is that the printer head 70 is not pressed against the photographic printing paper 50, so that it does not receive a large pressure.
The heat dissipation is small at the time of operation of 75, and the thermal insulation is good.

Further, according to the printer head 70 of this example, the heating element 75 in the vaporization structure portion 101 partially projects the surface 66A of the heat insulating material block 66 as the base material and has a narrow protruding portion 66B. Is provided on the upper surface 66C, and is therefore provided at an intermediate height level between the columnar body 80 and the heat insulating material surface 66A. The protruding portion 66B is integral with the heat insulating material 66, and the pair of electrodes 94 and 95 of the heating element 75 are provided at the same level as the upper surface 66C thereof.

As described above, since the heating element 75 is provided on the protruding portion 66B of the heat insulating material 66, the heat generated from the heating element is transferred only through the narrow protruding portion 66B, so that the heat is insulated. The area transmitted to the material 66 side is small.

As a result, the above-described function and effect due to the heating element 75 being provided separately from the columnar body 80 (that is, there is no heat radiation through the columnar body 80, and the heat of the columnar body 80 is not generated). Of course, the mechanical stress of the small pillars 80 can be easily processed, and the amount thereof can be reduced. However, in addition to this, by suppressing the heat transfer by the above-mentioned protruding portion 66B,
The heating efficiency by the heating element 75 can be further improved.

Moreover, the heating element 75 is provided on the upper surface 66 of the protruding portion 66B.
Since it is provided in C and is present near the liquid surface of the dye 22, the heat of the heating element 75 efficiently heats the liquid surface region that directly influences the vaporization of the dye, thereby further increasing the vaporization efficiency of the dye 22. Can be improved. That is, it becomes possible to fully utilize the surface of the heating element 75 (the surface that generates heat).

Further, since there is a step portion 110 between the projecting portion 66B and the trabecular body 80, the dye 22 is provided here.
Since the dye can be effectively held and supplied, and the dye can be supplied to the step portion 110 from one direction, only one introduction path 64a is required and its position is not so restricted.

In addition, the action and effect due to the capillary action of the group of the small pillars 80 can be obtained in the same manner as in the above-mentioned respective embodiments.

In this example, the width w of the heating element 75 (width of the protruding portion 66B) and its height h may be selected variously, but from the viewpoint of the above heating efficiency, (2/3) h ≧ w ≧
It is preferable that the relationship of (1/3) h is satisfied. For example, h = 6 μm and w = 3 μm. The height of the pillars 80 is 20 μm or less, the diameter is 10 μm or less, and the gap 92 is 20 μm or less.
It may be μm or less.

Next, an example of a method of installing the liquid stop portion 97 in the manufacturing process of the head 70 according to this example will be described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, steps other than the manufacturing steps related to the installation of the liquid stopper 97 are omitted.

FIG. 30 shows that this printer head has been subjected to the reactive ion etching (RI
As shown in FIG. 6E, the columnar bodies 80 are formed on both sides of the heating element 75 to form the main body of the vaporization structure.

As shown in FIG. 31, this vaporization structure portion 101 is fixed on a base 63 with an adhesive material 111 or the like, and further, a hole 62 is formed.
The spacer 62 is fixed on the base 63 with an adhesive 112 or the like while aligning the vaporization structure 101 so that the vaporization structure 101 is located inside a.

Further, an annular groove 62b is formed in the vicinity of the edge of the hole 62a of the spacer 62 at a predetermined interval from the hole edge, and the annular groove 62b is filled with liquid fluororesin and dried, and as shown in FIG. To form.

Then, as shown in FIG. 32, a protective layer 61 which is the outermost surface layer and has enlarged vaporization holes 61a is formed on the spacer 62, and the printer head as shown in FIG.
70 is completed. With such a structure, the liquid stop portion 97 similar to that in the first embodiment is formed, and the same effect as that in the first embodiment can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 33, the color video printer 200 having the heads 70 according to the above-mentioned first to tenth embodiments has a vertical (X direction) paper feed and a head in the direction orthogonal to the X direction. The horizontal scanning (Y direction) is used for printing, and the paper feeding in the vertical direction and the head scanning in the horizontal direction are alternately performed.

In this printer 200, the printer head 70 including the heads Y, M, and C of each color is a serial type head, and the head feed shaft 201 including a feed screw mechanism.
The head support shaft 202 allows the print paper 50 to reciprocate in the head feed direction Y which is orthogonal to the paper feed direction X.

On the upper side of the printer head 70, a head receiving roller (platen roller) 203 that supports the printing paper 50 so as to sandwich the printing paper 50 is rotatably provided. The photographic printing paper 50 is sandwiched between the paper feed drive roller 204 and the driven roller 205 and moved in the paper feed direction X. The printer head 70 is a flexible harness.
It is connected to a head drive circuit board (not shown) and the like via 206.

When the printing of one line is completed, the printing paper 50 is fed by one line by the paper feed drive roller 203 which also serves as a head support. Printing is started sequentially for each color, but after 3 dots, printing is performed simultaneously. If there are multiple heating elements 75, they are operated alternately, and the selected heating elements 75 are used for printing, while the non-printing heating elements 75 utilize residual heat to liquefy and retain heat of the dye. However, the temperature can be controlled.

FIG. 34 shows a color video printer 200 having a head 70 of a line type, in which head portions Y, M and C of respective colors are arranged side by side in the width direction of the photographic printing paper 50. .

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments can be further modified based on the technical idea of the present invention.

For example, as the material of the liquid stopper, other than the fluorine-based resin, another appropriate material having a strong action of repelling the liquefied dye can be used.

Further, although the liquid stoppers are provided separately from each other in each of the above embodiments, the liquid stoppers may have a shape in which a plurality of vaporizers are sequentially connected.

The manufacturing process of the printer head is not limited to the above process, and the process may be changed appropriately. Further, as a processing method by etching or the like, an appropriate processing method other than the above can be adopted.

Further, it can be applied to a combination of a heating element and a laser for heating the dye. In this case, vaporization can be satisfactorily realized even if the power of each heating means is reduced.

In the present invention, a recording liquid containing a recording material and a substance (that is, a carrier) that dissolves or disperses the recording material and that expands in volume by heating is supplied, and the state of the recording liquid is changed by heating. Change to create droplets,
It can also be applied to an ink jet system in which the liquid droplets are transferred to a recording medium arranged opposite to the recording head.

[0177]

According to the present invention, an opening for exposing the recording portion for accommodating the recording material is provided in the outermost surface layer, and the opening is enlarged more than the area of the recording portion, and recording is performed in the enlarged opening area. Since the material outflow preventing means is provided in a ring shape so as to surround the recording portion, the existence of the recording material outflow preventing means prevents the recording material from flowing out from the recording portion, and the recording material is securely held and flows out. The recording material does not adhere to other parts of the recording device or the recording medium, and good recording is performed.

Moreover, since the opening of the outermost surface layer is larger than the area of the recording portion, even if the recording material overflows from the recording portion, the overflow of the recording material is caused by the opening. In addition to being prevented, the outflow prevention function of the outflow prevention means effectively occurs, so that the synergistic effect of the opening and the outflow prevention means surely prevents the recording from being disturbed, and ensures good recording. Done. Further, when the recording material of the recording portion exits the recording portion and is used for recording by the opening, the transfer of the recording material is not obstructed by the outermost surface layer.

Further, since the recording material is accommodated in the recording portion and the recording portion is exposed by the opening, the recording portion can be opposed to the recording medium in a non-contact manner, and both recording materials can be brought into contact with each other for recording. Unlike the above, the recording material does not return from the recording medium to the recording portion, and more excellent recording is performed.

Further, by making the opening of the outermost surface layer larger than the area of the recording portion and providing the recording material outflow preventing means in the area of this opening in an annular shape, it is easy to form the recording material outflow preventing means. It is small and economical. In addition to this, by providing the recording material outflow prevention means in the opening area of the outermost surface layer, the recording material outflow prevention means and the outermost surface layer do not overlap each other over a wide area, and the difference between the two materials is large. The recording apparatus is mechanically stable without peeling due to insufficient adhesion caused by the above.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a main part of a printer head according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one stage of a manufacturing process of a main part of the printer head.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another stage of the same manufacturing process.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the final stage of the same manufacturing process.

16A and 16B show a main part in another stage of the manufacturing process, FIG. 16A is a plan view, and FIG. 16B is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 16A.

17A and 17B show a main part in another stage of the manufacturing process, FIG. 17A is a plan view, and FIG. 17B is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

18A and 18B show a main part in another stage of the manufacturing process, FIG. 18A is a plan view, and FIG. 18B is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

19A and 19B show a main part in another stage of the manufacturing process, FIG. 19A is a plan view, and FIG. 19B is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 19A.

20A and 20B show a main part in still another stage of the manufacturing process, FIG. 20A is a plan view, and FIG. 20B is B in FIG. 20A.
It is a -B line sectional view.

FIG. 21 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer head according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer head according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer head according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer head according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer head according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer head according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer head according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a printer head according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a sectional view of a main part of a printer head according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 28: the same hereinafter) showing a step in the manufacturing process of the main part of the printer head.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing another stage of the manufacturing process.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view showing still another stage in the manufacturing process.

FIG. 33 is a schematic perspective view of a printer having a printer head according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a schematic perspective view of another printer having the printer head.

FIG. 35 is a front view of a main part of a printer using a conventional thermal recording head.

FIG. 36 is a schematic sectional view of a printer devised before the completion of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of a head of the printer.

FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of the head of the other printer.

39 is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line XXXIX-XXXIX in FIG. 41) of the printer filed before the invention of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the main part of the printer head.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a part of the head of the printer.

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of another part of the head of the printer.

FIG. 43 is a plan view of a part of the printer head.

[Explanation of symbols]

 18 ... Laser 22 ... Liquefied dye 50 ... Printing paper 61, 91 ... Protective layers 61a, 91a ... Protective layer openings (vaporization holes) 62, 82 ... Spacers 62b, 73a. .. Annular groove 66 ... Insulation 66B, 82B ... Projection 70 ... Printer head 73 ... Insulation plate 75 ... Heating element 77 ... Vaporizer 80 ... Small pillar 84 , 84 '... Dye supply passage or dye inlet 87 ... Dye accommodating section 91 ... Protective layer 92 ... Voids 94, 95 ... Electrodes 97, 99, 100 ... Liquid stopping section 98・ ・ ・ Liquid stop layer 101 ・ ・ ・ Vaporized structure 102 ・ ・ ・ Bottom plate 110 ・ ・ ・ Stepped portion L ・ ・ ・ Laser light

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A recording section for accommodating a recording material, an outermost surface layer provided with an opening for exposing the recording section, and a recording material outflow prevention means for preventing the recording material from flowing out from the recording section. And a recording apparatus in which the opening is enlarged more than the area of the recording section, and the recording material outflow prevention unit is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the recording section in the area of the enlarged opening. 2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording material outflow prevention means is formed in a band shape. 3. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording material outflow prevention means is formed of a material that repels the recording material. 4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the recording material outflow prevention means is made of a fluororesin. 5. The recording material outflow prevention means is provided in an annular recess formed in the bottom surface of the opening of the recording portion.
Recording device described in. 6. The recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the recording material outflow prevention means is provided as a convex portion on the bottom surface of the opening around the recording portion. 7. A recording section for accommodating a recording material, an outermost surface layer provided with an opening for exposing the recording section, and a recording material outflow prevention means for preventing the recording material from flowing out from the recording section. A recording apparatus having a ring-shaped concave portion formed on a side surface of the outermost surface layer facing the opening, and the recording material outflow preventing means provided in the ring-shaped concave portion. 8. A recording section faces a recording medium with a predetermined gap therebetween, and an outermost surface layer holding the predetermined gap is provided around the recording material outflow prevention means so as not to overlap with the recording material outflow prevention means. The recording device according to claim 2, which is provided. 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a layer of a material that repels the recording material is provided below the outermost surface layer. 10. A recording material flying structure for flying a liquid recording material to a recording medium for recording is provided in a recording portion.
The recording device according to claim 8. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the recording material flying structure is integrally provided on the recording material supply structure section. 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the recording material flying structure is mounted in the recording material accommodation portion. 13. The recording material flying structure is provided with a heating element for heating and flying the liquid recording material.
Recording device described in 10. 14. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the liquid recording material of the recording material flying structure is heated by a heating beam to fly. 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a recording material flying structure that supplies and holds the liquid recording material to the opening side by a capillary phenomenon. 16. The recording apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the recording material flying structure is provided with a porous structure that causes a capillary phenomenon. 17. The recording device according to claim 16, wherein the porous structure is formed by an assembly of pillars. 18. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid recording material is vaporized or ablated so as to fly to a recording medium facing the liquid recording material in a non-contact state. 19. A recording section for accommodating a recording material, an outermost surface layer provided with an opening for exposing the recording section, and a recording material outflow prevention means for preventing the recording material from flowing out from the recording section. And a recording device in which the opening is enlarged more than the area of the recording section, and the recording material outflow prevention means is provided in an annular shape so as to surround the recording section in the area of the enlarged opening. In manufacturing, a step of applying a material for forming the recording material outflow prevention means in an annular shape around the recording portion, and a step of solidifying the material to form the recording material outflow prevention means, Recording device manufacturing method. 20. The method for manufacturing a recording apparatus according to claim 19, wherein an annular recess is formed around the recording portion, and the annular recess is filled with a material for forming a recording material outflow prevention unit. 21. A step of providing a recording material flying structure for performing recording by flying a liquid recording material onto a recording medium, and an area wider than the area of the recording area around the recording material outflow prevention means. And a step of providing an outermost surface layer having an opening in
20. The method for manufacturing a recording device according to claim 19.