KR100717668B1 - Recording device and recorder - Google Patents

Abstract

The recording element includes a display, a photoconductor arranged to be superimposed with the display, and a pair of electrodes arranged on both sides of the display and the photoconductor. At least one of the pair of electrodes is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes. Information can be written by light while applying voltage to each sub-electrode for the recording element. Therefore, writing is not performed even if external light hits the portion of the recording element corresponding to the sub-electrode to which no voltage is applied. Therefore, a clear image without noise can be obtained. The recording apparatus includes a power supply member for applying a voltage to a pair of electrodes of the recording element, a first light source for writing information into the recording element, and a second light source for reset. Thereby, reset and recording can be performed in one cycle of operation.

Display, photoconductor, recording element, stacker, LED array, sub electrode

Description

Recording element and recording device {RECORDING DEVICE AND RECORDER}

The present invention relates to a recording element and a recording apparatus suitable for use as, for example, electronic paper.

In recent years, with the development of electronic information equipment, information input means, such as a scanner and a digital camera, display apparatuses, such as a monitor, and information output means, such as a printer, are used a lot. The information can be read directly from a display device such as a monitor. However, since a display device such as a monitor is generally a light-emitting display device, eyes tend to be tired, and resolution is not so high. Therefore, reading a document or a still image directly from a display device such as a monitor may be undesirable. Therefore, information recorded on an electronic information device is often printed on paper to read information printed on paper.

When information is printed on paper and read, since the information printed on paper is read by the reflected light, there is less eye strain. Since the resolution of a printed matter is very high, it is excellent in visibility. Therefore, most users often print and read the document displayed on the monitor on paper.

However, the use of paper places a great burden on the environment. In particular, when observing the use situation of the paper, for example, the received e-mail is often printed out on the paper, and then immediately discarded. In this way, it can be said that the paper is abused.

When printing a document or image using a printer, not only the use of paper, but also inkjet printers use cyan, magenta, yellow or more kinds of primary color inks, and laser printers and LED printers consume multicolor toners as well. do. The use of those consumables with print out to paper also places a heavy burden on the environment.

Thus, a rewriteable (rewrite) type recording element called electronic paper has been proposed and continues to be developed. For example, an electrophoretic recording element, a twisted ball recording element, a selective reflection type cholesteric liquid crystal, or the like has been proposed as a reflective memory element.

Electrophoretic recording elements are disclosed, for example, in PROCEEDINGS OF THE IEEE VOL 61 N0.7 JULY 1973, NATURE V0L 394 16 JULY 1988, and the like. Twisted ball type recording elements are disclosed, for example, in Proceeding of the SID Vol 18/3 & 4 Third and Fourth Quarters 1977 P289.

The selective reflex action of cholesteric liquid crystals was discovered in 1688 from cholesterol derivatives. It is also known that ferroelectric liquid crystals (smectic liquid crystals) also have memory characteristics.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-507505 discloses a liquid crystal cell comprising a polymer network dispersed in a chiral nematic liquid crystal. In one form of this liquid crystal cell, a liquid crystal can take a reflection state and a transmission (scattering) state, and both show stability at voltage zero.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-105900 discloses a photo-type projection type liquid crystal display device including a spatial modulation element including a photoconductive layer and a liquid crystal layer. Light is irradiated to the photoconductive layer, whereby information is written to the liquid crystal layer.

A recording element formed by combining a photoconductive layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal is disclosed in SID 96 APPLICATI0NS DIGEST P59 "Reflective Display with Photoconductive Layer and Bistable Reflective Cholestiric Mixture". This recording element can be used in the form of a screen capture in which a recording element is mounted on a personal computer screen to copy a personal computer screen. The copied screen has memory, so it does not consume power. Recording and erasing can be done in a flash.

In addition, an electronic paper formed by combining a photoconductive layer and a cholesteric liquid crystal is disclosed in Japanese Hardcopy 2000, pages 93 to 96.

Such electronic paper is inexpensive because it does not use a printer or paper, and does not impose a load on the environment. However, in these recording elements which write by light, there is a problem that noise by external light enters easily and the image is not clear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive and reliable photo-recording recording element and a recording apparatus for recording on the recording element.

A recording element according to the present invention includes a display body, a photoconductor arranged to be superposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes arranged on both sides of the display body and the photoconductor, and at least one of the pair of electrodes. One side is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes.

In this configuration, at least one of the pair of electrodes is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes, and information can be written by light while applying a voltage to each sub-electrode. In the portion of the recording element corresponding to the sub-electrode to which no voltage is applied, writing is not performed even when external light hits, so that a clear image without noise can be obtained. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a low cost and high reliability write-once type recording element.

When the electrode is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes, the boundary between the sub-electrodes appears as a linear image on the display surface. Preferably, the ends opposite the sub-electrodes are formed in a curved shape, and the lines are arranged as randomly as possible. Make it inconspicuous. The direction of the electric field vector formed between the pair of electrodes may be inclined with respect to the substrate surface.

The recording apparatus according to the present invention is for recording on a recording element having a display body, a photoconductor arranged to be superimposed with the display body, and a pair of electrodes arranged on both sides of the display body and the photoconductor. A recording apparatus, comprising: a power supply member for applying a voltage to a pair of electrodes of the recording element, a first light source for writing information into the recording element, and a second light source for resetting the recording of the recording element It is characterized by one.

In this configuration, the first light source generates light that blinks in accordance with the signal to write to the recording element. The second light source is used for initialization of the recording element. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly reset the device with one recording device.

For example, the first light source is composed of an LED array arranged in a line shape or a laser that blinks light in a line shape. The second light source can be, for example, any one of a light source comprising an LED element and a light guide that emit light in a plane or broadly, an EL element, or a light source consisting of a fluorescent tube and a light guide. It is preferable that a 1st light source and / or a 2nd light source have a light control function which can adjust the intensity of light.

In the present invention, the recording device having the LED array and the surface light source is not a mechanism for fixing ink or toner on paper like a printer, but is used for a printer because information is recorded on the recording element only by light and electricity control. The various members as described above are not necessary, and low cost and large compactness can be realized.

Since the recording element is rewritable (rewritable), the paper does not consume a large amount of paper as in the prior art, and it has a memory property to hold the recording even under no power, thereby reducing the power consumption and dramatically reducing the load on the environment. You can. Among the various types of electronic papers described above, the recording element is brighter using cholesteric liquid crystal, and thus has the potential of high contrast and high resolution.

1 is a sectional view showing a recording element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a schematic diagram showing a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a plan view showing a recording element in which information is recorded.

4 is a plan view showing an electrode of a recording element.

5 is a plan view showing a modification of the electrodes of the recording element.

6 is a sectional view showing a modification of the electrode of the recording element.

7A and 7B are views showing an alignment state of cholesteric liquid crystals.

8A, 8B and 8C are diagrams showing voltage characteristics for driving cholesteric liquid crystals.

9 is a graph showing reflectance characteristics of cholesteric liquid crystals.

10 is a view for explaining the operation of the recording element of FIG.

Fig. 11 is a diagram showing display (reflectance) characteristics of a recording element in which a cholesteric liquid crystal layer and a photoconductive layer are combined.

12 is a diagram showing display (reflectance) characteristics of a recording element in which a cholesteric liquid crystal layer and a photoconductive layer are combined.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the recording apparatus of FIG. 2 is connected to an information processing terminal.

14 is a perspective view showing an example of a flat bed type recording apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a first light source and a light blocking member of the flatbed recording apparatus of FIG.

Fig. 16 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of the first and second light sources of the flat bed type recording apparatus.

Fig. 17 is a sectional view showing a modification of the arrangement of the first and second light sources of the flat bed type recording apparatus.

18 is a perspective view showing a sheet feed type recording apparatus.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view showing a sheet feed type recording apparatus.

20 is a side sectional view of the sheet feed type recording apparatus of FIG.

21A and 21B are views showing the power supply member of FIG.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view showing a modification of the sheet feed type recording apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a relationship between a power feeding member and a recording element of the recording apparatus of FIG.

24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the recording apparatus.

25A and 25B show an example of raising the resolution.

26A and 26B show an example of raising the resolution.

27 is a diagram showing a modification of the recording apparatus.

Fig. 28 is a diagram showing a modification of the recording apparatus.

1 is a sectional view showing a recording element according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, the recording element 10 includes a transparent substrate 12, 14, a transparent electrode 16, 18 formed on the substrate 12, 14, a display layer 20, and a partition layer 22. And a photoconductive layer 24 superimposed with the display layer 20. The electrodes 16 and 18 are disposed on both sides of the display layer 12 and the photoconductive layer 14. The display layer 20 and the photoconductive layer 24 are surrounded by the sealant 26. In addition, a light absorption layer 28 is disposed between the photoconductive layer 24 and the electrode 16. The partition layer 22 prevents mixing of the display layer 20 and the photoconductive layer 24, and the partition layer 22 may be a light absorbing layer. In order to prevent a rise of the driving voltage, the partition layer 22 is preferably made of a material having a high dielectric constant, but is not particularly limited.

2 is a schematic diagram showing a recording apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The recording device 30 is a recording device for recording on the recording element 10 of FIG. In FIG. 2, the recording device 30 is supplied with a case 32 for supporting or arranging the recording element 10 and a power supply for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes 16 and 18 of the recording element 10. As shown in FIG. The members 34, 36, 37, a first light source 38 for writing information to the recording element 10, and a second light source 40 for resetting the recording of the recording element 10 are provided. The power feeding members 34, 36, 37 are connected to a power source (not shown).

3 is a plan view showing the recording element 10 in which information is recorded. The information is recorded, for example, in the form of letters or images.

4 is a plan view showing an electrode 18 of the recording element 10. The electrode 18 is divided into a plurality of sub electrodes 18A. The sub electrode 18A is formed in a stripe shape. Preferably, the width of the sub-electrodes 18A is 1 cm or more. There is a minute gap 18B between two adjacent sub-electrodes 18A. Preferably, the gap 18B is 50 µm or less. By making the gap 18B small in this way, the gap 18B is prevented from being recognized as a string on the screen.

5 is a plan view showing a modification of the electrode 18 of the recording element 10. In Fig. 5, the electrode 18 is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes 18A, and opposite ends of the sub-electrodes 18A are formed in a curved shape (zigzag line). The opposing end (that is, the shape of the gap 18B) of the sub-electrode 18A is made as random as possible, further preventing the gap 18B from being recognized as a string on the screen.

6 is a plan view showing a modification of the electrodes 16 and 18 of the recording element 10. In Fig. 6, the direction of the electric field vector formed between the pair of electrodes 16 and 18 is inclined with respect to the substrate surface. In this case, the electrode 16 is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes 16A, the electrode 18 is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes 18A, the sub-electrodes 16A and the sub-electrodes 18A are shifted from each other, The direction of the electric field vector between the sub-electrode 16A and the sub-electrode 18A is inclined with respect to the substrate surface. As a result, the portion of the display layer corresponding to the gaps 16B and 18B can be printed, although not completely, so that the gaps 16B and 18B are not noticeable as an image. In the case of Fig. 5, it is made inconspicuous by random scattering, and in the case of Fig. 6, it is made inconspicuous by blurring.

Next, the operation of the recording element 10 of FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 12. The display layer 20 of FIG. 1 is made of cholesteric liquid crystal. 7A and 7B are views showing an alignment state of cholesteric liquid crystals. The cholesteric liquid crystal can take the planar state shown in Fig. 7A and the focalconic state shown in Fig. 7B, and these two states are stably present even under an electroless field. In the planar state, since the incident light is reflected by the liquid crystal, the human eye can see the reflected light. In the focal conic state, incident light passes through the liquid crystal. By providing the light absorption layer 28 separately from the liquid crystal layer, black can be displayed in the focal conic state.

In the planar state, light of a wavelength corresponding to the spiral pitch of the liquid crystal molecules is reflected. The wavelength λ at which reflection is maximized is represented by λ = n · p from the average refractive index n of the liquid crystal and the spiral pitch p. In addition, the reflection band Δλ increases with the refractive index anisotropy Δn of the liquid crystal.

8A, 8B and 8C are diagrams showing voltage characteristics (relationship between time and voltage) for driving cholesteric liquid crystals. When a strong electric field is applied to the liquid crystal, the helical structure of the liquid crystal molecules is completely solved, and all molecules are in the homeotropic state along the electric field. The homeotropic state is indicated by the symbol H.

In the homeotropic state, if the electric field is suddenly set to 0, the spiral axis of the liquid crystal becomes perpendicular to the electrode, and the planar state selectively reflects light according to the spiral pitch (Fig. 8B). The planar state is indicated by the sign P. FIG.

On the other hand, when the electric field is removed after formation of an electric field in which the spiral axis of the liquid crystal molecules is only loosened (Fig. 8A) or when the electric field is loosely removed by applying a strong electric field (Fig. 8C), the helix axis of the liquid crystal is parallel to the electrode. It becomes the focal conic state which transmits incident light. In the focal conic state, the symbol FC is indicated.

In addition, when an intermediate strong electric field is provided and abruptly removed, the liquid crystals in the planar state and the focal conic state are mixed to enable the display of the halftone. In this way, the cholesteric liquid crystals are all stable, and information can be displayed using this phenomenon.

9 is a diagram showing reflectance characteristics (relationship between voltage and reflectance) of cholesteric liquid crystals. FIG. 9 illustrates the voltage responsiveness of the cholesteric liquid crystals described in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. If the initial state is a planar state (a portion with a high reflectance at the left end of Fig. 9), when the pulse voltage is raised to a certain range, it becomes a drive band to a focalconic state (a portion with a low reflectance of Fig. 9), and when the pulse voltage is raised It becomes a drive band to a planar state (part with a high voltage of a right end part) again.

If the initial state is a focal conic state (a portion where the reflectance at the left end is low), the driving band for the planar state gradually increases as the pulse voltage is raised.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the recording element 10 of FIG. The electrodes 16 and 18 are supported on the substrates 12 and 14 and connected to the power source 42 via a power feeding member (contact). The substrates 12 and 14 may be glass, but a flexible material such as a film is preferable so that it can be bent at the time of conveyance, such as paper, or bend at the time of recording.

Although the photoconductive layer 24 has inorganic substances, such as amorphous silicon, and organic substance, the photoconductor of flexible organic substance is also suitable for the display element 10 of this invention. The photoconductor of organic material is called OPC (organic photoconductor), and is widely used in printers and the like. In Fig. 10, the photoconductive layer 24 is made of OPC, which is a functional separation type OPC composed of two functional films of the charge generating layer 24A and the charge transport layer 24B. The functional separation type OPC has many advantages such as excellent chain resistance.

However, the photoconductive layer 24 is not limited to the functional separation type OPC, and a single layer type OPC that generates and transports charges in one layer may be used. Single-layer OPC is made much earlier than the separate functional OPC, and it is said to have problems in terms of durability. However, in this recording element 10, since it does not wear out like a printer, it can be used without a problem.

When the light L is selectively irradiated to the photoconductive layer 24 while a voltage is applied between the electrodes 16 and 18, the voltage applied to the liquid crystal is large at the portion where the light L is irradiated, and the light L In the part where () is not irradiated (the central part in FIG. 10), the voltage with respect to the liquid crystal becomes small, so that the state of the liquid crystal can be controlled by selective light irradiation.

11 and 12 are views showing display (reflectance) characteristics of the recording element 10 in which the cholesteric liquid crystal layer and the photoconductive layer are combined. 11 and 12 are similar to FIG.

Fig. 11 shows the display characteristics when driving from the planar state to the focal conic state in comparison with light irradiation and non-irradiation. Curve A shows the characteristic at the time of light irradiation, and curve B shows the characteristic at the time of non-irradiation. In the case where light is being irradiated, when the threshold voltage Vtf with the voltage pulse signal is exceeded, the liquid crystal layer changes to a focal conic state. If the voltage at which the liquid crystal sufficiently becomes a pocalconic state is Vfc, the voltage changes to the planar state again at a voltage higher than that.

In the case where light is not irradiated, the threshold voltage Vtf 'at which the change to the focal conic state starts and the voltage Vfc' at which the liquid crystal is sufficiently in the focal conic state increase significantly compared with the case where light is irradiated. .

Comparing the respective voltages in the two cases, the voltage Vfc at which the liquid crystal sufficiently satisfies the pocalconic state at the time of light irradiation is lower than the threshold voltage Vtf 'at the time of non-irradiation. That is, the application of the voltage Vfc changes the light irradiation portion to the focal conic state, and the non-irradiation portion remains the planar state.

Fig. 12 shows the display characteristics in the case of driving from the focal conic state to the planar state in comparison with light irradiation and non-irradiation. Curve C shows the characteristic at the time of light irradiation, and curve D shows the characteristic at the time of non-irradiation. When light is being irradiated, when the applied voltage exceeds Vtp, the liquid crystal changes to the planar state, and when Vp reaches, the liquid crystal becomes the complete planar state.

When light is not irradiated, when the applied voltage exceeds Vtp ', the liquid crystal changes to a planar state, and when Vp', the liquid crystal becomes a complete planar state. Also in the case of FIG. 12, as in the case of FIG. 11, the driving voltage greatly changes depending on whether or not light is irradiated. For example, by applying a voltage of Vp to the whole, the portion to which light is irradiated changes to a planar state, but the non-irradiating portion becomes a focal conic. Thus, even if the same voltage is applied from the difference in the electrical conductivity which arises in the photoconductive layer 24 after light irradiation, the orientation state of a liquid crystal differs in the light irradiation part and the non-irradiation part. This phenomenon can be used to record characters or images.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the recording device 30 of FIG. 2 is connected to the information processing terminal 44. The recording device 30 is provided with information from a personal computer or other information processing terminal 44, and can write the provided information into the recording element 10. The recording device 30 may also be controlled by a personal computer or other information processing terminal 44.

The recording first light source 38 is scanned while sequentially irradiating light in the transverse direction of the recording element 10 using an LED array or a semiconductor laser. In addition, the first light source 38 can move and scan in the longitudinal direction of the recording element 10 as indicated by the arrow. Alternatively, the first light source 38 may be stopped to move the recording element 10. The first light source 38 can be configured with a device that is cheaper and simpler using an LED array.

The second light source 40 is a reset light source. As the second light source 40, an LED, an organic EL, a fluorescent tube, or the like capable of uniform exposure may be used. Moreover, you may combine these members with a light guide plate. When the so-called reset for erasing the recording information of the recording element 10 is performed, the second light source 40 lights up extensively to irradiate the photoconductive layer 24. When light is uniformly irradiated from the second light source 40, a pulse signal is applied from the power supply members 34 and 37 to the electrodes 16 and 18 of the recording element 10 so that the entire liquid crystal is initialized to a planar state.

The reason for irradiating light to the photoconductive layer 24 at the time of reset is that since the resistance of the photoconductive layer 24 decreases and the response voltage of the liquid crystal decreases because the light is irradiated, the irradiated light has a low voltage. This is because it can be initialized to a planar state. Even if the second light source 40 is not applied, the liquid crystal can be driven in the planar state when a large voltage is applied. However, in the case of a large recording element, safety may be a problem because a large current flows instantaneously after the voltage is applied. . Therefore, it is advantageous to the safety to irradiate light and reset to a relatively low voltage. However, since long-term light irradiation to the photoconductive layer 24 may cause fatigue and deterioration of the photoconductive layer 24, light irradiation from this surface light source is basically only a short time of irradiation, preferably at the time of reset. .

On the other hand, the first light source 38 (LED array) used for recording generally has a shallow depth of focus and tends to cause a shift in focus. Therefore, it is preferable to enable the focal length to be adjusted. The focus can be adjusted either manually or automatically.

At the time of recording, the first light source (LED array) 38 or the recording element 10 itself scans in the negative scanning direction. Depending on whether the LED array moves or the recording element itself moves, the device type can be broadly divided into two types described below.

14 is a perspective view showing an example of a flat bed type recording apparatus. The recording device 30 has great features in that the information recorded in the recording element 10 can be visually confirmed in real time and the thin structure. The thin case 32 such as a tablet has a support on which the recording element 10 is disposed, and the first light source 38 made of the LED array scans and writes.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the first light source 38 and the light blocking member 46 of the flat bed type recording apparatus 30 of FIG. The first light source 38 is located under the recording element 10, and light is irradiated to the photoconductive layer 24 on the back side of the recording element 10. The light blocking member 46 is located above the recording element 10 and prevents external light from entering the upper surface of the recording element 10. The light blocking member 46 has a width equal to or slightly larger than the width of the stripe of the sub-electrodes 18A of the divided electrodes 18. The light blocking member 46 is coupled to the first light source 38 and is movable together with the first light source 38.

The power feeding member 34 is in contact with the electrode 16 of the recording element 10, and the power feeding member 36 is disposed in contact with the electrode 18 of the recording element 10. In addition, the power feeding member 37 is disposed to be in contact with the electrode 18 of the recording element 10 at the time of reset, and a voltage is applied between the electrodes 16 and 18. The power supply member 34 is normally used as the ground voltage GND, and is commonly used at the time of writing and reset. The power feeding member 36 applies a voltage while shifting in synchronization with the first light source 38 to perform recording. The shape of the power feeding members 34, 36, 37 is preferably a spherical shape or a flexible protrusion shape with a small load on the recording element 10.

As described above, in the recording element 10 of the present invention, the structure of at least one of the electrodes 16 and 18 is important. If the electrodes 16 and 18 are simple front electrodes, the applied voltage is applied to the entire area of the recording element 10, so that the unrecorded portion and the recorded portion are likely to change in display state by noise light such as external light. . That is, when external light hits the recording element 10 except for the part scanned by the 1st light source 38, there exists a possibility that the state of a liquid crystal may change with the external light.

In order to block all external light, it is necessary to install a light shielding structure in the entire apparatus, thereby reducing the compactness and convenience of the apparatus. Thus, at least one electrode 18 is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes 18A, so that the power supply members 34 and 36 supply a voltage for each of the sub-electrodes 18A, and the first light source 38 has a voltage. The portion corresponding to the supplied sub electrode 18A is irradiated. Then, since no voltage is supplied to the remaining sub-electrodes 18A, even if external light hits the portion corresponding to the sub-electrode 18A, the state of the liquid crystal does not change due to the external light. In addition, the light blocking member 46 moves in conjunction with the first light source 38 to prevent external light from reaching the portion of the sub-electrode 18A during writing.

By dividing the electrodes 16 and 18 of the recording element 10 in an appropriate range, the influence of external light (noise light) on the unrecorded portion or the recorded portion as described above can be avoided and the maintenance of the display state can be reliably ensured. You can do it. Therefore, the information recording to the recording element 10 by the small recording apparatus 30 is attained even in a bright place like a fluorescent lamp indoors.

As a result of examining the size of the divided sub-electrode 18, the width | variety of the side of stripe-shaped sub-electrode 18A is 1 cm or more, and / or the clearance 18B (non-electrode part) between the sub-electrodes 18A is If it is 50 micrometers or less, it turned out that the clearance gap 18B is not outstanding and there is no big trouble in visibility.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of the first and second light sources 38, 40 of the flat bed type recording apparatus of FIG. The recording first light source 38 is movable as indicated by the arrow, and a voltage is applied to the power supply members 34 and 36 at the time of recording. The first light source 38 scans while blinking light in the main scanning direction (the transverse direction of the recording element 10), and scans while moving in the sub-scanning direction (the longitudinal direction of the recording element 10). The second light source 40 for initialization or reset is stationarily arranged on the bottom surface of the recording device 30 so as to collectively irradiate the entire surface of the recording element 10. In this case, an alternating pulsed voltage is applied from the power supply members 34 and 37 to the electrodes 16 and 18. Recording is started after the reset.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the arrangement of the first and second light sources 38 and 40 of the flat bed type recording apparatus of FIG. The second light source 40 for initialization or reset is disposed in front of the first light source 38 to move with the first light source 38. In this way, recording can be performed immediately after the reset while moving the first and second light sources 38 and 40. In the case of Fig. 17, there is an advantage that reset and write can be performed in one cycle. As a result, erasure and new writing of previously recorded information can be realized in a short time.

18 is a perspective view showing a sheet feed type recording apparatus. In the sheet feeder type recording apparatus 30, a plurality of recording elements 10 can be stacked on the stacker.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view showing the sheet feed recording device of FIG. 20 is a side sectional view of the sheet feed recording device of FIG. In this sheet feeder type recording apparatus 30, the first light source 38 and the second light source 40 are statically arranged inside the apparatus, and the element conveying mechanism is often arranged inside the apparatus. Therefore, the recording element 10 is conveyed along the conveyance path containing the 1st light source 38 and the 2nd light source 40, and can record in the middle of conveyance. In this case, the reset second light source 40 is provided on the upstream side of the transport path (for example, the side closer to the stacking portion of the recording element 10) than the recording first light source 38. By doing so, similarly to the process of Fig. 17, (a) erasing previously recorded information and (b) recording new information can be performed in one cycle of scanning.

21A and 21B are views showing one of the power feeding members 36 in FIG. The power feeding member 36 is a cushioned protrusion having a proper position on the element conveyance path in the recording apparatus 30. When the recording element 10 is conveyed, the power supply member 36 supplies the voltage to the electrode of the recording element 10 while the recording element 10 flexes flexibly in contact with the corresponding electrode. The power feeding member 36 may be a spherical shape. In FIG. 20, the first light source 38 is protected by the protective glass 50.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view showing a modification of the sheet feed type recording apparatus. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a power feeding member and a recording element of the recording apparatus of FIG. In this example, the power feeding members 34 and 36 are formed as rollers. Moreover, this roller is a conveyance roller which conveys the recording element 10 in the recording apparatus 30. As shown in FIG. 21A to 23, only the power feeding members 34 and 36 positioned below the element carrying path are shown, but the power feeding member 37 positioned above the element carrying path can be configured in the same manner.

In the case where the power feeding members 34 and 36 are formed as rollers, it is preferable that the rollers are located at the transverse ends of the recording element 10 as shown in FIG. In the case of the printer, the conveying roller is arranged to contact the center portion of the paper, but in the case of the roller contacting the recording element 10, when the roller contacts the center portion of the recording element 10, A load is applied to the liquid crystal, and the alignment of the liquid crystal is disturbed, and the quality of the display may deteriorate. In addition, when the roller is disposed at the center of the recording element 10, external light shake may occur. Therefore, the roller is preferably arranged at the end of the recording element 10.

24 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the recording apparatus. When writing information, a voltage is applied in synchronization with the irradiation timing of the first light source 38. At the time of writing the information, for example, a voltage is applied to the electrodes 16 and 18 at the time point T1, and light irradiation is started from the first light source 38 at the time point T2. The irradiation of the light from the first light source 38 is terminated at the time point T3, and the application of the voltage is stopped at the time point T4. The voltage waveform can be determined by the material and characteristics of the recording element 10.

In the recording device 30 using the first light source 38 made of the LED array, writing at any resolution is also possible. In particular, since the recording element 10 using the cholesteric liquid crystal has a feature that is much superior to the printed matter of paper, the following high resolution recording method is effective. As with a flatbed scanner, if you want to finish the process quickly, you can drop the resolution and write it quickly. If you want a high resolution output, write slowly.

25A and 25B show an example of raising the resolution. This example shows a method of doubling the resolution in the sub-scanning direction. Arrows indicate the conveyance direction of the recording element 10. This is the same principle as the scanner. When the writing speed at 600 dpi is set to 1 (Fig. 25A) and when writing at 1200 dpi is set (Fig. 25B), when the writing speed is set to 0.5, the amount of optical information per pixel is 2 As it doubles, high resolution becomes possible.

26A and 26B show an example of raising the resolution. This example shows a method of doubling the resolution in the main scanning direction. For example, when writing at 600 dpi, the dot spacing is about 40 mu m. On the other hand, when writing at 1200 dpi, the dot spacing is about 20 mu m. If the LED light sources are listed at intervals of 40 μm, only 600 dpi images are inevitably written, but after the image is written once (Fig. 26A), the first light source 38 made of the LED array is laterally moved. When 20 micrometers are moved (FIG. 26B), 1200 equivalent writing is possible.

Thus, writing of arbitrary resolution is attained by enabling the scan by the 1st light source 38 to be movable in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. It is also possible to select a writing area like a scanner. In addition, since it is a writing type (line type) writing method rather than a batch writing, it has both characteristics that the user's freedom of writing, such as a resolution and a writing speed, is high, and the information which it does not want to erase can be kept and added as it is.

27 and 28 show a modification of the recording apparatus. FIG. 27 is an example of a flat bed type recording apparatus 30, and FIG. 28 is an example of a sheet feed type recording apparatus 30. As shown in FIG. In these examples, the recording device 30 includes a drive unit 48 for inputting information including a photoelectric element or the like which is used as a scanner adjacent to the first light source 38. In this case, it becomes a multifunctional device having two functions of a scanner and a recording. That is, input and output of image information can be performed by one device.

Next, examples of the recording element 10 and the flat bed recording apparatus 30 will be described in more detail. The display layer 20 of the recording element 10 is a chiral nematic liquid crystal containing an appropriate amount of a chiral agent (mercury CB15) which induces twist in the right direction on the liquid crystal (Merisha E48), and the liquid crystal layer The thickness of is 5 μm. The electrodes 16 and 18 of the recording element 10 are ITO deposited uniformly over the film substrates 12 and 14. At least one of the electrodes is divided into stripe blocks by an etching process to be a sub-electrode. The width of the sub electrode is 1 cm, the gap between the sub electrodes is 50 µm, and the shape of the end portion of the sub electrode is a randomly scattered line. The photoconductive layer 24 uses a single layer type (OPC) having a thickness of 6 μm.

In the recording device 30, the first light source 38 is a LED array in which the LEDs are arranged on a straight line, the interval between the LED light emitting parts is about 40 mu m, and the resolution is equivalent to 600 dpi. When recording is performed at a speed equivalent to 8 ppm (page per minute), which is a standard printing speed, the moving speed of the LED light emitting part is about 5.5 cm / s. This speed is only a standard speed, and the speed is not limited to this.

The display element 10 is placed on the support of the flat bed recording apparatus 30. When the recording element 10 is mounted, when the user executes an initialization command from a terminal such as a PC, the initialization second light source 40 at the bottom of the recording device 30 emits light, and the power supply member 34, A voltage of 150 V from 37 is applied between the electrodes 16 and 18 of the recording element 10, and the written characters or images are erased so that what is written on paper is erased with an eraser.

Next, the recording operation is started for the document or image to be recorded. When the recording device 30 receives the recording command from the terminal, the controller converts the document or image to prepare for recording. When the recording is ready, a voltage of about 100 V is applied between the power feeding members 34 and 36. The LED of the first light source 38 irradiates light on the lower surface side of the recording element 10, that is, the photoconductive layer 24, and scans while blinking repeatedly to print an image or a character.

At this time, the power feeding members 34 and 36 (or only one of the power feeding members 36) also move in parallel with the first light source 38 so that only the portion to which light is irradiated is recorded. The portion where the light is not irradiated is exposed to external light, but since the electrode 18 of the recording element 10 is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes 18A, no voltage is supplied and the display state is changed. There is no work.

The user can observe in real time the moment when the first light source 38 is writing to the recording element 10. When the recording ends, the applied voltage is also released, and the user can take out the recording element 10 from the recording device 30. It is possible to obtain a recording element 10 (reflective display element) having high resolution, excellent visibility, no eye strain, and no load on the environment.

As described with reference to Fig. 27, if the recording device 30 has the function of a scanner, when a user executes a scanner command from a terminal such as a PC, the recording device 30 operates with a CCD head unit. The display medium is scanned similarly to the bed scanner.

Next, an example of the sheet feed type recording apparatus 30 will be described in more detail. The recording element 10 is the same as that described above. The recording element 10 is placed on the stacker of the sheet feed type recording apparatus 30. When the recording element 10 is mounted, when the user executes an initialization command from a terminal such as a PC, the conveyance of the recording element 10 starts. When the recording element 10 reaches the initialization second light source 40 at the bottom of the recording device 30, the light source 40 of 2 emits light and a voltage of 150 V is supplied from the power supply members 34 and 37. Characters or images applied and recorded between the electrodes 16 and 18 of the recording element 10 are erased.

Next, when the recording element 10 reaches the recording first light source 38, the document or image to be recorded is recorded by the blinking of the LED light.

At this time, the portion to which light is not irradiated is exposed to external light, but since the electrode 18 of the recording element 10 is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes 18A, the voltage is not supplied and the display state is maintained. There is nothing to change.

When recording is finished, the element is returned to the discharge section of the apparatus. In this way, it is possible to obtain a recording element 10 (reflective display element) having high resolution, excellent visibility, no eye strain, and no load on the environment.

As described with reference to Fig. 28, if the recording device 30 has the function of a scanner, when the user executes a scanner command from a terminal such as a PC, the recording device 30 will operate the CCD head portion, The display medium is scanned similarly to a flat bed scanner.

In addition, in this invention, it is not limited to the display layer 20 of the recording apparatus 10, and a cholesteric liquid crystal. As the display layer 20, an optical recording medium using, for example, an electrophoresis method, a twist ball method, or the like can also be used.

According to the present invention, the load on the environment due to the abuse of conventional paper can be greatly reduced, and a reflective recording element excellent in visibility can be obtained. In addition, high resolution, low cost, and energy saving recording elements and recording devices can be realized. The recording element and the recording apparatus, for example, do not need a process such as development or fixing as in a conventional printer. Therefore, the shape of the device is simple, so that the recording device can be provided at a small size and at a low cost. The recording element is of the light write type, can be reused many times, is inexpensive and has high reliability.

Claims (19)

A display body, a photoconductor superimposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes respectively disposed on the display body and the photoconductor, wherein at least one of the pair of electrodes is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes, The recording element of which the electrode is stripe-shaped, and the opposite end of the sub-electrode is curved. The recording element according to claim 1, wherein the width of each sub-electrode is 1 cm or more. A recording element according to claim 1, wherein a gap between adjacent sub-electrodes is 50 mu m or less. A recording element according to claim 1, wherein the display member is made of a liquid crystal having a cholesteric phase. A display body, a photoconductor superimposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes respectively disposed on the display body and the photoconductor, wherein at least one of the pair of electrodes is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes, The recording element in which the direction of the electric field induced between the pair of electrodes and the vector is inclined with respect to the substrate surface. 6. The recording element according to claim 5, wherein a gap between adjacent sub electrodes is 50 mu m or less. The recording element according to claim 5, wherein the display body is made of liquid crystal having a cholesteric phase. A recording apparatus for recording information on a display element comprising a display body, a photoconductor superimposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the display body and the photoconductor, respectively; A feeding member for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes included in the recording element; A first light source for writing information into the recording element; A second light source for resetting the recording of the recording element, And the first light source emits light linearly. The recording apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a scanner for reading text or information. A recording apparatus for recording information on a display element comprising a display body, a photoconductor superimposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the display body and the photoconductor, respectively; A feeding member for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes included in the recording element; A first light source for writing information into the recording element; A second light source for resetting the recording of the recording element, And the first light source is movable. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the power feeding member is movable with the first light source. The recording apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second light source is movable with the first light source. 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a light shielding member capable of blocking light from the surface of the recording element, wherein the light shielding member is movable with the first light source. A recording apparatus for recording information on a display element comprising a display body, a photoconductor superimposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the display body and the photoconductor, respectively; A feeding member for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes included in the recording element; A first light source for writing information into the recording element; A second light source for resetting the recording of the recording element, And the second light source generates light in plane. A recording apparatus for recording information on a display element comprising a display body, a photoconductor superimposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the display body and the photoconductor, respectively; A feeding member for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes included in the recording element; A first light source for writing information into the recording element; A second light source for resetting the recording of the recording element, And at least one of the pair of electrodes included in the recording element is divided into a plurality of sub-electrodes, and a portion of the feeding member is arranged such that a voltage can be continuously applied to the plurality of sub-electrodes. A recording apparatus for recording information on a display element comprising a display body, a photoconductor superimposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the display body and the photoconductor, respectively; A feeding member for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes included in the recording element; A first light source for writing information into the recording element; A second light source for resetting the recording of the recording element, And a conveying means for conveying the recording element. A recording apparatus for recording information on a display element comprising a display body, a photoconductor superimposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the display body and the photoconductor, respectively; A feeding member for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes included in the recording element; A first light source for writing information into the recording element; A second light source for resetting the recording of the recording element, At least a portion of the power feeding member comprises a roller. A recording apparatus for recording information on a display element comprising a display body, a photoconductor superimposed on the display body, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the display body and the photoconductor, respectively; A feeding member for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes included in the recording element; A first light source for writing information into the recording element; A second light source for resetting the recording of the recording element, And at least a portion of the feed member comprises an elastically deformable conductor. delete

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