Ink Jet Ink Set Suppressing Cap Deposits via Intermediary Dye
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink jet recording systems face challenges with the generation of deposits in the cap when using aqueous dye and pigment inks, leading to contamination and interference with the ejection port function.
Innovation Solution
The use of an ink jet ink set comprising an aqueous dye ink with a copper phthalocyanine compound and a poly(oxyalkylene) alkyl ether, and an aqueous pigment ink with self-dispersible pigment, which suppresses the aggregation of pigment particles and reduces deposit generation in the cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If aqueous dye ink and aqueous pigment ink are used in the ink jet recording apparatus, then color development and glossiness of recorded matter are improved, but aggregates of pigment particles are gradually deposited in the cap, interfering with ejection port function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific dye structure (copper phthalocyanine compound with limited benzene rings) and poly(oxyalkylene) alkyl ether as intermediary substances that mediate between the dye ink and pigment ink. These intermediaries prevent direct aggregation of pigment particles when the inks mix in the cap, thereby maintaining ejection port function while preserving color quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the dye ink by specifying the use of copper phthalocyanine compound with two or less benzene ring structures and adding poly(oxyalkylene) alkyl ether. These parameter changes in the dye ink composition fundamentally alter the interaction between dye and pigment inks, preventing aggregate formation while maintaining recording quality
2Reliability
If the ejection port is capped with a cap to prevent drying of ink, then drying prevention is achieved, but aggregates of pigment particles are deposited in the cap, causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The specific dye structure and poly(oxyalkylene) alkyl ether act as intermediary substances that prevent pigment particle aggregation during cap storage. This intermediary action allows the cap to function its drying prevention purpose without becoming contaminated with pigment aggregates
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating the specific dye and poly(oxyalkylene) alkyl ether into the dye ink formulation before use. This pre-prepared composition proactively prevents pigment aggregation from occurring in the cap during storage, rather than attempting to correct aggregation after it occurs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents the aggregation of pigment particles and suppresses the generation of deposits in the cap, maintaining the functionality of the ink jet recording apparatus and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
when an aqueous dye ink contains a dye having a predetermined structure and a poly(oxyalkylene) alkyl ether, and when an aqueous pigment ink contains a self-dispersible pigment, pigment particles are not likely to be aggregated even if those inks are mixed with each other
Implementation Method 2
the aqueous pigment ink contains a self-dispersible pigment
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet ink set includes: an aqueous dye ink and an aqueous pigment ink, the ink jet ink set is an ink set to be used for an ink jet recording apparatus which has a first ejection port to eject the aqueous dye ink, a second ejection port to eject the aqueous pigment ink, and a cap to collectively cap the first ejection port and the second ejection port, the cap being composed of the same member as that forming the first ejection port and the second ejection port, the aqueous dye ink contains a dye and a poly(oxyalkylene) alkyl ether, the dye includes a copper phthalocyanine compound having two or less benzene ring structures other than a phthalocyanine skeleton, and the aqueous pigment ink contains a self-dispersible pigment.