Ink Jet Recording Method Using Reaction Liquid Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet recording methods for non-absorptive record media face challenges in maintaining stable ejection and preventing image blurring and unevenness, particularly when using aqueous inks and reaction liquids.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a liquid ejection apparatus with a circulatory channel system, where an aqueous ink and an aqueous reaction liquid are ejected from separate ports, with the reaction liquid containing a reactant that reacts with the ink to improve ejection stability and image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If water is evaporated from the ink surface on non-absorptive record media, then running cost is reduced, but productivity decreases due to reduced recording speed
Solution Approach 1:
A reaction liquid containing a thickening agent is introduced as an intermediary substance between the aqueous ink and the non-absorptive record medium. This reaction liquid promotes rapid aggregation and thickening of ink components upon contact, enabling fast fixation without requiring water evaporation, thus maintaining high recording speed while reducing running costs by eliminating the need for drying units.
2Productivity
If a reaction liquid is used to aggregate ink components, then productivity is improved, but ejection stability deteriorates due to thickening in ejection ports
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction liquid is ejected from a separate dedicated ejection port rather than being mixed with the ink in the ink reservoir. This extraction approach keeps the reaction liquid and ink separate until the moment of application, preventing premature aggregation and thickening in the ink supply system, while still achieving rapid ink fixation on the record medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The viscosity and composition parameters of the reaction liquid are specifically optimized to remain stable during storage and ejection, then undergo rapid change only after contact with the ink on the record medium. This parameter control ensures stable ejection performance while maintaining high productivity through fast ink aggregation.
3Productivity
If continuous recording is performed for a long period, then productivity is improved, but ejection stability deteriorates due to stagnation of ink components
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous circulation and fresh supply of both ink and reaction liquid during prolonged recording operations. The reaction liquid is continuously replenished from its dedicated reservoir, ensuring that stagnant or aggregated components are constantly replaced, thereby maintaining stable ejection performance throughout continuous recording sessions.
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 approach enhances the stability and continuity of ink ejection, reducing image blurring and unevenness, and allows for continuous recording without interruptions, improving overall productivity and image quality.
Implementation Method 1
ejecting, from a second ejection port, an aqueous reaction liquid containing a reactant that reacts with the aqueous ink
Implementation Method 2
flowing the aqueous reaction liquid from the upstream channel to the downstream channel through the pressure chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet recording method including ejecting an aqueous ink from a first ejection port, and ejecting, from a second ejection port, an aqueous reaction liquid containing a reactant that reacts with the aqueous ink. The liquid ejection apparatus includes an element substrate having the second ejection port configured to eject the aqueous reaction liquid, a pressure chamber, and an energy-generating element, an upstream channel r, and a downstream channe, and the element substrate has a face configured to face the record medium in an ejection direction of the aqueous reaction liquid, wherein the method further including ejecting the aqueous reaction liquid from the second ejection port which is located closer to the pressure chamber than the face, and flowing the aqueous reaction liquid from the upstream channel to the downstream channel through the pressure chamber.