JPH09302293A - Ink, ink cartridge, recording unit, method for ink jet recording by using them and ink jet recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an ink desirably usable for ink jet recording and capable of forming fluorescent images excellent in color development and light resistance by using a specified dye and a specified component. SOLUTION: This ink is used for ink jet recording and contains a dye having a pyrene ring and 2 to below 5wt.% triethanolamine. The dye user is desirably a partial hydroxy-substituted product of sodium pyrenetrisulfonate. For example, C.I. Solvent Green 7 being a water-soluble dye is desirable as a colorant of a yellow ink. The content of the dye is desirably 0.2-8wt.% based on the entire weight of the ink. The pH of the ink is desirably 9 or above.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ink capable of forming an image exhibiting fluorescence, which can be preferably used for ink jet recording, an ink cartridge, a recording unit, an ink jet recording method and an ink jet recording apparatus using the ink.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, various compositions have been reported for inks using a fluorescent dye containing a pyrene ring as a coloring material, mainly for writing instruments. For example, JP-A-6-73
In Japanese Patent No. 324, a fluorescent dye of 0.01 to 30%, triethanolamine of 5 to 50%, a viscosity modifier composed of a polymer compound, and at least water are contained, and a solid content when dried is 15 to 60. Fluorescent water-based inks for ballpoint pens having a viscosity of 50 to 2,000 cPs in% have been proposed. In addition, in JP-A-59-43076, an ink jet having excellent characteristics in which a fluorescent whitening agent is added to yellow ink in an amount of 1 to 5% to improve water resistance and light resistance of an image to be formed. A yellow fluorescent ink for recording has been proposed.

[0003]

However, the ink described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 6-73324 is an ink for writing instruments, and has a color developability in a monochromatic image when applied to a recording medium such as paper. And light resistance is a problem,
It is enough if these are met at a given level,
It is also prescribed as such. On the other hand, in the case of forming an image exhibiting fluorescence by using the inkjet recording method, first, as a premise, it is necessary that the ink used has the specific performance required by the inkjet recording method. Specifically, it is resistant to clogging of ink nozzles, reliability of ejection stability when ink is re-ejected after printing is stopped, and further, it may occur when printed on a recording medium such as paper. There are various performances such as prevention of occurrence of a certain whisker-like bleeding and color bleeding which may occur at a boundary portion between images composed of inks of different colors.

When an ink which can satisfy all of these ink jet recording suitability and is excellent in color development of fluorescent color and light resistance when printed, a fluorescent color ink jet recorded image having high printing quality is obtained. Can be obtained stably. Furthermore, when forming a multicolored image using the inkjet recording method, the fluorescent inks described above are not used in a single color, but two colors of ink are mixed to obtain various colors (hereinafter Secondary colors, such as red, green, and blue), may be printed. Therefore, not only the color-developing images but also the color fastnesses are excellent. Desired.
In particular, it was difficult to obtain an image having sufficient light resistance with respect to red, which is a secondary color of yellow ink and magenta ink. On the other hand, attention has been paid to all the points mentioned above, and an ink having fluorescence which can be suitably used for ink jet recording has not been known so far.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, to be suitably used for ink jet recording, to be excellent in color development of a single color image, and to be mixed with other color inks. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluorescent color ink capable of obtaining a recorded image exhibiting fluorescence excellent in color developability and light resistance even when an image is formed. Further, the object of the present invention is to
An object of the present invention is to provide an ink cartridge suitable for an inkjet recording method, which is excellent in color development of fluorescent colors and can suppress fading of a mixed color image formed.
Further, an object of the present invention is that when printing is performed on various recording media, it exhibits excellent primary (monochromatic) color development as well as excellent secondary and tertiary color development. Another object of the present invention is to provide an inkjet recording method and an inkjet recording apparatus in which fading of recorded images of secondary colors and tertiary colors formed by these colors is effectively suppressed.

[0006]

The above objects are achieved by the present invention described below. That is, the present invention is an ink used for inkjet recording, characterized by containing a dye having a pyrene ring and 2% by weight or more and less than 5% by weight of triethanolamine. And an ink jet recording method and an ink jet recording apparatus using the same.

[0007]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention. The ink of the present invention is first used for ink jet recording, and is characterized by containing a dye having a pyrene ring and 2% by weight or more and less than 5% by weight of triethanolamine. The ink is stored in an ink storage unit in which the ink is stored and provided for inkjet recording.
In an ink cartridge or a recording unit having first to third ink storage units that store inks of different colors, the first ink storage unit stores yellow ink (hereinafter referred to as “first ink”). Color) together with magenta ink (hereinafter referred to as “second ink”) and cyan ink (hereinafter referred to as “third ink”) stored in the other second and third storage portions, respectively. Used in the formation of images. Hereinafter, first, the above-mentioned "first ink" will be described in detail.

As the dye having a pyrene ring used in the first ink, as described above, for example, a water-soluble fluorescent dye that gives the ink a yellow color tone can be mentioned. Specific examples thereof include hydroxy partial substitution products of sodium pyrene tetrasulfonate and sodium pyrene trisulfonate, amino partial substitution products of sodium pyrene tetrasulfonate and sodium pyrene trisulfonate, and pyrene tetrasulfonic acid. Examples thereof include partially substituted acetamides of sodium and sodium pyrene trisulfonate. In the present invention, among these, a hydroxy partial substitution product of sodium pyrene trisulfonate is preferably used. For example, C.I. which is a water-soluble dye represented by the structural formulas shown below. I. Solvent Green 7 is suitable as a coloring material for yellow ink that can give an excellent fluorescent color image.

[0009]

In the first ink containing the water-soluble fluorescent dye having a pyrene ring as mentioned above, the content of the dye in the ink is not particularly limited, but it is 0.2 to 8 weight% of the total weight of the ink. % Is preferable, and in particular,
It is preferably in the range of 0.5 to 5% by weight. That is, by setting the content in this range, for example, the reliability as an inkjet ink, such as the color developability and the ejection stability of the ink, can be further improved.

Next, in the present invention, triethanolamine, which is a material constituting the first ink together with the above-mentioned dye having a pyrene ring, acts as a color-developing agent for the above-mentioned water-soluble fluorescent dye. The amount of triethanolamine in the first ink is 2% by weight or more and less than 5% by weight. That is, when the amount of triethanolamine in the ink is within this range, a single-color image when printed on plain paper (for example, neutral paper or acid paper) using the first ink, for example, C. whose structural formula is shown above. I. When Solvent Green 7 is used, a high-quality yellow image that sufficiently develops color and exhibits fluorescence is obtained. In particular, by using the dye as described above, a secondary color image when a secondary color image of the first ink having the above-mentioned configuration and another ink is printed on a recording medium such as a glossy film. The fading problem of the secondary color image of red formed when the first ink is the yellow ink and the other ink is the magenta ink can be effectively suppressed.

Further, when the first ink having the above-mentioned structure is used, after the ink is ejected from a predetermined nozzle of the recording head of the ink jet recording apparatus, the same nozzle ejects the ink for a predetermined time (period). Even when the ink is left without being ejected, the next ink is ejected stably. That is, it is possible to effectively avoid the problem that ink is not ejected stably in the conventional case.

In the present invention, the first structure having the above structure
It is preferable that the ink has a pH of 9 or more, more preferably 9.2 or more. For example, if the pH of the first ink is 9
-14, particularly preferably pH 9.2-12. When the pH of the ink is 9 or more, the first ink containing the above-described dye containing a pyrene ring and triethanolamine is used by mixing the ink with another color, for example, magenta or cyan ink, 2 on various recording media
When an image of the secondary color or the tertiary color is formed, fading of the image of the secondary color or the tertiary color can be suppressed very effectively. Specifically, the first ink is, for example, a yellow ink containing the solvent green 7 described above, and fading of the red image formed by the secondary colors of the first ink and the magenta ink is extremely effectively suppressed. It will be possible.

Here, in adjusting the pH of the first ink,
For example, it is preferable to add a hydroxide or an alkali metal salt. Examples of the hydroxide used at this time include sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide and the like. Examples of the alkali metal salt include sodium acetate, lithium acetate, potassium acetate, sodium nitrate, lithium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium phosphate, lithium phosphate, potassium phosphate, sodium carbonate, lithium carbonate and potassium carbonate.

The first of these hydroxides and alkali metal salts
The content of the ink in the ink is not particularly limited as long as the pH of the ink can be set to a desired value, and for example,
It is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 5 wt%. However, the pH of the first ink may have a pH of 9 or higher or 9.2 or higher without any particular adjustment depending on the content of triethanolamine. Adjustment of pH is not always necessary. However, when the pH of the first ink is lower than 9, the addition of the above-mentioned hydroxide or alkali metal salt causes p
It is preferable to adjust H to further suppress the fading of secondary colors and tertiary colors.

In the present invention, it is preferable to use a mixture of water and a water-soluble organic solvent as the liquid medium for dissolving the above-mentioned coloring material used when preparing the first ink. Examples of specific water-soluble organic solvent that can be used in the present invention include, for example, amides such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide, ketones such as acetone, ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane,
Polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, ethylene glycol,
Propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol and other alkylene groups containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms, glycerin, ethylene glycol Lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether and triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, monohydric alcohols such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-dimethyl-
Examples thereof include cyclic amide compounds such as 2-imidazolidinone, sulfolane, dimethyl sulfoxide, 2-pyrrolidone and ε-caprolactam, and imide compounds such as succinimide. However, the present invention is not limited to these compounds. When used for inkjet, the content of these water-soluble organic solvents in the ink is generally in the range of 10 to 40% by weight, more preferably 10 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the ink. .

Further, when the first ink is prepared,
By containing at least one kind of surfactant in addition to the components described above, it is possible to impart desired penetrability and viscosity to the ink, and to further satisfy the performance required for the inkjet recording ink. Can be made.

As the surfactant used in this case,
Any of an ionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant, or a mixture of two or more thereof may be used. Specifically, for example, fatty acid salts, higher alcohol acid ester salts, alkylbenzene sulfonates,
Anionic surfactants such as higher alcohol phosphate ester salts, aliphatic amine salts, cationic surfactants such as quaternary ammonium salts, higher alcohol ethylene oxide adducts, alkylphenol ethylene oxide adducts, aliphatic ethylene oxide adducts, Polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester Ethylene oxide adduct, aliphatic amide ethylene oxide adduct, higher alkylamine ethylene oxide adduct, polypropylene glycol ethylene oxide adduct, fatty acid ester of polyhydric alcohol, nonionicity of fatty acid amide of alkanolamine Surfactants, amino acid type, betaine type amphoteric surfactants and the like can be mentioned. In the present invention, any of these is preferably used, and more preferably, an ethylene oxide adduct of a higher alcohol, an ethylene oxide adduct of an alkylphenol, an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer, an ethylene oxide adduct of acetylene glycol And the like. Further, those having an addition mole number of the ethylene oxide adduct in the range of 4 to 20 are particularly preferable.

The amount of the above-mentioned surfactant added to the ink is not particularly limited, but is 0.0% of the total weight of the ink.
It is preferably in the range of 1 to 10% by weight. If it is less than 0.01% by weight, the desired permeability is generally not obtained although it depends on the kind of the surfactant. If it exceeds 10% by weight,
The initial viscosity of the ink becomes too high, which is not preferable. More preferably, it is in the range of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. In addition, in the first ink of the present invention, in addition to the above components, urea or a urea derivative as an alkali supplier, a pH adjusting agent and a viscosity adjusting agent for imparting desired performance to the ink, if necessary. Additives such as agents, preservatives, antioxidants, evaporation accelerators, rust preventives, fungicides and chelating agents may be added.

Next, the ink cartridge of the present invention and the recording unit in which the above-mentioned ink of the present invention is preferably used will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment (900) of the recording unit of the present invention. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 901 denotes an ink jet recording head element, which includes an ink ejection unit 903, an ink supply tank unit 905, a wiring board 907 provided with wiring for transmitting a signal for driving an ejection energy generation element, and supporting these. The base plate 909 and the like. or,
The ink ejection portion 903 includes an ejection port 903A formed on the surface facing the recording medium, a liquid path extending inward, and an electrothermal converter disposed in each liquid path. And the common liquid chamber communicating with each liquid passage. The ink supply tank unit 905 functions as a sub tank for receiving the ink supply from the ink cartridge 911 and guiding the ink to the common liquid chamber in the ejection unit 903. The base plate 913 is made of aluminum or the like, and also functions as a heat dissipation plate that suppresses heat generation of the recording head element 901 that accompanies driving of an ejection energy generating element such as an electrothermal converter.

In the recording unit of the present invention having the above-described structure, the ink cartridge 911 may be integrally formed with the ink jet recording head, or the ink cartridge and the ink jet recording head are independent from each other and are required. It may be configured to be removable according to the above. The ink cartridge 911 in FIG. 9 is a housing 913 that constitutes an ink containing portion for containing ink.
And a lid member 915 for sealing the housing. 9
Reference numeral 17 is a protrusion provided on the recording head element 901, and is provided with a taper in order to facilitate connection with the ink cartridge 911. Reference numeral 919 denotes a recording head element housing portion 9 of the ink cartridge 911.
It is an opening provided in 19A, and it engages with the protrusion 917, and by this engagement, the recording head element 901 and the ink cartridge 911 are coupled.

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 40 denotes an accommodating portion for accommodating ink, which is, for example, an ink bag, and a rubber stopper 42 is provided at the tip thereof. The ink in the ink bag can be supplied to the recording head by inserting a needle (not shown) into the plug 42. In the present invention, the ink storage unit 40
First, the first ink described above is stored. Reference numeral 44 in FIG. 5 is an ink absorber for receiving waste ink. In the present invention, it is preferable that the material for forming the ink containing portion 40 is made of polyolefin, particularly preferably polyethylene, for the liquid contact surface with the ink in order to suppress the deterioration of the ink.

Another embodiment of the ink cartridge of the present invention is shown in FIG. FIG.
In the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 3, the ink absorber 916 is accommodated inside the housing 913 that constitutes the ink accommodating portion, and the ink absorber is impregnated with the first ink described above. The first ink is stored in the section. Examples of the ink absorber used in this case include polyurethane, cellulose, polyvinyl acetal, and the like.

Furthermore, in the ink cartridge of the present invention,
As shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the first ink containing portion 1001 containing the first ink, a second ink containing a second ink and a third ink having a color different from the first ink is contained. The second and third ink storage units 1003 and 1005 may be provided. Furthermore, each of these ink storage units may be independent, or may be integrated as shown in FIG. Further, in FIG. 10, 1007 is an atmosphere communication hole, and 1009 is an ink jet recording head unit.

In the present invention, the configurations of the second and third inks stored in the second and third ink storage portions 1003 and 1005 will be described below. In the ink cartridge of the present invention, for example, the ink cartridge 1000 as shown in FIG. 10 is used and configured as follows. The ink to be stored in the first ink storage unit 1001 is the first ink having the above-described configuration, and when the color is yellow, the second and third inks are, for example, magenta ink and cyan ink. It is possible to

The magenta ink preferably used in the present invention will be described below. The magenta ink used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but as a coloring material constituting the magenta ink, a water-soluble dye, particularly,
It is preferred to use water-soluble fluorescent dyes. By using water-soluble fluorescent dye, clear fluorescent magenta image,
Alternatively, it is possible to obtain a pastel image. Specific examples of the water-soluble fluorescent dye used in magenta ink include C.I. I. Basic Red 1, C.I. I. Basic Red 2, C.I. I. Basic Red 9, C.I.
I. Basic Red 12, C.I. I. Basic Red 13, C.I. I. Basic Red 14, C.I. I. Basic Red 17, C.I. I. Acid Red 51, C.I.
I. Acid Red 52, C.I. I. Acid Red 9
2, C.I. I. Acid Red 94, C.I. I. Basic Violet 1, C.I. I. Basic Violet 3,
C. I. Basic Violet 7, C.I. I. Basic Violet 10 and C.I. I. Basic Violet 14 and the like can be mentioned. The content of the coloring material in these magenta inks is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the ink. That is, in this range, for example, in addition to the color developability, the reliability of the inkjet ink such as the ink ejection stability can be further improved.

Further, in the present invention, it is preferable to add an oxidizing agent to the magenta ink having the coloring material as described above. In this way, especially glossy film, O
When printing on a recording medium such as an HP film or a back print film, it is used together with the yellow ink having the above-mentioned constitution to better suppress the fading of red which is a secondary color of the yellow ink and the magenta ink. Is possible. As the oxidizing agent contained in the magenta ink,
For example, benzene sulfonate or nitrobenzene sulfonate is preferable, and sodium benzene sulfonate or sodium nitrobenzene sulfonate, which is a sodium salt thereof, is more preferably used. The content of these oxidizing agents in the magenta ink is not particularly limited, but is 0.01 wt% to the total weight of the ink.
It is preferably added in the range of 10% by weight.

Furthermore, although the cyan ink preferably used in the present invention is not particularly limited, it is preferable to use a water-soluble dye as a coloring material of the cyan ink. Specific examples of the water-soluble dye used for cyan ink include C.I. I. Acid Blue 9, C.I. I. Acid Blue 13, C.I. I. Acid Blue 68, C.I.
I. Acid Blue 69, C.I. I. Acid Blue 13
8, C.I. I. Acid Blue 185, C.I. I. Acid Blue 249, C.I. I. Acid Blue 258, C.I.
I. Direct Blue 83, C.I. I. Direct Blue 86, C.I. I. Direct Blue 87, C.I. I. Direct Blue 95, C.I. I. Direct Blue 143,
C. I. Direct Blue 166, C.I. I. Direct Blue 176 and C.I. I. Direct Blue 199 and the like can be mentioned. The content of these cyan ink coloring materials in the ink is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8% by weight, and more preferably 0.5 to 8% by weight, as in the above-described yellow ink and magenta ink. The range is 5% by weight.

Further, the ink cartridge of the present invention has, in addition to the three ink containing portions containing the three different colors of ink shown in FIG. 10, a black ink as shown in FIG. The ink cartridge may be provided with an ink storage portion 1101 for storing the ink. The black ink stored in the ink storage portion (1101) of the ink cartridge shown in FIG. 11 will be described below.
The black ink used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a water-soluble dye as a coloring material constituting the black ink. Specific examples of the water-soluble dye used in the black ink include C.I. I. Direct Black 17, C.I. I. Direct Black 1
9, C.I. I. Direct Black 62, C.I. I. Direct Black 154, C.I. I. Food Black 2, C.I.
I. Reactive Black 5, C.I. I. Acid Black 52, C.I. I. Project Fast Black 2 etc. are mentioned. The content of the water-soluble dye in the black ink is preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8% by weight, more preferably 0.5 to 8%, as in the yellow ink, magenta ink and cyan ink described above. The range is 5% by weight.

When an ink of each color of magenta, cyan and black used in the present invention as described above is prepared, a mixture of water and a water-soluble organic solvent is used as a liquid medium for dissolving the coloring material described above. It is preferable to use. Specific examples of the water-soluble organic solvent include, for example, amides such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide, ketones such as acetone, ethers such as tetrahydrofuran and dioxane, polyalkylene glycols such as polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, Alkylene glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, thiodiglycol, hexylene glycol, diethylene glycol containing 2 to 6 carbon atoms, glycerin , Lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, diethylene glycol monomethyl ether and triethylene glycol monomethyl ether, Pentanol, monohydric alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol, N- methyl-2-pyrrolidone,
1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone, sulfolane, dimethyl sulfoxide, 2-pyrrolidone and ε
Examples include cyclic amide compounds such as caprolactam, and imide compounds such as succinimide. However, the present invention is not limited to these compounds. When used for inkjet, the content of these water-soluble organic solvents in the ink is generally preferably 10 to 40% by weight, more preferably 10 to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. The range is wt%.

Further, in the case of producing inks of magenta, cyan and black colors, the inks are made to contain at least one kind of surfactant in addition to the components described above. The desired penetrability and viscosity can be imparted to the ink, and the performance required for the ink jet recording ink can be further satisfied.

The surfactant used in this case includes:
Any of an ionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant, or a mixture of two or more thereof may be used. Specifically, for example, fatty acid salts, higher alcohol acid ester salts, alkylbenzene sulfonates,
Anionic surfactants such as higher alcohol phosphate ester salts, aliphatic amine salts, cationic surfactants such as quaternary ammonium salts, higher alcohol ethylene oxide adducts, alkylphenol ethylene oxide adducts, aliphatic ethylene oxide adducts, Polyhydric alcohol fatty acid ester Ethylene oxide adduct, aliphatic amide ethylene oxide adduct, higher alkylamine ethylene oxide adduct, polypropylene glycol ethylene oxide adduct, fatty acid ester of polyhydric alcohol, nonionicity of fatty acid amide of alkanolamine Surfactants, amino acid type, betaine type amphoteric surfactants and the like can be mentioned. In the present invention, any of these is preferably used, and more preferably, an ethylene oxide adduct of a higher alcohol, an ethylene oxide adduct of an alkylphenol, an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer, an ethylene oxide adduct of acetylene glycol And the like. Further, those having an addition mole number of the ethylene oxide adduct in the range of 4 to 20 are particularly preferable.

The amount of the above-mentioned surfactant added to the ink is not particularly limited, but is 0.0% of the total weight of the ink.
It is preferably in the range of 1 to 10% by weight. If it is less than 0.01% by weight, the desired permeability is generally not obtained although it depends on the kind of the surfactant. If it exceeds 10% by weight,
The initial viscosity of the ink increases, which is not preferable. More preferably, it is in the range of 0.1 to 5.0% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. In addition to the above components, if necessary, urea or a urea derivative as an alkali supplier and a pH for imparting desired performance to the ink
You may mix | blend additives, such as a regulator, a viscosity modifier, a preservative, an antioxidant, an evaporation promoter, a rust preventive, a fungicide, and a chelating agent.

The above-mentioned recording unit and ink cartridge are preferably used in an ink jet recording method in which ink is ejected from an orifice in response to a recording signal to record on a recording medium.
It is particularly preferably used in an ink jet recording system in which ink is ejected for recording. As a recording method for suitably performing recording by using the recording unit or the ink cartridge of the present invention, an ink jet recording in which thermal energy corresponding to a recording signal is applied to ink contained in a recording head and a droplet is generated by the energy A method can be used, and an example of the inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention to which such an inkjet recording method is applied will be described below.

First, an example of a head structure, which is a main part of the apparatus, is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the head 13 along the ink flow path, and FIG.
It is sectional drawing in the B line. The head 13 includes a glass, ceramic or plastic plate having a groove 14 through which ink passes, and a heat generating head 15 used for thermal recording (a thin film head is shown in the figure, but is not limited to this). And obtained by bonding. The heating head 15 has a good heat dissipation property such as a protective film 16 formed of silicon oxide, aluminum electrodes 17-1 and 17-2, a heating resistor layer 18 formed of nichrome, a heat storage layer 19, and alumina. It consists of a substrate 20.

The ink 21 has a discharge orifice (fine hole) 2
2, and the meniscus 23 is formed by the pressure P. Now, when electric signal information is applied to the aluminum electrodes 17-1 and 17-2, the area of the heating head 15 indicated by n rapidly generates heat, and bubbles are generated in the ink 21 in contact with the area. The meniscus 23 protrudes, the ink 21 is ejected to form an ink droplet 24, and flies from the ejection orifice 22 toward the recording medium 25.

FIG. 3 shows an external view of a multi-head in which a large number of the heads shown in FIG. 1 are arranged. The multi-head is manufactured by closely contacting a glass plate 27 having a multi-groove 26 and a heating head 28 similar to that described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an ink jet recording apparatus incorporating the above head. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 61 denotes a blade as a wiping member, one end of which is held by a blade holding member to become a fixed end, and forms a cantilever. The blade 61 is arranged at a position adjacent to a recording area of the recording head 65, and in the present example, is held in a form protruding into the movement path of the recording head 65. Reference numeral 62 denotes a cap on the ejection port surface of the recording head 65, which is disposed at a home position adjacent to the blade 61, moves in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the recording head 65, contacts the ink ejection port surface, and performs capping. Is provided. Further, reference numeral 63 denotes an ink absorber provided adjacent to the blade 61, which is held in a form protruding into the movement path of the recording head 65, similarly to the blade 61.

The blade 61, the cap 62, and the ink absorber 63 constitute an ejection recovery section 64, and the blade 61 and the ink absorber 63 remove water, dust, and the like on the ink ejection port surface. Reference numeral 65 denotes a recording head which has an ejection energy generating means and ejects ink onto a recording medium facing the ejection port surface where the ejection ports are arranged to perform recording.
Reference numeral 66 denotes a carriage on which the recording head 65 is mounted and moved. The carriage 66 is slidably engaged with the guide shaft 67, and a part of the carriage 66 is a motor 68.
(Not shown) connected to the belt 69 driven by the motor. As a result, the carriage 66 can move along the guide shaft 67, and the recording head 65 can move the recording area and the adjacent area.

Reference numeral 51 is a paper feed section for inserting a recording medium, and 52 is a paper feed roller driven by a motor (not shown). With these configurations, the recording medium is fed to the position facing the ejection opening surface of the recording head 65, and is ejected to the ejection unit provided with the ejection roller 53 as the recording progresses.

In the above structure, when the recording head 65 returns to the home position after recording is completed, the cap 62 of the ejection recovery unit 64 is retracted from the moving path of the recording head 65, but the blade 61 projects into the moving path. There is. As a result, the ejection port surface of the recording head 65 is wiped.
When capping is performed with the cap 62 in contact with the ejection surface of the recording head 65, the cap 62 moves so as to protrude into the movement path of the recording head.

When the recording head 65 moves from the home position to the recording start position, the cap 62 and the blade 61 are in the same position as the above-mentioned position during wiping. As a result, the ejection port surface of the recording head 65 is also wiped during this movement. The movement of the print head 65 to the home position is performed not only at the end of printing or at the time of ejection recovery, but also at the home position adjacent to the printing area at a predetermined interval while the printing head 65 moves through the printing area for printing. And the wiping is performed with this movement.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 70 denotes a recording unit, in which an ink containing portion containing ink, for example, an ink absorber is contained, and the ink in the ink absorber has a plurality of orifices. Head portion 71
The ink is ejected as ink from. The recording unit 70 is used in place of the recording head shown in FIG. 4, and is detachable from the carriage 66.

In the recording apparatus of the present invention, the ink jet recording apparatus in which thermal energy is applied to the ink to eject the ink has been described above as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other ink jets such as a piezo method using a piezoelectric element are used. The same can be applied to the recording device.

In the present invention, for example, ink jet recording is carried out using the ink unit of the present invention in which yellow, magenta and cyan inks are combined. In this case, for example, a plurality of recording heads as shown in FIG. 3 are used. Use recording devices lined up on the carriage. FIG. 7 shows an example in which four recording heads that store inks of four colors obtained by adding black ink to the above ink are arranged. Reference numerals 81, 82, 83, and 84 are recording heads for ejecting recording inks of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black colors, respectively. The head is arranged in the above-described recording device and ejects recording ink of each color according to a recording signal. Further, although FIG. 7 shows an example in which four recording heads are used, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 8, one recording head is used for yellow, magenta, cyan, and
You may perform black by dividing a liquid flow path.

[0046]

Next, the present invention will be described more specifically with reference to examples and comparative examples. In the following description, parts and% are based on weight unless otherwise specified. Example 1 First, after mixing and dissolving the following components for each ink, pressure filtration was performed with a membrane filter (trade name: Fluoropore filter, manufactured by Sumitomo Electric Industries) having a pore size of 0.22 μm, and yellow, magenta and An ink set of this example made of cyan was prepared. For yellow ink, add 10% aqueous lithium hydroxide to adjust the pH.
Was adjusted to 9.7.

(Composition of yellow ink) Solvent Green 7 1.5 parts Triethanolamine 3.0 parts Glycerin 7.5 parts Diethylene glycol 10 parts Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.0 parts 10 % Lithium hydroxide solution 1.5 parts Water 75.5 parts

(Composition of magenta ink) C.I. I. Acid Red 94 2.0 parts ・ Ethylene glycol 5 parts ・ 1,2,6-Hexanetriol 15 parts ・ Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.5 parts ・ Water 76.5 parts

(Composition of cyan ink) C.I. I. Direct Blue 86 2.0 parts-Thiodiglycol 9 parts-Urea 6 parts-Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.0 part-Water 82 parts

Each of the inks obtained above was replaced with a BC film manufactured by Canon Inc.
The cartridge was filled in a -05 cartridge to manufacture the recording unit of this example.

Example 2 In the same manner as in Example 1, yellow having the following composition,
Magenta and cyan inks were prepared. For the yellow ink, the pH was adjusted to 9.7 by adding a 10% sodium hydroxide aqueous solution. (Yellow ink composition) Solvent Green 7 1.8 parts Triethanolamine 4.0 parts Thiodiglycol 8 parts Glycerin 6 parts Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.0 parts Sodium hydroxide 2 Part-urea 7 parts-water 70.2 parts

(Composition of magenta ink) C.I. I. Acid Red 92 1.5 parts-Glycerin 10 parts-Thiodiglycol 7 parts-Urea 8 parts-Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.5 parts-Water 72 parts

(Composition of cyan ink) C.I. I. Direct Blue 199 2.0 parts-Glycerin 7.5 parts-Ethylene glycol 7.5 parts-Urea 7.5 parts-Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.0 parts-Water 74.5 parts

Each of the inks obtained above was replaced with a BC film manufactured by Canon Inc.
The cartridge was filled in a -05 cartridge to manufacture the recording unit of this example.

Example 3 In the same manner as in Example 1, yellow having the following composition,
Magenta and cyan inks were prepared. The pH of the yellow ink was 9.2. In the magenta ink,
As the oxidant, one containing 1.0 part of sodium benzenesulfonate was used. (Yellow ink composition) Solvent Green 7 1.5 parts Triethanolamine 3.0 parts Glycerin 7.5 parts Diethylene glycol 10 parts Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.0 parts Water 77 parts

(Composition of Magenta Ink) C.I. I. Acid Red 92 2.0 parts-Ethylene glycol 5 parts-1,2,6-Hexanetriol 15 parts-Sodium benzenesulfonate 1.0 part-Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.5 parts-Water 75.5 Department

(Composition of cyan ink) C.I. I. Direct Blue 86 2.0 parts-Thiodiglycol 9 parts-Urea 6 parts-Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.0 part-Water 82 parts

Each of the inks obtained above was replaced with a BC film manufactured by Canon Inc.
The cartridge was filled in a -05 cartridge to manufacture the recording unit of this example.

Example 4 In the same manner as in Example 1, yellow having the following composition,
Magenta and cyan inks were prepared. The pH of the yellow ink was 9.5. In the magenta ink,
As the oxidant, one containing 1.0 part of sodium m-nitrobenzenesulfonate was used. (Yellow ink composition) Solvent Green 7 1.8 parts Triethanolamine 4.0 parts Thiodiglycol 8 parts Glycerin 6 parts Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.0 parts Urea 7 parts 72.2 parts of water

(Composition of magenta ink) C.I. I. Acid Red 92 1.5 parts-Glycerin 10 parts-Thiodiglycol 7 parts-Urea 8 parts-Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.5 parts-Sodium m-nitrobenzenesulfonate 1.0 parts-Water 71 parts

(Composition of cyan ink) C.I. I. Direct Blue 199 2.0 parts-Glycerin 7.5 parts-Ethylene glycol 7.5 parts-Urea 7.5 parts-Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.0 parts-Water 74.5 parts

Each of the inks obtained above was replaced with a BC film manufactured by Canon Inc.
The cartridge was filled in a -05 cartridge to manufacture the recording unit of this example.

Comparative Example 1 In the same manner as in Example 1, yellow having the following composition,
Magenta and cyan inks were prepared. The pH of the yellow ink was 8.6. (Yellow ink composition) -Solvent Green 7 1.5 parts-Triethanolamine 1.0 part-Ethylene glycol 7.5 parts-Thiodiglycol 6.5 parts-Urea 7.0 parts-Water 76.5 parts

(Composition of magenta ink) The magenta ink used in the ink set of Example 1 was used. (Composition of cyan ink) The cyan ink used in the ink set of Example 1 was used.

Each of the inks obtained above was replaced with a BC film manufactured by Canon Inc.
The recording unit of this comparative example was manufactured by filling the cartridge in a -05 cartridge.

Comparative Example 2 In the same manner as in Example 1, yellow having the following composition,
Magenta and cyan inks were prepared. The pH of the yellow ink was 10.1.

(Yellow Ink Composition) Solvent Green 7 1.5 parts Glycerin 8.0 parts Thiodiglycol 7.0 parts Urea 7.0 parts Triethanolamine 8.0 parts Acetylenol EH (River) Ken Fine Chemical) 1.0 part ・ Water 67.5 part

(Composition of magenta ink) C.I. I. Acid Red 92 2.0 parts-Glycerin 8.0 parts-Ethylene glycol 10.0 parts-Urea 5.0 parts-Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.5 parts-Water 73.5 parts

(Composition of cyan ink) C.I. I. Direct Blue 199 2.0 parts-Glycerin 10.0 parts-Thiodiglycol 5.0 parts-Urea 5.0 parts-Acetylenol EH (Kawaken Fine Chemicals) 1.0 parts-Water 77.0 parts

Each of the inks obtained above was replaced with a BC film manufactured by Canon Inc.
The recording unit of this comparative example was manufactured by filling the cartridge in a -05 cartridge.

Comparative Example 3 In the same manner as in Example 1, yellow having the following composition,
Magenta and cyan inks were prepared. The pH of the yellow ink was 5.5.

(Composition of yellow ink) Solvent Green 7 2.0 parts Glycerin 6 parts Ethylene glycol 11 parts Water 81 parts

(Composition of Magenta Ink) C.I. I. Acid Red 51 1.5 parts-Thiodiglycol 9 parts-Diethylene glycol 7 parts-Water 82.5 parts

(Cyan Ink Composition) C.I. I. Acid Blue 9 2.0 parts-1,2,6-hexanetriol 10.0 parts-Propylene glycol 8.0 parts-Water 80 parts

Each of the inks obtained above was replaced with a B product made by Canon.
A C-05 cartridge was filled and a recording unit of this comparative example was produced.

[0076]

[Evaluation] Next, the above Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to
The inkjet cartridge obtained in Comparative Example 3 was replaced with B
JC-210 (manufactured by Canon) is used as a recording medium, and HR-101: coated paper (manufactured by Canon), H
G-101: a glossy film (manufactured by Canon) and XX: Xerox 4024 plain paper (manufactured by Xerox) were used to perform a printing test, and the images obtained were evaluated. As a printing test, solid patches of yellow and red were printed on the recording medium. Evaluation items include (1) yellow color development, (2) red light resistance,
The images obtained by the following evaluation methods and evaluation criteria were evaluated as (3) yellow light resistance and (4) re-ejection property (one-shot property) after suspension. The results thus obtained are shown in Table 1.

Evaluation Method and Evaluation Criteria (1) Coloring of Yellow The solid yellow patches printed on each of the three types of recording media were visually observed and evaluated according to the following criteria. A: Sufficient concentration and fluorescence are exhibited. B: Only print with light density is possible. C: Only a very thin print can be made so that the printed portion cannot be seen.

(2) Red Light Resistance The solid red patches printed on the above-mentioned three types of recording media were left in a room under fluorescent lamp irradiation for 3 days, and then visually evaluated according to the following criteria. A: There is almost no change in the color tone of red. B: slightly orangeish C: discolored from orange to an intermediate color of yellow. D: Almost discolored to yellow.

(3) Lightfastness to yellow The solid yellow patches printed on the above-mentioned three types of recording media were left in a room under irradiation of a fluorescent lamp for 3 days, and visually evaluated according to the following criteria. A: There is almost no change in the density or fluorescence of yellow. B: The concentration is slightly reduced, and the fluorescence is declining. C: Dull and loses fluorescence.

(4) Re-ejectability after rest (one-shot property) The ink jet cartridge is left in a constant temperature and humidity chamber of 15 ° C / 10% for 1 hour, and then ink is ejected from a certain nozzle for 1 minute. Next, the state when ink was ejected from the nozzle was observed without using the nozzle, and the degree of ejection stability was evaluated according to the following criteria. A: Normal printing can be performed. B: Although there is some irregularity in printing, printing can be performed without problems in actual use. C: Non-ejection or irregular print.

[0081]

[Table 1] The recording media in the table are shown below. HR-101: Coated paper (manufactured by Canon) HG-101: Gloss film (manufactured by Canon) XX: Xerox 4024 Plain paper (manufactured by Xerox)

[0082]

As described above, according to the present invention,
An image of a single color, especially yellow ink, has sufficient fluorescence and color development for plain paper, and a glossy film,
When printed on various recording medium films having a cationized compound in the receiving layer such as an OHP film and a back print film, the problem of red fading of secondary colors and tertiary colors, especially secondary colors of yellow ink and magenta ink. In addition, yellow fading when printed on various coated papers can be suppressed, and a fluorescent color image having high print quality can be obtained.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a head of an ink jet recording apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a head of the inkjet recording apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a head obtained by multiplying the head shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of an ink jet recording apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the ink cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing an example of a recording unit.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a recording unit in which a plurality of recording heads are arranged.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing another example of a recording head.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a recording unit.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink cartridge.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of an ink cartridge.

[Explanation of symbols]

 13: Head 14: Ink Groove 15: Heating Head 16: Protective Film 17: Aluminum Electrode 18: Heating Resistor Layer 19: Heat Storage Layer 20: Substrate 21: Ink 22: Discharge Orifice (Fine Hole) 23: Meniscus 24: Small Ink Droplet 25: Recording material 26: Multi-groove 27: Glass plate 28: Heating head 40: Ink bag 42: Plug 44: Ink absorber 45: Ink cartridge 51: Paper feed section 52: Paper feed roller 53: Paper ejection roller 61 : Blade 62: Cap 63: Ink absorber 64: Ejection recovery part 65: Recording head 66: Carriage 67: Guide shaft 68: Motor 69: Belt 70: Recording unit 71: Head part 72: Atmosphere communication port 81: Yellow ink Recording head 82 for ejecting ink 8: Recording head for ejecting magenta ink 8 3: Recording head for ejecting cyan ink 84: Recording head for ejecting black ink

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI technical display location C09D 11/02 PSY B41J 3/04 102Z

Claims (60)

[Claims] 1. An ink used for inkjet recording, which comprises a dye having a pyrene ring and 2% by weight or more and less than 5% by weight of triethanolamine. 2. The ink according to claim 1, wherein the pH of the ink is 9 or more. 3. The ink according to claim 2, wherein the pH of the ink is 9.2 or more. 4. The ink according to claim 1, wherein the dye is a water-soluble fluorescent dye. 5. The water-soluble fluorescent dye is sodium pyrene trisulfonate or a hydroxy substitution product of sodium pyrene trisulfonate, or an amino substitution product of sodium pyrene trisulfonate or sodium pyrene trisulfonate.
The ink according to claim 4, which is selected from the group consisting of sodium pyrene trisulfonate, an acetamide substituted sodium pyrene trisulfonate, and a hydroxy substituted sodium pyrene trisulfonate. 6. The ink according to claim 1, wherein the dye is contained in an amount of 0.2 to 8% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. 7. The ink according to claim 1, wherein the dye is contained in an amount of 0.5 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. 8. The ink according to claim 1, further comprising a hydroxide or an alkali metal salt in the ink. 9. The hydroxide is contained in an amount of 0.01 to 0.01% of the total weight of the ink.
The ink according to claim 8, which is contained in an amount of 5% by weight. 10. The ink according to claim 8, wherein the alkali metal salt is contained in an amount of 0.01 to 5% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. 11. The ink according to claim 8, wherein the hydroxide has at least one selected from sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide. 12. The alkali metal salt is sodium acetate,
9. At least one selected from the group consisting of lithium acetate, potassium acetate, sodium nitrate, lithium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium phosphate, lithium phosphate, potassium phosphate, sodium carbonate and lithium carbonate and potassium carbonate. Ink. 13. The ink according to claim 1, wherein the ink has a mixed solvent of water and a water-soluble organic solvent. 14. The ink according to claim 13, wherein the water-soluble organic solvent is contained in an amount of 10 to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. 15. The water-soluble organic solvent comprises amides, ketones, ethers, polyalkylene glycols, alkylene glycols, lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols, monohydric alcohols, cyclic amide compounds and imide compounds. The ink according to claim 13, having at least one selected from the group consisting of: 16. The ink according to claim 1, further comprising a surfactant.
Ink. 17. The surfactant is an ionic interfacial lubricant,
The ink according to claim 16, which is at least one selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant. 18. The surfactant is at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide adducts of higher alcohols, ethylene oxide adducts of alkylphenols, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymers, and ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene glycol. The ink according to claim 16, which comprises: 19. An ink cartridge comprising an ink containing portion containing ink, wherein the ink is
An ink cartridge comprising the ink according to claim 18. 20. The ink cartridge according to claim 19, wherein the ink containing portion is made of polyethylene. 21. An ink cartridge having an ink containing portion for containing ink, wherein the ink containing portion comprises first to third ink containing portions containing inks of different colors. First ink storage part
19. An ink cartridge, wherein the ink contained in the ink containing section is a yellow ink and the ink according to any one of claims 1 to 18. 22. The ink cartridge according to claim 21, wherein the inks stored in the second and third ink storage portions are magenta ink and cyan ink, respectively. 23. The ink cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the magenta ink contains a water-soluble fluorescent dye as a coloring material. 24. The ink cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the water-soluble fluorescent dye is contained in an amount of 0.2 to 8% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. 25. The water-soluble fluorescent dye is C.I. I. Basic Red 1, C.I. I. Basic Red 2, C.I. I. Basic Red 9, C.I. I. Basic Red 12,
C. I. Basic Red 13, C.I. I. Basic Red 14, C.I. I. Basic Red 17, C.I. I. Acid Red 51, C.I. I. Acid Red 52, C.I.
I. Acid Red 92, C.I. I. Acid Red 9
4, C.I. I. Basic Violet 1, C.I. I. Basic Violet 3, C.I. I. Basic Violet 7, C.I. I. Basic Violet 10 and C.I.
I. The ink cartridge according to claim 23, which is selected from the group consisting of basic violet 14. 26. The ink cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the magenta ink has a mixed solvent of water and a water-soluble organic solvent. 27. The ink cartridge according to claim 26, wherein the water-soluble organic solvent is contained in an amount of 10 to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. 28. The water-soluble organic solvent comprises amides, ketones, ethers, polyalkylene glycols, alkylene glycols, lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols, monohydric alcohols, cyclic amide compounds and imide compounds. 27. The ink cartridge according to claim 26, comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: 29. The ink cartridge according to claim 23, wherein the magenta ink further contains an oxidizing agent. 30. The ink cartridge according to claim 29, wherein the oxidizing agent is benzene sulfonate or nitrobenzene sulfonate. 31. The ink cartridge according to claim 30, wherein the benzene sulfonate or the nitrobenzene sulfonate is a sodium salt. 32. The ink cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the magenta ink contains a surfactant. 33. The surfactant is an ionic surfactant,
The ink cartridge according to claim 32, wherein the ink cartridge is at least one selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant. 34. The surfactant is at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide adducts of higher alcohols, ethylene oxide adducts of alkylphenols, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymers, and ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene glycol. The ink cartridge according to claim 32, comprising: 35. The ink cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the cyan ink contains a water-soluble dye as a coloring material. 36. The water-soluble dye is 0.2 in the total weight of the ink.
36. The ink cartridge according to claim 35, wherein the ink cartridge contains about 8% by weight. 37. The water-soluble dye is C.I. I. Acid Blue 9, C.I. I. Acid Blue 13, C.I. I. Acid Blue 68, C.I. I. Acid Blue 69, C.I. I. Acid Blue 138, C.I. I. Acid Blue 185,
C. I. Acid Blue 249, C.I. I. Acid Blue 258, C.I. I. Direct Blue 83, C.I. I. Direct Blue 86, C.I. I. Direct Blue 87,
C. I. Direct Blue 95, C.I. I. Direct Blue 143, C.I. I. Direct Blue 166, C.I.
I. Direct Blue 176 and C.I. I. 36. The ink cartridge according to claim 35, which is selected from the group consisting of Direct Blue 199. 38. The ink cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the cyan ink has a mixed solvent of water and a water-soluble organic solvent. 39. The ink cartridge according to claim 38, wherein the water-soluble organic solvent is contained in an amount of 10 to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. 40. The water-soluble organic solvent is selected from amides, ketones, ethers, polyalkylene glycols, alkylene glycols, lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols, monohydric alcohols, cyclic amide compounds and imide compounds. 39. The ink cartridge according to claim 38, comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of: 41. The ink cartridge according to claim 22, wherein the cyan ink contains a surfactant. 42. The surfactant is an ionic surfactant,
The ink cartridge according to claim 41, wherein the ink cartridge is at least one selected from the group consisting of a nonionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant. 43. At least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide adducts of higher alcohols, ethylene oxide adducts of alkylphenols, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymers, ethylene oxide adducts of acetylene glycol. The ink cartridge according to claim 41, further comprising: 44. The ink cartridge according to claim 21, further comprising a fourth ink storage portion. 45. The ink cartridge according to claim 44, wherein the ink contained in the fourth ink container is black ink. 46. The ink cartridge of claim 45, wherein the black ink comprises a solvent mixture of water and a water soluble organic solvent. 47. The ink cartridge according to claim 46, wherein the water-soluble organic solvent is contained in an amount of 10 to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the ink. 48. The water-soluble organic solvent is selected from amides, ketones, ethers, polyalkylene glycols, alkylene glycols, lower alkyl ethers of polyhydric alcohols, monohydric alcohols, cyclic amide compounds and imide compounds. The ink cartridge according to claim 46, wherein the ink cartridge is at least one selected from the group consisting of: 49. A recording unit including first to third ink storage portions for storing inks of different colors and a head for ejecting the ink stored in each ink storage portion. 19. The recording unit according to claim 1, wherein the ink contained in the first ink containing portion is yellow ink and the ink according to any one of claims 1 to 18. 50. The recording unit according to claim 49, wherein the inks stored in the second and third ink storage portions are magenta ink and cyan ink. 51. The recording unit according to claim 50, wherein the magenta ink is the ink used in any one of claims 23 to 34. 52. The cyan ink is the ink used in any one of claims 35 to 43.
0 recording unit. 53. The recording unit according to claim 49, further comprising a fourth ink storage portion. 54. The recording unit according to claim 53, wherein the ink contained in the fourth ink container is black ink. 55. The recording unit according to claim 54, wherein the black ink is the ink used in any one of claims 46 to 48. 56. An ink jet recording method for recording on a recording medium by ejecting ink from an orifice according to a recording signal, wherein the ink is the ink according to any one of claims 1 to 18. And an inkjet recording method. 57. The ink jet recording method according to claim 56, wherein the ink is ejected by applying thermal energy to the ink. 58. An ink jet recording comprising a recording head for ejecting ink, an ink cartridge having an ink accommodating portion for accommodating ink, and an ink supply portion for supplying ink from the ink cartridge to the recording head An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the ink cartridge is the ink cartridge according to claim 19 or claim 20. 59. Inkjet recording comprising a recording head for ejecting ink, an ink cartridge including an ink accommodating portion accommodating ink, and an ink supply portion for supplying ink from the ink cartridge to the recording head. An ink jet recording apparatus, wherein the ink cartridge is the ink cartridge according to any one of claims 21 to 48. 60. A recording unit including first to third ink storage portions for storing inks of different colors, and a head for ejecting the ink stored in each ink storage portion. An ink jet recording apparatus, comprising: a transmitting unit that holds the recording unit detachably and that transmits electric signal information to the recording unit, wherein the recording unit is any one of Claims 49 to 55. An inkjet recording apparatus, comprising the recording unit according to item 1.