Light-emitting element panel, print head, image forming apparatus, and method of manufacturing light-emitting element panel

Abstract

To provide a light-emitting element panel, a print head, an image forming apparatus, and a method of manufacturing the light-emitting element panel capable of accurately positioning multiple light-emitting elements at reference positioning positions on a positioning target.SOLUTION: A film-shaped light-emitting element panel 311 has multiple light-emitting elements 31 to 31 arranged in a line. At both end portions 3111, 3112 of the light-emitting element panel 311 in an arrangement direction S along a line direction of the multiple light-emitting elements 31 to 31, positioning portions 33a, 33b are provided to position the multiple light-emitting elements 31 to 31 at reference positioning positions on a positioning target 316. A virtual straight line α connecting centers γa, γb of the pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b provided respectively at both end portions 3111, 3112 lies within a width W of the multiple light-emitting elements 31 to 31 in a width direction M orthogonal to the arrangement direction S.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a light-emitting element panel that can be used in image-forming devices such as copiers, multifunction devices, printers, and facsimile machines, a print head, an image-forming device, and a method for manufacturing the light-emitting element panel. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a print head that includes a rigid light-emitting element substrate that has a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a line.

[0003] Specifically, the print head (LED array print head) described in Patent Document 1 has positioning portions (pin holes) at both ends of the light-emitting element substrate in the arrangement direction along the linear direction of the light-emitting elements, for positioning the light-emitting elements (LED chip array) at a reference position on the object to be positioned (heat sink). This allows the light-emitting elements (LED chip array) to be accurately positioned at the reference position on the object to be positioned (heat sink). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-3644 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when a film-like light-emitting element panel is used instead of a rigid light-emitting element substrate, the following inconveniences arise.

[0006] In other words, when positioning a light-emitting element panel at a reference positioning position of an object to be positioned (e.g., a support member that supports the light-emitting element panel), in the past, the light-emitting element panel was positioned at the reference positioning position on the object to be positioned by aligning the outline line of the light-emitting element panel with the reference positioning position provided on the object to be positioned (e.g., abutting it against a reference wall or reference mark).

[0007] However, in this type of positioning, the positional accuracy between the panel outline and the multiple light-emitting elements is poor due to dimensional variations in the panel outline of the light-emitting element panel, and therefore the light-emitting element panel is likely to deviate from the reference positioning position on the object to be positioned. This deteriorates the positional accuracy of the multiple light-emitting elements relative to the reference positioning position on the object to be positioned. Therefore, subsequent adjustment processes (e.g., the position and / or tilt, especially the tilt, of the lens array relative to the multiple light-emitting elements) are time-consuming, which in turn requires adjustment time and deteriorates the adjustment work.

[0008] In this regard, it is conceivable to provide a positioning portion on the light-emitting element panel for positioning the plurality of light-emitting elements at the reference positioning position on the object to be positioned, as in the case of using a conventional rigid light-emitting element substrate. However, in the case of a film-shaped light-emitting element panel, even if the positioning portion is provided haphazardly, it is not possible to accurately position the plurality of light-emitting elements at the reference positioning position on the object to be positioned, depending on the position of the positioning portion.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a film-shaped light-emitting element panel having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a line, which can accurately position the plurality of light-emitting elements at a reference positioning position on an object to be positioned, a print head, an image forming apparatus, and a method for manufacturing the light-emitting element panel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, the present disclosure provides the following light-emitting element panel, print head, image forming apparatus, and method for manufacturing the light-emitting element panel.

[0011] (1) Light-emitting element panel The light-emitting element panel of the present disclosure is a film-shaped light-emitting element panel having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a line, and positioning portions are provided at both ends of the light-emitting element panel in an arrangement direction along the linear direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements for positioning the plurality of light-emitting elements at a reference positioning position on an object to be positioned, and a virtual straight line connecting the centers of a pair of positioning portions provided at each end is within the width of the plurality of light-emitting elements in a width direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

[0012] (2) Print head The print head according to the present disclosure is characterized in that it comprises the light-emitting element panel according to the present disclosure and a support member that supports the light-emitting element panel, and the object to be positioned is the support member.

[0013] (3) Image forming device The image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure is characterized by including the print head according to the present disclosure.

[0014] (4) Manufacturing method of light-emitting element panel The manufacturing method for a light-emitting element panel according to the present disclosure is a manufacturing method for a light-emitting element panel for manufacturing the light-emitting element panel according to the present disclosure, which includes a cutting process for cutting a connected panel member in which a plurality of light-emitting element panels are connected in the width direction into individual light-emitting element panels, and is characterized in that in the cutting process, the positioning portion is formed on the light-emitting element panel simultaneously with cutting into individual light-emitting element panels. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately position a plurality of light-emitting elements at reference positioning positions on an object to be positioned. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of an example of a print head provided on a main body frame in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed obliquely from above on the front side. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the print head shown in FIG. 2 supported on a mounting section, viewed obliquely from above on the front side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the print head as seen from diagonally above the rear side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the print head shown in FIG. 4, viewed obliquely from below on the front side. [Figure 6] 5 is an exploded perspective view of the print head shown in FIG. 4, viewed obliquely from above on the front side. FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is an exploded perspective view of the print head shown in FIG. 4, viewed obliquely from below on the rear side. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the print head as seen from diagonally above the front side. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a print head. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for easily understanding the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a plan view showing a state in which a flexible circuit board is extended linearly in a light-emitting element panel, a flexible circuit board, and a printed wiring board that constitute a print head. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a first step in the manufacturing process of the print head. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a second step in the manufacturing process of the print head. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a third step in the manufacturing process of the print head. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a fourth step in the manufacturing process of the print head. [Figure 16]FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a fifth step in the manufacturing process of the print head. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a sixth step in the manufacturing process of the print head. [Figure 18] 10 is a plan view showing an example of some of the light-emitting elements in the light-emitting element panel and a pair of positioning portions. FIG. [Figure 19] 19 is an enlarged view showing an example of a part of a plurality of light emitting elements and a pair of positioning portions in the light emitting element panel shown in FIG. 18. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is a plan view showing another example of some of the light-emitting elements in the light-emitting element panel and a pair of positioning portions. FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a schematic block diagram showing a cutting step and a positioning step in the manufacturing process of the light-emitting element panel according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a connecting panel member. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a light-emitting element panel cut in a conventional cutting process. [Figure 24] 10 is a plan view showing an example of positioning a conventional light-emitting element panel on an object to be positioned, using the outline line in the width direction as a reference position. FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a light-emitting element panel cut in a cutting step of the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0018] (Image forming device) 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. In the figure, the rotational axis direction of the photosensitive drum 1 is designated as X, the front side as X1, the back side as X2, the direction perpendicular to the rotational axis direction X as the left-right direction Y, the right side as Y1, the left side as Y2, and the up-down direction perpendicular to the rotational axis direction X and the left-right direction Y as Z, in the following description.

[0019] Image data handled by the image forming apparatus main body 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 corresponds to a color image using each of the colors black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), or a monochrome image using a single color (e.g., black). For this reason, four photosensitive drums 1 (scanned body, image carrier), chargers 2, print heads 3, developing devices 4, primary transfer devices 5, and drum cleaning devices 6 are provided to form four types of toner images corresponding to each color, and four image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd are configured, each corresponding to black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may also be a monochrome image forming apparatus.

[0020] In each of the image stations Pa, Pb, Pc, and Pd, the chargers 2-2 uniformly charge the surfaces 1a of the photosensitive drums 1-1, which are driven to rotate in a predetermined rotation direction R, to a predetermined potential. The print heads 3-3 expose the surfaces 1a of the photosensitive drums 1-1 to light, forming electrostatic latent images on the surfaces 1a of the photosensitive drums 1-1. The developing devices 4 develop the electrostatic latent images on the surfaces 1a of the photosensitive drums 1-1 to form toner images on the surfaces 1a of the photosensitive drums 1-1. This results in toner images of each color being formed on the surfaces 1a of the photosensitive drums 1-1. The drum cleaning devices 6-6 remove and collect residual toner from the surfaces 1a of the photosensitive drums 1-1. The primary transfer devices 5-5 sequentially transfer the toner images of each color on the surfaces 1a of the photosensitive drums 1-1, superimposed on one another, to an intermediate transfer belt 23, which is rotated by a drive roller 21 and a driven roller 22 of a belt drive device 20, forming color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 23. The belt cleaning device 7 removes and collects residual toner from the intermediate transfer belt 23 .

[0021] A transfer nip portion TN is formed between the intermediate transfer belt 23 and a transfer roller 81 of the secondary transfer device 8. The transfer roller 81 of the secondary transfer device 8 sandwiches a sheet P, such as a recording paper, transported through the sheet transport path 11 in the transfer nip portion TN and transports it together with the intermediate transfer belt 23, while transferring the color toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 23 onto the sheet P. The fixing device 9 fixes the color toner image on the sheet P by sandwiching the sheet P between a fixing member (fixing belt 91 in this example) and a pressure member (pressure roller 92 in this example) and applying heat and pressure to the sheet P.

[0022] The sheet P is drawn out of the paper feed cassette 13 by the pickup roller 12, transported through the sheet transport path 11, passed through the secondary transfer device 8 and the fixing device 9, and then transported to the discharge tray 15 via the discharge roller 14. The sheet transport path 11 is provided with a registration roller 16 and the like. The registration roller 16 temporarily stops the sheet P, aligns the leading edge of the sheet P, and then starts transporting the sheet P in accordance with the timing of the transfer of the toner image at the transfer nip portion TN between the intermediate transfer belt 23 and the transfer roller 81.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of print heads 3-3 in an image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, as viewed obliquely from above the front side X1, mounted on a main body frame FL (FL1-FL3). FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the print head 3 shown in FIG. 2 supported by a mounting portion 210, as viewed obliquely from above the front side X1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the print head 3 as viewed obliquely from above the rear side X2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the print head 3 shown in FIG. 4 as viewed obliquely from below the front side X1. FIGS. 6 and 7 are exploded perspective views of the print head 3 shown in FIG. 4 as viewed obliquely from above the front side X1 and from below the rear side X2, respectively.

[0024] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of print head 3 viewed obliquely from above on the front side. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of print head 3. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram that clearly shows the cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a plan view showing a state in which flexible circuit board 312a is extended linearly in light-emitting element panel 311, flexible circuit board 312a, and printed wiring board 312b that constitute print head 3.

[0025] In the following description, the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 in the print heads 3-3 will be described as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs: Organic Light-Emitting Diodes, hereinafter simply referred to as OLEDs). Note that the light-emitting elements 31-31 are not limited to OLEDs and may be inorganic light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or nano-scale light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that are smaller than a micrometer.

[0026] Since the print heads 3-3 etc. all have the same configuration, they are shown in a single drawing in FIGS. 3 to 11, and in the following description, the print heads 3-3 etc. will simply be referred to as print heads 3 etc.

[0027] The image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment includes a photosensitive drum 1 and a long print head 3. The print head 3 includes a light-emitting element panel 311 and a lens array 32. The light-emitting element panel 311 has a plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 (see FIGS. 9 to 11). The light-emitting elements 31-31 emit light for exposing the surface 1a of the photosensitive drum 1. The light-emitting elements 31-31 are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction L of the print head 3. In this example, the light-emitting element panel 311 is a film-like panel (flexible OLED panel) (light-emitting element panel) on which OLED elements (31-31) are mounted. This makes it possible to reduce the size and cost of the print head 3.

[0028] The lens array 32 extends in the longitudinal direction L and focuses the light emitted from the light emitting elements 31 onto the surface 1a of the photosensitive drum 1. The lens array 32 is disposed opposite the light emitting elements 31.

[0029] The print head 3 is provided on the bridge section 210. The bridge section 210 is installed between the main body frames FL (in this example, between the main body frame FL1 on the front side X1 and the main body frame FL2 on the rear side X2) of the image forming apparatus main body 101 (see FIG. 1).

[0030] In this example, a main body frame FL3 is installed between the main body frames FL1 and FL2 along the rotation axis direction X and the left-right direction Y. The installation portion 210 is placed on the main body frame FL3.

[0031] <Print head> As shown in Figures 8 to 11, the print head 3 further includes a driving member 312, a lens holding member 313, a fixed member 314 (base member), and a main body member 315. The fixed member 314 and the main body member 315 form a support member 316. The driving member 312 drives the light-emitting elements 31-31. The lens holding member 313 holds the lens array 32. The fixed member 314 fixes the lens holding member 313 while fixing the light-emitting element panel 311. The main body member 315 holds the driving member 312, the lens holding member 313, and the fixed member 314.

[0032] In this example, the driving member 312 includes a flexible circuit board 312a (connection cable member), a printed wiring board 312b (PWB: Printed Wiring Board) (connection board), a driving circuit element 312c, and a protective member 312d. One end of the connecting cable member 312a is connected to one end of the light-emitting element panel 311, and the other end is connected to one end of the printed wiring board 312b. The connecting cable member 312a is a flexible circuit board (COF: Chip on Film) on which a driving circuit element 312c (driver IC) that drives the OLED elements (31-31) on the light-emitting element panel 311 is mounted on a film. The printed wiring board 312b connected to the connecting cable member 312a has an input terminal 312b1 (see FIG. 10) (connector terminal) and is connected to a connector CN (see FIG. 10) via the input terminal 312b1. The protective member 312d protects the exposed portions of the light-emitting element panel 311 and the connecting cable member 312a. The connector CN is connected to an image processing device (not shown) provided in the image forming apparatus main body 101. In Fig. 10, the light emitting elements 31-31 are depicted as if they are provided protruding from the outer surface of the light emitting element panel 311, but this is for the purpose of making the light emitting elements 31-31 easier to understand, and in reality, as shown in Fig. 9, they are provided inside (by vapor deposition, for example) so as not to protrude from the outer surface of the light emitting element panel 311.

[0033] The lens holding member 313 is a frame-shaped member surrounding the outer peripheral surfaces 32a of the lens array 32 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that are aligned along the optical axis direction N of the light-emitting elements 31. Here, the optical axis direction N is a direction (thickness direction) perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and width direction M of the print head 3. The width direction M is a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction S of the linear arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31. The lens array 32 is inserted into an inner surface 313a of the frame-shaped lens holding member 313. At least a portion of the outer peripheral surfaces 32a (side surfaces 32a1, 32a1 along the longitudinal direction L in this example) of the lens array 32 is held by the lens holding member 313, and is bonded at least at some locations (multiple locations in this example) with an adhesive (e.g., an ultraviolet-curing adhesive). The periphery of the joint between the lens array 32 and the lens holding member 313 is sealed with a caulking agent (caulking resin). This effectively prevents foreign matter such as dust from entering the lens holding member 313 through the joint between the lens array 32 and the lens holding member 313 .

[0034] The fixing member 314 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The back surface of the light-emitting element panel 311, on which the light-emitting elements 31-31 are provided, opposite the light-emitting elements 31-31, is adhered to a surface 314a of the fixing member 314 on the photosensitive drum 1 side (one side N1) in the optical axis direction N with an adhesive member E (e.g., double-sided adhesive tape) (see FIG. 10 ). A back surface 313c of the lens holding member 313 is fixed to a panel surface 311a of the light-emitting element panel 311 opposite the fixing member 314. The periphery of the joint between the lens holding member 313 and the light-emitting element panel 311 is sealed with a caulking agent (caulking resin). This effectively prevents foreign matter such as dust from entering the lens holding member 313 through the joint between the lens holding member 313 and the light-emitting element panel 311.

[0035] The relative positions (positions in the longitudinal direction L, width direction M, and optical axis direction N) of the plurality of light emitting elements 31 to 31 and the lens array 32 are adjusted in advance in the production process using a jig or the like.

[0036] The main body member 315 has an arrangement portion 315a, a bending portion 315b, and a panel guide portion 315c. The arrangement portion 315a, the bending portion 315b, and the panel guide portion 315c are integrally formed.

[0037] The arrangement portion 315a arranges the fixing member 314. The arrangement portion 315a is provided with an arrangement surface 315a1 on which the fixing member 314 is arranged so that the back surface 314b of the fixing member 314 on the bridge portion 210 side comes into contact. This allows the fixing member 314 to be reliably arranged on the arrangement surface 315a1 of the arrangement portion 315a. The arrangement surface 315a1 of the arrangement portion 315a is provided with a plurality (two) positioning protrusions or recesses (positioning protrusions 315a2, 315a2 in this example) (see FIG. 6). The back surface 314b of the fixing member 314 is provided with positioning recesses or protrusions (positioning recesses 314c, 314c in this example) (see FIG. 7) that correspond to the plurality (two) positioning protrusions or recesses (315a2, 315a2). This allows the fixing member 314 to be reliably positioned with respect to the main body member 315. The arrangement portion 315a is provided with a plurality of (two) holding portions 315a3 (see FIGS. 6, 7, and 9). The arrangement portion 315a and the holding portions 315a3 (315a3) are integrally formed. The holding portions 315a3 (315a3) detachably hold the fixing member 314 to the arrangement portion 315a. The holding portions 315a3 (315a3) restrict movement of the fixing member 314 toward the light emitting elements 31-31 (one side N1) in the optical axis direction N. The holding portions 315a3 (315a3) have locking portions 315a31 (see FIG. 9) that lock the surface 314a of the fixing member 314.

[0038] Bending portion 315b is bent at an acute angle (for example, 60 degrees or less, about 50 degrees in this example) with respect to arrangement portion 315a. Printed wiring board 312b is fixed to surface 315b1 (inner surface) of bending portion 315b facing arrangement portion 315a. Input terminal 312b1 is provided at the end of printed wiring board 312b on the entrance side (opening SPa side) of space SP between arrangement portion 315a and bending portion 315b, and connector CN is connected facing toward space SP.

[0039] The panel guide portion 315c has a curved portion 315c1 that folds the film-like protruding portion 317 from the support member 316 (314, 315) toward the space SP. The curved portion 315c1 is curved so that the lens holding member 313 side of the protruding portion 317 is folded back at an angle of 180 degrees or more (between the light-emitting element panel 311 and the connection cable member (312a) in this example). The curved portion 315c1 protrudes to one side (the other side M2 ​​in this example) in the width direction M beyond the lens holding member 313. The panel portion 311b of the light-emitting element panel 311 on the connection cable member (312a) side and the portion of the connection cable member (312a) on the light-emitting element panel 311 side are bonded to the curved portion 315c1 with an adhesive member E. This allows the curved portion 315c1 to reliably fold back the protruding portion 317 (the connection cable member (312a) in this example) into the space SP. 6 and 7, the protective member 312d faces a portion of the protruding portion 317 that corresponds to the curved portion 315c1, and is curved along the curved portion 315c1. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the protective member 312d is fastened to the fastened portion 315e (female screw) of the main body member 315 on one side L1 in the longitudinal direction L by inserting a fastening member SC1 (male screw) through a through hole 312e1 of the holder 312e and a through hole 312d1 of the protective member 312d. This allows the end of the protective member 312d on the one side L1 in the longitudinal direction L to be fixed to the main body member 315.

[0040] Furthermore, the protective member 312d is fastened to the fastening portion 315e of the main body member 315 by inserting the fastening member SC1 through the through hole 312d1 of the protective member 312d on the other side L2 in the longitudinal direction L. This allows the end of the protective member 312d on the other side L2 in the longitudinal direction L to be fixed to the main body member 315. Furthermore, the printed wiring board 312b is positioned such that the positioning hole 312b2 of the printed wiring board 312b is matched with the positioning protrusion 315b2 of the bending portion 315b on the other side L2 in the longitudinal direction L. In this state, the printed wiring board 312b is fastened to the fastening portion 312e2 (female screw) of the holder 312e on one side L1 in the longitudinal direction L by inserting the fastening member SC2 through the through hole 315b3 of the bending portion 315b and the through recess 312b3 of the printed wiring board 312b. This allows the protective member 312d to be held in a state where it is positioned at the bent portion 315b.

[0041] The end of a part of the protruding portion 317 (connection cable member (312a)) provided in the space SP on the printed wiring board 312b side is folded back at the corner between the placement portion 315a and the bent portion 315b and connected to the printed wiring board 312b.

[0042] The drive circuit element 312c is provided on the arrangement portion 315a side of the connection cable member (312a). A recess 315a5 is provided on a surface 315a4 (inner surface) of the arrangement portion 315a facing the bent portion 315b to prevent interference with the drive circuit element 312c of the connection cable member (312a).

[0043] The main body member 315 is also provided with a pair of side plate portions 315f, 315g (see FIGS. 6 and 7) that close both ends in the longitudinal direction L of the space SP.

[0044] Next, a method for manufacturing the print head 3 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0045] 12 to 17 are perspective views illustrating an example of the first to sixth steps of the manufacturing process for print head 3. Note that Fig. 12 to 17 show the steps from providing lens array 32 on lens holding member 313, providing light-emitting element panel 311 on fixing member 314, and providing lens holding member 313 on light-emitting element panel 311.

[0046] In the method of manufacturing the print head 3, first, as shown in FIG. 12, the lens array 32 is inserted into the inner surface (313a) of the lens holding member 313 (in this example, the through-hole 3131 extending in the vertical direction Z) (first step).

[0047] 13, a dispenser 410 is used to evenly apply ultraviolet curing adhesive F to multiple locations in the peripheral area between the lens array 32 and the lens holding member 313, and then an ultraviolet irradiation device 420 is used to irradiate the ultraviolet curing adhesive F with ultraviolet rays UV to cure the ultraviolet curing adhesive F (second step). This allows the lens array 32 to be reliably held by the lens holding member 313.

[0048] 14, a caulking agent application device 430 is used to apply caulking agent G (caulking resin) to the peripheral area between the lens array 32 and the lens holding member 313 to seal the gap between the lens array 32 and the lens holding member 313 (third step). This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering through the gap between the lens array 32 and the lens holding member 313.

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 15, a roller pressing device 440 is used to attach the double-sided adhesive tape (E) (double-sided adhesive sheet) with a protective seal Ea attached to one side to the surface (314a) of the fixing member 314 on which the light-emitting element panel 311 is to be attached (fourth step).

[0050] Next, as shown in Figure 16, the protective seal Ea on one side of the double-sided adhesive tape (E) is peeled off, and with the multiple light-emitting elements 31 to 31 in the light-emitting element panel 311 positioned at the reference positioning position of the fixing member 314, the light-emitting element panel 311 is attached to the fixing member 314 using a roller pressure-bonding device 440 (fifth step).

[0051] 17, the lens holding member 313 holding the lens array 32, which was produced in the third step (see FIG. 14), is placed on the light emitting element panel 311 attached to the fixing member 314, and a caulking agent application device 430 is used to apply caulking agent G (caulking resin) to the peripheral area between the lens holding member 313 and the light emitting element panel 311 to seal the gap between the lens holding member 313 and the light emitting element panel 311 (sixth step). This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter such as dust from entering through the gap between the lens holding member 313 and the light emitting element panel 311.

[0052] (About this embodiment) 11, the light emitting element panel 311 according to this embodiment is formed in a film shape and has a plurality of light emitting elements 31-31. The plurality of light emitting elements 31-31 are arranged in a line.

[0053] Fig. 18 is a plan view showing some of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 and an example (33a1, 33b1) of a pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b in the light-emitting element panel 311. Fig. 19 is an enlarged view showing some of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 and an example (33a1, 33b1) of a pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b in the light-emitting element panel 311 shown in Fig. 18.

[0054] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, positioning portions 33a and 33b are provided at both ends 3111 and 3112 of the light-emitting element panel 311 in the arrangement direction S (longitudinal direction L) for positioning the multiple light-emitting elements 31 to 31 at a reference positioning position on the object to be positioned (in this example, the support member 316).

[0055] An imaginary straight line α connecting the centers γa and γb of ​​a pair of positioning portions 33a and 33b provided at both end portions 3111 and 3112, respectively, is within the width W of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 in the width direction M. Here, the width W of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 refers to the range in the width direction M of a rectangular arrangement region β that surrounds the periphery of the entire plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 are arranged in m rows and n columns in the arrangement direction S and the width direction M. The plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 are shifted to one side in the arrangement direction S (the other side L2 in the longitudinal direction L in this example) so that adjacent light-emitting elements 31, 31 in the width direction M partially overlap in the arrangement direction S. In this example, the pitch PT (see FIG. 19) between adjacent light-emitting elements 31-31 in the width direction M is 68.80 μm, and the width W of the arrangement region β in the width direction M is 241.4 μm.

[0056] [First embodiment] In the film-shaped light-emitting element panel 311, the positioning portions 33a, 33b serve as the positioning reference for the multiple light-emitting elements 31-31, so the closer the positioning portions 33a, 33b are to the multiple light-emitting elements 31-31, the smaller the positioning error of the multiple light-emitting elements 31-31 to the reference positioning position in the positioning object (316).

[0057] In this regard, according to the present embodiment, the virtual straight line α is within the width W of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31 in the width direction M, and therefore the positioning accuracy of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31 with respect to the reference positioning position on the positioning object (316) can be improved. This allows the plurality of light-emitting elements 31 to be positioned with high accuracy at the reference positioning position on the positioning object (316). Therefore, it is possible to shorten the adjustment time in the subsequent adjustment process and improve the adjustment work.

[0058] Here, with regard to the point that "the imaginary straight line α is within the width W of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31," it is preferable that the imaginary straight line α be located at the center of the width W of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 in the width direction M. However, the imaginary straight line α may be oblique to the arrangement direction S as long as it is within the width W of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31. In other words, as long as the imaginary straight line α is within the width W of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31, even if the imaginary straight line α is oblique to the arrangement direction S, the positioning accuracy is within an acceptable range. For example, if the size d (see FIGS. 11 and 19) of the entire plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 (arrangement region β) in the arrangement direction S is approximately 300 mm and the size of the entire plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 (arrangement region β) in the width direction M is approximately 0.24 mm, then even if the imaginary straight line α is oblique within the width W of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31, the maximum inclination angle of the imaginary straight line α with respect to the arrangement direction S is approximately 0.046 degrees, which is within an acceptable level of positioning accuracy.

[0059] In this configuration, it is possible to provide a margin of accuracy in the positioning of the positioning portions 33 a and 33 b relative to the light-emitting element panel 311 .

[0060] [Second embodiment] In this embodiment, the plurality of light emitting elements 31-31 and the pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b are provided on one side of the light emitting element panel 311 in the width direction M (one side M1 in this example).

[0061] In this configuration, the light-emitting element panels 311 can be arranged on the object to be positioned (316) in the width direction M without being arranged to one side.

[0062] [Third embodiment] Incidentally, it is preferable that the center of the width W of the plurality of light emitting elements 31 to 31 in the width direction M coincide with the centers γa and γb of ​​the pair of positioning portions 33a and 33b.

[0063] In this regard, in this embodiment, the pair of positioning portions 33a and 33b are configured with figures that include point-symmetric figures.

[0064] In this configuration, the centers γa and γb of ​​the pair of positioning portions 33a and 33b can be easily identified by a figure including a point-symmetric figure. This makes it easier to align the center of the width W of the plurality of light emitting elements 31-31 in the width direction M with the centers γa and γb of ​​the pair of positioning portions 33a and 33b. A representative example of a point-symmetric figure is a circle (a through-hole or a circle mark when the positioning portions 33a and 33b are positioning marks).

[0065] [Fourth embodiment] The print head 3 according to this embodiment includes a light-emitting element panel 311 and a support member 316 (in this example, a fixing member 314 and a main body member 315) that supports the light-emitting element panel 311. The object to be positioned is the support member 316.

[0066] In this configuration, when the light-emitting element panel 311 is supported by the support member 316 (see FIGS. 9, 10, and 18), the plurality of light-emitting elements 31 can be positioned at the reference positioning positions on the support member 316 with high precision.

[0067] [Fifth embodiment] In this embodiment, the support member 316 (main body member 315 in this example) has a curved portion 315c1 (curved surface) (see FIGS. 9 and 10) that is curved convexly in the width direction M. The light-emitting element panel 311 has a curved panel portion (311b) (see FIGS. 9 and 10) that is disposed along the curved portion 315c1 of the support member 316. In this case, it is difficult to determine the curved position of the light-emitting element panel 311 at the curved portion 315c1 of the support member 316, which deteriorates the workability of attaching the light-emitting element panel 311 to the support member 316.

[0068] In this regard, in the present embodiment, the curved panel portion (311b) is provided with indicators 33c-33c (see FIG. 11) (through holes in this example) that indicate the turning back positions of the curved portion 315c1 in the width direction M.

[0069] In this configuration, the bending position of the curved portion 315c1 of the support member 316 of the light-emitting element panel 311 can be easily seen, and the workability of attaching the light-emitting element panel 311 to the support member 316 can be improved accordingly.

[0070] [Sixth embodiment] In this embodiment, at least one of the pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b (both in this example) is formed as through-holes 33a1, 33b1 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). The support member 316 is provided with a reference positioning portion 3161 (for example, a reference protrusion, a reference mark, in this example, the reference protrusion) (see FIGS. 18 and 19) that is aligned with the through-holes 33a1, 33b1.

[0071] In this configuration, the reference positioning portions 3161 (reference protrusions 316a1, 316b1 in this example) provided on the support member 316 are aligned with (inserted through in this example) the through holes 33a1, 33b1 that are the positioning portions 33a, 33b of at least one (both in this example) of the pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b. Therefore, the multiple light-emitting elements 31 can be positioned at the reference positioning positions in the positioning object (316) with even greater precision.

[0072] [Seventh embodiment] Incidentally, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, when the reference positioning portion 3161 is the reference protrusions 316a1, 316b1 and both of the pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b are through holes 33a1, 33b1, if the distance between the pair of reference protrusions 316a1, 316b1 in the arrangement direction S is longer or shorter than the normal distance due to factors such as variations in parts, it becomes difficult for the pair of reference protrusions 316a1, 316b1 to be inserted into the pair of through holes 33a1, 33b1.

[0073] In this regard, in the present embodiment, of the pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b, the through hole 33a1 of one positioning portion 33a is formed as an elongated hole that is long in the arrangement direction S, and the through hole 33b1 of the other positioning portion 33b is formed as a circular hole. The reference positioning portion 3161 is formed as a pair of reference protrusions 316a1, 316b1 (see FIGS. 18 and 19) into which the elongated hole (33a1) and the circular hole (33b1) are respectively inserted. More specifically, the pair of reference protrusions 316a1, 316b1 can be formed in a circular shape or a cross shape (circular in this example) in a plan view.

[0074] By doing this, even if the distance between the pair of reference protrusions 316a1, 316b1 in the arrangement direction S is longer or shorter than the normal distance due to factors such as variations in accuracy, the pair of reference protrusions 316a1, 316b1 can be easily inserted into the pair of through holes 33a1, 33b1.

[0075] [Eighth embodiment] FIG. 20 is a plan view showing some of the light emitting elements 31-31 in the light emitting element panel 311 and another example (33a2, 33b2) of the pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b.

[0076] In this embodiment, the light-emitting element panel 311 is formed of a light-transmitting member (for example, light transmittance of 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, and even more preferably 50% or more). At least one of the pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b (both in this example) is formed as positioning marks 33a2, 33b2. The support member 316 is provided with a reference positioning portion 3162 (for example, a reference recess (engraved), a reference mark (printed)) (see FIG. 20) that aligns with the positioning marks 33a2, 33b2. In this example, the light-emitting element panel 311 and the support member 316 are printed with the positioning marks 33a2, 33b2 and the reference marks 316a2, 316b2, respectively.

[0077] In this configuration, the reference positioning portions 3162 (reference marks 316a2 and 316b2 in this example) provided on the support member 316 are aligned (superimposed) with the positioning marks 33a2 and 33b2 that are the positioning portions 33a and 33b of at least one (both in this example) of the pair of positioning portions 33a and 33b. Therefore, the multiple light-emitting elements 31 can be positioned at the reference positioning positions on the positioning object (316) with even greater accuracy.

[0078] When positioning the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 at the reference positioning position on the positioning object (316), an operator can align the positioning marks 33a2, 33b2 on the light-emitting element panel 311 with respect to the reference positioning portion 3162 on the positioning object (316). Alternatively, the positioning marks 33a2, 33b2 may be aligned with respect to the reference positioning portion 3162 using an adjustment device 500 including an imaging unit 510 (camera), a moving unit 520 that moves the light-emitting element panel 311 relative to the positioning object (316) in the arrangement direction S and the width direction M, and a control unit 530. When the adjustment device 500 is used, the control unit 530 in the adjustment device 500 performs image processing based on the image from the imaging unit 510 to position the positioning marks 33a2, 33b2 with respect to the reference positioning portion 3162, and can control the moving unit 520 to align the positioning marks 33a2, 33b2 with respect to the reference positioning portion 3162.

[0079] [Ninth embodiment] In this embodiment, both of the pair of positioning portions 33a, 33b are circular or cross-shaped (cross-shaped in this example) positioning marks. The reference positioning portion 3161 is a pair of reference marks 316a2, 316b2 (see FIG. 20) that are superimposed on the pair of positioning marks 33a2, 33b2. In more detail, the pair of reference marks 316a2, 316b2 can be circular or cross-shaped (cross-shaped in this example) marks that are superimposed on the pair of circular or cross-shaped (cross-shaped in this example) positioning marks 33a2, 33b2 for alignment.

[0080] This makes it easier to align the positioning marks with respect to the reference marks, whether the worker aligns the positioning marks 33a2, 33b2 with respect to the reference marks 316a2, 316b2 by himself or herself, or whether the adjustment device 500 is used to align the positioning marks 33a2, 33b2 with respect to the reference marks 316a2, 316b2.

[0081] [Tenth embodiment] In this embodiment, the pair of positioning portions 33a and 33b are configured in the form of a figure including an intersection (a cross shape in this example).

[0082] In this configuration, the centers γa and γb of ​​the pair of positioning portions 33a and 33b can be easily identified by a figure including the intersection. This makes it easier to align the center of the width W of the plurality of light emitting elements 31-31 in the width direction M with the centers γa and γb of ​​the pair of positioning portions 33a and 33b. A representative example of a figure including an intersection is a cross shape (a so-called register mark).

[0083] [Eleventh embodiment] Fig. 21 is a schematic block diagram showing a cutting step S1 and a positioning step S2 in the manufacturing process of the light-emitting element panel 311 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 22 is a plan view showing an example of a connected panel member 311B. Fig. 23 is a plan view showing an example of light-emitting element panels 311X-311X cut in a conventional cutting step. Fig. 24 is a plan view showing an example of positioning a conventional light-emitting element panel 311X on a positioning object (316) using the outline line in the width direction M as a reference position. Fig. 25 is a plan view showing an example of light-emitting element panels 311-311 cut in the cutting step S1 of the present embodiment.

[0084] A conventional method for manufacturing a light-emitting element panel 311X typically includes a cutting process for cutting a connected panel member 311B (see Figure 22) in which multiple unprocessed light-emitting element panels 311A~311A are connected in the width direction M into individual light-emitting element panels 311X~311X (see Figure 23), and a positioning process for positioning the multiple light-emitting elements 31~31 relative to a positioning object (316).

[0085] However, in the conventional positioning process, when providing a positioning portion for each cut light-emitting element panel 311X to 311X, it is possible to use, for example, the outline line of the light-emitting element panel 311X in the width direction M as the reference position, as shown in Figure 24, but this has the following disadvantages.

[0086] That is, due to dimensional variations in the outer shape of the light-emitting element panel 311X in the width direction M, the positional accuracy between the outer shape of the panel and the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 is not good, and therefore the light-emitting element panel 311X is likely to deviate from the reference positioning portion 3163 (reference marks 316a3, 316b3) of the positioning object (316). As a result, the positional accuracy of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 relative to the reference positioning position of the positioning object (316) deteriorates.

[0087] In this regard, in the manufacturing method of the light emitting element panel 311 as described in the first to tenth embodiments, in the cutting step S1, as shown in Fig. 25, positioning portions 33a, 33b are formed on the light emitting element panel 311 at the same time as cutting into individual light emitting element panels 311. In the positioning step S2, the positioning portions 33a, 33b position the plurality of light emitting elements 31 to 31 relative to the positioning object (316).

[0088] This effectively prevents deviation of the light-emitting element panel 311 from the reference positioning portions 3161, 3162 on the object to be positioned (316), regardless of the positional accuracy between the panel outer shape and the plurality of light-emitting elements 31 due to dimensional variations in the panel outer shape in the width direction M of the light-emitting element panel 311. Therefore, it is possible to improve the positional accuracy of the plurality of light-emitting elements 31 to 31 with respect to the reference positioning positions on the object to be positioned (316).

[0089] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be implemented in various other forms. Therefore, the embodiments are merely examples in all respects and should not be interpreted as being limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and is not bound by the text of the specification. Furthermore, all modifications and variations within the equivalent scope of the claims are within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 100 Image forming device 3 print head 31 Light-emitting element 311 Light-emitting element panel 3111 One end 3112 Other end 311a Panel surface 311b Panel part 312 Driving member 312a Flexible Circuit Board 312b Printed wiring board 313 Lens holding member 314 Fixing member 315 Main body member 315c1 curved section 316 Support member (positioning object) 3161 Reference positioning part 3162 Reference positioning part 316a1 Reference protrusion 316b1 Reference protrusion 316a2 Reference Mark 316b2 Reference Mark 32 Lens Array 33a One positioning part 33a1 through hole 33a2 Positioning mark 33b Other positioning part 33b1 Through hole 33b2 Positioning mark 33c indicator 410 Dispenser 420 Ultraviolet irradiation device 430 Caulking agent application device 440 Roller pressure bonding device 500 Adjustment device 510 Imaging unit 520 Mobile Division 530 Control Unit L Longitudinal direction M Width direction N Optical axis direction PT Pitch S array direction S1 Cutting process S2 Positioning process W width X rotation axis direction Y left / right direction Z vertical direction d Size in the width direction α Virtual line β placement area γa center γb center

Claims

1. A film-shaped light-emitting element panel having a plurality of light-emitting elements arranged in a line, positioning portions for positioning the plurality of light-emitting elements at reference positioning positions on a positioning object are provided at both ends of the light-emitting element panel in an arrangement direction along the linear direction of the plurality of light-emitting elements; A light-emitting element panel characterized in that an imaginary line connecting the centers of a pair of positioning portions provided at both ends is within the width of the plurality of light-emitting elements in a width direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction.

2. The light-emitting element panel according to claim 1, The light-emitting element panel is characterized in that the imaginary straight line is oblique to the arrangement direction within a width of the plurality of light-emitting elements.

3. The light-emitting element panel according to claim 1, The light-emitting element panel, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements and the pair of positioning portions are provided on either one side of the light-emitting element panel in the width direction.

4. The light-emitting element panel according to claim 1, The light-emitting element panel, wherein the pair of positioning portions are configured as point-symmetric figures or figures including an intersection.

5. A light-emitting element panel according to claim 1 and a support member for supporting the light-emitting element panel, The print head, wherein the object to be positioned is the support member.

6. 6. The printhead of claim 5, The support member has a curved portion that is convexly curved in the width direction, the light-emitting element panel has a curved panel portion that is arranged along the curved portion of the support member, The print head is characterized in that the curved panel portion is provided with an index that indicates a turning point of the curved portion in the width direction.

7. 6. The printhead of claim 5, At least one of the pair of positioning portions is a through hole, The print head is characterized in that the support member is provided with a reference positioning portion that is aligned with the through hole.

8. 8. The printhead of claim 7, the through hole of one of the pair of positioning portions is formed as a long hole that is long in the arrangement direction, and the through hole of the other positioning portion is formed as a round hole, The print head is characterized in that the reference positioning portions are a pair of reference protrusions into which the elongated hole and the round hole are inserted, respectively.

9. 6. The printhead of claim 5, the light-emitting element panel is formed of a light-transmitting member, At least one of the pair of positioning portions is a positioning mark, The print head is characterized in that the support member is provided with a reference positioning portion that is aligned with the positioning mark.

10. 10. The printhead of claim 9, Both of the pair of positioning portions are the positioning marks having a circular or cross shape, The print head is characterized in that the reference positioning portions are a pair of reference marks that are aligned with the pair of positioning marks.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising the print head according to claim 5.

12. A method for manufacturing the light-emitting element panel according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: a cutting step of cutting a connected panel member in which a plurality of the light-emitting element panels before processing are connected in the width direction into individual light-emitting element panels, The method for manufacturing a light-emitting element panel, wherein the cutting step forms the positioning portions on the light-emitting element panels simultaneously with cutting into individual light-emitting element panels.

Images