JP4645580B2 - Exposure apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Exposure apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same Download PDF

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JP4645580B2
JP4645580B2 JP2006316035A JP2006316035A JP4645580B2 JP 4645580 B2 JP4645580 B2 JP 4645580B2 JP 2006316035 A JP2006316035 A JP 2006316035A JP 2006316035 A JP2006316035 A JP 2006316035A JP 4645580 B2 JP4645580 B2 JP 4645580B2
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賢次 小林
吉幸 松岡
功 海老澤
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Casio Computer Co Ltd
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Description

本発明は、電子写真方式等の画像形成装置における露光装置、及びそれを用いた画像形成装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to an exposure apparatus in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and the like, and an image forming apparatus using the same.

電子写真方式等の画像形成装置(プリンタ装置)においては、画像形成のための露光装置を有している。近年、この露光装置の光源として、有機EL素子等の発光素子を利用する試みが各種なされてきている。このような発光素子を各画素に用いた画像表示装置では、画素を選択するとともに発光素子を駆動するための駆動電圧に応じた駆動電流を発光素子に供給するための複数のトランジスタや印加された駆動電圧を保持するための保持コンデンサ等が各画素に設けられている。例えば、特許文献1には、このような構成の画像表示装置が開示されている。   An electrophotographic image forming apparatus (printer apparatus) has an exposure apparatus for image formation. In recent years, various attempts have been made to use a light emitting element such as an organic EL element as a light source of the exposure apparatus. In an image display device using such a light emitting element for each pixel, a plurality of transistors for supplying a driving current corresponding to a driving voltage for selecting the pixel and driving the light emitting element to the light emitting element are applied. A holding capacitor or the like for holding the driving voltage is provided in each pixel. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image display device having such a configuration.

また、特許文献2には、発光素子を備えた露光装置において、選択的に時分割駆動される複数の発光素子をライン状に形成したチップ上に発光駆動用の共通電極を複数設けた構成を開示している。
特開2002−156923公報 特開平11−245440号公報
Further, Patent Document 2 has a configuration in which a plurality of light-emitting driving common electrodes are provided on a chip in which a plurality of light-emitting elements that are selectively time-division driven are formed in a line in an exposure apparatus including light-emitting elements. Disclosure.
JP 2002-156923 A JP-A-11-245440

しかしながら、露光装置の各発光素子に従来の画像表示装置の画素におけると同等の複数のトランジスタや保持コンデンサを設けて、複数の画素毎を順次選択して時分割駆動するようにした場合、同時に選択されて駆動信号が書き込まれるとともに同じタイミングで点灯する複数の画素間で、配線間の寄生容量に起因して駆動信号のクロストークが発生することがあるという問題がある。   However, if each light emitting element of the exposure device is provided with a plurality of transistors and holding capacitors equivalent to those in the pixels of the conventional image display device, and each pixel is sequentially selected and time-division driven, it is selected at the same time. In addition, there is a problem in that crosstalk of the drive signal may occur between a plurality of pixels that are written with the drive signal and lighted at the same timing due to the parasitic capacitance between the wirings.

本発明は、上記問題に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的とするところは、同じタイミングで点灯する画素間での駆動信号のクロストークをなくした露光装置及びそれを用いた画像形成装置を提供することにある。   The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an exposure apparatus that eliminates crosstalk of drive signals between pixels that are lit at the same timing, and an image forming apparatus using the same. It is to provide.

上記の目的を達成するために、本発明の請求項1に記載の発明は、ライン状に配列された複数の画素を備えて、画像データに応じた露光を行う露光装置において、前記各画素は、少なくとも、発光素子と該発光素子を発光状態とするための電荷を保持する保持コンデンサとを有し、前記複数の画素は所定数の前記画素を有する複数の画素群に分割され、前記複数の画素群の各々に接続され、前記各画素群の前記各画素の前記発光素子を駆動するための前記画像データに基づく電圧値を有する駆動信号が供給され、少なくとも一部が互いに並列に配置される複数の駆動信号線と、前記各画素群における前記各画素に対応して設けられ、該各画素の保持コンデンサに前記駆動信号に応じた電荷を保持する書き込み動作行う選択状態とするタイミングを設定する選択信号が互いに時間的に重ならない異なるタイミングで供給される複数の選択信号線と、各々が前記各画素群の1つの前記画素に共通に接続されて、前記各画素の前記発光素子を発光状態とする発光タイミングを設定する保持信号が供給される、前記所定数の保持信号線と、を備え、前記選択信号線は、隣接して配置される2つの前記駆動信号線の各々に接続され、1つの保持信号線に共通に接続されて、前記保持信号に応じて同じ発光タイミングに設定される2つの前記画素の各々に対して別個に設けられ、該各画素を選択状態とするタイミングが互いに時間的に重ならない異なるタイミングに設定されることを特徴とする。 In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is an exposure apparatus that includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a line and performs exposure according to image data. At least a light-emitting element and a holding capacitor for holding a charge for causing the light-emitting element to emit light, and the plurality of pixels are divided into a plurality of pixel groups having a predetermined number of the pixels , A drive signal connected to each of the pixel groups and having a voltage value based on the image data for driving the light emitting element of each pixel of each pixel group is supplied, and at least some of them are arranged in parallel with each other a plurality of drive signal lines provided corresponding to each pixel in each pixel group, Timing for the selected state for the write operation to hold a charge corresponding to the drive signal to the holding capacitor of the respective pixel A plurality of selection signal lines selected signal for setting the grayed are supplied at different timings that do not overlap each other temporally, each connected said common to one of said pixels in each pixel group, wherein the light emission of each pixel And a predetermined number of holding signal lines to which a holding signal for setting a light emission timing for setting the element in a light emitting state is supplied, and each of the selection signal lines includes two adjacent drive signal lines. Connected to each other, connected in common to one holding signal line , provided separately for each of the two pixels set at the same light emission timing in accordance with the holding signal, and selecting each pixel Are set at different timings that do not overlap in time .

請求項2に記載の露光装置は、請求項1記載の露光装置において、前記各画素群はライン状に配列された前記複数の画素における、隣接して配列された前記所定数の画素からなり、前記複数の選択信号線は、奇数番目の前記各画素群における前記所定数の画素の各々に対して共通に設けられ、偶数番目の前記各画素群における前記所定数の画素の各々に対して共通に設けられていることを特徴とする。   The exposure apparatus according to claim 2 is the exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the pixel groups includes the predetermined number of pixels arranged adjacent to each other in the plurality of pixels arranged in a line. The plurality of selection signal lines are provided in common to the predetermined number of pixels in the odd-numbered pixel groups, and are common to the predetermined number of pixels in the even-numbered pixel groups. It is provided in.

請求項3に記載の露光装置は、請求項1記載の露光装置において、前記各画素は、少なくとも、前記発光素子と、電流路の一端が前記発光素子に接続され、電流路の他端が前記各保持信号線に接続された駆動トランジスタと、制御端子が前記選択信号線に接続され、電流路の一端が前記駆動トランジスタの制御端子に接続され、電流路の他端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の他端に接続された保持トランジスタと、を備え、前記保持コンデンサは、一端が前記駆動トランジスタの制御端子に接続され、他端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の一端に接続され、前記各保持信号線には、前記保持信号として、前記選択信号に応じて当該画素が選択状態とされたとき、前記駆動トランジスタの電流路に前記駆動信号に応じた電流を流して、対応する電荷を前記保持コンデンサに保持するとともに前記発光素子を非発光状態とし、当該画素が非選択状態とされたとき、前記保持コンデンサに保持された電荷に基づく電流を前記発光素子に供給して発光状態とする信号が供給されることを特徴とする。 The exposure apparatus according to claim 3 is the exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each pixel includes at least the light emitting element and one end of a current path connected to the light emitting element, and the other end of the current path is the A driving transistor connected to each holding signal line, a control terminal is connected to the selection signal line, one end of a current path is connected to the control terminal of the driving transistor, and the other end of the current path is a current path of the driving transistor. and a holding transistor connected to the other end of the holding capacitor has one end connected to the control terminal of the drive transistor, the other end is connected to one end of the current path of the driving transistor, wherein the holding signal When the pixel is selected according to the selection signal, the current corresponding to the drive signal is supplied to the line through the current path of the drive transistor. The charge is held in the holding capacitor and the light emitting element is set in a non-light emitting state, and when the pixel is in a non-selected state, a current based on the charge held in the holding capacitor is supplied to the light emitting element to emit light. A signal for setting a state is supplied.

請求項4に記載の露光装置は、請求項3記載の露光装置において、前記各画素は、更に、制御端子が前記選択信号線に接続され、電流路の一端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の一端に接続され、電流路の他端が前記駆動信号線に接続された選択トランジスタを備え、前記選択信号に応じて当該画素が選択状態とされたとき、前記駆動信号線から前記選択トランジスタを介して、前記駆動トランジスタの電流路に前記駆動信号に応じた電流が流れることを特徴とする。   According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the exposure apparatus according to the third aspect, the control terminal of each pixel is further connected to the selection signal line, and one end of the current path is one end of the current path of the drive transistor. And the other end of the current path is connected to the drive signal line, and when the pixel is selected according to the selection signal, the drive signal line passes through the selection transistor. The current according to the drive signal flows through the current path of the drive transistor.

請求項5に記載の露光装置は、請求項1記載の露光装置において、前記各駆動信号線は、1つの前記画素群における所定数の画素に共通に接続されることを特徴とする。   An exposure apparatus according to a fifth aspect is the exposure apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein each of the drive signal lines is commonly connected to a predetermined number of pixels in one pixel group.

請求項6に記載の露光装置は、請求項1乃至5の何れかに記載の露光装置において、前記発光素子アレイにおける前記各発光素子は有機EL素子であることを特徴とする。   An exposure apparatus according to a sixth aspect is the exposure apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein each of the light emitting elements in the light emitting element array is an organic EL element.

請求項7に記載の発明は、感光体ドラムと帯電器と露光器と現像器とを備えて、画像データに応じた印刷を行う画像形成装置において、前記露光器は、少なくとも、発光素子と該発光素子を発光状態とするための電荷を保持する保持コンデンサとを有して主走査方向に配列された複数の画素を有し、前記複数の画素は所定数の前記画素を有する複数の画素群に分割され、前記複数の画素群の各々に接続され、前記各画素群の前記各画素の前記発光素子を駆動するための前記画像データに基づく電圧値を有する駆動信号が供給され、少なくとも一部が互いに並列に配置される複数の駆動信号線と、前記各画素群における前記各画素に対応して設けられ、該各画素の保持コンデンサに前記駆動信号に応じた電荷を保持する書き込み動作行う選択状態とするタイミングを設定する選択信号が互いに時間的に重ならない異なるタイミングで供給される複数の選択信号線と、各々が前記各画素群の1つの前記画素に共通に接続されて、前記各画素の前記発光素子を発光状態とする発光タイミングを設定する保持信号が供給される、前記所定数の保持信号線と、を備え、前記選択信号線は、隣接して配置される2つの前記駆動信号線の各々に接続され、1つの保持信号線に共通に接続されて、前記保持信号に応じて同じ発光タイミングに設定される2つの前記画素の各々に対して別個に設けられ、該各画素を選択状態とするタイミングが互いに時間的に重ならない異なるタイミングに設定されることを特徴とする。 Invention of claim 7, and a developing unit and the photosensitive drum and the charger and the exposure device, an image forming apparatus that performs printing in accordance with image data, the exposure device is, at least, the light emitting element and said and a holding capacitor for holding electric charges to the light emitting element and the light-emitting state, the main scanning a plurality of pixels arranged in a direction, a plurality of pixels of the plurality of pixels having the pixel of the predetermined number A drive signal having a voltage value based on the image data for driving the light emitting element of each pixel of each pixel group, which is divided into groups and connected to each of the plurality of pixel groups, is provided; A plurality of drive signal lines arranged in parallel with each other and a write operation that is provided corresponding to each pixel in each pixel group, and holds a charge corresponding to the drive signal in a holding capacitor of each pixel selected to perform A plurality of selection signal lines selection signal for setting a timing of a state is supplied at different timings that do not overlap each other temporally, each being connected in common the one of the pixels of the pixel groups, each pixel A predetermined number of holding signal lines to which a holding signal for setting a light emission timing for setting the light emitting element to emit light is supplied, and each of the selection signal lines is disposed adjacent to the two driving signals is connected to each signal line, are connected in common to the one holding the signal line provided separately for each of the two of the pixels that are set to the same light emission time in response to the holding signal, each of said pixel The selection timing is set to different timings that do not overlap in time .

請求項8に記載の画像形成装置は、請求項7記載の画像形成装置において、前記各画素群は、前記主走査方向に配列された前記複数の画素における、隣接して配列された前記所定数の画素からなり、前記複数の選択信号線は、奇数番目の前記各画素群における前記所定数の画素の各々に対して共通に設けられ、偶数番目の前記各画素群における前記所定数の画素の各々に対して共通に設けられていることを特徴とする。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein each of the pixel groups is the predetermined number arranged adjacent to each other in the plurality of pixels arranged in the main scanning direction. The plurality of selection signal lines are provided in common to each of the predetermined number of pixels in each of the odd-numbered pixel groups, and each of the predetermined number of pixels in each of the even-numbered pixel groups is provided. It is characterized by being provided in common to each.

請求項9に記載の画像形成装置は、請求項7記載の画像形成装置において、前記各画素は、少なくとも、前記発光素子と、電流路の一端が前記発光素子に接続され、電流路の他端が前記各保持信号線に接続された駆動トランジスタと、制御端子が前記選択信号線に接続され、電流路の一端が前記駆動トランジスタの制御端子に接続され、電流路の他端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の他端に接続された保持トランジスタと、を備え、前記保持コンデンサは、一端が前記駆動トランジスタの制御端子に接続され、他端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の一端に接続され、前記各保持信号線には、前記保持信号として、前記選択信号に応じて当該画素が選択状態とされたとき、前記駆動トランジスタの電流路に前記駆動信号に応じた電流を流して、対応する電荷を前記保持コンデンサに保持するとともに前記発光素子を非発光状態とし、当該画素が非選択状態とされたとき、前記保持コンデンサに保持された電荷に基づく電流を前記発光素子に供給して発光状態とする信号が供給されることを特徴とする。
The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the pixels includes at least the light emitting element and one end of a current path connected to the light emitting element, and the other end of the current path. Is connected to each holding signal line, a control terminal is connected to the selection signal line, one end of the current path is connected to the control terminal of the drive transistor, and the other end of the current path is connected to the drive transistor. A holding transistor connected to the other end of the current path, and the holding capacitor has one end connected to the control terminal of the driving transistor and the other end connected to one end of the current path of the driving transistor. the hold signal lines, as the hold signal, when the pixel is set to the selected state in response to the selection signal electric current according to the driving signal to a current path of the driving transistor The corresponding charge is held in the holding capacitor and the light emitting element is set in a non-light emitting state, and when the pixel is in a non-selected state, a current based on the charge held in the holding capacitor is supplied to the light emitting element. Thus, a signal for turning on the light is supplied.

請求項10に記載の画像形成装置は、請求項9記載の画像形成装置において、前記各画素は、更に、制御端子が前記選択信号線に接続され、電流路の一端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の一端に接続され、電流路の他端が前記駆動信号線に接続された選択トランジスタを備え、前記選択信号に応じて当該画素が選択状態とされたとき、前記駆動信号線から前記選択トランジスタを介して、前記駆動トランジスタの電流路に前記駆動信号に応じた電流が流れることを特徴とする。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein each of the pixels further has a control terminal connected to the selection signal line, and one end of a current path is a current path of the drive transistor. A selection transistor connected to one end of the current path and the other end of the current path connected to the drive signal line, and when the pixel is in a selected state according to the selection signal, the selection transistor is connected to the drive signal line. Thus, a current corresponding to the drive signal flows through the current path of the drive transistor.

請求項11に記載の画像形成装置は、請求項7記載の画像形成装置において、前記各駆動信号線は、1つの前記画素群における所定数の画素に共通に接続されることを特徴とする。   An image forming apparatus according to an eleventh aspect is the image forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the drive signal lines are commonly connected to a predetermined number of pixels in one pixel group.

請求項12に記載の画像形成装置は、請求項7乃至11の何れかに記載の画像形成装置において、前記発光素子アレイにおける前記各発光素子は有機EL素子であることを特徴とする。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 12 is the image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein each light emitting element in the light emitting element array is an organic EL element.

隣接する駆動信号線に接続され、同じ点灯タイミングを有する画素間で書き込みを行うタイミングが異なるタイミングに設定されていることにより、画素に書き込まれる駆動信号の値が、駆動信号線間の寄生容量によって隣接した駆動信号線に印加される駆動信号の値に影響されないようにして、画素間の駆動信号のクロストークをなくすことができる。   The timing of writing between pixels connected to adjacent driving signal lines and having the same lighting timing is set to a different timing, so that the value of the driving signal written to the pixel is caused by the parasitic capacitance between the driving signal lines. Crosstalk of drive signals between pixels can be eliminated without being affected by the value of a drive signal applied to adjacent drive signal lines.

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態を詳細に説明する。   Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(第1実施形態)
図1は、本発明が適用される電子写真方式による画像形成装置(プリンタ装置)の概略構成を示す図である。感光体ドラム1は、帯電器2により一様に帯電された後、露光器(露光装置)3に備えられた発光装置からの光照射により静電潜像が形成される。次に、この静電潜像を具現化するために現像器4にてトナーを付着させる。トナー像は転写器6と感光体ドラム1との間で用紙5に転写される。トナーの付着した用紙5は定着器7で熱定着された後、排出される。
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus (printer apparatus) to which the present invention is applied. After the photoreceptor drum 1 is uniformly charged by the charger 2, an electrostatic latent image is formed by light irradiation from a light emitting device provided in the exposure device (exposure device) 3. Next, in order to realize this electrostatic latent image, toner is adhered by the developing device 4. The toner image is transferred to the paper 5 between the transfer device 6 and the photosensitive drum 1. The paper 5 to which the toner is attached is thermally fixed by the fixing device 7 and then discharged.

また、感光体ドラム1上の微量の転写漏れトナーはクリーナー9にて除去され、更に感光体ドラム1の表面は除電器8によって一様に除電される。   Further, a small amount of transfer leakage toner on the photosensitive drum 1 is removed by the cleaner 9, and the surface of the photosensitive drum 1 is uniformly discharged by the static eliminator 8.

ここで、上記した発光装置は、記録走査の主走査方向(感光体ドラムの幅方向、つまり用紙の幅方向)に一列に配設された多数の発光素子からなる発光素子アレイを備えており、各発光素子は、例えば有機ELからなる。この発光素子アレイは、例えば、A4サイズの用紙を縦方向に用いて、その幅一杯に印字密度1200dpi(ドット/インチ)で印字可能なプリンタ装置の場合であれば、およそ14000個の発光素子を備えている。これらの個々の発光素子には、ホスト機器から出力される印字情報に従ったパルス電圧が印加され、個々の発光素子が選択的に発光制御される。有機ELを用いた発光デバイスは、近年盛んに研究されている。電子写真プロセスの光源に、LEDに代わり有機ELを採用することで、各LEDに接続していたワイヤーボンディングの本数を削減することができて、コストを削減することができる。   Here, the above-described light emitting device includes a light emitting element array including a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in a line in the main scanning direction of the recording scan (the width direction of the photosensitive drum, that is, the width direction of the paper). Each light emitting element consists of organic EL, for example. For example, in the case of a printer device that can print at a print density of 1200 dpi (dots / inch) to the full width using A4 size paper in the vertical direction, this light-emitting element array includes approximately 14000 light-emitting elements. I have. A pulse voltage according to the print information output from the host device is applied to these individual light emitting elements, and the individual light emitting elements are selectively controlled to emit light. In recent years, light-emitting devices using organic EL have been actively studied. By adopting organic EL instead of LEDs as the light source for the electrophotographic process, the number of wire bondings connected to each LED can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced.

図2は、図1で説明した露光器3に備えられた発光装置の構成の概要を示す図である。発光装置は、システムコントローラ20と、データドライバ21、スキャンドライバ22と、露光ヘッド基板23とによって構成される。露光ヘッド基板23には、各々が例えば4個の画素からなるa〜fの画素群が配置されている。   FIG. 2 is a view showing an outline of the configuration of the light emitting device provided in the exposure device 3 described in FIG. The light emitting device includes a system controller 20, a data driver 21, a scan driver 22, and an exposure head substrate 23. On the exposure head substrate 23, a pixel group of a to f each having, for example, four pixels is arranged.

図2に示す発光装置において画像データに合わせた露光が行われる場合、まず、システムコントローラ20は、図示せぬ印刷装置のラスターイメージプロセッサ部より画像データと、用紙サイズと搬送速度に合わせた水平制御信号HSYNC及び垂直制御信号を受信する。データドライバ21は、出力信号として、システムコントローラ20からの制御信号に合わせて各画素のオンオフ及び画素データに応じた階調信号に基づく電圧値を有する複数の駆動電圧(Vdata1〜Vdata6)を生成して露光ヘッド基板23に供給する。また、スキャンドライバ22は、システムコントローラ20からの制御信号に合わせて画素を選択状態とするための複数の選択信号(Select1〜Select4)、及び、点灯状態とするための複数の保持信号(Source1〜Source4)を生成して供給する機能を備える。   When exposure according to image data is performed in the light emitting device shown in FIG. 2, first, the system controller 20 performs horizontal control according to image data, paper size, and conveyance speed from a raster image processor unit of a printing device (not shown). The signal HSYNC and the vertical control signal are received. The data driver 21 generates, as output signals, a plurality of drive voltages (Vdata1 to Vdata6) having voltage values based on on / off of each pixel and a gradation signal corresponding to the pixel data in accordance with a control signal from the system controller 20. To the exposure head substrate 23. The scan driver 22 also has a plurality of selection signals (Select1 to Select4) for setting the pixels in a selected state in accordance with a control signal from the system controller 20 and a plurality of holding signals (Source1 to Source1) for setting the lighting states. A function for generating and supplying Source 4) is provided.

図3は、図2に示す露光ヘッド基板23の、本発明の効果を説明するための、比較対象としての等価回路である。また、図4は、その駆動タイミングチャートである。図3は、図2に示す露光ヘッド基板23上の画素群a〜fのうち、4つの画素a1〜a4からなる画素群aと、4つの画素b1〜b4からなる画素群bの一部(画素b1、b2)とを示している。各画素は、例えば、薄膜トランジスタで構成され、画素の選択用スイッチとしての選択トランジスタ33と、発光素子としての有機EL素子34と、薄膜トランジスタで構成され、有機EL駆動用の駆動トランジスタ31と、薄膜トランジスタで形成された保持トランジスタ30と、画素の表示輝度に対応した信号電荷を保持するための保持コンデンサ32とを具備して構成される。   FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit as a comparison object for explaining the effect of the present invention of the exposure head substrate 23 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a drive timing chart thereof. 3 shows a pixel group a composed of four pixels a1 to a4 and a part of a pixel group b composed of four pixels b1 to b4 among the pixel groups a to f on the exposure head substrate 23 shown in FIG. Pixels b1, b2) are shown. Each pixel includes, for example, a thin film transistor, and includes a selection transistor 33 as a pixel selection switch, an organic EL element 34 as a light emitting element, and a thin film transistor, and includes a driving transistor 31 for driving an organic EL and a thin film transistor. The formed holding transistor 30 and a holding capacitor 32 for holding a signal charge corresponding to the display luminance of the pixel are configured.

図3に示す露光ヘッド基板23においては、各駆動電圧が印加される複数の駆動信号線と、各選択信号が印加される複数の選択信号線と、各保持信号が印加される複数の保持信号線とを有し、各選択信号線に印加される選択信号がハイレベルとされる画素の選択期間に、データドライバ21から階調信号に基づく電圧値を有する駆動電圧Vdata1〜Vdata6が各駆動信号線に印加され、選択トランジスタ33を介して駆動トランジスタ31に印加されて、保持コンデンサ32に、駆動トランジスタ31の電流路に流れる電流に対応した電荷が蓄積される。そして、選択信号がローレベルとされ、保持信号線に印加される保持信号がハイレベルとされる保持期間に、保持コンデンサ32に蓄積された電荷に応じた電流が駆動トランジスタ31から有機EL素子34に供給され、この電流の電流値に応じた輝度で有機EL素子34が点灯するように構成される。   In the exposure head substrate 23 shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of driving signal lines to which each driving voltage is applied, a plurality of selection signal lines to which each selection signal is applied, and a plurality of holding signals to which each holding signal is applied. Drive voltage Vdata1 to Vdata6 having a voltage value based on the grayscale signal from the data driver 21 during a pixel selection period in which the selection signal applied to each selection signal line is at a high level. The charge is applied to the line, is applied to the drive transistor 31 via the selection transistor 33, and charges corresponding to the current flowing in the current path of the drive transistor 31 are accumulated in the holding capacitor 32. Then, during the holding period in which the selection signal is set to the low level and the holding signal applied to the holding signal line is set to the high level, a current corresponding to the charge accumulated in the holding capacitor 32 is supplied from the driving transistor 31 to the organic EL element 34. And the organic EL element 34 is lit with a luminance corresponding to the current value of the current.

また、各駆動信号線にリセットトランジスタ35,36が設けられ、選択期間の初期にリセットトランジスタ35,36をオンにして保持コンデンサ32に充電された電荷を放電させるように構成される。   In addition, reset transistors 35 and 36 are provided in each drive signal line, and the reset transistors 35 and 36 are turned on at the initial stage of the selection period to discharge the charge charged in the holding capacitor 32.

図4に示す水平制御信号HSYNCは印刷装置の主走査方向の同期信号であり、アクティブ〜アクティブ期間が1ラインに許されるドット形成処理時間(1ライン時間)である。例えば1dot=1200dpi×1200dpi、40ppm、用紙間50mmでA4横サイズの光源ユニットを用いるとすると、1ライン時間は、((25.4mm/1200dpi)/(210mm×40枚+50mm×40枚))/60≒122μsecとなる。   A horizontal control signal HSYNC shown in FIG. 4 is a synchronization signal in the main scanning direction of the printing apparatus, and is a dot formation processing time (one line time) in which an active to active period is allowed for one line. For example, if you use an A4 horizontal light source unit with 1 dot = 1200 dpi x 1200 dpi, 40 ppm, 50 mm between papers, one line time is ((25.4 mm / 1200 dpi) / (210 mm x 40 sheets + 50 mm x 40 sheets)) / 60 ≒ 122μsec.

データドライバ21は、HSYNCがアクティブ〜アクティブである期間(1ライン時間)に、感光体ドラム1を露光して潜像を形成するのに必要な光エネルギーが得られるように、各画素を駆動して所定の時間発光させる。   The data driver 21 drives each pixel so that light energy necessary for exposing the photosensitive drum 1 to form a latent image can be obtained during a period (one line time) when HSYNC is active to active. To emit light for a predetermined time.

発光時間を1ライン時間に対して十分短期間とすることで、発光素子アレイの複数の発光素子を所定数の発光素子毎に時分割で発光させるようにすることで、駆動信号線の本数を減らすことができ、データドライバ21の1本の出力で1つの画素群の複数の画素のアノードと接続し、画素群の各画素をスキャンドライバ22で順次選択状態及び点灯状態として時分割駆動するように構成されている。   By making the light emission time sufficiently short with respect to one line time, the plurality of light emitting elements in the light emitting element array are caused to emit light in a time-sharing manner for each predetermined number of light emitting elements, thereby reducing the number of drive signal lines. The output of the data driver 21 is connected to the anodes of a plurality of pixels of one pixel group, and the pixels of the pixel group are sequentially selected and turned on by the scan driver 22 in a time-sharing manner. It is configured.

図3に示す構成においては、データドライバ21の1本の駆動信号で1つの画素群の4個の画素を駆動するように構成され、データドライバ21から露光ヘッド基板23へ出力信号が供給される駆動信号線は6個の画素群a〜fに対応した6本設けられている。また、スキャンドライバ22から露光ヘッド基板23へ送られる選択信号が供給される選択信号線及び保持信号が供給される保持信号線は、それぞれ各画素群a〜fの4個の画素数に応じた4本設けられている。   In the configuration shown in FIG. 3, four pixels in one pixel group are driven by one drive signal of the data driver 21, and an output signal is supplied from the data driver 21 to the exposure head substrate 23. Six drive signal lines are provided corresponding to the six pixel groups a to f. The selection signal line to which the selection signal sent from the scan driver 22 to the exposure head substrate 23 and the holding signal line to which the holding signal are supplied correspond to the number of four pixels in each of the pixel groups a to f, respectively. Four are provided.

図3のようにスキャンドライバ22との接続を4個の画素を1単位で実施したときに、1200dpi/40PPMであれば、各選択信号は122/4μsec=30.5μsecずつシフトした信号となり、各保持信号は選択信号がローレベルとされた期間内でハイレベルとされ、この場合、122-30.5=91.5μsecまでの発光が行える。すなわち、選択信号Select1がハイレベルの期間で各画素群のa1,b1,c1,d1,e1,f1の画素に階調信号に応じた駆動電圧がデータドライバ21から出力され、駆動電圧に対応した電荷が保持コンデンサ32に書き込まれる。この電荷は保持信号Source1がハイレベルの期間中保持されて、当該電荷に応じた電流が駆動トランジスタ31から有機EL素子34に供給されることで保持信号Source1がハイレベルの期間中、有機EL素子34が点灯する。   As shown in FIG. 3, when the connection to the scan driver 22 is performed in units of four pixels, if 1200 dpi / 40 PPM, each selection signal is a signal shifted by 122/4 μsec = 30.5 μsec, and each holding signal The signal is set to the high level within the period when the selection signal is set to the low level. In this case, light emission can be performed up to 122-30.5 = 91.5 μsec. That is, the drive voltage corresponding to the gradation signal is output from the data driver 21 to the pixels a1, b1, c1, d1, e1, and f1 of each pixel group during the period in which the selection signal Select1 is at a high level, and the drive voltage corresponds to the drive voltage. Charge is written into the holding capacitor 32. This electric charge is held while the holding signal Source1 is at a high level, and a current corresponding to the electric charge is supplied from the driving transistor 31 to the organic EL element 34, whereby the organic EL element is held while the holding signal Source1 is at a high level. 34 lights up.

同様に選択信号Select2に対応して各画素群のa2,b2,c2,d2,e2,f2の画素、および選択信号Select3に対応して各画素群のa3,b3,c3,d3,e3,f3の画素、選択信号Select4に対応して各画素群のa4,b4,c4,d4,e4,f4の画素に対して階調信号に応じた駆動電圧がデータドライバ21から出力されて、各保持信号がハイレベルの期間中、対応する画素が点灯する。   Similarly, pixels a2, b2, c2, d2, e2, f2 of each pixel group corresponding to the selection signal Select2, and a3, b3, c3, d3, e3, f3 of each pixel group corresponding to the selection signal Select3 The driving voltage corresponding to the gradation signal is output from the data driver 21 to the pixels a4, b4, c4, d4, e4, f4 of each pixel group corresponding to the selection signal Select4, and each holding signal The corresponding pixels are lit during the high level period.

以下に、上記した構成における問題点を説明する。露光ヘッド基板23において、データドライバ21からの出力信号が供給される複数の駆動信号線は、露光ヘッド基板23の幅をできるだけ狭くするために、通常、近接して、互いに並列して配置される。このために、各駆動信号線間には、図3に示すように、寄生容量Cdataが生じている。すなわち、隣接した駆動信号線(図3の例では、駆動電圧Vdata1が印加される駆動信号線と駆動電圧Vdata2が印加される駆動信号線)間で、寄生容量Cdataが発生している。ここで、同じ保持信号線に接続されて同じタイミングで点灯する画素において、同じ選択信号線に接続されて同じタイミングで選択状態とされるとともに、隣接した駆動信号線に接続される画素がある。例えば図3では、画素a1と画素b1、あるいは画素a2と画素b2がそのような関係にある。このような画素間では、選択信号がハイレベルとなって画素が選択状態とされ、当該画素に電流が流れ始める時点と、選択信号がローレベルとなって画素への電流が遮断される過渡状態時に、駆動信号線間の容量結合によって、一方又は双方の画素に、データドライバ21から画素へ供給される階調信号に対応した電流とは異なった電流が流れて、対応する画素の保時コンデンサ32にそれに応じた電荷が書き込まれてしまうことがあるという問題点がある。例えば、同じ選択信号線に接続されるとともに隣接する駆動信号線に接続される画素間で最大階調の高い駆動電圧が印加される画素と非点灯のゼロ電圧が印加される画素とが存在する場合、非点灯であるべき画素に容量結合によって微小な電圧が印加されて僅かに点灯してしまう場合がある。   Hereinafter, problems in the above configuration will be described. In the exposure head substrate 23, a plurality of drive signal lines to which an output signal from the data driver 21 is supplied are usually arranged close to each other and in parallel with each other in order to reduce the width of the exposure head substrate 23 as much as possible. . For this reason, a parasitic capacitance Cdata occurs between the drive signal lines as shown in FIG. That is, a parasitic capacitance Cdata is generated between adjacent drive signal lines (in the example of FIG. 3, the drive signal line to which the drive voltage Vdata1 is applied and the drive signal line to which the drive voltage Vdata2 is applied). Here, among the pixels that are connected to the same holding signal line and are lit at the same timing, there are pixels that are connected to the same selection signal line and selected at the same timing, and are connected to the adjacent drive signal lines. For example, in FIG. 3, the pixel a1 and the pixel b1, or the pixel a2 and the pixel b2 have such a relationship. Between such pixels, when the selection signal becomes high level, the pixel is in a selected state, and when the current starts to flow through the pixel, and when the selection signal becomes low level, the current is cut off from the pixel Sometimes, due to capacitive coupling between the drive signal lines, a current different from the current corresponding to the gradation signal supplied from the data driver 21 to the pixel flows in one or both pixels, and the retention capacitor of the corresponding pixel There is a problem that a charge corresponding to that is sometimes written in 32. For example, there are pixels to which a drive voltage with a high maximum gradation is applied and pixels to which a non-lighting zero voltage is applied between pixels connected to the same selection signal line and connected to adjacent drive signal lines. In such a case, a minute voltage may be applied to the pixel that should not be lit due to capacitive coupling, resulting in a slight lighting.

図5は、このような課題を解決するための、本発明に係る露光ヘッド基板23の概略等価回路である。また、図6はその駆動タイミングチャートである。一例として、先述の図3、図4の場合と同じく、4つの画素からなる画素群を有して、各画素を順次選択状態として時分割駆動するように構成される。   FIG. 5 is a schematic equivalent circuit of the exposure head substrate 23 according to the present invention for solving such a problem. FIG. 6 is a drive timing chart thereof. As an example, as in the case of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 described above, the pixel group includes four pixels, and each pixel is sequentially selected and driven in a time-sharing manner.

本実施形態では、上記した従来の問題点を解決するために、同じ保持信号が供給されて同じ点灯タイミングを有し、隣接した駆動信号線に接続された画素の選択トランジスタ33を選択状態とするのに、異なる選択信号線を用いて異なるタイミングで選択動作を行うことを特徴とする。以下にこれについて詳細に説明する。   In the present embodiment, in order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the selection transistors 33 of the pixels that are supplied with the same holding signal and have the same lighting timing and connected to the adjacent drive signal lines are set to the selected state. However, the selection operation is performed at different timings using different selection signal lines. This will be described in detail below.

図3では、選択信号Select1が印加される選択信号線は画素a1, b1,c1,d1,e1,f1に接続され、選択信号Select2が印加される選択信号線は画素a2, b2,c2,d2,e2,f2に接続され、選択信号Select3が印加される選択信号線は画素a3, b3,c3,d3,e3,f3に接続され、選択信号Select4が印加される選択信号線は画素a4, b4,c4,d4,e4,f4に接続されている。これに対して、図5に示す本実施形態における構成では、選択信号Select1の代わりに2つの選択信号Select11とSelect12を用い、選択信号Select11が印加される選択信号線をa1,c1,e1画素に接続するとともに、選択信号Select12が印加される選択信号線をb1,d1,f1画素に接続している。同様に、選択信号Select2の代わりに2つの選択信号Select21とSelect22を用い、選択信号Select21が印加される選択信号線をa2,c2,e2画素に接続するとともに、選択信号Select22が印加される選択信号線をb2,d2,f2画素に接続し、選択信号Select3の代わりに2つの選択信号Select31とSelect32を用い、選択信号Select31が印加される選択信号線をa3,c3,e3画素に接続するとともに、選択信号Select32が印加される選択信号線をb3,d3,f3画素に接続し、選択信号Select4の代わりに2つの選択信号Select41とSelect42を用い、選択信号Select41が印加される選択信号線をa4,c4,e4画素に接続するとともに、選択信号Select42が印加される選択信号線をb4,d4,f4画素に接続している。このように、本実施形態では、同じ発光タイミングを有し、選択トランジスタ33に接続された駆動信号線(図5ではVdata1とVdata2)が隣接する2つの画素(例えばa1とb1)の選択トランジスタ33をそれぞれ別個の選択信号を用いて選択状態とすることを特徴とする。例えば、画素a1は保持トランジスタ30と、駆動トランジスタ31と、画素表示素子としての有機EL素子34と、選択トランジスタ33と、信号電荷を保持するための保持コンデンサ32とを具備する。また、画素b1は保持トランジスタ130と、駆動トランジスタ131と、画素表示素子としての有機EL素子134と、選択トランジスタ133と、信号電荷を保持するための保持コンデンサ132とを具備する。ここで、画素a1に接続され、駆動電圧Vdata1が供給される駆動信号線と、画素b1に接続され、駆動電圧Vdata2が供給される駆動信号線とは隣接して寄生容量Cdataが発生している。そこで本実施形態では、画素a1については選択信号Select11によって選択動作を行い、画素b1については選択信号Select12にいって選択動作を行うようにする。   In FIG. 3, the selection signal line to which the selection signal Select1 is applied is connected to the pixels a1, b1, c1, d1, e1, and f1, and the selection signal line to which the selection signal Select2 is applied is the pixels a2, b2, c2, and d2. , e2, and f2, and the selection signal line to which the selection signal Select3 is applied is connected to the pixels a3, b3, c3, d3, e3, and f3, and the selection signal line to which the selection signal Select4 is applied is the pixels a4 and b4 , c4, d4, e4, f4. On the other hand, in the configuration of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 5, two selection signals Select11 and Select12 are used instead of the selection signal Select1, and the selection signal lines to which the selection signal Select11 is applied are a1, c1, and e1 pixels. In addition to the connection, the selection signal line to which the selection signal Select12 is applied is connected to the b1, d1, and f1 pixels. Similarly, two selection signals Select21 and Select22 are used instead of the selection signal Select2, and the selection signal line to which the selection signal Select21 is applied is connected to the pixels a2, c2, and e2, and the selection signal to which the selection signal Select22 is applied. A line is connected to the b2, d2, and f2 pixels, two selection signals Select31 and Select32 are used instead of the selection signal Select3, and the selection signal line to which the selection signal Select31 is applied is connected to the a3, c3, and e3 pixels, The selection signal line to which the selection signal Select32 is applied is connected to the pixels b3, d3, and f3, the two selection signals Select41 and Select42 are used instead of the selection signal Select4, and the selection signal line to which the selection signal Select41 is applied is a4, In addition to being connected to the c4 and e4 pixels, the selection signal line to which the selection signal Select42 is applied is connected to the b4, d4 and f4 pixels. As described above, in this embodiment, the selection transistors 33 of two pixels (for example, a1 and b1) having the same light emission timing and adjacent to the drive signal lines (Vdata1 and Vdata2 in FIG. 5) connected to the selection transistor 33 are used. Are selected using separate selection signals. For example, the pixel a1 includes a holding transistor 30, a driving transistor 31, an organic EL element 34 as a pixel display element, a selection transistor 33, and a holding capacitor 32 for holding a signal charge. The pixel b1 includes a holding transistor 130, a driving transistor 131, an organic EL element 134 as a pixel display element, a selection transistor 133, and a holding capacitor 132 for holding a signal charge. Here, a parasitic capacitance Cdata is generated adjacent to the drive signal line connected to the pixel a1 and supplied with the drive voltage Vdata1 and the drive signal line connected to the pixel b1 and supplied with the drive voltage Vdata2. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the selection operation is performed on the pixel a1 by the selection signal Select11, and the selection operation is performed on the pixel b1 by the selection signal Select12.

このような構成によれば、データドライバ21から各駆動信号線に駆動電圧Vdata1〜Vdata6に応じた電流が出力されているときに、選択信号Select11に応じてa1,c1,e1画素に対しての書き込みが行われ、選択信号Select12に応じてb1,d1,f1画素に対する書き込みが行われる。そして、保持信号Source1がハイレベルとされる期間でa1,b1,c1,d1,e1,f1画素が点灯する。同様にして、選択信号Select21に応じてa2,c2,e2画素に対して書き込みが行われ、選択信号Select22に応じてb2,d2,f2画素への書き込みが行われる。そして、Source2がハイレベルとされる期間でa2,b2,c2,d2,e2,f2が点灯する。以下同様にして、画素a3〜f3では選択信号Select31及び選択信号Select32での書き込みと保持信号Source3での点灯、画素a4〜f4では選択信号Select41及びSelect42での書き込みと保持信号Source4での点灯が行われる。このようにして、1ライン時間の全画素書き込みと点灯が行われる。   According to such a configuration, when the current corresponding to the drive voltages Vdata1 to Vdata6 is output from the data driver 21 to each drive signal line, the a1, c1, and e1 pixels are output according to the selection signal Select11. Writing is performed, and writing to the b1, d1, and f1 pixels is performed according to the selection signal Select12. Then, the pixels a1, b1, c1, d1, e1, and f1 are turned on during the period when the holding signal Source1 is set to the high level. Similarly, writing is performed on the a2, c2, and e2 pixels according to the selection signal Select21, and writing is performed on the b2, d2, and f2 pixels according to the selection signal Select22. Then, a2, b2, c2, d2, e2, and f2 are lit during a period when Source2 is at a high level. Similarly, in pixels a3 to f3, writing with selection signal Select31 and selection signal Select32 and lighting with holding signal Source3 are performed, and in pixels a4 to f4, writing with selection signals Select41 and Select42 and lighting with holding signal Source4 are performed. Is called. In this way, all pixels are written and lit for one line time.

上記した手順によれば、隣接する駆動信号線に接続され、同じ点灯タイミングを有する画素間で書き込み期間がずれているので、駆動信号線間に寄生容量Cdataが存在しても、書き込み時にはデータドライバ21からの駆動電圧の電圧値に従い、正しい信号電荷が保持コンデンサ32に書き込まれ、隣接した駆動信号線に印加される駆動電圧の電圧値に影響されることはない。このようにして、同じ点灯タイミングを有し、隣接する駆動信号線に接続された画素間の駆動電圧の影響を排除することが出来る。   According to the above-described procedure, the writing period is shifted between pixels connected to adjacent drive signal lines and having the same lighting timing. Therefore, even when the parasitic capacitance Cdata exists between the drive signal lines, the data driver is used at the time of writing. In accordance with the voltage value of the drive voltage from 21, the correct signal charge is written into the holding capacitor 32 and is not affected by the voltage value of the drive voltage applied to the adjacent drive signal line. In this way, it is possible to eliminate the influence of the drive voltage between pixels having the same lighting timing and connected to adjacent drive signal lines.

図1は、本発明が適用される電子写真システムの概略構成を示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an electrophotographic system to which the present invention is applied. 図2は、図1で説明した露光器3に備えられた、従来の有機ELヘッド部の構成を示す図である。FIG. 2 is a view showing a configuration of a conventional organic EL head unit provided in the exposure device 3 described in FIG. 図3は、図2に示す露光ヘッド基板23の概略等価回路である。FIG. 3 is a schematic equivalent circuit of the exposure head substrate 23 shown in FIG. 図4は、図3に示す概略等価回路の駆動タイミングチャートである。FIG. 4 is a drive timing chart of the schematic equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 図5は、本発明に係る露光ヘッド基板23の概略等価回路である。FIG. 5 is a schematic equivalent circuit of the exposure head substrate 23 according to the present invention. 図6は、図5に示す概略等価回路の駆動タイミングチャートである。FIG. 6 is a drive timing chart of the schematic equivalent circuit shown in FIG.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1 感光体ドラム
2 帯電器
3 露光器
4 現像器
5 用紙
6 転写器
7 定着器
8 除電器
9 クリーナー
20 システムコントローラ
21,21−1 データドライバ
22,22−1 スキャンドライバ
23 露光ヘッド基板
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Photosensitive drum 2 Charging device 3 Exposure device 4 Developing device 5 Paper 6 Transfer device 7 Fixing device 8 Electric discharge device 9 Cleaner 20 System controller 21, 211-1 Data driver 22, 22-1 Scan driver 23 Exposure head substrate

Claims (12)

ライン状に配列された複数の画素を備えて、画像データに応じた露光を行う露光装置において、
前記各画素は、少なくとも、発光素子と該発光素子を発光状態とするための電荷を保持する保持コンデンサとを有し、
前記複数の画素は所定数の前記画素を有する複数の画素群に分割され、
前記複数の画素群の各々に接続され、前記各画素群の前記各画素の前記発光素子を駆動するための前記画像データに基づく電圧値を有する駆動信号が供給され、少なくとも一部が互いに並列に配置される複数の駆動信号線と、
前記各画素群における前記各画素に対応して設けられ、該各画素の保持コンデンサに前記駆動信号に応じた電荷を保持する書き込み動作を行う選択状態とするタイミングを設定する選択信号が互いに時間的に重ならない異なるタイミングで供給される複数の選択信号線と、
各々が前記各画素群の1つの前記画素に共通に接続されて、前記各画素の前記発光素子を発光状態とする発光タイミングを設定する保持信号が供給される、前記所定数の保持信号線と、
を備え、
前記各選択信号線は、隣接して配置される2つの前記駆動信号線の各々に接続され、1つの保持信号線に共通に接続されて、前記保持信号に応じて同じ発光タイミングに設定される2つの前記画素の各々に対して別個に設けられ、該各画素を選択状態とするタイミングが互いに時間的に重ならない異なるタイミングに設定されることを特徴とする露光装置。
In an exposure apparatus that includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a line and performs exposure according to image data,
Each of the pixels includes at least a light emitting element and a holding capacitor that holds a charge for making the light emitting element emit light.
The plurality of pixels are divided into a plurality of pixel groups having a predetermined number of the pixels,
A drive signal connected to each of the plurality of pixel groups and having a voltage value based on the image data for driving the light emitting element of each pixel of each pixel group is supplied, and at least some of them are parallel to each other A plurality of drive signal lines arranged;
A selection signal that is provided corresponding to each pixel in each pixel group and sets a timing for selecting a write operation that holds a charge corresponding to the drive signal in a holding capacitor of each pixel is temporally related to each other. A plurality of selection signal lines supplied at different timings that do not overlap each other,
A predetermined number of holding signal lines, each of which is connected in common to one of the pixels of each of the pixel groups and is supplied with a holding signal for setting a light emission timing at which the light emitting element of each pixel is in a light emitting state; ,
With
Each selection signal line is connected to each of the two drive signal lines arranged adjacent to each other, is commonly connected to one holding signal line, and is set to the same light emission timing according to the holding signal. An exposure apparatus provided separately for each of the two pixels, wherein the timing for selecting each pixel is set to a different timing that does not overlap in time.
前記各画素群はライン状に配列された前記複数の画素における、隣接して配列された前記所定数の画素からなり、
前記複数の選択信号線は、奇数番目の前記各画素群における前記所定数の画素の各々に対して共通に設けられ、偶数番目の前記各画素群における前記所定数の画素の各々に対して共通に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1記載の露光装置。
Each pixel group includes the predetermined number of pixels arranged adjacent to each other in the plurality of pixels arranged in a line,
The plurality of selection signal lines are provided in common to the predetermined number of pixels in the odd-numbered pixel groups, and are common to the predetermined number of pixels in the even-numbered pixel groups. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exposure apparatus is provided.
前記各画素は、少なくとも、前記発光素子と、電流路の一端が前記発光素子に接続され、電流路の他端が前記各保持信号線に接続された駆動トランジスタと、制御端子が前記選択信号線に接続され、電流路の一端が前記駆動トランジスタの制御端子に接続され、電流路の他端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の他端に接続された保持トランジスタと、を備え、
前記保持コンデンサは、一端が前記駆動トランジスタの制御端子に接続され、他端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の一端に接続され、
前記各保持信号線には、前記保持信号として、前記選択信号に応じて当該画素が選択状態とされたとき、前記駆動トランジスタの電流路に前記駆動信号に応じた電流を流して、対応する電荷を前記保持コンデンサに保持するとともに前記発光素子を非発光状態とし、当該画素が非選択状態とされたとき、前記保持コンデンサに保持された電荷に基づく電流を前記発光素子に供給して発光状態とする信号が供給されることを特徴とする請求項1記載の露光装置。
Each pixel includes at least the light emitting element, a driving transistor in which one end of a current path is connected to the light emitting element, and the other end of the current path is connected to each holding signal line, and a control terminal is the selection signal line. A holding transistor in which one end of the current path is connected to the control terminal of the drive transistor, and the other end of the current path is connected to the other end of the current path of the drive transistor,
The holding capacitor has one end connected to the control terminal of the drive transistor and the other end connected to one end of the current path of the drive transistor.
Wherein each holding signal line, as the holding signal, the time in which the pixel is the selected state in response to the selection signal, by flowing a current corresponding to the drive signal to a current path of the driving transistor, the corresponding charge Is held in the holding capacitor and the light emitting element is set in a non-light emitting state, and when the pixel is in a non-selected state, a current based on the electric charge held in the holding capacitor is supplied to the light emitting element and the light emitting state is set. 2. An exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a signal to be supplied is supplied.
前記各画素は、更に、制御端子が前記選択信号線に接続され、電流路の一端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の一端に接続され、電流路の他端が前記駆動信号線に接続された選択トランジスタを備え、
前記選択信号に応じて当該画素が選択状態とされたとき、前記駆動信号線から前記選択トランジスタを介して、前記駆動トランジスタの電流路に前記駆動信号に応じた電流が流れることを特徴とする請求項3記載の露光装置。
Each pixel further has a control terminal connected to the selection signal line, one end of the current path connected to one end of the current path of the drive transistor, and the other end connected to the drive signal line. With transistors,
The current according to the drive signal flows from the drive signal line to the current path of the drive transistor through the selection transistor when the pixel is selected according to the selection signal. Item 4. The exposure apparatus according to Item 3.
前記各駆動信号線は、1つの前記画素群における所定数の画素に共通に接続されることを特徴とする請求項1記載の露光装置。   2. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the drive signal lines is commonly connected to a predetermined number of pixels in one pixel group. 前記発光素子アレイにおける前記各発光素子は有機EL素子であることを特徴とする請求項1乃至5の何れかに記載の露光装置。   6. The exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each light emitting element in the light emitting element array is an organic EL element. 感光体ドラムと帯電器と露光器と現像器とを備えて、画像データに応じた印刷を行う画像形成装置において、
前記露光器は、少なくとも、発光素子と該発光素子を発光状態とするための電荷を保持する保持コンデンサとを有して、主走査方向に配列された複数の画素を有し、
前記複数の画素は所定数の前記画素を有する複数の画素群に分割され、
前記複数の画素群の各々に接続され、前記各画素群の前記各画素の前記発光素子を駆動するための前記画像データに基づく電圧値を有する駆動信号が供給され、少なくとも一部が互いに並列に配置される複数の駆動信号線と、
前記各画素群における前記各画素に対応して設けられ、該各画素の保持コンデンサに前記駆動信号に応じた電荷を保持する書き込み動作を行う選択状態とするタイミングを設定する選択信号が互いに時間的に重ならない異なるタイミングで供給される複数の選択信号線と、
各々が前記各画素群の1つの前記画素に共通に接続されて、前記各画素の前記発光素子を発光状態とする発光タイミングを設定する保持信号が供給される、前記所定数の保持信号線と、
を備え、
前記各選択信号線は、隣接して配置される2つの前記駆動信号線の各々に接続され、1つの保持信号線に共通に接続されて、前記保持信号に応じて同じ発光タイミングに設定される2つの前記画素の各々に対して別個に設けられ、該各画素を選択状態とするタイミングが互いに時間的に重ならない異なるタイミングに設定されることを特徴とする画像形成装置。
In an image forming apparatus that includes a photosensitive drum, a charger, an exposure device, and a developing device, and performs printing according to image data.
The exposure device includes at least a light emitting element and a holding capacitor that holds charges for making the light emitting element emit light, and includes a plurality of pixels arranged in the main scanning direction,
The plurality of pixels are divided into a plurality of pixel groups having a predetermined number of the pixels,
A drive signal connected to each of the plurality of pixel groups and having a voltage value based on the image data for driving the light emitting element of each pixel of each pixel group is supplied, and at least some of them are parallel to each other A plurality of drive signal lines arranged;
A selection signal that is provided corresponding to each pixel in each pixel group and sets a timing for selecting a write operation that holds a charge corresponding to the drive signal in a holding capacitor of each pixel is temporally related to each other. A plurality of selection signal lines supplied at different timings that do not overlap each other,
A predetermined number of holding signal lines, each of which is connected in common to one of the pixels of each of the pixel groups and is supplied with a holding signal for setting a light emission timing at which the light emitting element of each pixel is in a light emitting state; ,
With
Each selection signal line is connected to each of the two drive signal lines arranged adjacent to each other, is commonly connected to one holding signal line, and is set to the same light emission timing according to the holding signal. An image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided separately for each of the two pixels, and the timing for selecting each pixel is set to a different timing that does not overlap in time.
前記各画素群は、前記主走査方向に配列された前記複数の画素における、隣接して配列された前記所定数の画素からなり、
前記複数の選択信号線は、奇数番目の前記各画素群における前記所定数の画素の各々に対して共通に設けられ、偶数番目の前記各画素群における前記所定数の画素の各々に対して共通に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項7記載の画像形成装置。
Each of the pixel groups includes the predetermined number of pixels arranged adjacent to each other in the plurality of pixels arranged in the main scanning direction,
The plurality of selection signal lines are provided in common to the predetermined number of pixels in the odd-numbered pixel groups, and are common to the predetermined number of pixels in the even-numbered pixel groups. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image forming apparatus is provided.
前記各画素は、少なくとも、前記発光素子と、電流路の一端が前記発光素子に接続され、電流路の他端が前記各保持信号線に接続された駆動トランジスタと、制御端子が前記選択信号線に接続され、電流路の一端が前記駆動トランジスタの制御端子に接続され、電流路の他端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の他端に接続された保持トランジスタと、を備え、
前記保持コンデンサは、一端が前記駆動トランジスタの制御端子に接続され、他端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の一端に接続され、
前記各保持信号線には、前記保持信号として、前記選択信号に応じて当該画素が選択状態とされたとき、前記駆動トランジスタの電流路に前記駆動信号に応じた電流を流して、対応する電荷を前記保持コンデンサに保持するとともに前記発光素子を非発光状態とし、当該画素が非選択状態とされたとき、前記保持コンデンサに保持された電荷に基づく電流を前記発光素子に供給して発光状態とする信号が供給されることを特徴とする請求項7記載の画像形成装置。
Each pixel includes at least the light emitting element, a driving transistor in which one end of a current path is connected to the light emitting element, and the other end of the current path is connected to each holding signal line, and a control terminal is the selection signal line. A holding transistor in which one end of the current path is connected to the control terminal of the drive transistor, and the other end of the current path is connected to the other end of the current path of the drive transistor,
The holding capacitor has one end connected to the control terminal of the drive transistor and the other end connected to one end of the current path of the drive transistor.
Wherein each holding signal line, as the holding signal, the time in which the pixel is the selected state in response to the selection signal, by flowing a current corresponding to the drive signal to a current path of the driving transistor, the corresponding charge Is held in the holding capacitor and the light emitting element is set in a non-light emitting state, and when the pixel is in a non-selected state, a current based on the electric charge held in the holding capacitor is supplied to the light emitting element and the light emitting state is set. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a signal is supplied.
前記各画素は、更に、制御端子が前記選択信号線に接続され、電流路の一端が前記駆動トランジスタの電流路の一端に接続され、電流路の他端が前記駆動信号線に接続された選択トランジスタを備え、
前記選択信号に応じて当該画素が選択状態とされたとき、前記駆動信号線から前記選択トランジスタを介して、前記駆動トランジスタの電流路に前記駆動信号に応じた電流が流れることを特徴とする請求項9記載の画像形成装置。
Each pixel further has a control terminal connected to the selection signal line, one end of the current path connected to one end of the current path of the drive transistor, and the other end connected to the drive signal line. With transistors,
The current according to the drive signal flows from the drive signal line to the current path of the drive transistor through the selection transistor when the pixel is selected according to the selection signal. Item 10. The image forming apparatus according to Item 9.
前記各駆動信号線は、1つの前記画素群における所定数の画素に共通に接続されることを特徴とする請求項7記載の画像形成装置。   8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the drive signal lines is commonly connected to a predetermined number of pixels in one pixel group. 前記発光素子アレイにおける前記各発光素子は有機EL素子であることを特徴とする請求項7乃至11の何れかに記載の画像形成装置。   The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each light emitting element in the light emitting element array is an organic EL element.
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