DE102014111997B4 - Process for producing a three-dimensional organic filament and three-dimensional organic filament - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for producing a three-dimensional organic luminous body (1000), comprising the following steps: A) providing a flexible substrate (1) having a lower side (10) and an upper side (11) opposite the lower side (10); B) forming a flexible organic light-emitting diode (100) by applying at least one in the intended operation light-emitting organic layer sequence (2) on a Aufwachsbereich (20) on the upper side (11) of the substrate (1); C) rolling the flexible organic light emitting diode (100) into a three-dimensional body, whereby a first connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode (100) and a second connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode (100) spaced from the first connection region are juxtaposed and in indirect or immediate Contact each other; D) Joining the two juxtaposed bond regions, wherein the bond is made by molecular or atomic forces, is durable, and prevents the rolled flexible organic light emitting diode (100) from unrolling by itself, and wherein steps A) to D) in the stated order, wherein - the substrate (1) is a transparent film or a transparent glass, - the flexible organic light emitting diode (100) in step C) to a three-dimensional hollow body with a cavity (102) and the cavity ( 102) surrounding the peripheral surface (101) is rolled, wherein the lateral surface (101) directed towards the cavity (102) of the hollow body inside and an outwardly directed outside, - the inside is at least partially covered by the organic layer sequence (2) and the outside of the bottom (10) of the substrate (1) is formed, and the flexible organic LED (100) in step C) is rolled up several times, so that the lateral surface (101) of the resulting three-dimensional hollow body largely at least two superimposed layers of the substrate (1).

Description

The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional organic luminous body. In addition, a three-dimensional organic filament is specified.

From the publication US 2013/0328792 A1 An electronic device with a wound display is known. The Durac writing WO 2008/149768 A1 indicates an organic electroluminescent light-emitting element. The publication US 2010/0313944 A1 describes a wound optoelectronic device.

An object to be solved is to provide a simplified method for producing an aging-stable three-dimensional organic filament. Another object to be solved is to specify an aging-stable, three-dimensional, organic filament.

These objects are achieved by a method and by an organic filament with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the method for producing a three-dimensional organic luminous body comprises a step A), in which a flexible substrate having a bottom side and an underside facing the underside is provided. For example, after a predetermined rolling or bending process without subsequent fixation, the substrate returns to its original state by itself. The substrate is preferably continuous and / or uninterrupted and / or integrally formed. More preferably, the substrate is planar before a bending or rolling process, that is, it comprises, for example, two opposite main sides, which run parallel to each other and are planar within the manufacturing tolerance.

The substrate is preferably a transparent, for example, transparent or milky cloudy substrate. In particular, the substrate may be a glass substrate or a plastic substrate in the form of a film substrate. The thickness of the substrate in this case is, for example, at most 200 μm or at most 100 μm or at most 80 μm or at most 50 μm. Alternatively or additionally, the thickness of the substrate is ≥ 10 μm or ≥ 20 μm or ≥ 50 μm.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a flexible organic light-emitting diode is formed in a step B) by applying at least one organic layer sequence light-emitting in the intended operation of the finished luminous body to a growth region on the upper side of the substrate. The organic layer sequence is preferably applied only to the growth area and covers it partially or completely. The organic light-emitting diode formed is preferably as flexible as the substrate, despite the organic layer sequence.

The organic layer sequence comprises, for example, one or more active organic emitter layers which, in the intended operation, emit electromagnetic radiation, preferably in the visible wavelength range between 400 nm and 800 nm.

Furthermore, the organic layer sequence comprises, for example, at least two electrodes, between which the emitter layer is arranged. One or both electrodes may be transparent. For example, the electrodes comprise or consist of a transparent conductive oxide, or silver nanowire layers or a metal mesh between conductive polymer layers. In particular, the electrode facing the transparent substrate may be transparent, so that the flexible organic light-emitting diode can emit light through the substrate. The electrode facing away from the substrate may be transparent or reflective or reflective of the radiation emitted by the emitter layer.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, in a method step C) the flexible organic light-emitting diode is rolled up into a three-dimensional body. Under a rolling process is here and below understood in particular a largely strain-free or compression-free rolling process. The organic light-emitting diode is thus neither noticeably distended nor noticeably compressed. For example, a leveling plane, also called zero line or neutral fiber, can be laid through the organic light emitting diode, which runs parallel to the top and bottom, and is neither stretched nor compressed during the rolling process. For example, the size of the surface of the flexible organic light emitting diode is not significantly changed by the rolling process. Rolling thus differs from pressing as a shaping process.

Furthermore, a rolling process is understood to mean, for example, a kink-free process. Bending processes differ from rolling processes, for example, in that in a bending process, the flexible organic light-emitting diode is irreversibly deformed in a bending region and, for example, a sharp edge is formed. The structure and / or the mechanical properties, such as load capacity or tear strength, of the organic light-emitting diode in the bending region can also be changed. Rolling processes, on the other hand, are generally reversible. The structure or the mechanical properties of the flexible organic light-emitting diode remain unchanged.

In the rolling up, a first connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode and a second connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode are juxtaposed. The first and the second connection region are preferably spaced apart from one another before the organic light-emitting diode is rolled up, that is to say the first and the second connection region are not placed against one another prior to rolling up and are brought into direct or indirect contact only during rolling up.

It is preferably rolled up so that, neglecting the thickness of the flexible organic light emitting diode, the top and / or the bottom of the organic light emitting diode are each continuous surfaces, without cracks or kinks. In mathematical terms, the top and / or the bottom can each be described by a continuously differentiable function. This can apply in particular in a contact region in which the two connection regions are placed against one another.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, in a step D), the two adjoining connection regions are connected to one another in a material-locking manner. The cohesive connection produced is preferably permanent and prevents an independent unrolling of the organic light-emitting diode. The cohesive connection between the two adjoining connecting regions is mediated in particular by molecular or atomic forces.

For example, the cohesive connection is formed by an adhesive process or a soldering process or a welding process or a glass frit melt. For this purpose, for example, prior to rolling, a connecting material, for example in the form of an adhesive, or a solder or a glass frit is applied to one or both connecting regions.

Preferably, the cohesive connection is a sealing compound that prevents or slows down the diffusion of gases or liquids through a contact area formed between the two connection areas. The cohesive connection thus preferably additionally causes an encapsulation of the resulting organic filament.

Under a permanent cohesive connection is further understood that the connection in the intended operation, for example, is insoluble, that is, the connection can not be solved by non-destructive purely mechanical processes and reassembled. In particular, a soldering process or a welding process or a mechanical breaking may be necessary for dissolving the integral connection in which the cohesive connection is irreversibly destroyed, for example.

The resulting by the rolling and the cohesive connection organic three-dimensional luminous body is preferably self-supporting and mechanically stable, that is, the organic luminous body remains stable in shape without an external fixture is needed.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, steps A) to D) are carried out in the stated order.

In at least one embodiment, the method for producing a three-dimensional organic luminous body comprises a step A), in which a flexible substrate is provided with a bottom side and an underside opposite the bottom side. In a step B), a flexible organic light-emitting diode is formed by applying at least one organic layer sequence, which in the intended operation is light-emitting, to a growth region on the upper side of the substrate. In a further step C), the flexible organic light-emitting diode is rolled up into a three-dimensional body, wherein a first connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode and a second connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode previously spaced from the first connection region are juxtaposed and placed in direct or indirect contact. In a step D), the two superimposed connecting regions are joined together in a material-locking manner, the connection being produced by molecular or atomic forces, being durable and preventing the rolled-up organic light-emitting diode from unrolling by itself. Steps A) to D) are carried out in the order given.

Among other things, the invention described here is based on the idea of producing a three-dimensional organic luminous body by rolling up a flexible organic light-emitting diode. By means of the cohesive connection of two juxtaposed connection regions, it is also possible to produce an encapsulation of the organic luminous body which, for example, protects the sensitive organic layer sequence on the substrate against external influences and allows it to diffuse prevents or slows down gases or liquids. Such an encapsulation can be achieved inter alia by using a glass frit encapsulation or a laminating adhesive for the integral connection.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the flexible organic light-emitting diode is rolled up in step C) into a three-dimensional hollow body with a cavity and a lateral surface surrounding the cavity. The resulting lateral surface then has, for example, an inner side directed towards the cavity and an outer side directed towards the outside. In particular, the lateral surface partially or completely surrounds or surrounds the resulting cavity. The hollow body produced by rolling can have the shape of a hollow cylinder, a hollow cone or a hollow truncated cone. Also pyramidal, tetragonal or cube-shaped hollow body are conceivable. In this case, the flexible organic light-emitting diode is not rolled in step C) as in the conventional sense, but only folded, rolled or folded in edge regions.

The hollow body is transparent, for example, that is, the inside of the hollow body can be viewed from the outside, in particular through the lateral surface. For example, the flexible organic light emitting diode is free of light absorbing layers, such as conversion layers or phosphor layers, which are often opaque.

The inside of the lateral surface may, for example, be partially or completely covered by the organic layer sequence. In particular, the organic layer sequence covers the inside of the lateral surface to at least 50% or at least 80% or at least 90% or at least 95%. Alternatively or additionally, the organic layer sequence covers ≦ 80% or ≦ 70% or ≦ 60% of the inside. The outside of the lateral surface is in this case preferably partially or completely formed from the underside of the substrate.

In the embodiment in which the underside of the substrate forms the outside of the lateral surface, the substrate for the internal organic layer sequence, for example, acts as a protective layer against external influences.

According to at least one embodiment, the first connection region is formed on the underside and the second connection region is formed on the upper side of the substrate. When rolling up in step C), an overlap region is then preferably created in that the first connection region is congruently placed on the second connection region. The overlap region may have a width of, for example, at least 1 mm or at least 5 mm or at least 1 cm or at least 5 cm. Alternatively or additionally, the overlap region has a width of ≦ 20 cm or ≦ 10 cm or ≦ 2 cm or ≦ 8 mm. For example, the width is defined parallel to the corresponding roll direction.

In step D), a cohesive connection between the upper side and the lower side can then be formed at least in parts of the overlapping region or in the entire overlapping region. In particular, for small widths of the overlap region, for example, widths of less than 5 mm, a cohesive connection can be made via a Glasfrittenverkapselung. For overlapping areas with a greater width, such as a width of ≥ 1 cm, a material connection by means of an adhesive is particularly suitable.

According to at least one alternative, the substrate has at least a first and a second side surface. The side surfaces run, for example, transversely or parallel to each other. Further, the side surfaces connect the top and the bottom with each other. The first connection region can then be formed, for example, on the first side surface and the second connection region on the second side surface. In step C), for example, the two connection regions are placed against one another, in particular in such a way that the side surfaces are in abutment with one another. On stop here means that the side surfaces are congruent to each other, so that the lateral surface of the above hollow body has no steps or jumps both on the inside and on the outside of the lateral surface in the contact region of the two side surfaces. In the contact region, the transitions on the upper side and / or lower side are each preferably smooth, or the upper side and / or the underside in the contact region can each be described by continuously differentiable functions.

However, in the contact region between the two side surfaces, for example due to overflowing connecting material, a seam, such as a weld, can form in the contact region between the two adjoining side surfaces, which in the form of a protrusion on the inside and / or outside of the Lateral surface is present.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, a glass frit is applied to at least one of the two connection regions in step C). The glass frit is, for example, powdered glass material incorporated in a binder. In this way, the glass frit can be applied as a paste on one of the connection areas.

By means of a welding process in step D), the glass frit, in particular the pulverized glass material, can be melted. During the melting, the glass frit material combines with the two connecting regions. In a later curing of the glass frit melt then the two connection areas are permanently connected to one another cohesively.

The glass frit joining method described is particularly suitable when the contact area between the two connecting portions is small, for example, when the overlap area between the connecting portions is narrow as described above or when only the side surfaces of the substrate are abutted. The Glasfrittenverkapselung then still offers a good encapsulation.

According to at least one embodiment, an adhesive is applied over the whole area within an adhesion region on the upper side and / or the underside of the substrate before step C). The adhesive region forms at least part of a connection region, in particular an entire connection region. After rolling up in step C), the adhesive area then partially or completely forms the overlapping area. By means of the adhesive, the underside and the top of the substrate in the region of the overlap region are permanently and firmly bonded to one another by a curing process. When applying the adhesive to the upper side of the substrate, it is preferably ensured that the adhesive region does not overlap with the growth region of the organic layer sequence.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the flexible organic light-emitting diode is rolled up several times in step C), so that the lateral surface of the resulting three-dimensional hollow body largely comprises at least two superimposed layers of the substrate. Mostly means in this context that, for example, at least 70% or at least 80% or at least 90% of the lateral surface of the hollow body has at least two superimposed layers of the substrate. Alternatively or additionally, ≦ 95% or ≦ 80% or ≦ 70% of the lateral surface of at least two superimposed layers of the substrate are formed. Preferably, therefore, is rolled up so that from the outside, for example in the radial direction, penetrating gas or liquid through the lateral surface by at least two layers of the substrate in order to get to the inside of the lateral surface, where, for example, the organic layer sequence is arranged. The organic layer sequence is thereby particularly efficiently protected from external influences by the lateral surface of the hollow body. The overlap area is covered, for example, flat with the adhesive.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the organic layer sequence is applied in step D) in such a way that the overlap region remains free of the organic layer sequence. In this case, each part of the growth area covered by the organic layer sequence preferably forms part of the inside of the lateral surface. Thus, there is no region in which the organic layer sequence is separated by a substrate layer from the inside of the lateral surface.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the organic layer sequence forms part of the overlap region, that is to say that parts of the organic layer sequence can then be separated from the inside of the lateral surface by a layer of the substrate.

If the flexible organic light-emitting diode is rolled up several times, the lateral surface of the resulting three-dimensional hollow body can predominantly have at least two superimposed layers of the organic layer sequence. At least one layer of the substrate is then arranged between two layers of the organic layer sequence. Predominantly in this context means that, for example, at least 50% or at least 80% or at least 90% or at least 95% of the lateral surface of the three-dimensional hollow body has two superimposed layers of the organic layer sequence. Alternatively or additionally, ≦ 98% or ≦ 90% or ≦ 80% of the lateral surface of two superimposed layers of the organic layer sequence is formed.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, at least one first and one second organic layer sequence are arranged next to each other in step B) on the growth area. In this case, the two organic layer sequences are preferably electrically controllable independently of one another, ie each organic layer sequence can be supplied with current independently of the other organic layer sequence.

In the intended operation, the two organic layer sequences preferably emit light of different colors, that is to say the two organic layer sequences generate radiation in different wavelength ranges, wherein the wavelength ranges do not necessarily have to be distinct from each other, but can also overlap in partial regions. For example, the first organic layer sequence emits blue or green light, and the second organic layer sequence emits yellow or red light. Particularly preferably, the first organic layer sequence emits a mixture of red and green light, the second organic layer sequence blue light. In particular, at least or exactly two or at least or exactly three applied independently controllable organic layer sequences on the growth area and emit, for example, light of the three primary colors blue, red, green.

Preferably, in step C), the flexible organic light-emitting diode is then rolled up so that the first and the second organic layer sequence in the lateral surface are at least partially superimposed. The two organic layer sequences are then in the lateral surface, for example, as two layers on top of each other and are separated by a layer of the substrate or spaced from each other. In particular, all regions of the first organic layer sequence may be covered with the second organic layer sequence in the lateral surface. The inside of the lateral surface is then formed, for example, for the most part by the first organic layer sequence.

Light that is generated by the first organic layer sequence in normal operation and is to be emitted to the outside through the lateral surface must then partially or completely pass through the second organic layer sequence. Since the two organic layer sequences can preferably be controlled independently of one another and emit light of different colors, a three-dimensional organic luminous body with tunable color can thus be realized. If both organic layer sequences are in operation, the luminous element emits, for example, mixed light, in particular white light. If only one of the organic layer sequences is in operation, the luminous element can, for example, shine in a basic color.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the substrate has a rectangular upper side when not rolled up. In step C), the flexible organic light-emitting diode can be rolled up, for example, into a hollow cylinder, wherein an inner side of the lateral surface of the hollow cylinder is at least partially covered by the organic layer sequence and an outer side of the lateral surface of the hollow cylinder is formed by the lower side.

The resulting hollow cylinder may have a diameter in the centimeter range of, for example, at least 1 cm or at least 5 cm or at least 10 cm. Alternatively or additionally, the diameter of the hollow cylinder is at most 50 cm or at most 30 cm or at most 20 cm. The length of the hollow cylinder may be for example at least 10 cm or at least 30 cm or at least 50 cm. Alternatively or additionally, the length of the hollow cylinder is at most 3 m or at most 2 m or at most 1 m.

According to at least one embodiment, in a step E), which is preferably carried out after step D), open ends of the resulting three-dimensional hollow body are closed with metal caps and / or glass platelets. The sealing with the metal caps or glass platelets can take place, for example, via a bonding process, a welding process, a soldering process or a glass frit melt. In particular, when using glass flakes glass frits are used for the connection between glass flakes and hollow body. When closing the hollow body with the metal caps or glass plates, the hollow body is closed, for example, so that a closed and sealed hollow body is formed. Due to the cohesive connection and the closure with the metal caps and / or glass platelets, the interior of the hollow body thus sealed is preferably protected against external influences. Gases and liquids then do not get into the cavity of the hollow body or only in such small amounts that the functioning of the organic layer sequence is not impaired.

In this way, for example, can be dispensed with a thin-film encapsulation of the organic layer sequence. If a thin-film encapsulation is dispensed with, the hollow body is produced, for example, under an inert gas atmosphere.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the metal caps serving to close the hollow body are formed at least partially for making electrical contact with the organic layer sequence. Anode and cathode of the organic layer sequence are then electrically connected, for example, each with a metal cap.

According to at least one embodiment, the cavity of the closed three-dimensional hollow body is filled with a gas or an absorber material. The gas may be, in particular, nitrogen or argon. Absorber materials can serve to absorb water and / or oxygen molecules that could cause damage to the organic active layer. The absorber material may for this purpose comprise an oxidizable material such as, for example, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal. For example, the absorber material comprises calcium, barium, cesium, cobalt, yttrium, lanthanum and / or rare earth metals. Metal oxide compounds such as calcium oxide, barium oxide or magnesium oxide are also conceivable. The absorber material preferably comprises a desiccant which can irreversibly absorb water without changing its volume.

In addition, a three-dimensional organic filament is specified. The three-dimensional organic filament becomes, for example manufactured by a method according to the above embodiments. Features of the above-mentioned methods are therefore also disclosed for the three-dimensional organic filament and vice versa.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the three-dimensional organic luminous body has a flexible organic light-emitting diode. The flexible organic light-emitting diode comprises, for example, a flexible substrate, which is preferably formed in one piece. In particular, the substrate has a lower side and an upper side opposite the lower side. Furthermore, an organic layer sequence is arranged on the upper side of the substrate in a growth region.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the flexible organic light-emitting diode is rolled up into a three-dimensional body. In this case, a first connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode and a second connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode are juxtaposed, so that an indirect or direct contact exists between the two connection regions.

In accordance with at least one embodiment, the two adjoining connection regions are permanently connected to each other via a material connection. The cohesive connection is based preferably on molecular or atomic forces and prevents independent unrolling of the flexible organic light-emitting diode.

Hereinafter, a method described herein for producing a three-dimensional organic filament and a three-dimensional organic filament will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings with reference to embodiments. The same reference numerals indicate the same elements in the individual figures. However, there are no scale relationships shown, but individual elements can be shown exaggerated for better understanding.

Show it:

1A to 3B three-dimensional views of method steps of the method described here and of exemplary embodiments of the three-dimensional organic filament described here.

4A and 4B show three-dimensional views of process steps and luminaires.

In the process step of 1A is a flexible organic light emitting diode 100 shown. This includes a substrate 1 that a top 11 and one of the top 11 opposite bottom 10 having. The substrate 1 is planar and rectangular, with the top 11 and the bottom 10 level, rectangular main sides of the substrate 1 form. Furthermore, the substrate has 1 a first side surface 13 and one of the first side surface 13 opposite second side surface 14 on. The two side surfaces 13 . 14 run parallel to a longitudinal direction and connect the top 11 with the bottom 10 of the substrate 1 ,

In the present example the 1A is the substrate 1 for example, molded from a glass or plastic wrap. In particular, the substrate 1 transparent, for example milky cloudy or clear-sighted for the light produced in normal operation of the organic filament. The thickness of the substrate, so the average distance between the top 11 and bottom 10 , is for example 100 microns.

On the top 11 of the substrate 1 is in 1A also in a growth area 20 an organic layer sequence 2 arranged. The organic layer sequence 2 covers the growth area 20 Completely. The growth area 20 extends almost along the entire longitudinal extent of the top 11 but not over the entire transverse extent of the top 11 , The longitudinal direction and transverse direction are perpendicular to each other. In the present example, for example, one third of the surface 11 in the transverse direction of the growth area 20 educated.

Further, on the top 11 in the 1A next to the growth area 20 an adhesive area 30 arranged. The gluing area 30 extends like the growth area 20 over almost the entire longitudinal extent, but not over the entire transverse extent of the surface 11 , In the present example forms the gluing area 30 for example, two-thirds of the transverse extent of the surface 11 , The gluing area 30 In the present example, it is completely covered with an adhesive 3 covered.

The flexible organic light-emitting diode 100 is rolled up into a three-dimensional body. In the present example, along the transverse direction of the flexible organic light-emitting diode 100 rolled, so that the longitudinal extent is not affected by the rolling process. In particular, in 1A from the second side surface 14 started to roll up, with the second side surface 14 in the direction of the first side surface 13 is moved. The rolling takes place here only along one direction, namely the transverse direction.

1B shows an embodiment of the three-dimensional organic filament 1000 after the reeling process. In the present example, the flexible organic light emitting diode 100 rolled into a hollow cylinder. The hollow cylinder has a lateral surface 101 on which a cavity 102 completely outlined. Furthermore, the lateral surface comprises 101 an inside that faces the cavity 102 is directed and in the present example mainly by the organic layer sequence 2 is covered. An outwardly directed outside of the lateral surface 101 is opposed by the bottom 10 of the substrate 1 educated.

In the example of 1B is also the flexible organic light emitting diode 100 rolled up several times, so that the lateral surface 101 mostly two superimposed layers of the substrate 1 having. In 1B is at least 95% of the lateral surface 101 from two layers of the substrate 1 educated. The adhesive area is outlined 30 the cavity 102 once completely.

Is held together in 1B Hollow cylinder shown by a material connection by the adhesive 3 in the gluing area 30 will be produced. For this purpose, the hollow cylinder is rolled up so that a first connection area on the bottom 10 and a second connection area on the top 11 are superimposed congruent in an overlap area. The overlap area is at least partially of the adhesive area 30 formed, so the glue 3 the top 11 with the bottom 10 in the area of the overlap area connects materially and permanently. Furthermore, by the cohesive connection of the luminous element 1000 of the 1B self-supporting, that is for its mechanical stabilization no further holding body is necessary. The hollow cylinder has, for example, a diameter of 5 cm and a length of 20 cm.

In the embodiment of the three-dimensional organic filament 1000 of the 1C are on the two bottom surfaces of the hollow cylinder metal caps 103 applied.

The metal caps 103 can seal the openings of the hollow cylinder on the bottom surfaces, creating a closed hollow body is formed. The laterally applied metal caps 103 and the cohesive connection of the rolled flexible organic light emitting diode 100 ensure thereby an encapsulation of the hollow body whereby the sensitive organic layer sequence 2 is protected from external influences. The two metal caps 103 but also for electrical contacting of the organic layer sequence 2 serve.

In 1C is the cavity of the organic filament or the inside, for example, freely visible from the outside through the lateral surface. The lateral surface can therefore be transparent.

2A shows a further process step for a method for producing an organic three-dimensional filament. In contrast to 1A covered in the present example, the growth area 20 the surface 11 of the substrate 1 almost completely, that is also almost completely across the transverse extent of the surface 11 , Only at the edge of the surface 11 is not an organic layer sequence 2 applied. The edge has, for example, a width of at most 5 mm or at most 3 mm.

In the edge area, free from the organic layer sequence 2 is, is on the surface 11 in close proximity to the side surface 13 a glass frit 4 applied. The glass frit 4 is applied, for example, as a paste in which powdered glass particles are processed in a binder. In the edge area of the underside in the immediate vicinity of the second side surface 14 is also a glass frit 4 applied. The glass frits 4 in the present case extend along the entire longitudinal extent of the substrate 1 , The ones from the glass frits 4 covered edge regions of the substrate 1 define the first and second connection area.

The provided flexible organic light emitting diode 100 out 2A will then be as related to 1A described rolled up.

2 B shows an embodiment of the resulting three-dimensional filament 1000 , This is present, as well as in 1B shaped as a hollow cylinder. By the rolling process is the first connection area of the bottom 10 on the second connection area of the top 11 placed so that the top 11 and the bottom 10 in the resulting overlap area in direct or indirect contact. Between the top 11 and the bottom 10 is the glass frit in the overlap area 4 arranged. Compared with the overlap area of the 1B is the overlap area of 2 B narrow, for example 2 mm.

Due to the small width of the overlap region in the embodiment of 2 B is also achieved that the lateral surface 101 of the resulting hollow cylinder predominantly from only one layer of the substrate 1 consists.

2 B additionally shows a further method step for producing the three-dimensional organic filament 1000 in which the glass frit 4 is melted with the help of a laser. In this way, the top is 11 with the bottom 10 in the overlap area connected by the glass frit melt. After curing or cooling then creates a permanent and cohesive connection. The glass frit encapsulation thus produced forms a particularly high diffusion barrier, that is to say by the contact area between the upper side sealed with the glass frit encapsulation 11 and bottom 10 There is no or very little diffusion of gases or liquids.

In 2C is shown a process step in which a glass plate 105 is applied to a bottom surface of the hollow cylinder. To make a tight and encapsulating bond between the glass slide 105 and the hollow cylinder is made on the glass plate 105 For example, a glass frit is applied in advance, which in turn is melted by means of a laser and, after curing, a material connection between glass flakes 105 and produces hollow cylinder.

The process step of 3A is similar to the process step of 1A , However, here is a substrate 1 shown on its top 11 two organic layers in the growing area 20 are applied. A first organic layer sequence 2 and a second organic layer sequence 22 are arranged side by side in the transverse direction and each extend almost along the entire longitudinal extent. In the present example, the two organic layers are 2 . 22 independently controllable electrically, that is they can be energized independently of each other. In addition, the two organic layers are sequences 2 . 22 designed so that they emit light of different colors during normal operation.

In addition is on the top 11 in the edge area next to the second organic layer sequence 22 a narrow, for example 2 cm wide, gluing area 30 with an adhesive applied to it 3 educated. The gluing area 30 forms the later overlap area, in which the first and second connection area of the bottom 10 or the top 11 the flexible organic light emitting diode 100 are on top of each other.

3B shows an embodiment of a shaped as a hollow cylinder three-dimensional organic filament 1000 after the reeling process. In the present example is rolled up so that the inside of the lateral surface 101 for example, from the first organic layer sequence 2 is covered and the second organic layer sequence 22 completely outside around the first organic layer sequence 2 running around. In the lateral surface 101 lie the first 2 and the second 22 organic layer sequence so at least partially, in particular completely, one above the other and are by at least one layer of the substrate 1 spaced apart. Due to the fact that only the first one is in operation 2 or the second 22 or both organic light emitting diodes can be operated simultaneously, radiating the luminous body 1000 of the 3B either light of a first color or light of a second color or mixed light of first and second color over its lateral surface 101 outwards. The organic filament 1000 of the 3B is therefore a color-tunable luminous body.

In the process step of 4A is for comparison a similar flexible organic light emitting diode 100 as in the process step of 2A shown. In the case of 4A are the connecting areas with the applied glass frits 4 but not in the edge area of the top 11 and bottom 10 trained, but on the first 13 and second 14 Side surface of the substrate 1 ,

When rolling up the flexible organic light emitting diode 100 is in turn rolled up into a hollow cylinder, the two side surfaces are placed together, so that the side surfaces 13 . 14 lie on attack. In particular, lie in 4B the side surfaces 13 . 14 congruent with each other. Unlike in the embodiments arises in the example of 4B So no overlap area, in the bottom 10 and top 11 lie on one another.

For sealing and cohesive connection of the two side surfaces 13 . 14 In turn, by means of a laser, the gas frits 4 melted. After curing, a permanent cohesive connection, which prevents an independent unrolling of the hollow cylinder.

When juxtaposing the two side surfaces 13 . 14 , especially when melting, may be part of the glass frit 4 or another connection means are pressed out of the contact area between the two connection areas, so that on the lateral surface 101 of the hollow cylinder a weld 104 arises, which is on the lateral surface 101 for example, as a survey along the entire longitudinal extent forms.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

substratum

2

organic layer sequence

3

Glue

4

glass frit

10

Bottom of the substrate 1

11

Top of the substrate 1

13

first side surface of the substrate 1

14

second side surface of the substrate 1

20

growing area

22

second organic layer sequence

30

adhesive area

100

flexible organic light emitting diode

101

Lateral surface of the luminous element 1000

102

Cavity of the filament 1000

103

metal cap

104

Weld

105

glass flakes

1000

three-dimensional organic filament

Claims (15)

Method for producing a three-dimensional organic filament ( 1000 ), comprising the following steps: A) providing a flexible substrate ( 1 ) with a bottom ( 10 ) and one of the underside ( 10 ) opposite top ( 11 ); B) forming a flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 by applying at least one organic layer sequence which is light-emitting in the intended operation (US Pat. 2 ) to a growth area ( 20 ) on the top ( 11 ) of the substrate ( 1 ); C) rolling up the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) to a three-dimensional body, wherein a first connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) and a second connection region of the flexible organic light-emitting diode that has previously been separated from the first connection region ( 100 ) are placed against each other and brought into direct or indirect contact with each other; D) Joining the two juxtaposed connection areas, wherein the connection is made by molecular or atomic forces, is durable, and prevents the rolled-up flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) unrolled by itself, and wherein steps A) to D) are carried out in the stated order, wherein - the substrate ( 1 ) is a transparent foil or a transparent glass, - the flexible organic light-emitting diode ( 100 ) in step C) to a three-dimensional hollow body with a cavity ( 102 ) and a cavity ( 102 ) surrounding lateral surface ( 101 ) is rolled up, wherein the lateral surface ( 101 ) one towards the cavity ( 102 ) of the hollow body directed inside and an outwardly directed outside, - the inside at least partially of the organic layer sequence ( 2 ) and the outside from the bottom ( 10 ) of the substrate ( 1 ), and the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) in step C) is rolled up several times, so that the lateral surface ( 101 ) of the resulting three-dimensional hollow body largely at least two superimposed layers of the substrate ( 1 ) having. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein - the first connection area on the underside ( 10 ) and the second connection area on the top side ( 11 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) is formed, - when rolled up in step C), an overlap region is created in which the first connection region is congruently placed on the second connection region, and - in step D) a material connection between the upper side ( 11 ) and the underside ( 10 ) is formed at least in parts of the overlap region. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which - before step C), a glass frit is applied to at least one of the two connecting regions ( 4 ) is applied, - by a welding process in step D) the glass frit ( 4 ) is melted and then cured, whereby the two connection areas are permanently connected to each other. Method according to one of claims 2 or 3, in which - before step C) on the upper side ( 11 ) of the substrate ( 2 ) an adhesive ( 3 ) over the whole area within an adhesive area ( 30 ), which is at least part of a connection region, is applied, - after rolling up the adhesive region ( 30 ) forms part of the overlap area, - the adhesive ( 3 ) the bottom ( 10 ) and the top ( 11 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) in the gluing area ( 30 ) permanently connected after a curing process. Method according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the organic layer sequence ( 2 ) is applied in step B) such that the overlap area is free of the organic layer sequence ( 2 ) remains. Method according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the at least one organic layer sequence ( 2 ) forms part of the overlap area, - wherein the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) is rolled up several times, - wherein the lateral surface ( 101 ) of the resulting by the rolling three-dimensional hollow body predominantly at least two superimposed layers of the organic layer sequence ( 2 ), between each of which a layer of the substrate ( 2 ) is arranged. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein - in step B) the growth area ( 20 ) a first ( 2 ) and a second ( 22 ) organic layer sequences are arranged side by side, wherein the first ( 2 ) and the second ( 22 ) Organic layer sequence independently electrically driven can emit light of different colors in the intended operation, in step C) the flexible organic light-emitting diode ( 100 ) is rolled up so that the first ( 2 ) and the second ( 22 ) organic layer sequence in the lateral surface ( 101 ) lie at least partially above one another and thereby at least two layers of the lateral surface ( 101 ), wherein the superimposed organic layers ( 2 . 22 ) in the lateral surface ( 101 ) by a layer of the substrate ( 1 ) are spaced from each other. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the substrate ( 1 ) a rectangular top ( 11 ), - in step C) the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) is rolled into a hollow cylinder, wherein - an inside of the lateral surface ( 101 ) of the hollow cylinder at least partially from the organic layer sequence ( 2 ) is covered and an outer side of the lateral surface ( 101 ) of the hollow cylinder through the underside ( 10 ) is formed. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a step E) open ends of the resulting three-dimensional hollow body with metal caps ( 103 ) and / or glass slides ( 105 ) are closed, whereby a closed, sealed hollow body is formed, the organic layer sequence ( 2 ) protects against external influences. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the metal caps ( 103 ) for electrically contacting the organic layer sequence ( 2 ) serve. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the cavity ( 102 ) of the closed three-dimensional hollow body is filled with a gas or an absorber material. Three-dimensional organic filament ( 1000 ), comprising: - a flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) comprising a flexible, integrally formed substrate ( 1 ) with a bottom ( 10 ) and one of the underside ( 10 ) opposite top ( 11 ) and an operationally light-emitting organic layer sequence ( 2 ) on the top ( 11 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) in a growing area ( 20 ), wherein - the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) is rolled up into a three-dimensional body, wherein a first connection region of the flexible organic light-emitting diode ( 100 ) and a second connection region of the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) are placed one against the other and are in direct or indirect contact with each other, - the two adjoining connection regions are permanently connected to each other via a material connection, - the integral connection is based on molecular or atomic forces and an independent unrolling of the rolled-up, flexible, organic light-emitting diode ( 100 ), wherein - the three-dimensional body is a three-dimensional hollow body with a lateral surface ( 101 ), - the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) is rolled up so that the organic layer sequence ( 2 ) in the lateral surface ( 101 ) is at least partially superimposed and thereby at least two layers of the lateral surface ( 101 ), wherein the superimposed organic layers ( 2 ) in the lateral surface ( 101 ) by a layer of the substrate ( 1 ) are spaced from each other. Organic light body ( 1000 ) according to claim 12, wherein - the first connection area on the underside ( 10 ) and the second connection area on the top side ( 11 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) is formed, - in an overlap area, the connection areas are congruent to each other, - the superimposed connection areas of the upper side ( 11 ) and the underside ( 10 ) are connected to each other via an adhesive or a glass frit melt. Organic light body ( 1000 ) according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein - the substrate ( 1 ) a transparent film or a transparent glass with a rectangular top ( 11 ), - the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) is rolled into a hollow cylinder, - the inside of the lateral surface ( 101 ) of the hollow cylinder at least partially from the growing area ( 20 ) of the top side ( 11 ) of the substrate ( 1 ) is formed and the outside of the lateral surface ( 101 ) of the hollow cylinder through the lower side ( 10 ), - bottom surfaces of the hollow cylinder with metal caps ( 103 ) are closed, the metal caps ( 103 ) for electrically contacting the organic layer sequence ( 2 ) serve. Organic light body ( 1000 ) according to one of claims 12 to 14, wherein - the three-dimensional body is a three-dimensional hollow body with a lateral surface ( 101 ), - in the growth area ( 20 ) a first ( 2 ) and a second ( 22 ) organic layer sequence are arranged side by side, wherein the first ( 2 ) and the second ( 22 ) organic layer sequence can be electrically controlled independently and emit visible light of different colors in the intended operation, - the flexible organic light emitting diode ( 100 ) is rolled up so that the first ( 2 ) and the second ( 22 ) organic layer sequence in the lateral surface ( 101 ) lie at least partially above one another and thereby at least two layers of the lateral surface ( 101 ), wherein the superimposed organic layers ( 2 . 22 ) in the lateral surface ( 101 ) by a layer of the substrate ( 1 ) are spaced from each other.

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