EP2189042A1 - Marking having electroluminescent lighting effect, method for the production thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electroluminescent arrangement. Said electroluminescent arrangement comprises the following functional layers: (a) return electrode as layer A; (b) dielectric layer as layer B; (c) electroluminescent layer as layer C; and (d) cover electrode as layer D.

Description

 IDENTIFICATION MARK WITH ELECTROLUMINESCENT LIGHT EFFECT, METHOD

FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE

The present invention relates to electroluminescent Anordπungen, a process for their preparation and their use in particular as a license plate for motor vehicles. Another object of the present invention is a front panel blank and a method for its preparation,

Electroluminescence (hereinafter also abbreviated to "EL") is understood as the direct luminescence excitation of luminescent pigments or luminophores by an alternating electric field.

Electroluminescent technology has recently become increasingly important. It allows the realization of almost any size, glare-free and shadow-free, homogeneous lighting surfaces. Power consumption and depth in the order of a millimeter and below are extremely low. The typical application involves, in addition to the backlighting of liquid crystal displays, the backlighting of transparent films provided with captions and / or image motifs. Thus, transparent electrochemical devices, e.g. B. electroluminescent Leuchtpiatten on the basis of glass or transparent plastic, the z. B. can serve as information carrier, advertising or for decorative purposes, known from the prior art.

As early as 1950, EC Payne in US 2,838,751 described a zinc sulfide electroluminescent device based on the use of two conductive glass electrodes with electroluminescent phosphor interposed therebetween, and for reference, a publication by G. Destriau, The New Phenomenon of Electroluminescence and Its Possibilities for the Investigation of Crystal Lattice "im "Philosophicαl Magazine", where the original discovery of the particulate ZnS-EL phenomenon in an AC field of Destriau already occurred 1 936.

The luminescent pigments or luminophores used in these EL elements are embedded in a transparent, organic or ceramic binder. Starting materials are usually zinc sulfides which, depending on doping or co-doping and preparation process, produce different, relatively narrow-band emission spectra. The reason for the use of zinc sulfides in the EL layers is on the one hand in the relatively large number of available zinc sulfide EL pigments. The center of gravity of the spectrum determines the respective color of the emitted light. The emission color of an EL element can be adapted to the desired color impression by a large number of possible measures, including the doping and co-doping of the luminescent pigments, the mixture of two or more EL pigments, the addition of one or more organic dyes or inorganic color-converting and / or color-filtering pigments, the coating of the EL pigment with organic and / or inorganic color-converting and / or farbfiiternden substances, the addition of dyes in the polymer matrix in which the luminescent pigments are dispersed, and the incorporation of a color-converting and In total, when applying a correspondingly high AC voltage of usually greater than 50 volts to over 200 volts and a frequency greater than 50 Hz to a few kHz, usually in the range of 400 Hz to 2 kHz, depending on the doping used and Co doping of z Inksulfidischen pigments, a relatively broad-band emission spectrum radiated.

In order for the emitted emission to be seen, at least one planar electrode is at least largely transparent. Depending on the application and manufacturing technology, glass substrates or polymeric films with an electrically conductive and largely transparent coating can be used. In specific embodiments, an EL capacitor structure may also be arranged on a substrate such that only a thin layer is printed or curled as the front transparent electrode, applied by a roll coating method, a curtain casting method or a spraying method. In principle, both planar electrodes can also be made substantially transparent and thus a translucent EL element can be produced which has a light emission on both sides.

Electroencecent arrays are used, for example, in the field of self-luminous license plates for motor vehicles.

Self-luminous license plates (abbreviated, SLKT), also called "self-luminous license plate" or "Seibstleuchtendes license plate", are license plates that do not have to be illuminated by an external light source at night to stay readable, but even radiate light.

There are currently two different types of self-luminous license plates which are commercially available:

• For one type of self-luminous license plates, the

Labeling achieved by embossing a translucent white reflective plastic board behind which white LEDs are located. For this system, which was developed by the company 3M ^® , a general type approval ABG was issued by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority on July 1, 2006.

• In a second type of self-luminous license plates, the label is printed on a transparent foil, which in turn is glued onto an electroluminescent foil. The electroluminescent foil illuminates when an electrical voltage is applied to the foil. License plates according to this principle were also approved by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (ABG K55 of 27, February 2007).

Corresponding electroluminescent systems are also known from the printed prior art,

Thus, from WO 03/064210 Al a sign, in particular a license plate for motor vehicles, known with a base body, wherein the base body consists of an electrically conductive material or has an electrically conductive coating to form a first electrode directly or via another layer. On the base body or the electrically conductive coating, a coating with electroluminescent pigmentation is applied, which in turn is covered to form a second electrode with an electrically conductive transparent layer. The main body or the base body with the electroluminescent layer and the electrically conductive transparent layer for forming the second electrode is deformable, in particular embossable.

EP 1 463 654 A1 describes a shield, in particular a motor vehicle license plate, which comprises a carrier made of a plastically deformable material, for example of metal, and an electroluminescent layer structure for forming at least one flat capacitor. The electroluminescent layer structure has a base electrode, an insulation layer, an in-operation-glowing pigment layer and a transparent cover electrode. On the carrier, a further insulating layer is applied, over which an electrically conductive layer is arranged, from which the base electrode and at least one of these electrically separate feed line for the overhead electrode of the at least one flat capacitor are worked out. The further insulating layer is a on the side facing away from the carrier initially completely coated with an electrically conductive material plastic film having a protruding over the carrier tab on which the Konfaktierung of Base electrode and the Eiπspeisleitung required connection lines are formed.

In EP 0 978 220 A, a plastic molded article with an EL thick-film element is described, wherein this EL thick-film film element is three-dimensionally deformed at a working temperature below the softening temperature of the film and back-injected with thermoplastic material, thus producing a three-dimensional self-luminous molded article becomes.

German patent application DE 1 0 2006 031 31 5, which does not have prior publication, discloses a process for the production of a three-dimensionally shaped and graphically designed plastic film element from at least one graphite using the Titei "3D-EL-HDVF element and production method and application" designed and below the softening temperature cold stretchable plastic film and at least one Schutzfolieneiement described, wherein the originally flat and cold stretchable film is moved with the various cold stretchable graphic prints together with at least one protective film in a isostatic high pressure forming tool and at a process temperature below the softening temperature of the plastic Foiie three-dimensionally, with a fluidic pressure medium greater than 20 bar, immediately deformed, laminated together and then trimmed in a borderless manner Prints with functional properties such as an inorganic printable electro! provided by an inescence layer sequence.

These features known from the prior art with electroluminescent effect still have disadvantages in many areas.

Thus, the known from the prior art characteristics with

Electroluminescent effect to the disadvantage of the fact that a simple, safe and easy-to-install contacting the license plate, for example, with the circuit of the motor vehicle is not possible. Thus, for example, the contacting device described in the abovementioned EP 1 463 654 A designed as a tab is expensive to produce. In addition, this tab is disturbing in the further processing, especially in the lamination. The cost-effective roll-to-roll lamination method is difficult to access in this embodiment, since in this method, the tab would be with the contact area between two endless media and would have to be elaborated later only consuming. Furthermore, the removal of the tab makes the equipment with Diffuεionsbarrieren against moisture necessary because the Luminophores are sensitive to moisture and the conductive parts undergo Eikktrokorrosion under the influence of moisture.

In addition, corresponding license plate with electroluminescent effect often still three-dimensional deformed, such as in the embossing of a license plate for a motor vehicle. As a result, fractures of the conductive coatings can occur, in particular in the electrodes. These fractures can lead to a conductivity over the entire electrode is not given.

In addition, the cold ductility of corresponding electroluminescent elements is generally not always satisfactorily solved.

In the known from the prior art license plate with electroluminescent effect of the adhesive bond with the substrates is also not satisfactorily solved. Thus, corresponding transitions between the electroluminescent device and the substrate are neither sufficiently stable nor sufficiently durable in the systems known from the prior art. In addition, the transitions do not have sufficient deformation properties, but this is especially necessary when embossing license plates with electroluminescent effects. For example, embossing a license plate generally requires two angles of 90 ° at a height of 2 mm. The reflection properties of the license plates with electro-luminescence characteristic known from the prior art are also in need of improvement.

Thus, the object of the present invention is to improve electroluminescent arrangements of the aforementioned type in different areas, in particular in the abovementioned areas identified as being critically identified.

This object is achieved by the invention E lektrolumineszenz- arrangement.

The inventive electroluminescent arrangement is characterized in that the arrangement has the following functional layers:

(a) back electrode as component BE;

(b) dielectric layer as component BD;

(C) electroluminescent layer as component BC; and (d) cover electrode (= front electrode) of component BA.

The electroluminescent device according to the invention is generally based on an inorganic thick-film AC system which can be produced, for example, with conventional Fiach bed and / or cylinder screen presses. Thus, the manufacture of the electroencephine array according to the invention is easily possible using conventional and available devices.

The structure of the electroluminescent element according to the invention is described in more detail below.

The electroluminescent element according to the invention comprises at least one EL layer as layer BC. The layer BC can also be formed from a plurality of layers having an electroluminescent effect. The at least one electroluminescent layer (component BC) is generally arranged between the cover electrode (component BA) and the dielectric layer (component BD). In this case, the electroluminescent layer can be arranged immediately after the dielectric layer (component BD) or optionally one or more further layers can be arranged between the dielectric layer (component BD) and the electroluminescent layer (component BC). The electroluminescent layer (component BC) is preferably arranged immediately after the dielectric layer (component BD).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the at least one electroluminescent layer (component BC) is generally arranged between the back electrode (component BA) and the dielectric layer (component BD). In this case, the electroluminescent layer can be arranged immediately after the dielectric layer (component BD) or, if desired, one or more further layers can be arranged between the dielectric layer (component BD) and the electroluminescent layer (component BC) the electroluminescent layer (component BC) immediately after the dielectric layer (component BD) arranged.

Moreover, in the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention, it is possible for the electroluminescent layer to consist of two or more electroluminescent elements arranged next to one another.

Layer elements with different electroluminescent

Phosphorus pigments exists, so that the generation of different colors on the electroluminescent device is possible.

In a further embodiment, the subregions of the Eiektrolumineszenz surfaces may optionally different, z. B. in terms of composition, be formed and optionally be controlled separately from each other. As a result, different Emissionstarben be realized.

Construction of Electroluminescent Devices According to the Invention:

In a first embodiment of the present invention which is particularly preferred according to the invention, the electroluminescent arrangement consists of the following layers (conventional structure):

a) an at least partially transparent substrate, component A,

b) at least one applied to the substrate electroluminescent device, component B, comprising the following components

ba) an at least partially transparent electrode, component BA, as a front electrode, bb) optionally an insulating layer, component BB, bc) a layer containing at least one excitable by an electric field luminescent pigment

(Electroluminophore, EL-phosphor), electroluminescent layer or pigment layer, component BC, bd) optionally an insulation layer, component BD, be) a back electrode, component BE, which can be partially transparent at times, bf) one printed conductor or several printed conductors, Component BF, for electrically contacting both component BA and component BE, wherein the conductor track or the conductor tracks before, after or between the electrodes BA and BE can be applied or, wherein preferably the conductor track or the conductor tracks applied in one step become . The printed conductor or printed conductors can be applied in the form of a silver bus, preferably made of a silver paste. Perhaps can be applied before the application of the silver bus nor a graphite layer,

c) a protective layer, component CA or a film, component CB,

The insulation layers BB and BD can be opaque, opaque or transparent, wherein at least one of the layers must be at least partially transparent if two insulation layers are present

On the outside of the substrate A and / or between the substrate A and the electroluminescent arrangement, one or more at least partially transparent graphically designed layers can also be arranged.

In addition, UV-blocking substances can be incorporated or incorporated on any side or both sides of the substrate and in the substrate itself. As a result, the life of the luminophores can be significantly increased; above all, this can drastically slow down the fading of organic conversion pigments,

In addition to the mentioned layers {components A, B and C), the electroluminescent element according to the invention (conventional structure) can have one or more reflection layer (s). The reflection layer (s) may or may in particular be arranged:

outside on component A, between component A and component BA, between component BA and component BB or BC, if component BB is missing, between component BD and component BE, between component BE and component BF, between component BF and component CA CB, - outside on component CA or CB. Preferably, the Refiexionsschichtschicht, if present, arranged between component BC and component BD or BE, if component BD is missing.

The reflection layer preferably comprises glass beads, in particular hollow glass beads. The diameter of the glass beads can be changed within wide limits. Thus, they may have a size d ₅₀ of generally 5 μm to 3 mm, preferably 1 0 to 200 μm, particularly preferably 20 to 1 00 μm. The hollow glass beads are preferably embedded in a binder. In addition, the reflection layer may contain metal particles; In this embodiment, the reflection view is preferably on the outside of component A and / or between component A and component BA.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the electroluminescent element consists of the following layers (inverse layer structure):

a) an at least partially transparent substrate, component A,

b) at least one Eiektrolumineszenz arrangement applied to the substrate, component B, comprising the following components

be) a Rückeiektrode, component BE, which may be at least partially transparent, bb) optionally an insulating layer, component BB, bc) a layer containing at least one excitable by an electric field luminescent pigment (electroluminophore),

Electroluminescent layer or pigment layer called, component BC, bd) optionally an insulating layer, component BD, ba) an at least partially transparent electrode, component BA, as a front electrode, bf) a conductor track or a plurality of conductor tracks, component BF, for electrically contacting both component BA and component BE, wherein the conductor track or the conductor tracks can be applied before, after or between the electrodes BA and BE, wherein preferably the

Conductor or the conductors are applied in one step. The printed conductor or printed conductors can be applied in the form of a silver bus, preferably made of a silver paste. It may be possible to apply a graphite layer before applying the silver bus,

c) an at least partially transparent protective layer,

Component CA and / or a film, component CB.

On the transparent protective layer C and / or between the transparent protective layer C and the EL array, one or more at least partially transparent graphically designed layers can also be arranged. In particular, the graphically designed layers can assume the function of the protective layer.

In addition to the layers mentioned (components A, B and C), the inventive electroluminescent element with inverse

Layer structure have one or more reflection layer (s), The reflection layer (s) can or can be arranged in particular:

outside on component A, between component A and component BE, between component BE and component BB, - between component BB and component BC, between component BC and component BD, between component BD and component BA, between component BA and component BF, between component BF and component CA or CB, - on component CA or CB, Preferably, the reflective layer layer, if present, arranged between component BC and component BB or BE, if component BB is missing. In addition, the reflective layer may contain metal particles; In this embodiment, the reflection view is preferably on the outside of component A and / or between component A and component BE.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific embodiments and features of the conventional structure, unless otherwise specified, apply mutatis mutandis to inverse layer construction and two-sided construction.

The one or more insulation layer (s) BB and / or BD both in the conventional construction and in the inverse construction can or can be dispensed with in particular if the component BC has a layer thickness which prevents a short circuit between the two electrode components BA and BE ,

The individual functional layers of the EL arrangements according to the invention are described in more detail below:

(I) Electroluminescent layer

The EL element according to the invention comprises at least one EL layer, component BC. The at least one EL layer can be applied on the whole

Inner surface of the first partially transparent electrode or on one or more partial surfaces of the first at least partially transparent electrode, in the case that the EL layer on several

Partial surfaces is arranged, the partial surfaces generally have a distance of 0.5 to 1 0.0 mm, preferably 1 to 5 mm, from each other.

The EL layer is generally composed of a binder matrix having homogeneously dispersed EL pigments therein. The binder matrix is generally chosen such that a good adhesion to the electrode layer (or the optionally applied thereto dielectric layer). In a preferred embodiment, PVB (polyvinylbutyrai) or PLJ (polyurethane) based systems are used for the binder system. In addition to the EL pigments, further additives may optionally be present in the binder matrix, such as color-converting organic and / or inorganic systems, color additives for a day and night light effect and / or reflective and / or light-absorbing effect pigments such as aluminum flakes or glass flakes or mica pigments. Plateletts.

Preferably, the at least one EL layer BC is an AC thick film powder electroluminescent (AC-P-EL) light structure.

In general, the proportion of electroluminescent pigments in the total mass of the electroluminescent layer (degree of filling) is 20 to 75% by weight, preferably 50 to 70% by weight.

The electroluminescent pigments used in the electroluminescent layer generally have a thickness of 1 to 50 μm, preferably 5 to 25 μm.

Thick film AC-EL systems have been well-known since Destriau 1947 and are usually applied by screen printing on ITO-PET foils. Since zinc sulfide electroluminophores have a very high degradation during operation and especially at higher temperatures and a water vapor environment, microencapsulated EL pigments are generally used today for long-lived thick film AC-EL lamp assemblies. However, it is also possible to use non-microencapsulated pigments in the EL element according to the invention, as further explained below.

For the purposes of the present invention, EL elements are understood to mean thick-film EL systems which are operated by means of alternating voltage at normative 1 00 volt and 400 hertz and thus a so-called cold light of a few cd / m ² up to some 1 00 cd / emit ² or more. In such inorganic thick film AC EL elements, EL screen pastes are generally used.

Such EL screen-printing pastes are generally based on inorganic substances. Suitable substances are, for example, high-purity ZnS, CdS, Zn _x Cd _{1 -31} S compounds of groups II and IV of the Periodic Table of the Elements, wherein ZnS is particularly preferably used. The aforementioned substances may be doped or activated and optionally further co-activated. For doping, for example copper and / or manganese are used. The coactivation takes place z. As with chlorine, bromine, iodine and aluminum, the content of alkali and rare earth metals is generally very low in the above-mentioned substances, if any. Very particular preference is given to using ZnS, which is preferably doped or activated with copper and / or manganese and is preferably co-activated with chlorine, bromine, iodine and / or aluminum.

Common EL emission colors are yellow, orange, green, green-blue, blue-green and white, whereby the emission color white or red can be obtained by mixtures of suitable EL phosphors (pigments) or by color conversion. The color conversion can generally take place in the form of a converting layer and / or the addition of corresponding dyes and pigments in the polymeric binder of the screen printing inks or the polymeric matrix in which the EL pigments are incorporated.

When the electroluminescent device of the present invention is used in a license plate for automobiles, it is preferable that the electroluminescent device emits the color white.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the screen printing matrix used to produce the EL layer is provided with translucent, color-filtering or color-converting dyes and / or pigments. In this way, an emission color white or a day-night lighting effect can be generated. In a further embodiment, pigments are used in the EL layer which have an emission in the blue wavelength range of 420 to 480 nm and are provided with a color-converting microencapsulation. In this way, the color white can be emitted.

In one embodiment, AC-P-EL pigments having an emission in the blue wavelength range of 420 to 480 nm are used as pigments in the EL layer. In addition, the AC-P-EL screen printing matrix preferably has wave-length-limiting inorganic fine particles based on Europium (II) activated alkaline earth ortho-Siükat luminescent pigments such as (Ba, Sr, Ca) ₂ SiO ₄ ) Eu ²⁺ or YAG luminescent pigments such as Y ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce ³⁺ or Tb ₃ Al ₅ O ₁₂ ) Ce ^{3 +} or Sr ₂ GaS ₄ ) Eu ²⁺ or SrSiEu ²⁺ or (Y, Lu, Gd, Tb) ₃ (Al, Sc, Ga) ₅ O ₁₂ : Ce ³⁺ or (Zn, Ca, Sr) (S, Se)) Eu ^{2 +} . Also in this way a white emission can be achieved.

According to the prior art, the above-mentioned EL pigments can be microencapsulated. Due to the inorganic microencapsulation technology good half-lives can be achieved. One example is the EL screen printing system Luxprint ^® for EL from E. I here. called du Pont de Nemours and Companies. Organic Mikroverkapseiuπgstechnologlen and Folienhύll laminates based on the various thermoplastic films are also generally suitable, but have proven to be expensive and not significantly iebensverlängerandering.

Suitable zinc sulfide microencapsulated EL luminescent pigments are available from Osram Sylvania, Inc. Towanda under the trade name GlacierGLO € Standard, High Brite and Long Life and by the company Durei Division of Rogers Corporation, under the trade names 1 PHSOO l ^® High-Efficiency Green Encapsulated EL Phosphor, 1 PHS002 ^® High Efficiency Blue-Green Encapsulated EL Phosphor , 1 PHS003 ^® Long-Life Blue Encapsulated EL phosphor, 1 PHS004 ^® Long-Life Orange Encapsulated EL phosphor offered. The mean particle diameters of the microprecipitated pigments suitable in the EL layer are generally from 1.5 to 60 μm, preferably from 20 to 35 μm.

As already mentioned, non-microencapsulated fine-grained electroluminescent pigments, preferably having a long service life, can also be used in the EL layer of the electroiumuminescence element according to the invention. Suitable non-microencapsulated fine-grained zinc sulfidic electroluminescent phosphors are e.g. in US 6,248,261 and in WO 01/34723. These preferably have a cubic crystal structure. The non-microcapped pigments preferably have average particle diameters of from 1 to 30 μm, particularly preferably from 2 to 15 μm, very particularly preferably from 5 to 10 μm.

Specially non-microencapsulated electroluminescent pigments can be used with smaller pigment dimensions down to less than 10 μm,

Thus, non-encapsulated pigments can be added to the screen printing inks suitable according to the present application, preferably taking into account the special hygroscopic properties of the pigments, preferably the ZnS pigments. In this case, binders are generally used which, on the one hand, have good adhesion to so-called ITO layers (indium-tin oxide) or intrinsically conductive polymeric transparent layers, and furthermore have good insulating properties, reinforce the dielectric and thus improve the dielectric strength at high electric field strengths cause and additionally have a good water vapor barrier in the cured state and additionally protect the EL pigments and extend life,

In one embodiment of the present invention pigments are used in the AC-P-EL luminescent layer, which are not mikververkapseit,

The half-lives of the suitable pigments in the electroluminescent layer, ie the time in which the initial brightness of the invention Electroluminescent element has dropped to half, are generally at 1 00 or 80 volts and 400 hertz 400 to 5000 hours, especially 1 000 to 3500 hours.

The brightness values (EL emission) are generally 1 to 200 cd / m ² , preferably 3 to 100 cd / m ² , particularly preferably 5 to 40 cd / m ² ; for large illuminated areas, the brightness values are preferably in the range from 1 to 50 cd / m ² ,

However, pigments with singers or shorter half-lives and higher or lower brightness values can also be used in the EL layer of the EL element according to the invention.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the pigments present in the electroluminescent layer have such a small average particle diameter, or such a low degree of filling in the electroluminescent layer, or the individual EL layers are embodied geometrically so small, or the distance of the individual EL layers is chosen so large, so that the EL element when not electrically activated

Luminous structure is designed as at least partially transparent or a review is guaranteed. suitable

Pigment particle diameter, fill levels, dimensions of

Lighting elements and distances of the lighting elements are mentioned above.

The layer contains the abovementioned optionally doped ZnS crystals, preferably microencapsulated as described above, preferably in an amount of from 40 to 90% by weight, preferably from 50 to 80% by weight, particularly preferably from 55 to 70% by weight. , in each case based on the weight of the paste. As binders, one- and preferably two-component polyurethanes can be used. According to the invention, highly flexible materials from Bayer MaterialScience AG are preferred, for example the lacquer raw materials of the Desmophen and Desmodur series, preferably Desmophen and Desmodur, or the lacquer raw materials of Luprαnαte-, Luprαnol-, Plurαcol- or Luprαphen series of BASF AG. As solvents ethoxypropylαcetαt, Ethylαcetαt, Butylαcetαt, Methoxypropylαcetαt, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, Cyclohexαnon, toluene, xylene, Solventnαphthα 1 00 or any mixtures of two or more of these solvents in amounts of preferably 1 to 50 wt .-%, preferably 2 to 30 wt .-%, particularly preferably 5 to 1 5 wt .-%, each based on the total paste mass, are used. Furthermore, other highly flexible binders, for example those based on PMMA, PVA, in particular Mowiol and Poval from Kuraray Europe GmbH (now called Kuraray Specialties or Polyvio! From Wacker AG, or PVB, in particular Mowital from Kuraray Europe GmbH (B 20 H, B 30 T, B 30 H, B 30 HH, B 45 H, B 60 T, B 60 H, B 60 HH, B 75 H), or Pioloform, in particular Pioloform BRI 8, BM l 8 or BTl 8, from Wacker If polymer binders such as PVB are used, solvents such as methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, diacetone alcohol, benzyl alcohol, 1-methoxypropanol-2, butylglycol, methoxybutanol, dowanol, methoxypropyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, butoxyl, Acetylene, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, toluene, xylene, hexane, cyclohexane, heptane and mixtures of two or more of those mentioned in amounts of from 1 to 30% by weight based on the total mass of the paste, preferably 2 up to 20 Ge % by weight, more preferably from 3 to 10% by weight.

Furthermore, from 0.1 to 2% by weight of additives for improving the flow behavior and the course can be contained. Examples of flow control agents are Additol XL480 in butoxyl in a mixing ratio of 40:60 to 60:40. 0.01 to 1 wt .-%, preferably 0.05 to 5 wt .-%, particularly preferably 0, 1 to 2 wt .-%, in each case based on the total paste mass, rheology additives which contain the Decrease settling behavior of pigments and fillers in the paste, for example BYK 41 0, BYK 41 1, BYK 430, BYK 431 or any mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred formulations of printing pastes according to the invention for producing the EL luminous pigment layer as component BC include:

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment, the electroluminescent layer in the electroluminescent arrangement is based on an electro-luminescent phosphor emitting the color green and homogeneously dispersed in the electroluminescent layer

Color conversion pigments. For this example comes Color Conversion Pigments "EL Color Converting Pigments FA-OOO Series" of Sinloihi Co., Ltd. Japan in question. Also possible is the addition of a color-converting substance such as rhodamine, so that a white emission is achieved. The electroluminescence emission in the range of the color white is particularly preferred when the electroluminescent device is used in a license plate for motor vehicles.

In addition, all commercial EL pastes can be used to make the EL layer having the necessary deformation properties. In particular, the paste systems from Dupont are suitable, for example those from the Luxprint series.

electrodes

The EL element according to the invention has a first, at least partially transparent, front electrode BA and a second electrode, the back electrode BE.

For the purposes of the present application, the term "at least partially transparent" means an electrode which is constructed from a material which has a transmission of generally more than 60%, preferably more than 70%, particularly preferably more than 80%, specifically more than 90%.

The return electrode BE does not necessarily have to be transparent.

Suitable electrical conductive materials for the electrodes are known per se to those skilled in the art. In principle, several types of electrodes are suitable for the production of thick-film EL elements with AC excitation. On the one hand, these are sputtered or vapor-deposited indium tin oxide electrodes (indium tin oxides, ITO) in vacuum on plastic films. They are very thin (some 100 Ä) and offer the advantage of high transparency with a relatively low sheet resistance (about 60 to 600 Ω).

Furthermore, printing pastes with ITO or ATO (antimony tin oxides, antimony tin oxide) or intrinsically conductive transparent polymer pastes can be used, from which surface electrodes are produced by screen printing, with a thickness of about 5 to 20 microns provide such electrodes only low transparency with high surface resistance (up to 50 kΩ), they can be applied in almost any pattern, even on structured surfaces, and they offer relatively good laminatability, even non-ITO screen-printing layers (the term "non-ITO" means all) Non-indium-tin-oxide (ITO) screen printing layers, that is, intrinsically conductive polymeric layers having usually nanoscale electrically conductive pigments, for example the ATO screen printing paste designated 71 62E or 71 64 from DuPoπt, which are intrinsically conductive polymer systems such as the Orgacon ^® system from Agfa, the Baytron ^® poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) - System of HC Starck GmbH, Ormecon's organic metal (PEDT) system, conductive coating or ink systems of Panipol OY and optionally with highly flexible binders, for example based on PU (polyurethanes), PMMA ( Polymethyl methacrylate), PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or modified pofyaniline may be used. As the material of at least partially transparent electrode of the electroluminescent element Baytron ^® poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) is preferable system from H. C. Starck GmbH used. Examples of electrically conductive polymer films are polyanilines, polythiophenes, polyacetylenes, polypyrroles (Handbook of Conducting Polymers, 1 986) with and without metal oxide filling.

According to the invention, BA 10 to 90 are preferred for formulating a printing paste for producing the partially transparent electrode

Wt .-%, preferably 20 to 80 wt .-%, particularly preferably 30 to 65 wt .-%, each based on the total weight of the printing paste, Clevios P, Clevios P, Clevios P AG, Clevios P HCV4, Clevios P HS, Clevios PH 500, Clevios PH 51 0 or any mixtures thereof. As solvents, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N, N-dimethylformamide, N, N-dimethylacetamide, ethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, N-propanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone,

Dimethylaminoethanoi, water or mixtures of two or three or more of the solvents mentioned are used. The amount of solvent can vary widely in the printing paste. Thus, in a formulation according to the invention of a paste 55 to 60% by weight of solvent! while in another formulation according to the invention about 35 to 45% by weight of a solvent mixture of two or more solvents are used. Furthermore, as an interface additive and adhesion promoter Silquest Al 87, Neo Rez R986, Dynol 604 and / or mixtures of two or more of these substances may be included. The amount thereof is 0.1 to 5.0% by weight, preferably 0.3 to 2.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the printing paste.

For example, Bayderm Finish 85 UD, Bayhydroi PR340 / 1, Bayhydrol® PR 35 or any mixtures thereof, preferably in amounts of about 0.5 to 10% by weight, preferably 3 to 5% by weight, may be used as binders in the formulation. , In the inventively used

Polyurethane dispersions which after drying the layer the

Forming binder for the conductive layer, it is preferably aqueous polyurethane dispersions.

Particularly preferred formulations of printing pastes according to the invention for producing the partially transparent electrode BA include:

Notwithstanding the above-mentioned formulations for the partially transparent electrode BA, the ready-to-use formulations mentioned below can also be used according to the invention as already finished, commercially available printing pastes: the Orgacon EL-P 10 000, EL-P3000, EL-P5000 or EL-Pό000 series from Agfa, prefers the EL-P3000 and EL-P6000 series (especially for deformable applications).

These electrode material can be applied, for example, by means of screen printing, knife coating, spraying, spraying and / or brushing onto corresponding carrier materials (substrates), preferably subsequently drying at low temperatures of, for example, 80 to 110 ° C.

In addition, tin oxide (NESA) pastes are also usable as the corresponding electrode material. In a preferred alternative embodiment, the application of the electrically conductive coating takes place by means of vacuum or pyrolytically.

Particularly preferred In the alternative embodiment, the electrically conductive coating is a thin and largely transparent by means of vacuum or pyrolytically produced metallic or metailoxidic

Layer, which preferably has a sheet resistance of 5 mΩ to 3,000

Ω / square, more preferably a sheet resistance of 0, 1 to

1 .000 Ω / square, most preferably 5 to 30 Ω / square, and in another preferred embodiment a

Daylight permeability of at least large 60% (> 60 to 100%) and in particular greater than 76% (> 76 to 100%).

In addition, electrically conductive glass can also be used as the electrode.

A particular preferred type of electrically conductive and highly transparent glass, in particular float glass, are pyrolytically produced layers which have high surface hardness and whose surface electrical resistivity can be adjusted in a very wide range, generally from a few milliohms to 3,000 ohms / square.

Such pyrolytically coated glasses can be well deformed and have a good scratch resistance, in particular scratches do not lead to an electrical interruption of the electrically conductive surface layer, but only to a mostly slight increase in surface resistance.

Furthermore, pyrolytically produced conductive

Surface layers diffused by the temperature treatment in the surface so strong and anchored in the surface that in a subsequent application of material an extremely high adhesion to the glass substrate is given, which is also very advantageous for the present invention. In addition, such coatings a good homogeneity, ie a low scattering of the surface resistance value over large surfaces. This feature also provides an advantage to the present invention.

Electrically conductive and highly transparent thin layers can be produced on a glass substrate, which is preferably used according to the invention, much more efficiently and cost-effectively than on polymeric substrates such as PET or PMMA or PC. The electrical sheet resistance is on glass coatings on average by a factor of 1 0 cheaper than on a polymeric film with comparable transparency, so for example 3 to 1 0 ohms / square in glass layers compared with 30 to 100 Ω / square on PET films,

The back electrode component BE is - as in the case of the at least partially transparent electrode - a planar electrode, which, however, does not have to be transparent or at least partially transparent. This is generally applied to the insulation layer, if present. If no insulation layer is present, the back electrode is applied to the layer containing at least one luminous substance which can be excited by an electric field. In an alternative embodiment, the back electrode is applied to the substrate A,

The back electrode is generally constructed of electrically conductive materials based on inorganic or organic substances, for example metals such as silver, preference being given to using those materials which, when using the isostatic

High pressure deformation process for producing the three-dimensionally deformed film element according to the invention are not damaged. Suitable electrodes are also in particular polymeric electrically conductive coatings. In this case, the coatings already mentioned above with regard to the at least partially transparent electrode can be used. In addition, such, the Use can be made of specialist known polymeric electrically conductive coatings that are not at least partially transparent.

The formulation of the printing paste for the back electrode can correspond to the partially transparent electrode.

Deviating from this formulation, however, the following formulation can also be used according to the invention for the back electrode.

For the formulation of a printing paste for the production of the back electrode, 30 to 90% by weight, preferably 40 to 80% by weight, particularly preferably 50 to 70% by weight, based in each case on the total weight of the printing paste, of the conductive polymer Clevios P, Clevios PH, Clevios P AG, Clevios P HCV4, Clevios P HS, Clevios PH, Clevios PH 500, Clevios PH 51 0 or any mixtures thereof. As solvents, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), N, N-Dimethyiformamid, N, N-dimethylacetamide, ethylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, N-propanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethylaminoethanol, water or mixtures of two or three or several of these solvents! be used. The amount of solvent used can vary widely. Thus, in a erfiπdungsgemäßen formulation of a paste 55 to 60 wt .-% solvent may be included, while in another formulation according to the invention about 40 wt .-% of a solvent mixture of three solvents are used. Furthermore, as an interface additive and adhesion promoter Silquest Al 87, Neo Rez R98ό, Dynol 604 or mixtures of two or more of these substances may preferably be contained in an amount of 0.7 to 1, 2 wt .-%. As binders, for example, 0.5 to 1, 5 wt .-% UD-85, ßayhydroi PR340 / 1, Bayhydrol PRl 35 or belibige mixtures thereof may be included.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the back electrode may be filled with graphite. This can be achieved by adding graphite to the formulations described above. Notwithstanding the above-mentioned formulation for the back electrode can be used according to the invention as finished formulations also exemplified here already finished, commercially available printing pastes: the Orgacon EL -P 000, EL-P3000, EL-P5000 or EL-POOOOO Series from Agfa, prefers the EL-P3000 and EL-Pό000 series (for deformable applications). Again, graphite can be added.

The printing pastes of the Orgacon EL-P4000 series, especially Orgacon EL-P401 0 and EL-4020, can be used especially for the back electrode. Both can be mixed together in any ratio. Orgacon E L-P401 0 and EL-4020 already contain graphite,

Commercially available graphite pastes can also be used as the back electrode, for example graphite pastes from Acheson, in particular Electrodag 965 SS or Electrodag 601 7 SS.

A particularly preferred formulation according to the invention of a printing paste for producing the back electrode BE comprises:

In the context of the present invention, the use of intrinsically conductive polymers as electrode material is also possible. The sheet resistance of corresponding electrodes of intrinsically conductive polymers should generally be from 1,00 to 2,000 Ω / square, more preferably from 200 to 1,500 Ω / square, especially from 200 to 1,000 Ω / square, especially from 300 to 600 Ω / square.

The above-described electrically conductive materials may moreover be applied to a substrate formed as a substrate. As a carrier material, for example, offer metal foils, metal layers and thermoplastic films.

The back electrode is-as with the at least partially transparent cover electrode-a flat electrode, which, however, does not have to be transparent or at least partially transparent. This electrode is generally constructed of electrically conductive materials on an inorganic or organic basis, for example of metals such as Silver. Suitable electrodes are also in particular polymeric electrically conductive coatings. In this case, the coatings already mentioned above with regard to the at least partially transparent cover electrode can be used. In addition, such known to the expert poiymere electrically conductive coatings are used, which are not at least partially transparent.

Suitable materials of the back electrode are thus preferably selected from the group consisting of metals such as silver, carbon, ITO screen printing layers, ATO screen printing layers, non-ITO screen printing layers, ie intrinsically conductive polymeric systems with usually nanoscale electrically conductive pigments, for example ATO dyes. Screen printing pastes with the designation 71 62E or 7164 from DuPont, intrinsically conductive Poiymersysteme such as Orgacon ^® system from Agfa, the Baytron ^® poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) system H. C. Starck GmbH, Ormecon's organic metal system (PEDT conductive polymer-dioxythiophene), Panipol Oy's conductive coating and ink systems, and, where applicable, highly flexible binders. based on PU (polyurethanes), PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) or modified polyaniline, wherein the aforementioned materials for improving the electrical conductivity with metals such as silver or carbon can be added and / or supplemented with a layer of these materials can be.

Moreover, it is possible for the top electrode BA to comprise nanostructured particles.

It is also possible for the back electrode BE to comprise particles with nanostructures.

In a third embodiment, both the cover electrode BA and the return electrode BE comprise particles with nanostructures.

In the context of the present invention, the term "particles having nanostructures" is understood to mean nanoscale material structures which are selected from the group consisting of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNCNTs), nanohorns, nanodisks, nanocones (ie, cone-shaped structures), metallic nanowires, and combinations of the aforementioned particles.) Corresponding particles with carbon-based nanostructures can be selected from, for example, carbon nanotubes (single-shell and multi-shell), carbon nanofibers (herringbone, platelet-shaped). , screw-like) and the like exist.

Carbon nanotubes are also referred to internationally as carbon nanotubes, (single-walled and multi-walled), carbon nanofibers as carbon nanofibers (herringbone, platelet, screw type). The preparation of these single-Wαlled-Cαrbon-Nαno-Tubes is known in the art and it can be used on corresponding methods of the prior art. These include, for example, the catalytic-chemical vapor deposition CCVD:

These methods often yield fractions that differ in diameter, length, chirality, and electronic properties. They occur in bundles and are often mixed with a part of amorphous carbon. The SWCNTs are separated from these fractions.

The previously known separation techniques for SWCNT are based on electron transfer effects on metallic diazonium salt-treated SWCNT, on dielectrophoresis, on a particular chemical affinity of semiconducting carbon nanotubes to octadecylamines and on carbon nanotubes encased in single-stranded DNA. The selectivity of these methods can be further improved by intensive centrifugation of pretreated dispersions and application of ion exchange chromatography. In the context of the present invention, fractionally pure single-walled carbon nanotubes are preferably used, ie Fractions of single-walled carbon nanotubes which differ in terms of a parameter selected from the group consisting of diameter, length, chirality and electronic properties, at most 50%, more preferably at most 40%, especially at most 30 %, especially not more than 20%, especially not more than 1 0%.

With regard to metallic nanowires, reference is made to WO 2007/022226 A2, the disclosure of which with respect to the nanowires disclosed therein is incorporated by reference into the present invention. The electrically highly conductive and largely transparent silver nanowires described in WO 2007/022226 A2 are particularly suitable for the present invention, The preparation of the remaining particles with nanostructures is known to the person skilled in the art and described in corresponding documents of the prior art.

Conductor tracks, connections of the electrodes

In the case of large-area light elements with a luminous capacitor structure, the fi ensuctivity plays a considerable role for uniform luminance. Frequently, so-called busbars are used for large-surface luminous elements as conductor tracks, component BF, in particular in semiconducting LEP (Light Emitting Polymers), PLED and / or OLED systems in which relatively large currents flow. Very good electrically conductive tracks are produced in the manner of a cross. In this way, for example, a large area is divided into four small areas. Thus, the voltage drop in the central region of a luminous surface is substantially reduced and reduces the uniformity of the luminance or the drop in brightness in the middle of a luminous field.

In a zinksulfidischen particulate EL-FeId used in one embodiment of the invention generally greater than 100 volts to over 200 volts AC are applied, and it flow when using a good dielectric or good insulation very low currents. Therefore, in the inventive ZnS thick-film AC-EL element, the problem of current load is much lower than in semiconducting LEP or OLED systems, so that the use of bus bars is not absolutely necessary, but large-area lighting elements without the use of bus bars can be provided.

According to the invention, it is sufficient for the silver bus to be printed on areas below DIN A3 only at the edge of the electrode layer BA or BE; for surfaces above DIN A3 it is Erfiπdungsgemäß preferred that the silver bus forms at least one additional conductor.

The electrical connections can be made, for example, using electrically conductive and stovable pastes with tin, zinc, silver, palladium, aluminum and other suitable conductive metals or combinations and mixtures or alloys thereof.

In this case, the electrically conductive contact strips are generally applied by screen printing, brush application, ink jet, doctor blade, roller, spraying or dispensing application or comparable application methods known to the person skilled in the art to the electrically conductive and at least partially transparent thin coatings and then generally in an oven thermally treated, so that usually attached laterally along a substrate edge strips can be contacted by soldering, terminals or plug electrically conductive.

As long as only low electrical power must be applied to electrically conductive coatings, spring contacts or carbon-filled rubber elements or so-called zebra rubber strips are sufficient.

As conductive adhesive pastes conductive paste pastes based on silver, palladium, copper or gold filled polymer adhesive are preferably used. It is also possible to apply self-adhesive electrically conductive strips, for example, of tinned copper foil with an adhesive that is electrically conductive in the z-direction by pressing.

The adhesive layer is generally uniformly pressed with a surface pressure of some N / cm ² , and values of 0.01 3 ohm / cm ² (for example, Conductive Copper Foil Tape VE 1 691 from D & M Internationa! A-8451 Heimschuh) or 0.005 ohms (for example Type 1 1 83 of Company 3M Electrical Products Division, Austin, Texas USA; according to MIL-STD-200 Method 307 maintained at 5 psi / 3.4 N / cm ² measured over 1 sq. m. in surface area) or 0.001 ohms (for example Type 1 345 from 3M) or 0.003 ohms (for example Type 3202 from Holland Shielding Systems BV).

However, the contacting can be carried out by all methods familiar to the person skilled in the art, for example crimping, inserting, clamping, riveting, screwing.

dielectric layer

The inventive El element preferably has at least one dielectric layer, component BD, which is provided between the back electrode component BE and the EL layer component BC.

Corresponding dielectric layers are known to the person skilled in the art. Corresponding layers often have high dielectric powders, such as barium titanate, which are preferably dispersed in fluorine-containing plastics or in cyan-based resins. Examples of particularly suitable particles are barium titanate particles in the range of preferably 1.0 to 2.0 μm. These can give a relative dielectric constant of up to 100 at a high degree of filling.

The dielectric layer has a thickness of generally 1 to 50 μm, preferably 2 to 40 μm, more preferably 5 to 25 μm, especially 8 to 15 μm.

In an embodiment, the EL element according to the invention can also additionally have a further dielectric layer, which are arranged one above the other and together improve the insulation effect or which is interrupted by a floating electrode layer. The use of a second dielectric layer may depend on the quality and pinhole freedom of the first dielectric layer.

As fillers inorganic insulating materials are used, which are known to those skilled in the literature, for example: BaTiO ₃ , SrTiO ₃ , KNbO ₃ , PbTiO ₃ , LaTaO ₃ , LiNbO ₃ , GeTe, Mg ₂ TiO ₄ , Bi ₂ (TiO ₃ J ₃ , NiTiO ₃ , CaTiO ₃ , ZnTiO ₃ , Zn ₂ TiO ₄ , BaSnO ₃ , Bi (SnO ₃ J ₃ , CaSnO ₃ , PbSnO ₃ , MgSnO ₃ , SrSnO ₃ , ZnSnO ₃ , BaZrO ₃ , CaZrO ₃ , PbZrO ₃ , MgZrO ₃ , SrZrO ₃ , ZnZrO ₃ and nickel ziconate titanate mixed crystals or mixtures of two or more of these fillers According to the invention preferred as filler are BaTiO ₃ or PbZrO ₃ or mixtures thereof, preferably in quantities of from 5 to 80% by weight from 1 0 to 75 wt .-%, particularly preferably from 40 to 70 wt .-%, each based on the total weight of the paste, in the paste for the preparation of the insulating layer Examples of particularly suitable particles are barium titanate particles in the range of preferably 1, 0 to 2.0 μm, which may have a relative high degree of filling Lektrizitätskonstante of up to 1 00 result.

Binders for this layer may be one- or preferably two-component polyurethane systems, preferably the Bayer

MaterialScience AG, in turn particularly preferably Desmodur and Desmophen or the coating raw materials of the Lupranate, Lupranol, Pluracol or Lupraphen series from BASF AG; Degussa AG (Evonikj, preferably Vestanat, again particularly preferably Vestanat T and B; or the Dow Chemical Company, again preferably Vorastar;) Furthermore, highly flexible binders, for example those based on PMMA, PVA, in particular Mowiol and Poval, can also be used from Kuraray Specialties Europe GmbH or Polyviol from Wacker AG, or PVB, in particular Mowital from Kuraray Speciaities Europe GmbH (B 2O H, B 30 T, B 30 H, B 30 HH, B 45 H, B όO T, B 60 H, B 60 HH, B 75 H), or Pioloform, in particular Pioloform BR I 8, BM I 8 or BTl 8, from Wacker AG In particular, fluorine-containing plastics or cyan-based resins can also be used as the binder matrix. Examples of suitable solvents are ethyl acetyl, butyl acetal, 1-methoxypropyl acetyl-2, toluene, xylene, Solvesso 100, Shellsol A or mixtures of two or more of these solvents! be used. When using, for example, PVB as a binder, ternary methanol, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, diacetone alcohol, benzyl alcohol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, butylglycol, methoxybutanol, dowanol,

Methoxypropylacetat, Methyiacetat, ethyl acetate, Butylσcetat, butoxyl, glycolic acid n-butyl ester, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, toluene, xylene, hexane, cyclohexane, heptane and mixtures of two or more of said Lösungsmittei in amounts of 1 to 30 wt. -% based on the total mass of the paste, preferably 2 to 20 wt.%, Particularly preferably 3 to 1 0 wt .-%. Furthermore, additives such as leveling agents and rheology additives can be added to improve the properties. Examples of middle course! are Additol XL480 in butoxyl in a mixing ratio of 40:60 to 60:40. 0.01 to 10 wt .-%, preferably 0.05 to 5 wt .-%, particularly preferably 0, 1 to 2 wt .-%, each based on the total paste mass. As rheology additives which reduce the settling behavior of pigments and fillers in the paste, BYK 41 0, BYK 41 1, BYK 430, BYK 431 or any mixtures thereof may be present, for example.

According to the invention particularly preferred formulations of a printing paste for the preparation of the insulating layer as component BB and / or BD contain:

covering

In addition to the components A and B, the EL element according to the invention contains a protective layer, component CA, in order to avoid destruction of the electroluminescent element or the possibly present graphical representations. Suitable materials of the protective layer are known to the person skilled in the art. Suitable protective layers CA are, for example, high-temperature-resistant protective lacquers, such as conformal lacquers containing polycarbonates and binders. An example of such a protective lacquer is Noriphaπ ^® HTR by Proell, Weissenburg.

Alternatively, the protective layer can also be formulated on the basis of flexible polymers such as polyurethanes, PMMA, PVA, PVB. Polyurethanes from Bayer MaterialScience AG can be used for this purpose. This formulation can also be provided with fillers. Suitable for this are all fillers known to those skilled in the art, for example based on inorganic metal oxides such as TiO ₂ , ZnO, lithopone, etc. with a degree of filling of 1 0 to 80 wt.% Of the printing paste, preferably from 20 to 70%, particularly preferably from 40 to 60%. In addition, the formulations can contain leveling agents and rheology additives. As a solvent, for example. Ethoxypropyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, methoxypropyl acetate, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone,

Methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, toluene, xylene, Solventnaphtha 1 00 or mixtures of two or more of these solvents can be used.

According to the invention, particularly preferred formulations of the protective lacquer CA include, for example:

substrates

The erfiπdungsgβmäße EL element may have on one or both sides of the respective electrodes substrates, such as glasses, plastic films or the like.

In the case of the EL element according to the invention, it is preferred that at least the substrate, which is in contact with the transparent electrode, is designed on the inside graphically translucent and opaque covering. An opaque covering design is understood to mean a large-area electroluminescent region which is opaquely covered by a high-resolution graphic design and / or is designed to be translucent, for example in the sense of red-green-blue translucent, for signal purposes.

The electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention can be applied via the back electrode BE on a back substrate, for example an aluminum substrate. The electroluminescent device can be connected to the substrate via an adhesive layer, which is applied to the back electrode.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, in the case of the EL arrangement according to the invention, the layer of a protective lacquer may be provided between the substrate and the back electrode. If the layer of a protective lacquer is provided in the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention, then the electroluminescent arrangement can be connected to the corresponding substrate via an adhesive layer, which in this case is applied to the layer of the protective lacquer.

As adhesive system both a cold glue system and a hot glue system can be used. The adhesive system used in the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention can be embodied both as one-component and as two-component.

The adhesive system may in one embodiment be based on a system of silicone, ethylene vinyl acetate, PVC or thermopiastic urethane elastomers. Of these, adhesive systems based on thermoplastic urethane elastomers are particularly preferred.

In a particular embodiment, therefore, an adhesive system based on thermoplastic urethane elastomers (TPU) is used for joining the electro-etatal arrangement according to the invention.

The adhesive system may be formed as a film, i. the adhesive system is used in the form of a foil. This embodiment simplifies the production of corresponding EL systems by the simplified handling of the films.

Exemplary materials for the films formed as adhesive films of the brands Dureflex ^®, Platilon ^® and / or Walopur ^®, which are based on thermoplastic urethane elastomers may be mentioned.

If appropriate film-based adhesive systems are used, the films may be used in conjunction with a carrier film. In this case, the thickness is formed as a film adhesive layer 0.01 to 2 mm, more preferably 0.02 to 0.5 mm, in particular OJ 5 to 0.40 mm.

A further substrate (cover substrate) can also be provided on the cover electrode BA in the electro-immersion arrangement according to the invention.

The overlay substrate is also applied to the electroencephile array of the present invention using the above Adhesive systems fixed. Again, systems based on thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers are preferred.

Since the electroluminescence generated by the arrangement according to the invention is emitted by the cover substrate, it is preferred that the cover substrate is transparent.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the top substrate may be topped, i. be frosted on the side facing away from the electroluminescent device.

Moreover, it is preferred that the substrate, which is in contact with the transparent electrode BA, is a film which is cold-stretchable under glass transition temperature Tg. This gives rise to the possibility of deforming the resulting EL element three-dimensionally, preferably without breakage.

Moreover, it is preferred that the substrate, which is in contact with the back electrode BE, is a film which is also cold stretchable below Tg. This results in the possibility of deforming the resulting EL element three-dimensionally, preferably without breakage.

The EL element is thus three-dimensional deformable, wherein the radii of curvature may be less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm. The deformation angle can be greater than 60 °, preferably greater than 75 °, particularly preferably greater than 90, in particular greater than 1 05 °.

Moreover, it is preferred that the EL element is three-dimensionally deformable and in particular is cold bendable deformable below Tg and thus obtains a precisely shaped three-dimensional shape. The three-dimensionally deformed element can be formed in an injection molding tool on at least one side with a thermoplastic material.

Production of Inventive EL Elements

Usually, the above pastes (screen printing pastes) are applied to transparent plastic films or glasses, which in turn have a substantially transparent electrically conductive coating and thereby represent the electrode for the visible side. Subsequently, the dielectric, if present, and the backside electrode are produced by printing technology and / or lamination technology.

However, a reverse manufacturing process is also possible, wherein first the backside electrode is made, or the backside electrode in the form of a metallized foil is used and the dielectric is applied to this electrode. Subsequently, the EL layer and then the transparent and electrically conductive upper electrode are applied. The resulting system can then optionally be laminated with a transparent cover film and thus protected against water vapor or even against mechanical damage.

In one embodiment of the invention, the conductor tracks (silver bus) can be applied as a first layer to the substrate A. According to the invention, however, they are preferably applied to the electrodes BA or BE, either individually in two operations on the electrodes, or in one working step, the electrodes together.

The EL layer is usually typographically by screen printing or dispenser application or inkjet job or even with a doctor blade or a Rolienbeschichtungsverfahren or a

Curtain casting or a Transferverfahreπ, preferably by screen printing applied. Preferably, the EL layer is applied to the surface the electrode or applied to the optionally applied to the back electrode fsolationsschicht. Thereafter, at least two alternating voltage feeds are generally applied to at least one of the planar electrodes at two locations arranged at a distance from one another,

Further embodiments of the EL arrangement according to the invention

In addition, the use of at least two EL layers makes it possible to have a different light field in terms of location and wavelength by selecting at least two electroluminescent layers arranged side by side with different electroluminescent phosphor pigments.

The electroluminescent device according to the invention is provided by an electroluminescent power supply with a

AC voltage in the range of 200 Hz to over 1 000 Hz operated. In this case, a coding in the range of a few Hz can be formed, so that the coding can be verified by machine, for example, by means of an optoelectronic sensor or by means of a camera. Thus, for example, the validity of a license plate number, or the validity of the license, and other safety-critical features can be checked,

Another object of the present invention is the use of an electroluminescent arrangement as described above as a decorative element and / or lighting element indoors or for outdoor use, preferably on the outer facades of buildings, in or on furnishings, in or on land, air or water vehicles, in or on electrical or electronic equipment or in the advertising industry,

In this case, the electroluminescent arrangement may be formed as an optically signaling element, wherein the voltage levels, the Spαπnungsdifferenzeπ, the frequencies and / or the Frequeπzdifferenzen are controlled or modulated by the volume and the frequency response of a music source and / or by electronic, sensory and / or computer-controlled control.

In addition, the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention can be designed as a laminated safety glass element (LSG) or as an insulating glass element.

The electroluminescent arrangement can thus be used as a visual indicator for measurable and / or sensory quantities, in particular noise, smoke, vibration, speed, atmospheric humidity and / or temperature.

The electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention is particularly suitable as a component of self-luminous Autokennzeichen. But it is necessary that the electroluminescent device is subjected to deformation in order to provide the license plate number with the corresponding license plate number. This is usually done by deformation from the rear of the license plate so that the corresponding letters and numbers are pushed forward out of the license plate. This area can then be made black and opaque.

In this embossing, however, there may be the problem that cracks occur in the electrode coatings, whereby the conductivity of the electrode is restricted or even interrupted in parts.

In addition, in the event of an overload by the power supply to break the cover and / or back electrode of the inventive electroluminescent arrangement come,

The present invention solves this problem in that preferably a metal mesh is incorporated into the respective electrodes, In a particular embodiment of the present invention, it is thus provided that at least one of the back electrode BE or the top electrode BA has a metal grid or mesh. The metal grid or mesh is - in contrast to the (conventional) electrode per se - easier three-dimensional deformable and breaks due to the Dehneigenschaft the metal grid or network much less common and generally only under a much larger deformation, which in EE electroluminescence arrangements of Speech-related nature, even in the application as part of a license plate, are generally not required.

The metal grid can be a metal grid insert with intersecting or cutting strands.

The metal grid can also consist in a further embodiment of intersecting weft threads and warp threads.

The metal grid may generally be made with the participation of different metals. Thus, it is possible that the metal grid consists essentially of a metal selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, gold, platinum, brass, iron and nickel. Depending on the electrical conductivity, the conductor thickness can be between 5 μm and 2 mm, preferably between 10 and 200 μm. The grid can be designed in the form of a checkerboard pattern, in the form of hare wire or in any other form,

In the case of an interruption of the electrical conductivity of the electrode material can - regardless of the nature and reason of the interruption - the electrical conductivity of the electrodes in this case via the additional metal mesh continue to be maintained, Thus, even in case of damage, the function module operated with almost constant performance become. The

Fatigue properties are thereby improved. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the use of corresponding metal grids in Elektroiumzenzzenz- arrangements of the type in question is claimed, the purpose is directed to bridging by deformation of the electroluminescent arrangement resulting fractions of electrical conductivity in the electrodes,

The contacting of the electrodes of the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention can take place in different ways.

Thus, in a first embodiment of the present invention, it is possible for the back electrode and / or the cover electrode to be contacted by means of a feed line. The particular feed line is preferably located outside of the electroluminescent field and is preferably configured to effect uniform EL emission over the entire EL area. The purpose of this designed as a busbar feed line is to feed as large as possible the alternating current flowing to the cover electrode or back electrode in order to keep the local current densities as low as possible. Otherwise, due to the small thickness of the back electrode or the cover electrode, the risk of at least local damage due to burning or evaporation due to a high current density.

The corresponding busbars can be formed by well-conductive printable pastes. For example, these pastes may be opaque

Silver pastes, copper pastes or carbon pastes.

Corresponding printing pastes are subject to the

Sheet resistance substantially no restriction, but usually have a sheet resistance in the range of less than 1 0 mΩ / square to several 1 00 mΩ / square.

Especially with large areas or distances and relatively high-impedance transparent electrode layers, the use of busbars for a uniform EL emission is suitable. 4

In one embodiment, the busbar for the back electrode BE is provided between the back electrode BE and another protective varnish described below,

In one embodiment, the bus bar for the cover electrode BA is provided between the ceiling electrode BA and the cover substrate.

The busbars can be connected, for example via Kontaktierstreifen with a corresponding electroluminescent converter (inverter).

Corresponding electrically conductive contact strips can generally be applied to the electrically conductive and at least partially transparent thin coatings by means of screen printing, brush application, inkjet, doctor blade, roller, spraying or dispensing application or comparable application methods known to the person skilled in the art, and then generally thermal in an oven be treated so that usually attached laterally along a substrate edge stripes can be contacted by soldering, terminals or plug electrically conductive.

In a particular Ausführunasform of the present invention, the contacting of the back electrode and / or the cover electrode, optionally indirectly via a bus bar, and also back to the back substrate through a contacting done. In this case, at least two recesses in the electroluminescent arrangement are created perpendicularly in the direction of the layer structure for the electrical contacts. In these recesses Kontaktierelemente, for example in the form of a screw, a rivet connection or a sawtooth connection, introduced frictionally. The contacting elements are designed in such a way that they make electrical contact with the corresponding cover or return electrode via these contacting elements. This contact with the respective electrodes may also be via an already described intermediate busbar with those already described above Benefits are made. This is particularly preferred because then the electrical feed is not only at the contact point contacting / electrode, but a large area at the contact point busbar / electrode.

The recesses, which are provided in this embodiment in the electroluminescent device according to the invention, are preferably carried out in the edge region of the electroluminescent device.

A mechanical fixation of the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention is also possible via the corresponding contact elements.

This inventive and particularly preferred type of contacting is described in more detail in the figures for the present invention.

Regardless of the exact configuration of the contacting of the back and / or top electrode, these terminals are connected to an electroluminescent inverter (converter).

If the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention is used as a self-luminous indicator on a motor vehicle, this power supply can take place via the power network of a motor vehicle.

It is also possible that the electroluminescent device is automatically supplied with power during commissioning of the motor vehicle, so that the driver of a vehicle regardless of the respective lighting conditions without switching the electroluminescent function always has sufficient lighting, such as the license plate features .

When the electroluminescent device is used as a license plate for a motor vehicle, it is preferable that the cover substrate of the EL-Aπordnung is designed as a plastic film. In this case, it is even more preferable if the cover substrate is a film based on polycarbonate or a polycarbonate blend. Polycarbonate (PC) is a thermally and mechanically highly resilient plastic material with pronounced transparency. It is particularly suitable for use as a top substrate for the electroluminescent device according to the invention, when used as part of a license plate for motor vehicles, since the material meets extreme demands in terms of impact resistance, scratch resistance and heat stability.

Moreover, with the cover substrate according to the invention in the form of a polycarbonate film, it is achieved that the surface of the cover substrate has a scratch-resistant surface roughness, so that the cover substrate does not cause any Spiegeiungseffekte, In addition, the life of the system according to the invention is improved in that the yellowing effects and Embrittlement effects are essentially avoided.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the polycarbonate film has a frosted surface on at least one side and a graphic design on the remaining side.

Ais Polycarbonatfoiien in question are in particular the polycarbonate films of materials Makrofol ^®, Bayfol ^{®, ®} or Marnot ProTek ^®. The thickness of corresponding polycarbonate films is generally in a range of 50 to 350 .mu.m, particularly preferably 75 to 300 .mu.m, in particular 1 00 to 250 microns.

The further structure of the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention, in particular when used as a motor vehicle license plate, is not subject to any particular restriction. For example, it is possible for a layer of a white paint to be applied to the cover substrate. On the

Layer of white paint can then be provided, for example, a reflection layer. If a white paint is used in the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention, then the reflection layer be connected via an adhesive with the layer of Weißlαcks. With regard to this adhesive system, reference is made to the above statements.

In order for the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention to be used, for example, as a license plate for a motor vehicle, it is preferred that the reflective layer, if used in the context of the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention, is substantially transparent.

For the present invention has also been found to be advantageous if the reflection is increased by the use of hollow spheres. In a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the electroluminescent arrangement therefore has hollow-sphere beads.

To increase the reflection properties, the hollow substrate beads can be added to the cover substrate.

In addition, it is also possible for the reflection layer, if it is used in the context of the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention, to add hollow-sphere beads.

Furthermore, it is possible that both the cover substrate and the reflective layer Hohlgiaskügelchen be added.

If, in one of these embodiments, hollow glass spheres are used in the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention, they preferably have an average diameter of 5 to 200 μm, particularly preferably 10 to 10 μm, in particular 15 to 50 μm. The specific weight of hollow-sphere beads is preferably 0.05 to 10 g / cm ³ , more preferably 0.1 to 5 g / cm ³ , in particular 0.15 to 1 g / cm ³ . Corresponding hollow spheres are based, for example, on water-insoluble, chemically stable Nαtron-Kαlk-Brosilikαtglαs and are commercially available under the names Scotchiite ^® Glαss Bubbles S60 or S60HS.

These corresponding hollow glass spheres can be applied, for example, in a binder matrix of the cover substrate or the reflection layer.

The electroluminescent device described above is preferably used in license plates.

It is therefore preferred that a metal substrate, which is preferably an aluminum substrate, is used as the back substrate. In particular, it may be aluminum sheet.

So that the license plate for motor vehicles can be embossed, the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention in its entirety is preferably designed such that it is cold-workable and thus white-fracture-proof. The characteristic is in particular three-dimensionally deformable, wherein the radii of curvature may be smaller than 2 mm, preferably smaller than 1 mm. The Verfomnuπgswinke! may be greater than 60 °, preferably greater than 75 °, more preferably greater than 90 °, in particular greater than 1 05 °, be.

In particular, the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention is used as a front panel blank for a license plate of a motor vehicle. The provision of the electroluminescent arrangement as a front panel blank is preferably carried out by means of

Punching tools, cutting tools and / or a laser beam system from a sheet format.

An embossing on the license plate of the motor vehicle is applied to the front panel blank from behind. The protrusions formed by the embossing on the front side are then generally colored opaque as black areas, Corresponding blanks generally have a layer thickness of 50 to 350 .mu.m, more preferably 75 to 300 .mu.m, in particular 1 00 to 250 .mu.m, αut.

The electroluminescent device of the present invention, which is used in license plate number plates, is generally designed to additionally emit wavelength-specific emissions in addition to white produced by electroencecence. As a result, if necessary, an additional graphic design can be effected. The additional length-specific emission, for example, generate a symbol in the sense of a watermark on the arrangement, the watermark can also be arranged time-resolved hidden to make the forgery-proof of the license plate possible.

The electroluminescence arrangements according to the invention can be produced on conventional flatbed and / or cylindrical screen printing systems using the multiple printing sheet format and, for example, can also be provided with further security features during production, for example by printing technology.

Another subject of the present invention are therefore characteristics, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising the Eiektrolumineszenz arrangement described above, wherein the plate is mounted in a frame and the at least two electrical terminals of the EL element are connected to an EL inverter (converter), which in turn is generally connected to the power grid of the motor vehicle, preferably automatically supplied with power during commissioning of the motor vehicle, and thus brings the EL foil to light.

Some embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawing figures. These embodiments illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

Reference number:

1: self-luminous license plate

2: breakthrough (recess)

3: breakthrough (recess)

4: back substrate made of aluminum 5; Adhesive layer based on TPU ό: electroluminescence arrangement

7: cover substrate

8: direction of electro-luminescence

9: adhesive layer based on TPU 10: polymeric binder matrix

1 1: hollow bubble beads

1 2: front elevations

1 3: bright surface, front side

14: Frame 15: reflection layer in the form of a film

1 6: electrical contacting elements

1 7: cover electrode

1 8: Busbar of the cover electrode

19: Back electrode 20: Busbar of the back electrode

21: electroluminescent inverter

22: Anpresshüise

23: dielectric layer / insulation layer

24: Electroluminescent layer 25: Constrain surface

26: recess

27: contact area

28: recess

29: Sealing O-ring / Sealing ring 30: Security stamping 31: Fastening device

32: rubber seal

33: rubber seal

34: Kontαktfläche

35: contact area

36: conductor wire

37: insulation

38: unlit edge

39: EL-FeId

FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, a self-illuminating license plate 1 with the alphanumeric identifier "BMS-I 23" in plan view. The electrical contact is made via the two openings marked with the reference numerals 2 and 3, wherein by means of these openings 2 and 3, a mechanical attachment of the license plate can be done on because motor vehicle.

FIG. 2 shows the three-dimensional layer structure of an electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention. The basis of the electroluminescent arrangement shown in this figure is a metallic, deformable rear substrate made of aluminum 4, on this back substrate 4 is an adhesive layer 5 based on TPU. Next, an electroluminescent device 6 according to the invention is provided on this adhesive layer 5. The lamination of the electroluminescent device 6 according to the invention to the back substrate 4 via the adhesive layer 5 takes place by adjusting corresponding pressure and temperature ranges. A cover substrate 7 is applied to the electroluminescent arrangement 6 according to the invention. The cover substrate is made of a polycarbonate film of the materials Makrofol ^® or Bayfol ^®. The three-dimensional layer structure is designed graphically. The openings 2 and 3 for electrical contacting are indicated only schematically.

In FIG. 3, the section A / B (according to FIG. 1) is shown by the self-illuminating license plate 1. The electroluminescent Direction 8 and the section C, which will be described in more detail in the following Figure 4.

In Figure 4, the detail C shown in Figure 3 is illustrated in more detail. The basis of the electroluminescent arrangement shown in this figure is again a metallic, deformable rear substrate made of aluminum 4, on which an adhesive layer 5 made of TPU is provided. Next, an electroluminescent device 6 according to the invention is provided on this layer of adhesive 5. By means of a further layer of adhesive layer 9 made of TPU, the electro-luminescence arrangement 6 is provided with a polymeric binder matrix 10 containing hollow glass beads 11. As a binding agent! TPU is also used in this layer. Subsequently, a cover substrate 7 is laminated from a polycarbonate film with a layer thickness of 1 00 to 250 microns. The self-luminous license plate 1 is deformed three-dimensional, resulting in elevations 1 2 on the front, which are kept opaque in black. The region of the self-luminous license plate 1, which has no elevations 1 2, has a light surface 1 3. The three-dimensional layer structure is designed graphically.

FIG. 5 shows a contacting variant for the license plate according to the invention. The designation of the electro-fluorescence arrangement according to the invention has the structure already described in the preceding figures of an aluminum substrate 4, on which a first layer of adhesive TPU 5 is applied on. An electroluminescent arrangement 6 according to the invention is applied to the adhesive layer 5 on TPU, to which the cover substrate 7 consisting of a polycarbonate film is in turn applied. On the cover substrate, a further Kiebstoffschicht of TPU 9 and a reflective layer in the form of a film 1 5 is applied. The self-luminous license plate 1 is deformed three-dimensional, resulting in elevations 1 2 on the front, which are kept opaque in black. The electrical contact is made via electrical Kontαktierelemente 16, which are provided in Rαπdbereich the license plate. The electrical Kontaktierelement l oa is electrically connected to the cover electrode 1 7, the electrical contact between the Kontaktierelement 1 6a and the cover electrode 1 7 via a bus bar 20, which is formed by carbon or by a silver paste. The electrical Kontaktiereiement 1 6b is electrically connected to the return electrode 19, the electrical contact between the contact element l ob and the return electrode 1 9 via a bus bar 1 8, which is formed by carbon or by a silver paste. The contact elements are electrically connected to an electroluminescent inverter 21, the respective contact elements are fixed by Anpresshülsen 22, which are provided on the back of the license plate 1. FIG. 5 shows two sections A and B, which are described in more detail in the following figures. In the figure 5, the cover electrode 1 7 and the return electrode 19 are not shown, but part of the illustrated EL element. 6

In Figure 6, the detail A shown in Figure 5 is described. The section A shows the contacting of the cover electrode 1 7. The structure of the electroluminescent arrangement according to the invention has the structure already described in the preceding figures of an aluminum substrate A ₁ on which a first adhesive layer of TPU 5 is applied. On the adhesive layer 5 of TPU an electroluminescent device 6 according to the invention is applied, which consists of the back electrode 1 9, a dielectric layer 23, an electroluminescent layer 24 and a Deckelekfrode 1 7. On the cover electrode 1 7 turn the existing of a polycarbonate film cover substrate 7 is applied. On the cover substrate 7, a further Kiebstoffschicht based on TPU 9 and a reflective layer in the form of a film 1 5 is applied. The contacting of the cover electrode via the provided with the reference numeral 25 contact surface. The contacting element 16a is not shown in Figure 6 and has a shape so that it can be positively inserted into the recess 26 and electrically conductive the Kontαktfldche 25 of the cover electrode 1 7 touches, the recess 26 may be identical to a breakthrough 2 or 3.

FIG. 7 describes the detail B shown in FIG. The section B shows the contacting of the return electrode 19, The structure of the invention Elektroiumzenzzenz arrangement has the structure already described in the preceding figures of an aluminum substrate 4, on which a first adhesive layer of TPU 5 is applied on. Onto the adhesive layer 5 on TPU an electro-etch arrangement 6 according to the invention is applied, which consists of the back electrode 19, a dielectric layer 23, an electroluminescent layer 24 and a cover electrode 1 7. The cover electrode 1 7 is in turn made of a polycarbonate film Cover substrate 7 applied. On the cover substrate 7, a further adhesive layer based on TPU 9 and a reflective layer in the form of a film 1 5 is applied. The contacting takes place via the contact surface provided with the reference numeral 27. The contacting elements 1 6b is not shown in FIG. 6 and has a shape such that it can be positively inserted into the recess 28 and electrically conductively touches the contact surface 27 of the rear electrode 19. The contacting of the electrodes can be done indirectly a bus bar.

In FIG. 8, the detail B shown in FIG. 5 is described in another embodiment. In this described in Figure 8

Configuration serves the electrical contacting of the return electrode simultaneously as a mechanical fixation. The detail B shows the

Contacting the return electrode 19. The structure of the invention

Elektroiumineszenz arrangement has the structure already described in the preceding figures of an aluminum substrate 4, on which a first adhesive layer of TPU 5 is applied, on the adhesive layer 5 based on TPU is an inventive

Elektroiumineszenz arrangement 6 applied, which from the

Rear electrode 1 9, a dielectric layer 23, an electroluminescent layer 24 and a cover electrode 1 7 consists, on the cover electrode 1 7 is in turn applied the cover substrate 7 consisting of a polycarbonate film. On the cover substrate 7, a further adhesive layer based on TPU 9 and a reflective layer in the form of a Foüe 1 5 is applied. The license plate 1 is provided arranged in a frame 14. With the aid of a sealing O-ring 29 or a flat sealing ring, which is arranged under the contacting element 1 6b, there is a fixation on the front of the license plate 1, on the contacting 16b a security stamping 30 is provided with which verifies the coding can be checked and thus, for example, the validity of the license plate or the validity of the approval and similar security-related peculiarities can be checked. With a fastening device 31 in the form of a saw tooth, a rivet or a thread, the license plate 1 according to the invention is fixed mechanically on the rear side via the contacting element 1 ob. Further rubber seals 32 and 33 are provided on the contacting element 16b. On the Koπtaktierelement 1 6b contact surfaces 34 and 35 are provided, which are positively in contact with the busbar 20 of the return electrode 19 via a lead wire 36, which is isolated by the insulation 37, the current required to operate the electroluminescent arrangement of a not shown electroluminescent inverter 21 fed to.

In Figure 9, a self-luminous license plate 1 with the alphanumeric "BMS-I 23" is shown in plan view by way of example.

In this embodiment, two apertures (holes) 2 and 3 are provided for the electrical contacting and the mechanical fastening. The two apertures 2 and 3 can basically be arranged in almost any position and are preferably chosen bordering on the left and right, since in this case, a mechanical attachment is optimally possible and the two electrically conductive planar electrodes 1 7 and 19 (not shown) very can be arranged conveniently. In this version is in the left

Hole area the contacting of the cover electrode 1 7 provided and in the right hole area contacting the back electrode 1 9. The EL-FeId is shown to a large extent hatched all over, usually a small edge remains unlit and the area around the two holes is also performed without EL light field.

In FIG. 10, the self-illuminating mark 1 is schematically illustrated in plan view and only the cover electrode 1 7 with the busbar 18 is drawn in. The blanking electrode 1 7 is preferably produced by screen printing and can thus be arranged with high precision. The Deckeniektrode 1 7 is usually immediately after the graphic prints including a thin white translucent print on a transparent film as a cover substrate 7 (not shown) and preferably a small edge area of a few 0.5 to about 3.0 mm is kept free. Likewise, the surrounding area of the right hole is kept free for the formation of the back electrode contact. The cover electrode 1 7 has to be as transparent as possible and as electrically well conductive as possible and is preferably designed such that it is a largely cold deformation for the embossing of the label without cracking. In this figure 1 0 is further a bus bar 1 8 located, which is arranged in the usual design of a bus bar bordering a few millimeters wide and additionally in the left hole area the area of contact for the top electrode 1 7 covered

In Figure 1 1, the self-luminous license plate 1 is shown schematically in plan view and only the back electrode 1 9 drawn with the grid-like bus bar, For cost and functional reasons is preferably used as return electrode 19, a carbon paste with typically 5 to 1 00 Ω / square. The Flächenπleitfähigkeit the carbon paste is covered by a grid-like silver paste (silver fur) with a sheet resistance of typically less than 100 mΩ / square to less than 20 mΩ / square and the silver paste is placed in the right hole area and is here to improve the contact of the return electrode 19, In principle, the silver paste can additionally also be arranged bounding in the sense of the usual arrangement of a busbar become. Since in the present case the back electrode 1 9 need not be made transparent, the grid-like arrangement can be selected and provides additional security in the course of embossing the label, since conventional silver pastes are relatively good cold deformable and thus the Hochohmigwerden the carbon paste is avoided. The cold workability of the carbon paste without cracking and thus without increasing the surface resistivity can be additionally improved by adding a few tenths of a percent to a few percent MWCNTs Multi-Wailed Carbon Nano-Tubes. However, conventional MWCNTs already have a length of a few μm and thus improve the percolation in combination with the usual graphite particles. The addition of MWCNTs in the silver paste is also helpful and here also increases the ductility, without cracking leads to a high resistance. It is quite essential to note that with a suitable arrangement of the various layers of the EL capacitor, the silver paste pressure for the grid-like Rückeiektrodenverstärkung can simultaneously serve as a busbar for the top electrode 1 7 (not shown) and this only a silver paste pressure the electrical conductivity gain in the region of the two Kontaktierlöcher second and 3 forms. The grid-like silver paste printing can be formed in almost any graphical design and can be performed especially in the field of embossing for marking with a finer grid and in particular must not be performed as a uniform grid, but can be formed with a running cross-section. The electrical contacting of the cover electrode 1 7 (not shown) and the back electrode 1 9 can be produced by means of identical contacting elements. Since the EL element is operated with AC voltage, pay attention to no polarity. In both contacts, a relatively strong surface pressure on the silver paste can be exercised, since below the silver paste in the case of the front electrode, the transparent electrically conductive layer is disposed and in the case of the back electrode, the carbon paste layer. It can therefore make electrical contact with fine sharp-edged electrically conductive O

Elements in the sense of a micro or Nαno piercing as well as in the sense of crimping done.

Claims

claims:

1 . Electroluminescent arrangement (6), characterized in that the arrangement has the following arrangement functional layers:

(a) back electrode as component BE (19); (b) dielectric layer as component BD (23);

(c) electro-luminescent layer as component BC (24); and

(d) Cover electrode as component BA (1 7).

2. Eiektrolumineszeπz arrangement (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electroluminescent device (6) via the back electrode (1 9) on a back substrate (4) is applied.

3. Electroencecent device according to claim 2, characterized in that the electroluminescent device (6) via an adhesive layer (5), which is provided between the back electrode (19) and the rear substrate (4), connected to the rear substrate (4) is.

4. electroluminescence arrangement (6) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that on the cover electrode (1 7), another cover substrate (7) is provided.

5. electroluminescent device (6) according to claim 4, characterized in that the electroluminescent device (6) via an adhesive layer (9) which is provided between the cover electrode (1 7) and the cover substrate (7), with the cover substrate (7) is connected.

6. electroluminescent device (6) according to claim 3 or 5, characterized in that the vehicle system on a System of silicone, ethylene vinyl acetate, PVC or based on thermoplastic Urethaπelastomereπ.

7. electroluminescent device (6) according to claim 6, characterized in that the adhesive system is formed as a film.

8. electroluminescent device (6) according to one of claims 1 to

7, characterized in that on the cover substrate (7) is applied a layer of white lacquer.

9. electroluminescent device (6) according to one of claims 1 to

8, characterized in that on the layer of white paint, a reflection layer (1 5) is provided.

1 0. electroluminescent device (6) according to claim 9, characterized in that the reflection layer (1 5) and / or the cover substrate (7) comprises hollow glass beads (1 1).

1 1. Electroluminescence arrangement (6) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the hollow-sphere beads (1 1) have a middle

Have diameter from 1 0 to 200 microns.

1 2. Electroluminescent arrangement (6) according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that the composition of the cover electrode (1 7) and / or the composition of

Back electrode (1 9) comprises multi and / or single walled carbon nanotubes,

1 3. electroluminescent device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 1 2, characterized in that the return electrode (1 9) and / or the cover electrode (1 7) by means of a busbar (1 8, 20) are contacted.

14. electroluminescent device (6) according to claim 1 3, characterized in that the return electrode (1 9) via a busbar (20) is kontαktiert, wherein the Busbαr (20) between the back electrode (19) and the Schutzlαck and / or the Rücksubstrαt (4) is provided.

1 5, electroluminescent device (6) according to claim 1 3, characterized in that the cover electrode (1 7) via a busbar (1 8) is contacted, wherein the busbar (1 8) between the cover electrode (1 7) and the Cover substrate (7) is provided.

1 6. electroluminescent device (6) according to one of claims 1 to 1 3, characterized in that the electrical connections of the at least two electrodes on the back side to the back substrate (1 9) takes place.

1 7. Eiektrolumineszenz arrangement (6) according to claim 16, characterized in that the electrical connections of the at least two electrodes in the edge region of the electroluminescent device (6) is performed.

1 8, electroluminescent arrangement according to claim 1 6 or 1 7, characterized in that the at least two electrical contacts of the electroluminescent device (6) by means of recesses (2, 3) and contacting elements (16a, 1 6b) takes place, which as a screw connection , Rivet connection or sawtooth-shaped connection are formed and in a non-positive

Way in the recess (2, 3) are used so that they cause an electrical contact with the corresponding electrode (1 7, 19).

19. Electroluminescent arrangement (6) according to one of claims 1 to 1 8, characterized in that at least one of the rear electrode (19) or the cover electrode (7) has a metal grid or network.

20. Eiektroluminzenzanordnung according to claim 1 9, characterized in that the metal lattice consists essentially of a metal which is selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, gold, platinum, brass, iron and nickel.

21. An electro-luminescent arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the metal grid consists essentially of silver,

22 Eiektrolumineszenz arrangement (6) according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the Eiektrolumineszenz- arrangement (6) is used in the context of a license plate (1).

23, using a Eiektrolumineszenz-arrangement (6) according to one of claims 1 to 22 in a license plate for a motor vehicle.

24. Front panel blank, comprising the Eiektrolumineszenz- arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 22nd

25. A method for producing a front panel Rohiing, characterized in that a sheet format of a Eiektrolumineszenz arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 22 is provided and the blank then cut from this sheet format in a predetermined size, punched out or otherwise, in particular by Laser processing, is worked out.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that in the method, a multiple printing sheet format is used.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that the blank is provided by printing technology with other security features.

28. License plate, in particular for a motor vehicle (1), comprising the electroluminescent device (ό) according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the plate is mounted in a frame (14) and the at least two electrical connections with a EL inverter (21) are connected, which in turn is optionally in turn connected to the power grid of the motor vehicle and, where appropriate, automatically supplied with the commissioning of the motor vehicle with electricity and thus brings the EL foil to light up.

29. Use of a metal grid according to any one of claims 1 9 to 21 for preventing interruptions in electrical conductivity of the electrodes (1 7, 1 9) of electroluminescent devices (6), in particular when the electroluminescent device (6) is deformed,