JP2017084444A - Organic electroluminescence element and luminaire - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an organic electroluminescence device having a high light-emitting area rate, a good appearance, and excellent safety.SOLUTION: An organic electroluminescent element includes a support substrate 1, a sealing substrate 2, and an organic light-emitting body 3 disposed between the support substrate 1 and the sealing substrate 2. The organic electroluminescence element has, on a side of the sealing substrate 2, a lateral conductive portion 4 which is electrically connected to an electrode of the organic light-emitting body 3 and extends in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate 2. The organic electroluminescent element has an insulating sheet 5 which is disposed on a side of the support substrate 1 and extends in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate 2 on the side of the sealing substrate 2. The organic electroluminescent element has a portion where the sealing substrate 2 and the insulating sheet 5 are separated from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescence element and a lighting device using the same.

  In recent years, organic electroluminescence elements (hereinafter also referred to as “organic EL elements”) have been applied to uses such as lighting panels. As an organic EL element, a light-transmitting electrode, an organic light-emitting layer containing a light-emitting material, and an electrode paired with the electrode are arranged in this order on a light-transmitting substrate. ing. The two electrodes are paired, one constituting the anode and the other constituting the cathode. In the organic EL element, electricity is supplied to the organic light emitting layer through two electrodes. For this reason, there are cases where the lead-out portion of the electrode electrically connected to each electrode is disposed at the end of the substrate (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Then, when electricity flows between the anode and the cathode, light is generated in the light emitting layer, and the light is emitted to the outside through the light transmissive electrode and the substrate.

International publication WO2011-136262

  In the organic EL element, the lead-out portion of the electrode and the outside thereof do not emit light. Therefore, when the electrode lead-out portion is disposed at the end of the substrate, the organic EL element has a frame-shaped non-light emitting region on the outer edge. However, as the non-light emitting region increases, the ratio of the light emitting area to the entire area decreases. Therefore, it is required to make the non-light emitting region as small as possible. Further, when the frame-shaped non-light emitting area becomes large, the appearance may be impaired. In particular, when organic EL elements are arranged in a plurality of planes, a boundary portion between adjacent organic EL elements becomes conspicuous.

  Here, from the viewpoint of safety, the organic EL element is required to ensure insulation at the end portion so as not to inadvertently make electrical contact with other elements or the external environment. In Patent Document 1, a resin frame material and an insulating film are disclosed. However, in the frame material, the non-light emitting area becomes large, and the appearance may be deteriorated. In addition, since the insulating film is thin and its properties can be affected by the difference in environment during formation, it is difficult to ensure sufficient insulation to cope with the external environment. As described above, it is difficult to further reduce the non-light emitting region while ensuring the insulating property.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an organic electroluminescence element and a lighting device that have a high light emitting area ratio, a good appearance, and excellent safety. .

  The organic electroluminescent element according to the present invention includes a support substrate, a sealing substrate, and an organic light emitter disposed between the support substrate and the sealing substrate. The organic electroluminescence element has a side conductive portion that is electrically connected to the electrode of the organic light emitter and extends in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate on the side of the sealing substrate. An organic electroluminescent element is arrange | positioned at the side of the said support substrate, and has an insulating sheet extended in the thickness direction of the said sealing substrate in the side of the said sealing substrate. The organic electroluminescence element has a portion where the sealing substrate and the insulating sheet are separated from each other.

  In said organic electroluminescent element, Preferably, the part which the said sealing substrate and the said insulating sheet separated has the space | gap.

  In said organic electroluminescent element, Preferably, the part which the said sealing substrate and the said insulating sheet spaced apart has a resin part by which resin is arrange | positioned.

  In said organic electroluminescent element, Preferably, the said insulating sheet has the bending part bent inside.

  In said organic electroluminescent element, Preferably, it has a coating sheet on the surface of the said support substrate, and the said coating sheet and the said insulating sheet contact | connect.

  In the above organic electroluminescence element, preferably, the covering sheet has a protruding portion that protrudes from the support substrate, and the protruding portion is disposed on a side of the support substrate, and the protruding portion and the insulating sheet And overlap.

  In the above organic electroluminescence element, preferably, the covering sheet and the insulating sheet are integral.

  In said organic electroluminescent element, Preferably, the said side conductive part is in contact with the said insulating sheet.

  In the lighting device according to the present invention, the organic electroluminescence elements are arranged in a plurality of planes.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the ratio of the light emission area is high with the arrangement | positioning of an insulating sheet, an external appearance is good, and the organic electroluminescent element and the illuminating device excellent in safety | security can be obtained.

FIG. 1 is composed of FIGS. 1A to 1D. FIG. 1 shows an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 1A is a perspective view. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view. FIG. 1C is a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 1D is a partial side view in which the insulating sheet is partially broken. FIG. 2 is composed of FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram relating to the arrangement of the insulating sheet. FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 2B is a plan view of a part of an example of the organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 3 is composed of FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 3 shows an example of a lighting device. FIG. 3A is a front view. FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 4 is composed of FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a lighting device. FIG. 5 is composed of FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 5B is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a lighting device. FIG. 6 is composed of FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram regarding the arrangement of the resin portions. FIG. 6A is a plan view of a part of an example of the organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 6B is a plan view of a part of an example of the organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 7 is composed of FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. 7A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 7B is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a lighting device. FIG. 8 is composed of FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a lighting device. FIG. 9 comprises FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. FIG. 9A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 9B is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a lighting device. FIG. 10 is composed of FIGS. 10A and 10B. FIG. 10A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 10B is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of a lighting device. FIG. 11 includes FIGS. 11A to 11C. FIG. 11A is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 11B is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. FIG. 11C is a partial cross-sectional view of an example of an organic electroluminescence element. It is a partial cross section figure in an example of an organic electroluminescent element. It is a partial cross section figure in an example of an organic electroluminescent element. It is a partial cross section figure in an example of an organic electroluminescent element. It is a partial cross section figure in an example of an organic electroluminescent element. It is a partial cross section figure in an example of an organic electroluminescent element. It is a partial cross section figure in an example of an organic electroluminescent element.

  The organic electroluminescence element (organic EL element) according to the present invention is disposed between the support substrate 1, the sealing substrate 2, and the support substrate 1 and the sealing substrate 2, as illustrated in FIG. And an organic light emitter 3. On the side of the sealing substrate 2, the organic EL element has a side conductive portion 4 that is electrically connected to the electrode of the organic light emitter 3 and extends in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate 2. The organic EL element has an insulating sheet 5 that is disposed on the side of the support substrate 1 and extends in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate 2 on the side of the sealing substrate 2. The organic EL element has a portion where the sealing substrate 2 and the insulating sheet 5 are separated from each other. Since this organic EL element has the insulating sheet 5, it is possible to easily ensure insulation even when a conductor is installed near the organic EL element or a plurality of organic EL elements are arranged side by side. Can do. Further, since the side conductive portion 4 is provided, it is possible to suppress the electrode lead-out portion from becoming large at the end portion, and to reduce the non-light emitting region. Moreover, since it has the part which the sealing substrate 2 and the insulating sheet 5 spaced apart, while being able to make insulation high, the protection of a side part can be improved. Therefore, this organic EL element has a high light emitting area ratio and is excellent in safety.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 1 is composed of FIGS. 1A to 1D. FIG. 1 schematically shows an organic EL element, and the actual thickness and size can be changed as appropriate. The organic EL element is configured as a planar light emitter. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the whole. In FIG. 1A, the organic light emitter 3 inside the organic EL element is indicated by a broken line. FIG. 1B shows a cross section at the position of the first electrode lead portion 6a. FIG. 1C shows a cross section at the end portion having the second electrode lead portion 6b. FIG. 1D shows a state when the insulating sheet 5 is partially broken and viewed from the side.

  The support substrate 1 is composed of a light transmissive substrate. Light transmittance includes transparent and translucent. The support substrate 1 is preferably transparent. The support substrate 1 has a function of supporting the organic light emitter 3. The organic light-emitting body 3 is preferably laminated by supporting the support substrate 1. The support substrate 1 can be composed of a glass substrate or a resin substrate. In the case of a glass substrate, the effect of suppressing the ingress of moisture is enhanced.

  The sealing substrate 2 is disposed to face the support substrate 1. The sealing substrate 2 has a function of sealing the organic light emitting body 3. The sealing substrate 2 and the support substrate 1 can be disposed substantially in parallel. The sealing substrate 2 preferably has a recess 2a. The recess 2 a has a function of accommodating the organic light emitter 3. When the sealing substrate 2 has the recess 2 a, the sealing substrate 2 has a side wall 2 b disposed on the side of the organic light emitting body 3. The side wall 2b functions as a spacer. The recess 2 a forms a gap between the support substrate 1 and the sealing substrate 2. Of course, the flat sealing substrate 2 which does not have the recessed part 2a and the side wall 2b may be arrange | positioned. In that case, it is preferable that a spacer material for securing a thickness corresponding to the side wall 2b is disposed in a portion indicated by the side wall 2b. It is preferable that the sealing substrate 2 and the support substrate 1 are bonded with an adhesive.

  The organic EL element may have a structure in which light is emitted from the support substrate 1 side. This structure is called a so-called bottom emission structure. Of course, a double-sided light emission structure may be used. The outer surface of the support substrate 1 is a light emitting surface of the organic EL element. The surface opposite to the light emitting surface is defined as the back surface of the organic EL element. It can be said that the back surface is a surface on the outer side of the sealing substrate 2. The organic EL element can be an element of a lighting device. The lighting device can be in the form of a panel.

  The organic light emitter 3 is arranged between the support substrate 1 and the sealing substrate 2. The organic light emitter 3 is defined as a portion where the first electrode 11, the organic light emitting layer 12, and the second electrode 13 overlap in the thickness direction. The thickness direction is the thickness direction of the organic EL element. It can be said that the thickness direction is a direction perpendicular to the surface of the support substrate 1. The 1st electrode 11, the organic light emitting layer 12, and the 2nd electrode 13 are arrange | positioned from the support substrate 1 side in this order. The electrode of the organic light emitter 3 is composed of a first electrode 11 and a second electrode 13.

  The first electrode 11 is preferably light transmissive. Light transmittance includes transparent and translucent. The first electrode 11 is preferably transparent. The first electrode 11 is disposed on the support substrate 1. Another layer may be disposed between the first electrode 11 and the support substrate 1. As an example of another layer, a light extraction layer is exemplified. The first electrode 11 can be formed of a light-transmitting conductive material. A transparent metal oxide is illustrated as a conductive material having optical transparency. For example, the first electrode 11 may be made of ITO.

  The organic light emitting layer 12 may be composed of a plurality of layers containing an organic substance. Light is generated from the layer containing the light emitting material among the plurality of layers. Examples of the organic light emitting layer 12 include a stacked structure of a plurality of layers including a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer, a light emitting material-containing layer, an electron transport layer, and an electron injection layer. Of course, the organic light emitting layer 12 may have a laminated structure in which some of these layers are removed. Further, a multi-unit structure in which a plurality of light emitting units are stacked in the thickness direction may be used. In short, the organic light emitting layer 12 may be a layer that emits light when electricity is passed between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 13.

  The second electrode 13 is a pair of electrodes with the first electrode 11. In one embodiment, the first electrode 11 constitutes an anode and the second electrode 13 constitutes a cathode. In another aspect, the first electrode 11 constitutes a cathode and the second electrode 13 constitutes an anode. In short, electricity flows between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 13. The second electrode 13 may have light reflectivity. In that case, light traveling in the opposite direction to the support substrate 1 can be reflected by the second electrode 13 and emitted from the support substrate 1. Further, the second electrode 13 may have light transmittance. In that case, a double-sided organic EL element can be constructed. Alternatively, in order to obtain a light reflecting effect, a light reflecting layer may be disposed on the sealing substrate 2 side of the second electrode 13 having light transmittance. The second electrode 13 can be formed of, for example, silver, aluminum, an alloy containing these, or a metal laminate.

  The organic EL element preferably has an electrode lead portion 6. The electrode lead-out portion 6 is a portion where an electrode is drawn out from the inside of the sealing region to the outside of the sealing region. The electrode lead portion 6 is electrically connected to the electrode of the organic light emitter 3. The electrode lead portion 6 is made of a conductive material. Electricity is supplied to the electrode of the organic light-emitting body 3 through the electrode lead-out part 6.

  The electrode lead-out portion 6 is divided into a first electrode lead-out portion 6 a electrically connected to the first electrode 11 and a second electrode lead-out portion 6 b electrically connected to the second electrode 13. The first electrode lead portion 6a and the second electrode lead portion 6b are insulated. As a result, no short circuit occurs. As shown in FIG. 1B, in this example, the first electrode lead portion 6 a is configured by an extended portion of the first electrode 11. The conductive layer constituting the first electrode 11 extends from the inside of the sealing region to the outside. As shown in FIG. 1C, in this example, the second electrode lead portion 6 b is configured by a divided portion of the conductive layer that forms the first electrode 11. The conductive material of the first electrode 11 is arranged in a divided pattern. A portion of the conductive material that is separated from the first electrode 11 and extends from the inside of the sealing region to the outside serves as the second electrode lead portion 6b. When the electrode lead-out part 6 is formed of the material of the first electrode 11, the electrode lead-out part 6 can have light transmittance. The electrode lead portion 6 is disposed outside the organic light emitter 3. The electrode lead portion 6 is disposed in the non-light emitting region.

  The electrode lead-out structure is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the electrode lead portion 6 may be made of a material different from the conductive layer of the first electrode 11. In addition, the second electrode lead portion 6 b may be formed by an extension of the second electrode 13. In short, the electrode lead-out structure may have a portion that extends electrically from the electrode in order to supply electricity to the electrode of the organic light emitter 3.

  The organic EL element of FIG. 1 has a side conductive portion 4 on the side of the sealing substrate 2. The side conductive portion 4 is electrically connected to the electrode of the organic light emitter 3. The lateral conductive portion 4 extends in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate 2. In the organic EL element, it is preferable to make the non-light-emitting region at the end of the substrate as small as possible. There is. However, when the side conductive portion 4 is provided, it is possible to draw a portion where the side conductive portion 4 is electrically connected to the electrode to the back surface of the organic EL element, and wiring can be connected on the back surface of the organic EL element. it can. Further, electrical conductivity is ensured by electrical contact between the side conductive portion 4 and the electrode lead-out portion 6. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the area of the electrode lead portion 6. As a result, the non-light emitting area can be reduced.

  The side conductive part 4 is made of a conductive material. An example of the side conductive portion 4 is a metal piece. The metal piece may be cut from a metal film, a metal foil, a metal plate, or the like. The metal piece preferably has shape retention. Thereby, since the side conductive part 4 is prevented from being bent carelessly, stable conductivity can be obtained. The shape retainability may be such that it does not bend when it stands vertically to the ground.

  The side conductive part 4 is preferably fixed on the side of the sealing substrate 2. The lateral conductive part 4 is preferably fixed by an adhesive. The adhesive may have conductivity or may have insulating properties. The side conductive part 4 may be bonded to any one or more of the support substrate 1, the sealing substrate 2, and the insulating sheet 5. In the example of FIG. 1, the side conductive portion 4 and the sealing substrate 2 are separated from each other, but the side conductive portion 4 and the sealing substrate 2 may be in contact with each other.

  The side conductive part 4 is preferably in contact with the surface of the electrode lead part 6. Thereby, the conductivity is increased. A conductive cured portion obtained by curing the fluid conductive material may be disposed at a boundary portion between the side conductive portion 4 and the electrode lead portion 6. Thereby, electrical connectivity is further improved. Further, when the fluid conductive material functions as an adhesive, the adhesiveness of the side conductive portion 4 is increased. A conductive paste is exemplified as the fluid conductive material. In the case where there is a conductive hardened portion, the conductive hardened portion supplements the conductivity, so the side conductive portion 4 and the electrode lead-out portion 6 may be separated from each other.

  By electrically connecting the side conductive portion 4 and the electrode lead-out portion 6, the side conductive portion 4 is electrically connected to the electrode of the organic light emitting body 3. The side conductive portion 4 is classified into one that is electrically connected to the first electrode 11 and one that is electrically connected to the second electrode 13.

  The side conductive portion 4 extends in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate 2. Thereby, the electroconductive part electrically connected with the electrode can be further extended to the back side of the organic EL element. It is preferable that the front end 4 x of the side conductive portion 4 is disposed outside the sealing substrate 2. This facilitates wiring connection. At this time, on the back surface of the organic EL element, the front end 4 x of the side conductive portion 4 may protrude outward from the sealing substrate 2.

  The organic EL element in FIG. 1 has an insulating sheet 5. The insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the side of the support substrate 1. The insulating sheet 5 is preferably bonded to the side 1 s of the support substrate 1. Thereby, the attachment of the insulating sheet 5 becomes easy, and insulation is easily provided. Further, the non-light emitting area becomes smaller. In FIG. 1, the insulating sheet 5 is bonded to the support substrate 1 by the bonding portion 9. The adhesion part 9 is formed of an adhesive. The adhesive portion 9 is a portion where the adhesive is cured. The bonding portion 9 may be disposed separately from the insulating sheet 5 or may be disposed in advance on the surface of the insulating sheet 5.

  The insulating sheet 5 extends in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate 2 on the side of the sealing substrate 2. The organic EL element has a portion where the sealing substrate 2 and the insulating sheet 5 are separated from each other. This separated portion is defined as a separation portion 25. The insulating sheet 5 has a back end 5x protruding from the support substrate 1 to the back side. When the insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the side of the sealing substrate 2, the insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the side of the side conductive portion 4. Therefore, insulation can be improved.

  In the organic EL element, the insulating properties at the end are generally required. The insulating property needs to be exhibited in the outer peripheral portion of the organic EL element. The organic EL elements can be arranged in a plurality of planes, or can be arranged near other conductors. At that time, if the design of the insulating structure is insufficient, there is a possibility of ignition or electric shock, which is dangerous. Ensuring insulation is regulated by law. Here, as another method for ensuring insulation, a method of enclosing the outer periphery with an insulating frame material is exemplified. However, in the method of enclosing with the frame material, the width of the frame of the frame material tends to be large, so that the non-light emitting area may be large. In addition, since the size of the frame material is constant, it may be difficult to cope with a change in the size of the element, and insulation may not be easily ensured. Further, as another method for ensuring insulation, there is a method of disposing an insulating film in which a paste-like resin material is cured. However, in the case of an insulating film, the insulating performance depends on the coating conditions and the curing conditions, so that the insulating property tends to be blurred. Furthermore, it is difficult to check the withstand voltage in the state where the insulating film is formed. Therefore, it may be difficult to obtain an insulating property stably in the insulating film.

  On the other hand, when an organic EL element has the insulating sheet 5, it is excellent in safety and can provide highly reliable insulation easily. The insulating sheet 5 is made of a pre-formed sheet material, and the insulating property is ensured with high reliability. Therefore, insulation can be reliably imparted with as little material as possible. Moreover, in the case of the insulating sheet 5, since the size of the insulating sheet 5 can be easily changed, it can be applied to an organic EL element having an appropriate size. Moreover, the insulating sheet 5 can be arrange | positioned in the quantity for ensuring insulation at the place which wants to ensure insulation. Therefore, high insulation can be realized at low cost. In addition, the organic EL element may have a structural change and a withstand voltage change, but in the case of the insulating sheet 5, the insulating performance can be changed by changing the insulating sheet 5. Insulation can also be easily provided. Moreover, since the insulation sheet 5 can confirm the degree of insulation in the state of the sheet before being attached, it is easy to ensure insulation. Moreover, if it is necessary to inspect the insulation of the organic EL element after manufacture, the insulation sheet 5 can be peeled off from the element to confirm the insulation. Furthermore, since the organic EL element in which the insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the outer peripheral portion has ensured insulation, it can be incorporated into the lighting device as it is. Therefore, a highly safe lighting device can be easily formed.

  Further, when insulation is ensured by the insulating sheet 5, it is easy to reduce the area occupied by the electrode lead-out portion 6 and the side conductive portion 4. This is because the insulation design can be performed with high accuracy. And when the area | region which the electrode extraction part 6 and the side conductive part 4 occupy becomes small, the area of the non-light-emitting area | region in a board | substrate edge part will become small. Therefore, the ratio of the light emitting area can be increased and an organic EL element with a narrow frame can be obtained.

  The insulating sheet 5 can enhance protection. When the insulating sheet 5 exists on the side portion of the organic EL element, the side conductive portion 4 and the electrode lead-out portion 6 are protected by the insulating sheet 5. Further, when the insulating sheet 5 and the sealing substrate 2 are separated from each other and do not come into contact with each other, the protection property is enhanced. Therefore, electrical reliability is improved. Further, when the insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the side of the support substrate 1, the safety when handling the organic EL element is improved. In the organic EL element having the insulating sheet 5, it is possible to suppress injuries due to the edge of the side portion of the substrate or the unevenness generated during the processing of the substrate. In addition, even if minute fragments are generated during the processing of the substrate, the insulating sheet 5 covers the side portions, so that the fragments are prevented from being scattered or dropped when the organic EL element is installed. . Moreover, when the insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the side portion of the support substrate 1, the strength of the support substrate 1 is increased, and cracking and chipping of the substrate are suppressed. Moreover, even if a crack occurs, if the insulating sheet 5 is disposed, the broken portion can be held by the insulating sheet 5, so that small pieces generated due to the crack are prevented from falling or scattering. The

  Further, the insulating sheet 5 can effectively increase the reliability when a conductive curable material is disposed at the boundary between the electrode lead-out portion 6 and the side conductive portion 4. This is because even if the conductive curable material is disposed so as to protrude from the support substrate 1, the insulating sheet 5 can cover the sides thereof. Further, when the curable material protrudes from the substrate, chipping or the like tends to occur starting from the protruding portion. However, when the insulating sheet 5 is provided, the insulating sheet 5 covers the protruding portion, so that chipping is less likely to occur. it can.

  The insulating sheet 5 is made of an insulating material. The insulating sheet 5 is made of, for example, a resin material. The insulating sheet 5 may be a sheet in which a resin is molded. The insulating sheet 5 can be made of a plastic sheet, for example. The insulating sheet 5 preferably has shape retention. Thereby, insulation can be obtained stably. The shape retainability may be such that it does not bend when it stands vertically to the ground.

  It is preferable that the insulating sheet 5 can be cut with a cutting tool. Examples of the cutting tool include scissors and cutters. If the insulating sheet 5 can be cut, the size can be easily changed.

  It is a preferable aspect that the portion where the sealing substrate 2 and the insulating sheet 5 are separated (the separation portion 25) has a gap. The air gap may be a space filled with air in which no material is arranged. In FIG. 1, the organic EL element has a gap. Thereby, it is suppressed that the side conductive part 4 is damaged during processing and handling. Moreover, the protection of the side conductive part 4 is enhanced.

  The arrangement of the insulating sheet 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is composed of FIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown in FIG. 2A, the insulating sheet 5 is arranged such that the tip 5y on the light emitting surface side (the lower side in FIG. 2A) is the same as the position S1 on the outer surface of the support substrate 1 or on the inner side. preferable. If the tip 5y jumps out of the support substrate 1, the appearance may be impaired. The tip 5y is more preferably arranged at the position S1. Thereby, protection and insulation are improved. The insulating sheet 5 extends in the thickness direction. Therefore, the tip 5x on the back side (upper side in FIG. 2) of the insulating sheet 5 is arranged on the back side with respect to the position S2 of the surface on the back side of the support substrate 1. The tip 5x is preferably arranged on the back side with respect to the position S3 of the surface on the back side of the electrode lead portion 6. Thereby, since it is possible to cover the side of the side conductive part 4, it becomes easy to ensure insulation. The tip 5x is preferably arranged on the back side with respect to the position S4 of the surface on the back side of the sealing substrate 2. Thereby, insulation is further enhanced. More preferably, the tip 5x is arranged on the back side of the back side 4x of the side conductive portion 4. Thereby, since the side conductive part 4 is covered with the insulating sheet 5 over the thickness direction, the insulation is further improved.

  The organic EL element of FIG. 1 has a polygonal shape in plan view. The plan view refers to the case of viewing in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the support substrate 1. The organic EL element in FIG. 1 has a quadrangular shape. The quadrangle is preferably a rectangle (including a square).

  The insulating sheet 5 is disposed at the end of the support substrate 1 on which the electrode lead-out portion 6 is formed. In FIG. 1, the electrode lead-out portions 6 are disposed on two opposing sides in the square of the organic EL element. Therefore, the insulating sheet 5 is arrange | positioned at 2 sides which oppose in the square of an organic EL element. The insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the side where the electrode lead-out portion 6 is disposed.

  As shown to FIG. 2B, it is a preferable aspect that the insulating sheet 5 is arrange | positioned over the full length of the edge | side which comprises a rectangle. Thereby, the insulation is easily and effectively improved. Alternatively, the insulating sheet 5 may be divided and arranged in accordance with the electrode lead portion 6. In this case, for example, as can be seen from FIG. 2B, the insulating sheet 5 can be divided into three parts. Thereby, the entire area of the insulating sheet 5 is reduced, and the insulating property is efficiently improved. In FIG. 2B, the width W1 of the side conductive part 4, the width W2 of the electrode lead-out part 6, and the length W3 in the longitudinal direction of the insulating sheet 5 are displayed. The length W3 of the insulating sheet 5 is preferably larger than the width W1 of the side conductive portion 4. The length W3 of the insulating sheet 5 is more preferably larger than the width W2 of the electrode lead-out portion 6. More preferably, the length W3 of the insulating sheet 5 is the same as the entire length of the end portion of the support substrate 1 where the electrode lead-out portion 6 is disposed, as shown in FIG. 2B.

  The insulating sheet 5 preferably covers the entire side of the side conductive portion 4. Thereby, the protection is further improved. When the length W3 of the insulating sheet 5 becomes larger than the width W1 of the side conductive part 4, the insulating sheet 5 can cover the side of the side conductive part 4.

  In FIG. 2A, the thickness T1 of the insulating sheet 5 is displayed. The thickness T1 of the insulating sheet 5 is preferably 0.075 mm or more. Thereby, it is easy to ensure insulation. The thickness T1 of the insulating sheet 5 is more preferably 0.15 mm or more, and further preferably 0.3 mm or more. The thickness T1 of the insulating sheet 5 is preferably 1.5 mm or less. Thereby, a non-light-emitting area | region becomes small. The thickness T1 of the insulating sheet 5 is more preferably 1.2 mm or less, and further preferably 0.75 mm or less. Here, when the organic EL elements are arranged in a planar shape, if the distance between the conductors in adjacent organic EL elements is 0.15 mm or more, the insulating property is enhanced. In order to satisfy this distance (0.15 mm) with two insulating sheets 5, it can be seen that the thickness T1 of one insulating sheet 5 is preferably half or more. Moreover, when this distance is filled with one insulating sheet 5, the insulating property is further enhanced. In particular, this distance is effective when the insulating sheet 5 is disposed only at one end of the organic EL element or when the organic EL element is disposed adjacent to the metal frame. In a plurality of organic EL elements arranged in a planar shape, the organic EL elements arranged at the end of the assembly can be adjacent to the metal frame. When the distance between the conductors is more than twice this distance (0.3 mm or more), the insulation is improved regardless of the voltage level. However, in order to reduce the non-light emitting portion, it is preferable that the thickness T1 of the insulating sheet 5 is small. On the other hand, if the distance between the conductors is greater than 1.5 mm, insulation can be ensured even in the absence of a sheet. Therefore, the insulating sheet 5 having the thickness T1 of 1.5 mm or less is effective for reducing the distance between the conductors as much as possible. Moreover, in order to satisfy | fill this distance (1.5 mm or less) with the two insulating sheets 5, it turns out that it is preferable that the thickness T1 of one insulating sheet 5 becomes the half or less. In addition, when the insulating property of one insulating sheet 5 is taken into consideration, such as when the organic EL element is disposed adjacent to the metal frame, it is effective that the thickness T1 of the insulating sheet 5 is 1.2 mm or less. .

  FIG. 3 shows a lighting device 100 that is an example of a lighting device. FIG. 3 is composed of FIGS. 3A and 3B. The lighting device 100 includes a plurality of organic EL elements 10. The plurality of organic EL elements 10 are arranged in a planar shape. The lighting device 100 includes a wiring 101 and a plug 102. Plug 102 is connected to external power supply 104 through external wiring 103. As a result, electricity is supplied from the external power source 104 to the organic EL element 10 to emit light. In FIG. 3A, the emission of light is indicated by white arrows. FIG. 3B shows an enlarged cross section of a boundary portion between adjacent organic EL elements.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the insulating sheet 5 is disposed at the boundary portion between the adjacent organic EL elements 10. Therefore, the conductive portions of the adjacent organic EL elements 10 have a long distance for insulation, and the insulation is easily secured. By the way, in FIG. 3, in the boundary portion of the organic EL element 10, both of the adjacent organic EL elements 10 have the insulating sheet 5, but one of the adjacent organic EL elements 10 has the insulating sheet 5. May be. Also in this case, since the insulating sheet 5 is disposed between the two organic EL elements 10, it is easy to ensure an insulating distance. In this case, for example, the insulating sheet 5 may be disposed on one of the two opposing sides where the side conductive portions 4 in the square of the organic EL element 10 are disposed. At this time, the organic EL element 10 may have the insulating sheet 5 at one end.

  The insulation distance will be described with reference to FIG. 3B. When a plurality of organic EL elements 10 are arranged in a planar shape, in the adjacent organic EL elements 10, the distance between the conductive portions connected to the electrodes (interelectrode distance) becomes short. In particular, in the organic EL element 10 having the side conductive portion 4, the side conductive portion 4 is disposed at the end portion of the substrate, and thus the distance between the electrodes is reduced. If electrodes of different poles come into contact with each other, there is a possibility that a short circuit occurs. In addition, even if the electrodes of the same electrode are in contact with each other, the current flow becomes non-uniform and there is a possibility that good light emission cannot be obtained. And it is required to ensure insulation for safety. Therefore, it is required to secure an insulation distance between adjacent elements. From the viewpoint of safety, it is preferable that the conductive portions in adjacent elements have a large insulation distance. The insulation distance is usually determined by the physical linear distance when there is no insulation reliable insulation material between two conductive parts, and when the insulation reliability insulation material is between It is obtained by the shortest distance set so as to get over the insulating material having insulation reliability (see the bidirectional arrow in FIG. 3B). The insulating sheet 5 that satisfies the insulating standard becomes an insulating material having insulating reliability. It is preferable to secure an insulation distance from the viewpoint of safety and reliability. The insulating sheet 5 is effective for securing an insulating distance.

  FIG. 4A is an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 4B is an example of an illumination device including the organic EL element of FIG. 4A. FIG. 4 is composed of FIGS. 4A and 4B. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. In the organic EL element of FIG. 4A, the configuration of the side conductive portion 4 is different from that of FIG. Otherwise, it may be the same as FIG. In FIG. 4 and subsequent figures, a part of the organic EL element or the lighting device is shown, but the entire configuration will be understood from FIGS. 1 to 3.

  In the organic EL element of FIG. 4A, the side conductive portion 4 is made of a wiring material. Electrical connection is facilitated by the wiring material. The wiring material is made of an appropriate material such as a copper wire, for example. A conductive connection portion 14 is disposed on the surface of the electrode lead portion 6. The conductive connection portion 14 is made of a conductive material. On the surface on the back side of the sealing substrate 2, the conductor connection portion 15 is disposed. The conductor connection portion 15 is made of a conductive material. The end of the wiring material on the support substrate 1 side is bonded to the conductive connection portion 14. This adhesion may be performed with solder or conductive paste. The end of the wiring material on the sealing substrate 2 side is bonded to the conductor connection portion 15. This adhesion may be performed with solder or conductive paste. The connection structure for wiring members as shown in FIG. 4 is called wire bonding. Even in the case of forming a circuit by wire bonding, if the insulating sheet 5 is disposed, the insulating distance is increased. Therefore, reliability and safety are improved also in a lighting device in which a plurality of wire-bonded organic EL elements 10 are arranged as shown in FIG. 4B.

  FIG. 5A is an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 5B is an example of an illumination device including the organic EL element of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5 is composed of FIGS. 5A and 5B. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. The organic EL element in FIG. 5A is different from that in FIG. 1 in the structure of the portion where the insulating sheet 5 and the sealing substrate 2 are separated (the separation portion 25). Otherwise, it may be the same as FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, it is preferable that the portion where the sealing substrate 2 and the insulating sheet 5 are separated (the separation portion 25) includes the resin portion 7 in which the resin is disposed. Thereby, the protection of a side part increases. Moreover, if the resin part 7 exists in the part which the sealing substrate 2 and the insulating sheet 5 spaced apart, it will be suppressed that dust, dust, etc. penetrate | invade into this part. Therefore, reliability is improved. When the resin part 7 functions as an adhesive, the insulating sheet 5 is bonded to the sealing substrate 2 by the resin part 7. Therefore, the adhesive strength of the insulating sheet 5 is increased. Moreover, even if the insulating sheet 5 is pushed from the side to the inner side, if the resin portion 7 exists, the insulating sheet 5 is difficult to be deformed. Therefore, insulation is ensured. The resin portion 7 can protect the organic EL element not only from external force but also from humidity, thermal deformation, and the like.

  When the insulating sheet 5 is disposed, the resin portion 7 can be formed with the width of the separation portion 25. The resin portion 7 can be formed by filling the gap between the insulating sheet 5 and the sealing substrate 2 with resin. Further, in the resin filling, since the resin is blocked by the insulating sheet 5, the resin does not protrude at the end portion. For this reason, an increase in the non-light emitting region is suppressed.

  The side conductive part 4 is preferably in contact with the resin part 7. Thereby, since the side conductive part 4 is fixed by the resin part 7, the protection of the side conductive part 4 is enhanced. Moreover, it is possible to prevent dust and dirt from adhering to the side conductive portion 4. Therefore, reliability is improved. It is preferable that the lateral conductive portion 4 is disposed so as to be surrounded by the resin portion 7. Thereby, the protection and reliability are further improved. In FIG. 5A, the resin part 7 exists between the sealing substrate 2 and the side conductive part 4 and between the side conductive part 4 and the insulating sheet 5.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the resin portion 7. FIG. 6 is composed of FIGS. 6A and 6B. In FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, the lateral conductive portion 4 is surrounded by the resin portion 7 on the outer periphery. Therefore, the fixing property of the side conductive portion 4 is increased. In addition, the safety and reliability of the organic EL element are increased.

  As shown to FIG. 6A, it is a preferable aspect that the resin part 7 is arrange | positioned over the full length of the edge | side of an organic EL element. In this case, the entire separation portion 25 becomes the resin portion 7. If the resin part 7 is arrange | positioned over the full length of the edge | side of an organic EL element, protection property and reliability will improve further.

  As shown to FIG. 6B, the resin part 7 is another one aspect | mode with preferable dividing and arrange | positioning to the part in which the side electroconductive part 4 in the edge | side of an organic EL element is arrange | positioned. In this case, the separation portion 25 has the resin portion 7 and the gap. When the resin part 7 is divided and arranged, the amount of the resin can be suppressed and the protective property can be improved efficiently. The part which divides the resin part 7 in the separation | separation part 25 becomes a space | gap.

  The resin portion 7 can be formed by curing the resin composition. The resin composition is disposed in a portion where the sealing substrate 2 and the insulating sheet 5 are separated from each other. Examples of the resin composition include those containing an ultraviolet curable resin, a thermosetting resin, and the like.

  In the organic EL element of FIG. 5A, an illumination device as shown in FIG. 5B is formed. In FIG. 5B, since the resin part 7 exists between the insulating sheet 5 and the sealing substrate 2, reliability and safety are improved. Moreover, since the resin part 7 exists between the insulating sheet 5 and the sealing substrate 2, damage to the side part is further suppressed when the organic EL element 10 is arranged in a planar shape.

  FIG. 7A is an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 7B is an example of an illumination device including the organic EL element of FIG. 7A. FIG. 7 is composed of FIGS. 7A and 7B. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. The organic EL element of FIG. 7A is an example in which a resin portion 7 is added to the organic EL element of FIG. The configuration other than the resin portion 7 may be the same as that in FIG.

  The organic EL element in FIG. 7A has a wiring material bonded by wire bonding. The side conductive portion 4 is made of a wiring material. The wiring material is surrounded by the resin portion 7. The wiring material is fixed by the resin portion 7. Also in the organic EL element of FIG. 7A, the protection and reliability of the element are enhanced by having the resin portion 7 as in FIG. And as shown to FIG. 7B, the reliability and safety | security improve the illuminating device which has arrange | positioned this organic EL element 10 in planar shape. In the following embodiments, the separation portion 25 may have the resin portion 7.

  FIG. 8A is an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 8B is an example of an illumination device including the organic EL element of FIG. 8A. FIG. 8 is composed of FIGS. 8A and 8B. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. The organic EL element of FIG. 8A is different from that of FIG. Otherwise, it may be the same as FIG.

  In FIG. 8A, the side conductive portion 4 is bent. The side conductive part 4 has a bent part 4p. The bent portion 4p is present at the position of the surface on the back side of the sealing substrate 2 in the thickness direction. The side conductive part 4 has a side part 4 a extending in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate 2 and a back part 4 b extending along the surface on the back side of the sealing substrate 2. The boundary between the side part 4a and the back part 4b is a bent part 4p. The bend may be substantially vertical. The side conductive part 4 is substantially L-shaped. A conductor connecting portion 15 is disposed on the back surface of the sealing substrate 2. The side conductive portion 4 is in contact with the conductor connecting portion 15 at the back surface portion 4b. The side conductive portion 4 and the conductor connecting portion 15 are preferably bonded with a curable conductive material. Examples of the conductive material include solder and conductive paste. The side conductive portion 4 can be formed of a bent metal piece or the like. In the organic EL element of FIG. 8A, wiring can be connected at the conductor connecting portion 15 on the surface of the sealing substrate 2. Therefore, the connection of wiring becomes easy.

  In the example of FIG. 8A, it is preferable that the back end 5x of the insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the back side of the bent portion 4p of the side conductive portion 4. Thereby, since the insulating sheet 5 covers the side of the side conductive part 4, the protection of the side part can be improved. As shown in FIG. 8B, the illuminating device in which the organic EL element 10 is arranged in a planar shape has improved reliability and safety. Furthermore, wiring connection is facilitated.

  FIG. 9A is an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 9B is an example of an illumination device including the organic EL element of FIG. 9A. FIG. 9 comprises FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. The organic EL element of FIG. 9A is a modification of FIG. 8A. In the example of FIG. 9A, the configuration of the insulating sheet 5 is different from that of FIG. 8A. Otherwise, it may be the same as FIG. 8A.

  In FIG. 9A, the insulating sheet 5 has a bent portion 5p bent inward. When the insulating sheet 5 is bent inward, the insulation distance can be increased. This is because the insulation distance is calculated bypassing the insulation sheet 5. Therefore, safety can be improved.

  In the example of FIG. 9A, the insulating sheet 5 is bent. The bent portion 5p of the insulating sheet 5 exists at the position of the surface on the back surface side of the back surface portion 4b of the side conductive portion 4 in the thickness direction. The insulating sheet 5 has a side part 5 a extending in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate 2 and a back part 5 b extending along the surface on the back side of the sealing substrate 2. The boundary between the side portion 5a and the back surface portion 5b is a bent portion 5p. The bend may be substantially vertical. The insulating sheet 5 is substantially L-shaped. The insulating sheet 5 and the side conductive part 4 are in contact with each other on the back side of the sealing substrate 2. The insulating sheet 5 and the lateral conductive portion 4 are preferably bonded with an adhesive material. Examples of the adhesive material include a resin composition. The adhesive material may be an adhesive material constituting the adhesive portion 9. The insulating sheet 5 is preferably bendable. Bendable means that it does not break even when it is bent. The shape of the insulating sheet 5 is more preferably maintained in a bent state. The shape of the insulating sheet 5 may be maintained by being bonded with an adhesive.

  When the insulating sheet 5 is bent, it is possible to effectively improve protection, safety and reliability. In this organic EL element, since the end portion on the back side of the element is covered with the insulating sheet 5, when the lighting device is formed, the insulation design on the back side where a conductor or the like can be provided becomes easy. Further, since the insulation distance can be increased, the element can be thinned. In addition, light emission at a high voltage is possible. Further, since the insulating sheet 5 covers the electrode lead-out portion 6 and the side conductive portion 4, dust and dust are less likely to enter the portion where the sealing substrate 2 and the insulating sheet 5 are separated from each other (the separation portion 25). Further improve. The separation portion 25 is surrounded by the insulating sheet 5. Moreover, since the insulating sheet 5 is bent, the insulating sheet 5 is prevented from jumping out on the back surface, and is less likely to be damaged, and the appearance on the back side of the organic EL element is improved. And as shown to FIG. 9B, reliability and safety | security improve the illuminating device which has arrange | positioned this organic EL element 10 in planar shape.

  FIG. 10A is an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 10B is an example of an illumination device including the organic EL element of FIG. 10A. FIG. 10 is composed of FIGS. 10A and 10B. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. The organic EL element of FIG. 10A is a modification of FIG. 9A. In the example of FIG. 10A, the configuration of the insulating sheet 5 is different from that of FIG. 9A. Otherwise, it may be the same as FIG. 9A.

  Also in FIG. 10A, the insulating sheet 5 has a bent portion 5p bent inward as in FIG. 9A. Furthermore, in FIG. 10A, the back surface portion 5 b of the insulating sheet 5 covers the back surface portion 4 b of the side conductive portion 4. The tip 5x of the insulating sheet 5 is arranged inside the organic EL element with respect to the tip 4x of the side conductive portion 4. Therefore, safety can be further improved. And as shown to FIG. 10B, the reliability and safety | security improve the illuminating device which has arrange | positioned this organic EL element 10 in planar shape.

  In FIG. 8B, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 10B, the two-way arrows indicate a guide for the path of the insulation distance. As indicated by the arrows, the insulation is higher in FIG. 9B than in FIG. 8B and higher in FIG. 10B than in FIG. 9B. Also, the protection and electrical reliability are increased in this order. However, FIG. 8B may be advantageous in that the insulating sheet 5 is not bent and the manufacturing is easy. 9B can be advantageous when it is desired to connect a wiring to the side conductive portion 4 itself.

  In FIG. 10B, the insulating sheet 5 may cover the conductor connecting portion 15, but it is preferable not to completely cover it. The conductor connection portion 15 is preferably exposed. This facilitates wiring connection. When the conductor connection portion 15 exists, the conductor connection portion 15 can be extended in an appropriate pattern on the surface of the sealing substrate 2. Wiring can be connected to the extended conductor connection portion 15.

  FIG. 11A is an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 11B shows another example of the organic EL element. FIG. 11C shows another example of the organic EL element. The organic EL elements of FIGS. 11A to 11C are different from the organic EL elements described above in that they have a covering sheet 8. FIG. 11A is a modification of FIG. FIG. 11B is a modification of FIG. 5A. FIG. 11C is a modification of FIG. 10A. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, the organic EL elements of FIGS. 11A to 11C may have the same configuration as that of the form before the deformation except for the cover sheet 8.

  As exemplified in FIG. 11, the organic EL element preferably has a covering sheet 8 on the surface of the support substrate 1. The covering sheet 8 may be disposed on the entire surface of the support substrate 1. The covering sheet 8 has light transmittance. The covering sheet 8 is preferably composed of an optical sheet. The optical sheet is a sheet that relaxes the refractive index between the substrate and the atmosphere and extracts light to the outside. The optical sheet can have a light diffusion structure. The optical sheet can improve the light extraction efficiency of the organic EL element. Further, the viewing angle dependency can be reduced by the optical sheet. The covering sheet 8 is preferably bonded to the support substrate 1 with an adhesive. In FIG. 11 and subsequent drawings, the adhesive is omitted, but an adhesive may exist between the covering sheet 8 and the support substrate 1.

  The covering sheet 8 and the insulating sheet 5 are preferably in contact with each other. This makes it difficult to see the gap between the sheets on the light emitting surface side, so that the appearance is improved. Considering the optical purpose, the covering sheet 8 may be disposed in a portion overlapping the organic light-emitting body 3 in plan view. In this case, the sheet is separated from the sheet, and the gap between the sheets becomes conspicuous. However, when the covering sheet 8 and the insulating sheet 5 come into contact with each other, the gap is less noticeable. By the way, compared with the thickness of the insulating sheet 5, the thickness of the adhesion part 9 is very small. In FIG. 11 and the like, the thickness of the bonding portion 9 is merely enlarged and displayed so that the bonding portion 9 can be easily understood. Therefore, in the contact between the insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8, the adhesive portion 9 may be ignored. Therefore, in FIG. 11, it can be said that the insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8 are in contact with each other.

  The covering sheet 8 preferably has an insulating property. Thereby, it becomes easier to ensure the insulation distance. The insulation distance is required to be secured not only on the back surface side but also on the light emitting surface side. Depending on the element structure, a path passing through the gap between the support substrate 1 and the insulating sheet 5 may be included in the insulating distance. At this time, if the insulating covering sheet 8 and the insulating sheet 5 are in contact with each other, this path can be interrupted, so that it is easy to ensure the insulating property. And if insulation is ensured, the support substrate 1 can be reduced in thickness and the organic EL element can be reduced in thickness. The covering sheet is mainly used for optical purposes. Therefore, the insulating property of the covering sheet may be lower than the insulating property of the insulating sheet 5.

  Unlike the example of FIG. 14 described later, the covering sheet 8 and the insulating sheet 5 are separate bodies. Therefore, an optically suitable material can be selected for the covering sheet 8 and an insulating material can be selected for the insulating sheet 5, so that optical characteristics and insulating properties can be improved as compared with the case where they are integrated.

  In FIG. 11, as an example having the covering sheet 8, the example of FIG. 11A modified from the example of FIG. 1, the example of FIG. 11B having the resin portion 7, and the example of FIG. However, of course, the cover sheet 8 may be arranged in a form other than that described above.

  FIG. 12 shows an example of an organic EL element. The organic EL element of FIG. 12 is different from FIG. 11A in the structure of the covering sheet 8. FIG. 12 is a modification of FIG. 11A. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, the organic EL element of FIG. 12 may have the same configuration as the configuration of FIG. 11A for configurations other than the covering sheet 8. In FIG. 11 and subsequent figures, the bonding portion 9 is omitted, but the bonding portion 9 may be appropriately disposed. The adhesive portion 9 has a negligible thickness. Further, when the adhesive in the insulating sheet 5 provided with the adhesive in advance becomes the adhesive portion 9, the adhesive portion 9 may be considered as a part of the insulating sheet 5.

  As illustrated in FIG. 12, in the organic EL element, the covering sheet 8 preferably has a protruding portion 8 a that protrudes from the support substrate 1. The protruding portion 8 a is preferably disposed on the side of the support substrate 1. And it is preferable that the protrusion part 8a and the insulating sheet 5 have overlapped. This makes it difficult to form a gap between the sheets, and the appearance is further improved. Moreover, when the coating sheet 8 has insulation, it becomes easier to ensure an insulation distance. In addition, the withstand voltage can be improved.

  In FIG. 12, the cover sheet 8 is bent toward the back side along the surface of the support substrate 1 at the edge of the support substrate 1. The protruding portion 8a is configured with a tip rather than a bent portion. The protruding portion 8 a is disposed along the surface of the side portion 1 s of the support substrate 1. The protruding portion 8a is disposed on the side of the support substrate 1, and the insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the side of the protruding portion 8a. The protruding portion 8 a is disposed between the support substrate 1 and the insulating sheet 5. The end portion 5Y on the light emitting surface side of the insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the side of the protruding portion 8a. It can be said that the insulating sheet 5 rides on the protruding portion 8a. The tip of the protruding portion 8 a may be disposed on the side of the support substrate 1. The tip of the protruding portion 8a does not have to protrude from the surface of the support substrate 1 on the sealing substrate 2 side. Thereby, since the insulating sheet 5 adheres directly to the support substrate 1, the attachment strength of the sheet is increased. The covering sheet 8 is bent. The covering sheet 8 preferably has flexibility. The covering sheet 8 preferably has a strength that does not break when it is bent. In the drawing, the portion where the insulating sheet 5 rides on the covering sheet 8 is drawn so as to be bent and deformed, but in reality, the thickness of each sheet is thin, and since there is an adhesive, the deformation is caused. Is almost negligible.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of an organic EL element. The organic EL element of FIG. 13 differs from FIG. 11A in the structure of the covering sheet 8. FIG. 13 shows another modification of FIG. 11A. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, the organic EL element of FIG. 13 may have the same configuration as the configuration of FIG. 11A for configurations other than the covering sheet 8.

  In the organic EL element of FIG. 13, the covering sheet 8 has a protruding portion 8 a that protrudes from the support substrate 1, as in FIG. 12. The protruding portion 8 a is disposed on the side of the support substrate 1. And the protrusion part 8a and the insulating sheet 5 have overlapped. This makes it difficult to form a gap between the sheets, and the appearance is further improved. Moreover, when the coating sheet 8 has insulation, it becomes easier to ensure an insulation distance. In addition, the withstand voltage can be improved.

  In FIG. 13, the covering sheet 8 is bent to the back side along the surface of the insulating sheet 5 on the side of the insulating sheet 5. The protruding portion 8 a is disposed along the surface of the insulating sheet 5. The insulating sheet 5 is disposed on the side of the support substrate 1, and the protruding portion 8 a is disposed on the side of the insulating sheet 5. An end 5 </ b> Y on the light emitting surface side of the insulating sheet 5 is disposed between the support substrate 1 and the cover sheet 8. It can be said that the protruding portion 8 a of the covering sheet 8 covers the surface of the insulating sheet 5. The protruding portion 8 a may cover the entire side surface of the insulating sheet 5. Thereby, the adhesive strength between the insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8 is increased.

  12 and 13 are compared, the form of FIG. 12 has a structure in which the insulating sheet 5 is attached after the covering sheet 8 is attached, and therefore the manufacture can be facilitated. On the other hand, in the form of FIG. 13, since the covering sheet 8 covers the boundary portion between the insulating sheet 5 and the support substrate 1, the appearance of the end portion is improved. FIG. 13 is also advantageous in terms of insulation design.

  Although the form of FIG.12 and FIG.13 was shown as an example in which the coating sheet 8 bends, of course, the curved coating sheet 8 may be arrange | positioned in forms other than that demonstrated above. For example, the present invention can be applied to a wire bonding structure, a structure having a resin portion 7, and a structure in which the side conductive portion 4 is bent.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of an organic EL element. In the organic EL element of FIG. 14, the structure of the covering sheet 8 is different from the above-described form. FIG. 14 is a modification of FIG. 11A. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, the organic EL element of FIG. 14 may have the same configuration as the configuration of FIG. 11A for configurations other than the covering sheet 8.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the organic EL element, it is a preferable aspect that the covering sheet 8 and the insulating sheet 5 are integrated. As a result, the gap between the sheets becomes invisible, and the appearance is improved. In addition, when an integrated sheet is used, manufacturing is facilitated. Further, since there is no gap between the sheets, the insulating property on the light emitting surface side is improved, and the thickness can be further reduced.

  A sheet in which the covering sheet 8 and the insulating sheet 5 are integrated is defined as an integrated sheet 16. In the integrated sheet 16, it can be said that the insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8 are in contact with each other. In the integrated sheet 16, a portion disposed on the surface serving as the light emitting surface of the support substrate 1 functions as the covering sheet 8. In the integrated sheet 16, a portion protruding from the support substrate 1 (the protruding portion 16 a) functions as the insulating sheet 5. The insulating sheet 5 is a part of the integrated sheet 16. The covering sheet 8 is a part of the integrated sheet 16. The insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8 are combined. The integrated sheet 16 has both the optical characteristics of the covering sheet 8 and the insulating characteristics of the insulating sheet 5. The protruding portion 16 a is equal to the protruding portion of the cover sheet 8. The integrated sheet 16 is bent to the back side along the surface of the support substrate 1 at the edge of the support substrate 1. The integrated sheet 16 is bent. The integral sheet 16 is preferably flexible. The integral sheet 16 preferably has a strength that does not break when bent.

  As an example in which the insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8 are integrated, the form of FIG. 14 is shown. However, in the form other than that described above, the insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8 are integrated (integrated type). Of course, the sheet 16) may be arranged. For example, the present invention can be applied to a wire bonding structure, a structure having a resin portion 7, and a structure in which the side conductive portion 4 is bent.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 15 is a modification of FIG. The organic EL element of FIG. 15 is different from the configuration of FIG. 13 in the structure of the side conductive portion 4. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the organic EL element of FIG. 15 may have the same configuration as the configuration of FIG. 13 except for the side conductive portion 4.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the lateral conductive portion 4 is preferably in contact with the insulating sheet 5. Thereby, the support strength of the side conductive part 4 is increased. Therefore, reliability is improved. Further, since the side conductive parts 4 can be arranged along the insulating sheet 5, the side conductive parts 4 can be easily attached.

  In FIG. 15, the side conductive portion 4 is preferably bonded to the insulating sheet 5. Thereby, the support strength of the side conductive part 4 is further increased. The side conductive part 4 and the insulating sheet 5 may be bonded with an adhesive. Further, the side conductive parts 4 may be bonded to the insulating sheet 5 by forming the side conductive parts 4 on the surface of the insulating sheet 5. In this case, the side conductive part 4 can be a conductive layer. For example, the conductive layer can be formed by applying a conductive paste to the insulating sheet 5 or laminating a conductive material on the surface of the insulating sheet 5.

  In FIG. 15, it is a preferable aspect that the side conductive portion 4 and the insulating sheet 5 are formed of an insulating sheet with a conductive layer. The insulating sheet with a conductive layer is preferably formed in advance before being attached to the support substrate 1. Thereby, installation of the side conductive part 4 and the insulating sheet 5 becomes easy.

  In FIG. 15, it is preferable that a curable conductive material is disposed at a boundary portion between the side conductive portion 4 and the electrode lead portion 6. Thereby, the electrical conductivity between the side conductive part 4 and the electrode lead part 6 can be enhanced. This conductive material may be in contact with the insulating sheet 5. In this case, a curable conductive material is supported by the insulating sheet 5. Therefore, the reliability is further improved. Examples of the curable conductive material include conductive paste and solder.

  As an example in which the side conductive portion 4 and the insulating sheet 5 are in contact with each other, the form of FIG. 15 is shown. However, in the other forms described above, the side conductive portion 4 and the insulating sheet 5 are in contact with each other. Of course.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 16 is a modification of FIG. The organic EL element of FIG. 16 is different from the configuration of FIG. 15 in the structure of the side conductive portion 4 and the insulating sheet 5. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. Further, the organic EL element of FIG. 16 may have the same configuration as that of FIG. 15 except for the side conductive portion 4 and the insulating sheet 5.

  Also in FIG. 16, the side conductive portion 4 is in contact with the insulating sheet 5. Thereby, the support strength of the side conductive part 4 is increased. The side conductive part 4 is preferably bonded to the insulating sheet 5. Further, in FIG. 16, a conductive curing portion 17 is disposed at a boundary portion between the side conductive portion 4 and the electrode lead portion 6. The conductive curing unit 17 is made of a curable conductive material. The curable conductive material is a flowable material having curability and conductivity. Examples of the curable conductive material include conductive paste and solder. When the conductive curing part 17 is arranged, even if the electrode lead part 6 and the side conductive part 4 are separated from each other, they can be electrically connected by the conductive curing part 17. Therefore, reliability is improved. In addition, the electroconductive hardening part 17 is applicable to any said form.

  In FIG. 16, the insulating sheet 5 is bent inward at a position on the back side of the sealing substrate 2. The insulating sheet 5 has a side part 5a and a back part 5b. The insulating sheet 5 has a bent portion 5p. The side conductive portion 4 is bent along the bending of the insulating sheet 5 and is in contact with the conductor connecting portion 15 provided on the back side of the sealing substrate 2. The side conductive part 4 has a side part 4a and a back part 4b. The side conductive part 4 has a bent part 4p. In this way, when the insulating sheet 5 is bent, it is easy to secure an insulating distance. Therefore, the non-light emitting area can be further reduced. Moreover, since it is possible to connect wiring to the conductor connection part 15, wiring connection becomes easy.

  Also in FIG. 16, the side conductive part 4 and the insulating sheet 5 can be formed of an insulating sheet with a conductive layer. The insulating sheet with a conductive layer is preferably flexible. Thereby, an insulating sheet with a conductive layer can be bent and installed. It is preferable that the insulating sheet with a conductive layer has a strength such that the insulating sheet 5 and the conductive layer (side conductive portion 4) are not divided when the conductive sheet is bent.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of an organic EL element. FIG. 17 is a modification of FIG. The structure of the insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8 of the organic EL element of FIG. 17 is different from that of FIG. About the structure mentioned above, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. Moreover, the organic EL element of FIG. 17 may have the same configuration as the configuration of FIG. 16 for configurations other than the insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8.

  In FIG. 17, the insulating sheet 5 and the covering sheet 8 are integrated. The organic EL element has an integrated sheet 16. The side conductive portion 4 is in contact with the integrated sheet 16. The side conductive parts 4 are preferably bonded to the integral sheet 16.

  The protruding portion 16 a of the integrated sheet 16 functions as the insulating sheet 5. The integrated sheet 16 has a back surface portion 16b formed by bending the tip of the protruding portion 16a inward. The shape of the end portion of the integrated sheet 16 is J-shaped. The form of FIG. 17 also improves the insulation and reliability. Further, the non-light emitting area can be reduced. Further, when the integrated sheet 16 is used, the manufacture becomes easy.

  As an example in which the side conductive portion 4 and the insulating sheet 5 are in contact with each other and further bent, the forms of FIGS. 16 and 17 are shown. In the other forms described above, the side conductive portion 4 and the insulating sheet 5 are insulated. Of course, the sheet 5 may be in contact and bent.

  In any of the organic EL elements described above, an illuminating device can be obtained by arranging in a plurality of planes. The configuration of the lighting device can be understood from FIG. Since the lighting device has a low ratio of the non-light emitting region and a high ratio of the light emitting area, it has excellent light emitting characteristics. Since the non-light emitting area is small, the lighting device is excellent in appearance. In the lighting device, the boundary portion between adjacent organic EL elements is not easily noticeable. The lighting device is highly safe because the insulation distance between the organic EL elements is secured.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Support substrate 2 Sealing substrate 3 Organic light-emitting body 4 Lateral conductive part 5 Insulating sheet 6 Electrode lead part 7 Resin part 8 Cover sheet 8a Overhang part 9 Adhesion part 10 Organic EL element 11 1st electrode 12 Organic light emitting layer 13 2nd Electrode 14 Conductive connection portion 15 Conductor connection portion 16 Integrated sheet 17 Conductive curing portion 25 Spacing portion

Claims (9)

A support substrate, a sealing substrate, and an organic light emitter disposed between the support substrate and the sealing substrate,
On the side of the sealing substrate, there is a side conductive portion that is electrically connected to the electrode of the organic light emitter and extends in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate,
An insulating sheet disposed on the side of the support substrate and extending in the thickness direction of the sealing substrate on the side of the sealing substrate;
An organic electroluminescence device having a portion where the sealing substrate and the insulating sheet are separated from each other.   The organic electroluminescence element according to claim 1, wherein a portion where the sealing substrate and the insulating sheet are separated has a gap.   The organic electroluminescent element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a portion where the sealing substrate and the insulating sheet are separated has a resin portion in which a resin is disposed.   The organic electroluminescent element according to claim 1, wherein the insulating sheet has a bent portion bent inward. Having a coating sheet on the surface of the support substrate;
The organic electroluminescent element according to claim 1, wherein the covering sheet and the insulating sheet are in contact with each other. The covering sheet has a protruding portion protruding from the support substrate,
The protruding portion is disposed on a side of the support substrate,
The organic electroluminescence element according to claim 5, wherein the protruding portion and the insulating sheet overlap each other.   The organic electroluminescence element according to claim 5, wherein the covering sheet and the insulating sheet are integral.   The organic electroluminescent element according to claim 1, wherein the side conductive portion is in contact with the insulating sheet.   The illuminating device with which the organic electroluminescent element of any one of Claims 1-8 was arrange | positioned in multiple surface form.

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