JP2017228343A - Surface light-emitting module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a surface light-emitting module capable of reducing the non-light emitting area, by suppressing leakage between two adjoining light emitting areas.SOLUTION: A surface light-emitting module 1 includes a substrate 3, a surface light-emitting element 2 having multiple light-emitting areas 20a arranged on the substrate 3 in a predetermined first direction. The surface light-emitting element 2 includes a first electrode 4 laminated on the substrate 3, an organic functional layer 5 laminated on the first electrode 4, a second electrode 6 laminated on the organic functional layer 5, and an insulating separator 7. The separator 7 is extended in a second direction intersecting the first direction, so that the organic functional layer 5 and second electrode 6 are arranged in respective light-emitting areas 20a. One first electrode 4 and the other second electrode 6 in adjoining two light-emitting areas 20a are electrically connected in series in the outer peripheral region of the surface light-emitting element 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a surface light emitting module using a sheet-like surface light emitting element such as an organic EL panel.

  In recent years, surface-emitting modules using organic EL panels with organic functional layers have been widely used for lighting in commercial facilities, moving objects such as automobiles, trains, and aircraft. The demand for modules is increasing. However, when creating a surface emitting module with a large area with a single organic EL panel, if an organic functional layer with a large area is to be formed, the film thickness of the organic functional layer is difficult to be uniform. In the organic functional layer, the voltage applied as the distance from the feeding point decreases due to a voltage drop, and as a result, there is a risk that luminance unevenness occurs in the light emitting area.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 propose inventions of surface emitting modules using large-area organic EL panels. As shown in FIG. 19, the surface light emitting module described in Patent Document 1 includes a substrate 105, a plurality of light emitting areas 106a arranged along a predetermined first direction (X direction), and the light emitting areas 106a and 106a. A surface light emitting device 101 formed on the substrate 105 having a non-light emitting area 106b formed on the substrate is provided. The surface light emitting device 101 includes a plurality of first electrodes 102 stacked on the substrate 105, a plurality of organic functional layers 103 stacked on each of the plurality of first electrodes 102, and a plurality of organic functional layers 103. The first electrode 102 of the surface light emitting element 101 and the other light emitting area 106a (for example, the light emitting area 106a (for example, the central light emitting area 106a in the drawing) adjacent to each other. The second electrode 104 of the surface light emitting element 101 constituting the light emitting area 106a) on the left side of the drawing is the non-light emitting area 106b of the surface light emitting element 101, and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction (direction orthogonal to the paper surface). Are electrically connected in series. Further, in order to make the current density at each position of the organic functional layer 103 substantially uniform, an insulating portion 108 is provided between the first electrodes 102 adjacent to each other.

  On the other hand, the invention described in Patent Document 2, as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B, includes a plurality of first electrodes 112 arranged on the substrate 115 with a predetermined gap along the first direction (X direction). The organic functional layer 113 continuously laminated along the first direction without being divided on the first electrode 112, and the organic functional layer 113 laminated on the organic functional layer 113 with a predetermined gap along the first direction. By forming the surface light emitting element 111 from the plurality of second electrodes 114 formed, the surface light emitting element 111 has a plurality of light emitting areas 116a and non-light emitting areas 116b along the first direction. The first electrode 112 in one light emitting area 116a (for example, the central light emitting area 116a in the figure) adjacent to each other and the second electrode 114 in the other light emitting area (for example, the left light emitting area 116a in the figure) are connected to the surface light emitting element 111. The surface emitting modules having a large area are being realized by being electrically connected in series with each other in the peripheral peripheral region.

JP 2005-116193 A JP 2012-114188 A

  However, in Patent Document 1, the first electrode 102 of one adjacent light emitting area 106a and the second electrode 104 of the other light emitting area 106a are connected by the non-light emitting area 106b in the surface light emitting element 101. It is difficult to shorten the distance L10 in the first direction at 106b. More specifically, when the distance L10 is shortened, it becomes difficult to connect the first electrode 102 and the second electrode 104. When the distance L10 is shortened, for example, the second electrode 104 in one light emitting area is connected to the second electrode 104. The distance between the other light emitting area and the second electrode 104 is shortened, which may cause leakage. As a result, the distance L10 in the first direction of the non-light emitting area 106b must be increased, and the non-light emitting area 106b becomes larger. As a result, luminance unevenness of the entire surface emitting module appears.

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 2, for example, a leak may occur between the second electrode 114 in one adjacent light emitting area 116a and the first electrode 112 in the other light emitting area 116a as indicated by an arrow a in the drawing. More specifically, since the two light emitting areas 116a adjacent to each other are electrically connected in series, the potential difference between the second electrode 114 in one adjacent light emitting area 116a and the first electrode 112 in the other light emitting area is small. Since the organic functional layer 113 is stacked without being divided, the organic functional layer 113 may be leaked between the adjacent light emitting areas 116a. Therefore, it is necessary to lengthen the non-light emitting area 116b by increasing the distance L11 in the first direction in the non-light emitting area 116b.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a surface emitting module that can suppress a leak between two adjacent light emitting areas and can further reduce a non-light emitting area.

  As a result of various studies, the present inventor has found that the above object is achieved by the present invention described below. That is, a surface light emitting module according to an aspect of the present invention includes a substrate and a surface light emitting element having a plurality of light emitting areas arranged along a predetermined first direction on the substrate, and the surface light emitting element includes: The first electrode laminated on the substrate, the organic functional layer laminated on the first electrode, the second electrode laminated on the organic functional layer, the organic functional layer, and the second electrode And an insulating separator that separates each of the first electrode and the second electrode, and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is light transmissive, and the first electrode is formed on the substrate. A plurality of organic layers disposed in each light emitting area with a predetermined gap along the first direction. Each electrode has a light emitting area. Between the two light emitting areas adjacent to each other and extending in a direction intersecting the first direction, and the one first electrode and the other of the two light emitting areas adjacent to each other. The second electrode is electrically connected in series with each other in a peripheral region of the surface light emitting element.

  In such a surface emitting module, the separator is disposed between two adjacent light emitting areas so that each organic functional layer and each second electrode separated by the separator are disposed in each light emitting area. One first electrode and the other second electrode in two light emitting areas that extend in a direction crossing the first direction and are adjacent to each other are electrically connected in series to each other in the peripheral peripheral region of the surface light emitting element. ing. For this reason, the said surface emitting module becomes a thing which a leak between adjacent light emitting areas does not produce easily. Therefore, the distance in the first direction of the non-light emitting area between the adjacent light emitting areas can be shortened, and the non-light emitting area can be reduced.

  In another aspect, in the above surface emitting module, an auxiliary electrode attached to at least one of the first electrode and the other second electrode in the two light emitting areas adjacent to each other, The auxiliary electrode has a smaller electric resistance than the attached first electrode or the second electrode, and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. And

  In such a surface light emitting module, the auxiliary electrode can suppress a voltage drop in the second direction in at least one of the second electrode and the other first electrode in the adjacent light emitting area, and the luminance of the light emitting area can be reduced. Unevenness can be suppressed.

  In another aspect, in the surface emitting module described above, the auxiliary electrode includes a first auxiliary electrode attached to the first electrode and a second auxiliary electrode attached to the second electrode, The one auxiliary electrode is composed of one having an electric resistance smaller than that of the first electrode and extends in the second direction, and the second auxiliary electrode is composed of one having an electric resistance smaller than that of the second electrode. And extending in the second direction.

  In such a surface emitting module, the voltage drop in the second direction at the first electrode can be suppressed by the first auxiliary electrode, and the voltage drop in the second direction at the second electrode can be suppressed by the second auxiliary electrode. Thereby, the luminance unevenness of the light emitting area is further suppressed.

  In another aspect, in the above-described surface emitting modules, the auxiliary electrode includes a first auxiliary electrode disposed on one of the first electrodes in the two adjacent light emitting areas, and the separator includes: In the first direction, when viewed from the position of the gap between the first electrodes, it is disposed at a position further away from the position of the first auxiliary electrode or at substantially the same position as the first auxiliary electrode. It is characterized by being.

  For example, when the first auxiliary electrode is disposed in the light emitting area, if the first auxiliary electrode attached to the first electrode has lower light transmittance than the first electrode, there is no portion where the first auxiliary electrode is present in the light emitting area. Luminance unevenness occurs between the portions.

  Therefore, in the above surface emitting module, the separator is located at a position further away from the position of the first auxiliary electrode in the first direction as viewed from the position of the gap between the first electrodes, or substantially the same as the first auxiliary electrode. By arrange | positioning in the same position, a 1st auxiliary electrode is arrange | positioned outside a light emission area, ie, a non-light emission area, and, thereby, the said surface emitting module can suppress the brightness nonuniformity and color nonuniformity in a light emission area.

  In another aspect, in the above-described surface emitting modules, the auxiliary electrode includes a second auxiliary electrode disposed on the other second electrode in the two light emitting areas adjacent to each other, and the second auxiliary electrode is provided. At least a part of the electrodes is arranged in the gap between the first electrodes in the first direction.

  In such a surface light emitting module, the second auxiliary electrode is disposed outside the light emitting area, whereby the surface light emitting module can suppress luminance unevenness and color unevenness in the light emitting area.

  According to another aspect, in the above-described surface emitting modules, both the first electrode and the second electrode have light transmittance. Preferably, in the above-described surface emitting modules, the first electrode and the second electrode are composed of those having substantially the same voltage drop characteristics.

  According to this, as long as both the first electrode and the second electrode have optical transparency, those having substantially the same voltage drop characteristics can be used. Therefore, even if the distance from the feeding point is different, the potential difference is substantially the same, and the surface light emitting module can suppress uneven brightness in the light emitting area.

  The surface light emitting module of the present invention can suppress a leak between two adjacent light emitting areas, and can reduce a non-light emitting area.

It is a front view of the surface emitting module in 1st Embodiment. It is the II-II sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a front view of a comparative example. It is the IV-IV sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is the graph showing the electric potential of the 1st electrode and 2nd electrode of the comparative example of FIG. It is a front view of the surface emitting module in 2nd Embodiment. It is the VII-VII sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a front view of the surface emitting module in 3rd Embodiment. It is the IX-IX sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a front view of the surface emitting module in 4th Embodiment. It is the XI-XI sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the brightness | luminance with the position of the 1st auxiliary electrode which a surface emitting module has, and the position which does not have a 1st auxiliary electrode in case a 1st electrode is an electrode which reflects light, and a 2nd electrode is a transparent electrode. . It is explanatory drawing of the brightness | luminance with the position of the 1st auxiliary electrode which a surface emitting module has, and the position which does not have a 1st auxiliary electrode in the case where a 1st electrode is a transparent electrode and a 2nd electrode is an electrode which reflects light. . It is explanatory drawing of the brightness | luminance with the position where the 1st auxiliary electrode which a surface emitting module has and the position which does not have a 1st auxiliary electrode in the case where both a 1st electrode and a 2nd electrode are light-transmitting electrodes. It is a front view of the surface emitting module in 5th Embodiment. It is the XVI-XVI sectional view taken on the line of FIG. It is a graph showing the electric potential difference of the 1st electrode and 2nd electrode in the surface emitting module of 6th Embodiment. It is a graph for demonstrating the electrical potential difference of a 1st electrode and a 2nd electrode at the time of making a 1st electrode into a transparent electrode and making a 1st electrode into an electrode which reflects light. It is sectional drawing of a 1st prior art example. It is the front view and XX-XX sectional view in a 2nd prior art example.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure which attached | subjected the same code | symbol in each figure shows that it is the same structure, The description is abbreviate | omitted suitably. In this specification, when referring generically, it shows with the reference symbol which abbreviate | omitted the suffix, and when referring to an individual structure, it shows with the reference symbol which attached the suffix.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the surface emitting module according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.

  The surface emitting module 1 of 1st Embodiment is provided with the board | substrate 3 and the sheet-like surface emitting element 2 hold | maintained on the board | substrate 3, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.

  The substrate 3 desirably has a high light transmittance in order to realize uniform surface light emission and highly efficient surface light emission. Specifically, the substrate 3 has a total light transmittance in a visible light wavelength region of 80% or more measured by a method based on JIS K 7361-1: 1997 (a test method for the total light transmittance of plastic-transparent material). Are preferably used.

  The substrate 3 is preferably made of a material having excellent flexibility. For example, a resin substrate, a resin film, and the like are preferably used, but a transparent resin film is preferably used from the viewpoints of productivity and performance such as lightness and flexibility. The transparent resin film is a film having a total light transmittance of 50% or more measured in a visible light wavelength region measured by a method in accordance with JIS K 7361-1: 1997 (a test method for total light transmittance of plastic-transparent material). Say. There is no restriction | limiting in particular in the transparent resin film which can be used preferably, The material, a shape, a structure, thickness, etc. can be suitably selected from well-known things. Examples of such transparent resin films include polyester resin films such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate, and modified polyester, polyethylene (PE) resin films, polypropylene (PP) resin films, polystyrene resin films, and cyclic olefin resins. Polyolefin resin film, polyvinyl resin such as polyvinyl chloride and polyvinylidene chloride, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) resin film, polysulfone (PSF) resin film, polyether sulfone (PES) resin film, polycarbonate (PC ) Resin film, polyamide resin film, polyimide resin film, acrylic resin film, triacetyl cellulose (TAC) resin film, and the like. If it is a resin film whose above-mentioned total light transmittance is 80% or more, it is used more preferably as the board | substrate 3 concerning this embodiment. In particular, the substrate 3 is preferably a biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate film, a biaxially stretched polyethylene naphthalate film, a polyethersulfone film or a polycarbonate film from the viewpoints of transparency, heat resistance, ease of handling, strength and cost. An axially stretched polyethylene terephthalate film or a biaxially stretched polyethylene naphthalate film is more preferred.

  The surface light emitting element 2 is composed of organic electroluminescence (organic EL). In this embodiment, the first electrode 4 stacked on the substrate 3 and the organic functional layer 5 stacked on the first electrode 4 are used. And the second electrode 6 stacked on the organic functional layer 5 and the insulating separator 7 disposed so as to separate the organic functional layer 5 and the second electrode 6 from each other.

  One of the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 6 is an anode, and the other is a cathode. At least one of the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 6 is made of a light transmissive material. That is, when the second electrode 6 is a light transmissive electrode, the first electrode 4 is a reflective electrode (light non-transmissive electrode) or a light transmissive electrode, and the first electrode 4 is a light transmissive electrode. In this case, the second electrode 6 becomes a reflective electrode (light non-transmissive electrode) or a light transmissive electrode.

  In this embodiment, the first electrode 4 is composed of a plurality of electrodes arranged on the substrate 3 with a predetermined gap 10 along the first direction (X direction in the figure, left-right direction on the paper surface). As will be described later, a gap 10 between the first electrodes 4 adjacent to each other becomes a non-light emitting area 20b. Accordingly, the gap 10 between the first electrodes 4 is desirably 200 μm or less so as not to be noticeable when visually recognized during light emission.

  When the first electrode 4 is composed of a light-transmitting electrode, for example, a metal oxide such as ITO or IZO, silver (Ag) or copper (Cu) having a thickness of 50 nm or less, aluminum (Al), gold ( It is desirable to use a metal such as Au). On the other hand, when the first electrode 4 is composed of a light reflecting electrode, it is desirable to use a metal such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or gold (Au) having a thickness of 50 nm or more.

  The organic functional layer 5 is composed of a plurality of layers separated in the first direction by the separator 7. Each organic functional layer 5 is disposed so as to cover each first electrode 4.

  In one example, the organic functional layer 5 includes a hole injection layer (HIL) / a hole transport layer (HTL) / an emission layer (EML) / an electron transport layer (ETL). It is comprised by a transfer layer / electron injection layer (EIL: Electron Injection Layer). In addition to the above, the organic functional layer 5 includes, for example, a light emitting layer / electron transport layer, a hole transport layer / light emitting layer / electron transport layer, a hole transport layer / light emitting layer / hole blocking. Layer / electron transport layer, hole transport layer / light emitting layer / hole blocking layer / electron transport layer / buffer layer, buffer layer / hole transport layer / light emitting layer unit / hole blocking layer / electron The thing which consists of a transport layer / buffer layer is mentioned.

  The second electrode 6 is composed of a plurality of electrodes separated in the first direction by the separator 7. Each second electrode 6 is disposed so as to cover each organic functional layer 5. The second electrode 6 may be the same as that described as being used for the first electrode 4.

  In the first embodiment, the separator 7 has a trapezoidal cross section (tapered shape) that gradually decreases in thickness (length along the X direction) toward the substrate 3 side. The separator 7 has a height (height along the direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Y direction described later) higher than the height from the first electrode 4 to the second electrode 6 (in this embodiment, 500 nm or more).

  In this embodiment, a negative photoresist is used for the separator 7 in order to form a trapezoidal cross section. Examples of the material of the separator 7 include acrylic resin, polyimide resin, novolac resin, and phenol resin.

  In this embodiment, the separator 7 has a direction intersecting the first direction so as to separate the first electrode 4, the organic functional layer 5, and the second electrode 6 in the first direction. It arrange | positions along the 2nd direction (Y direction of a figure, a paper surface up-down direction) orthogonal to a direction.

  By arranging the separator 7 in this way, the surface light emitting element 2 includes a plurality of first light emitting areas 20a each including one first electrode 4, one organic functional layer 5, and one second electrode 6. A non-light emitting area 20b is formed between the light emitting areas 20a adjacent to each other while being formed along the direction. Each light emitting area 20a emits light when a voltage is applied to the organic functional layer 5 by the first electrode 4 and the second electrode 6 included in each light emitting area 20a and power is supplied.

  Further, in this embodiment, one first electrode 4 (the first electrode 4 on the right side in the plan view in this embodiment) and the other second electrode 6 (in this embodiment) in the light emitting area 20a adjacent to each other. The second electrode 6 on the left side in plan view is electrically connected in series in the peripheral peripheral region (so-called bezel (frame portion)) of the surface light emitting element 2.

  More specifically, in the vicinity of the boundary between the light emitting areas 20a adjacent to each other, that is, in the vicinity of the separator 7, the one first electrode 4 integrally protrudes outward from both ends in the second direction of the first electrode 4. The provided first electrode connection piece 41 is provided. The other second electrode 6 is provided with a second electrode connection piece 61 projecting integrally from both ends in the second direction of the second electrode 6 to the outside.

  And each of those 2nd electrode connection pieces 61 and the 1st electrode connection pieces 41 is electrically connected so that the separator 7 may be enclosed, and, thereby, the two light emitting areas 20a adjacent to each other are electrically connected. Connected in series.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the surface emitting module 1 of 1st Embodiment is demonstrated. First, the first electrode 4 is formed on the substrate 3 so that the plurality of first electrodes 4 provided with the first electrode connection pieces 41 are arranged with a predetermined gap along the first direction. .

  The first electrode 4 can be formed, for example, by patterning from a mask having a desired opening by a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, or a coating method. Further, for example, the first electrode 4 can be formed by forming a film on one surface of the substrate 3 by vapor deposition, sputtering, or coating, and then patterning the film into a desired shape by photolithography.

  Next, the separator 7 is formed between the first electrodes 4. The separator 7 can be formed by, for example, forming a film by a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, or a coating method and then patterning it by photolithography.

  Further, the separator 7 having a trapezoidal cross section can be obtained by increasing the baking temperature by increasing the distance between the photomask and the substrate during exposure in the photolithography. More specifically, photolithography is performed through, for example, resist coating, pre-baking, exposure, PEB (Post Exposure Bake), development, and post-baking, and the baking process includes the pre-baking, the PEB, the post-baking, and the like. There is. Among them, when the pre-baking temperature is raised, the degree of thinning (tapering) gradually toward the substrate 3 side in the cross-sectional shape of the separator 7 increases accordingly, and the separator 7 can be easily formed in a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. Further, as the temperature of the pre-bake is increased, the angle of the ridge at the top of the separator 7 becomes an acute angle, and the organic functional layer 5 and the second electrode 6 are more easily divided during the manufacturing process as will be described later.

  In order to improve the adhesion between the separator 7 and the substrate 3, it is desirable to form an insulating base layer at the tip of the separator 7 on the substrate 3 side. Examples of the material for forming the base layer include novolak resin and phenol resin.

  Subsequently, the organic functional layer 5 is formed on the first electrode 4 and the separator 7. The organic functional layer 5 is preferably formed by vapor deposition, sputtering, or coating. In forming the film, for example, the separator 7 is formed in a trapezoidal shape with a gradually decreasing thickness on the substrate 3 side, so that the organic functional layer 5 is naturally divided by the separator 7, and the plurality of first electrodes 4 are formed. A plurality of organic functional layers 5 are formed on each of the layers.

  Next, the second electrode 6 is formed on the organic functional layer 5 and the separator 7. Also during the film formation, since the separator 7 is formed in a trapezoidal shape with a gradually decreasing thickness on the substrate 3 side, the second electrode 6 is naturally divided by the separator 7, and the plurality of organic functional layers 5 are formed. A plurality of second electrodes 6 are formed on each of the films.

  Each second electrode 6 in the divided state is, for example, a mask having a desired opening so that second electrode connection pieces 61 for connecting to the first electrode 4 are formed at both ends in the second direction. It is performed by patterning from above by vapor deposition, sputtering or coating.

  In the surface emitting module 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the organic functional layer 5 and the second electrode 6 of two adjacent light emitting areas 20a that are electrically connected to each other are insulating separators 7. Since it is divided, leakage between the second electrode 6 of one light emitting area 20a and the first electrode 4 of the other light emitting area 20a is suppressed.

  FIG. 3 is a front view of a comparative example. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the potentials of the first electrode and the second electrode of the comparative example of FIG. The horizontal axis in FIG. 5 indicates the position along the X direction, and the vertical axis indicates the potential [V].

  For example, in Comparative Example 121 having no separator 7, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second electrode 126 of one adjacent light emitting area 120a and the first electrode of the other light emitting area 120a that are electrically connected to each other. Leakage is likely to occur between

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the comparative example 121 includes a first electrode 124, an organic functional layer 125, and a second electrode 126 that are sequentially stacked on a substrate 123. The comparative example 121 does not have the separator 7 as in this embodiment.

  In such a comparative example 121, as shown in FIG. 5, the potential difference between the first electrode 124 of one adjacent light emitting area 120a and the second electrode 126 of the other light emitting area 120a electrically connected to each other is small. Since it becomes large, a leak is likely to occur between the first electrode 124 and the second electrode 126 as shown by an arrow a.

  Therefore, in Comparative Example 121, in order to prevent the occurrence of the leak, when the distance between the non-light emitting areas 120b formed between the two adjacent light emitting areas 120a is increased, the luminance is increased when the entire surface emitting module 1 is viewed. The risk of unevenness increases.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, since the separator 7 suppresses the leak between the first electrode 4 of one adjacent light emitting area 20a and the second electrode 6 of the other light emitting area 20a, the non-light emitting area 20b. Can be reduced, and uneven brightness when the entire surface light emitting module 1 is visually recognized can be suppressed.

  Next, another embodiment will be described.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, 2nd Embodiment is described based on FIG. 6 and FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view of the surface emitting module according to the second embodiment. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the surface light emitting device 200 according to the second embodiment includes a substrate 203 and a sheet-like surface light emitting device 202 held on the substrate 203. The surface light emitting device 202 includes: , A first electrode 204, an organic functional layer 205, a second electrode 206, and a separator 207. The substrate 203, the organic functional layer 205, the second electrode 206, and the separator 207 have the same configuration as that of the first embodiment.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the first electrode 204 of the second embodiment is composed of a plurality of electrodes arranged with a predetermined gap along the first direction. In the second embodiment, the first electrode 204 of one of the light emitting areas 220a adjacent to each other (in this embodiment, the one on the right side in the drawing) has an ohmic contact with the entire second direction by ohmic contact. A first auxiliary electrode (auxiliary electrode) 208 is provided so as to be in contact with the entire surface.

  The first auxiliary electrode 208 is made of a conductive member having a lower electrical resistance than the first electrode 204, for example, a metal such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminium (Al), gold (Au), or the like. . The thickness of the first auxiliary electrode 208 is desirably 50 nm or more in order to reduce the resistance.

  The first auxiliary electrode 208 protrudes from both ends of the first electrode 204 in the second direction along the second direction on the substrate 203 side at the end of the first electrode 204 on the separator 207 side. Has been placed. The first auxiliary electrode 208 includes a connection piece 281 at a protruding portion protruding from each end of the first electrode 204 in the second direction.

  The connection piece 281 of the first auxiliary electrode 208 is electrically connected to the second electrode connection piece 261 of the second electrode 206 of the other adjacent (left side in the drawing) light emitting area 220a. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the first electrode 204 of one adjacent light emitting area 220a and the second electrode 206 of the other light emitting area 220a are connected via the second electrode connection piece 261 and the first auxiliary electrode 208. They are electrically connected in series. Except for the second embodiment, the same configuration as that of the first embodiment is adopted.

  Such a first auxiliary electrode 208 is formed, for example, by patterning from a mask having a desired opening by a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, or a coating method. Further, for example, the first auxiliary electrode 208 may be formed by forming a film on one surface by a vapor deposition method, a sputtering method, or a coating method, and then patterning the film into a desired shape by photolithography. In order of the steps, the first auxiliary electrode 208 may be formed before the first electrode 204 is formed, or the first auxiliary electrode 208 may be formed after the first electrode 204 is formed. However, when the first electrode 204 is formed using photolithography, the former order is desirable. This is because the chemical solution used when forming the first auxiliary electrode 208 by photolithography does not need to touch the first electrode 204, and the performance deterioration of the first electrode 204 can be suppressed.

  The second embodiment configured as described above has the following effects. That is, when electrically connected in series to the first electrode 4 of one adjacent light emitting area 20a and the second electrode 6 of the other light emitting area 20a as in the first embodiment, the voltage drop causes the connection between the two electrodes. As the distance increases in the first direction and the second direction, the luminance decreases and luminance unevenness occurs. Therefore, as described above, in the second embodiment, by attaching the first auxiliary electrode 208 having a smaller resistance than the first electrode 204 to the first electrode 204, the voltage drop in the second direction at the first electrode 204 is small. As a result, the decrease in luminance is reduced, and luminance unevenness in the second direction can be suppressed.

  The first auxiliary electrode 208 as the auxiliary electrode is not limited to the form attached to the first electrode 204, and may be attached to the second electrode 206 instead of the first electrode 204, and can be changed as appropriate. In the case where the auxiliary electrode is attached to the second electrode 206, the auxiliary electrode may be composed of an electrode having an electric resistance smaller than that of the second electrode 206.

  In addition, the auxiliary electrode is preferably attached to the first electrode 204 or the second electrode 206 which has a larger electrical resistance.

  Further, the position of the auxiliary electrode relative to the first electrode 204 or the second electrode 206 may be any position on the substrate 203 side or the opposite side of the substrate 203 in the first electrode 204 or the second electrode 206. Alternatively, the auxiliary electrode may be embedded in the first electrode 204 or may be embedded in the second electrode 206.

  Next, another embodiment will be described.

(Third embodiment)
Next, 3rd Embodiment is described based on FIG. 8 and FIG. FIG. 8 is a front view of the surface emitting module according to the third embodiment. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG.

  Similar to the second embodiment, the surface light emitting module 300 according to the third embodiment includes a substrate 303 and a sheet-like surface light emitting element 302 held on the substrate 303. , A first electrode 304, an organic functional layer 305, a second electrode 306, a separator 307, and a first auxiliary electrode 308 attached to the first electrode 304. The substrate 303, the first electrode 304, the organic functional layer 305, the separator 307, and the first auxiliary electrode 308 have the same configuration as that of the second embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the second auxiliary electrode 309 is attached to the second electrode 306 at the end on the separator 307 side so as to contact the entire second direction by ohmic contact.

  The second auxiliary electrode 309 is made of a conductive member having an electric resistance smaller than that of the second electrode 306, for example, a metal such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), or gold (Au). . Similar to the first auxiliary electrode 308, the second auxiliary electrode 309 preferably has a thickness of 50 nm or more in order to reduce the resistance.

  The second auxiliary electrode 309 protrudes from both ends of the second electrode 306 in the second direction along the second direction on the substrate 303 side at the end of the second electrode 306 on the separator 307 side. Has been placed. The second auxiliary electrode 309 includes a connection piece 391 at a protruding portion that protrudes from both ends of the second electrode 306 in the second direction.

  The connection piece 391 of the second auxiliary electrode 309 is electrically connected to the connection piece 381 of the first auxiliary electrode 308 attached to the first electrode 304. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the first electrode 304 of one adjacent light emitting area 320a and the second electrode 304 of the other light emitting area 320a are connected via the first auxiliary electrode 308 and the second auxiliary electrode 309. They are electrically connected in series.

  The first auxiliary electrode 308 and the second auxiliary electrode 309 are formed by vapor deposition or sputtering from a mask having a desired opening, as in the case of the first auxiliary electrode 208 of the second embodiment. Or by patterning with a coating method. Further, for example, the first auxiliary electrode 308 and the second auxiliary electrode 309 are formed by forming a film on one surface by vapor deposition, sputtering, or coating, respectively, and then patterning the film into a desired shape by photolithography. May be. As for the order of steps, regarding the first auxiliary electrode 308 provided on the first electrode 304, the first auxiliary electrode 308 may be formed before the first electrode 304 is formed, or the first electrode 304 is formed. The first auxiliary electrode 308 may be formed later. The same applies to the second auxiliary electrode 309. However, when the first electrode 304 is formed using photolithography, the former order is desirable. This is because the chemical solution used when forming the first auxiliary electrode 308 by photolithography does not need to touch the first electrode 304, and the performance deterioration of the first electrode 304 can be suppressed.

  In the third embodiment configured as described above, the first auxiliary electrode 308 can suppress luminance unevenness in the second direction of the first electrode 304, and further, the second electrode 304 includes the second auxiliary electrode. By attaching 309, the voltage drop in the second direction of the second electrode 304 is reduced and the reduction in luminance is reduced, and the luminance unevenness in the second direction of the second electrode 304 can be suppressed.

  Next, another embodiment will be described.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a front view of the surface emitting module according to the fourth embodiment. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. FIG. 12 shows the luminance between the position of the first auxiliary electrode of the surface emitting module and the position without the first auxiliary electrode when the first electrode is an electrode that reflects light and the second electrode is a light transmissive electrode. It is explanatory drawing. FIG. 13 shows the luminance between the position of the first auxiliary electrode of the surface light emitting module and the position without the first auxiliary electrode when the first electrode is a light transmissive electrode and the second electrode is an electrode that reflects light. It is explanatory drawing. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of the luminance between the position of the first auxiliary electrode and the position without the first auxiliary electrode of the surface light emitting module when both the first electrode and the second electrode are light transmissive electrodes.

  In FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the surface light emitting module 400 of the fourth embodiment includes a substrate 403 and a sheet-like surface light emitting element 402 held on the substrate 403 as in the third embodiment. The surface light emitting element 402 includes a first electrode 404, an organic functional layer 405, a second electrode 406, a separator 407, a first auxiliary electrode 408 attached to the first electrode 404, and a second electrode 406. And a second auxiliary electrode 409 attached thereto. The first electrode 404, the organic functional layer 405, the second electrode 406, the first auxiliary electrode 408, and the second auxiliary electrode 409 have the same configuration as that of the previous third embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, the separator 407 is formed on the first electrode 404 provided with the first auxiliary electrode 408 in the first direction as viewed from the position of the gap 410 between the first electrodes 404. The electrode 408 is disposed so as to be further away from the position of the electrode 408 (position on the right side of the drawing in the drawing from the first auxiliary electrode 408). Therefore, in this embodiment, the gap 410, the first auxiliary electrode 408, and the separator 407 in the first direction become the non-light emitting area 420b, and both sides of the non-light emitting area 420b become the light emitting area 420a.

  For example, when the first electrode 404 is a reflective electrode and the second electrode 406 is a light transmissive electrode, light is emitted to the second electrode 406 side, but as shown in FIG. 12, as in the previous third embodiment. In addition, when the separator 407 is disposed in the gap 410, in the light emitting area 420a having the first auxiliary electrode 408, the optical distance L1 between the first electrode 404 and the second electrode 406 depends on the thickness of the first auxiliary electrode 408. Since the optical distance L2 between the first electrode 404 and the second electrode 406 is different in the portion where the first auxiliary electrode 408 is not disposed, the first auxiliary electrode 408 and the first auxiliary electrode are affected by the interference light effect of light. Luminance unevenness and color unevenness occur on the portion where 408 is not disposed.

  Further, for example, when the first electrode 404 is a light transmissive electrode and the second electrode 406 is a reflective electrode, light is emitted to the first electrode 404 side, but as shown in FIG. As described above, when the separator 407 is disposed in the gap 410, light is emitted between the first auxiliary electrode 408 attached to the first electrode 404 and the second electrode 406 in the light emitting area 420 a having the first auxiliary electrode 408. However, light cannot be extracted to the first electrode 404 side, and power consumption increases.

  For example, when both the first electrode 404 and the second electrode 406 are light transmissive electrodes, light is emitted to the first electrode 404 side and the second electrode 406 side. However, as shown in FIG. When the separator 407 is disposed in the gap 410 as in the embodiment, in the light emitting area 420a having the first auxiliary electrode 408, the first electrode 404 and the second electrode 406 shown in FIG. As in the case of the transmissive electrode, the first auxiliary electrode 408 is opaque and has a higher reflectance than the first electrode 404 in addition to luminance unevenness and color unevenness on the first electrode 404 side. The luminance on the electrode 408 becomes higher than the portion where the first auxiliary electrode 408 is not disposed, and the luminance unevenness becomes remarkable. Therefore, in this case, useless light emission between the first auxiliary electrode 408 and the second electrode 406 attached to the first electrode 404 causes increase in luminance unevenness, color unevenness, and power consumption.

  However, in the fourth embodiment, the separator 407 is disposed at a position further away from the position of the first auxiliary electrode 408 when viewed from the position of the gap 410 between the first electrodes 404 in the first direction. A portion of the gap 410, the first auxiliary electrode 408, and the separator 407 in the first direction is a non-light emitting area 420b, and both sides of the non-light emitting area 420b are light emitting areas 420a. Thereby, it is possible to prevent light emission between the first auxiliary electrode 408 and the second electrode 406, and as a result, it is possible to reduce power consumption while suppressing luminance unevenness and color unevenness in the light emitting area.

  In the fourth embodiment, the separator 407 is arranged at a position further away from the position of the first auxiliary electrode 408 when viewed from the position of the gap 410 between the first electrodes 404 in the first direction. For example, the separator 407 may be arranged at the same position as the first auxiliary electrode 408 (position overlapping in the first direction) in the first direction. Even if it does in this way, a non-light-emitting area can be made smaller, obtaining the effect similar to the above.

  Next, another embodiment will be described.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, 5th Embodiment is described based on FIG. 15 and FIG. FIG. 15 is a front view of a surface emitting module according to the fifth embodiment. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG.

  Similar to the fourth embodiment, a surface light emitting module 500 of the fifth embodiment includes a substrate 503 and a sheet-like surface light emitting element 502 held on the substrate 503. The first electrode 504, the organic functional layer 505, the second electrode 506, the separator 507, the first auxiliary electrode 508 attached to the first electrode 504, and the second auxiliary electrode attached to the second electrode 506 509.

  The first electrode 504, the organic functional layer 505, the second electrode 506, the first auxiliary electrode 508, and the separator 507 have the same configuration as that of the previous fourth embodiment. In the embodiment, the entire second auxiliary electrode 509 is disposed in the gap 510 between the first electrodes 504 in the light emitting areas adjacent to each other in the first direction. Therefore, there is no first electrode 504 at the position of the second auxiliary electrode 509 in the first direction.

  In the fifth embodiment configured as described above, light emission between the second auxiliary electrode 509 and the first electrode 504 can be prevented. Thereby, it is possible to reduce power consumption while suppressing luminance unevenness and color unevenness in the light emitting area by the second auxiliary electrode 509.

  The entire second auxiliary electrode 509 is not limited to the configuration in which the second auxiliary electrode 509 is disposed in the gap 510 in the first direction, and at least a part of the second auxiliary electrode 509 is disposed in the gap 510 in the first direction. Just do it. However, if the entire second auxiliary electrode 509 is disposed in the non-light emitting area between the first electrode 504 and the second electrode 506 in the first direction, it is possible to reliably suppress luminance unevenness and color unevenness in the light emitting area. However, it is preferable in that the power consumption can be surely reduced.

  Next, another embodiment will be described.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 17 is a graph showing a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode in the surface emitting module according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a graph for explaining the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode when the first electrode is a light-transmitting electrode and the second electrode is an electrode that reflects light. Each horizontal axis in FIGS. 17 and 18 indicates a position along the X direction, and each vertical axis indicates a potential [V].

  In the surface emitting module (not shown) of the sixth embodiment, the first electrode 604 and the second electrode 606 are both light-transmitting electrodes, and the others are the surface emitting modules 1 and 200 of the first to fifth embodiments. , 300, 400, 500.

  In this embodiment, both the first electrode 604 and the second electrode 606 are made of ITO (indium tin oxide).

  For example, when one of the first electrode and the second electrode is not light-transmitting, the resistance values of the first electrode and the second electrode are greatly different. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, when the first electrode 604a is formed of a non-light-transmissive reflective electrode (for example, a metal electrode) and the second electrode 606a is formed of a light-transmissive electrode, the first electrode 604a is caused by a voltage drop. There is a large difference in the variation rate of the potential between the first electrode 604a and the second electrode 606a. For example, the potential difference is different between the A position and the B position that are separated from each other in the first direction. The brightness is different.

  In the sixth embodiment, since the resistance values of the first electrode 604 and the second electrode 606 are substantially equal, for example, as shown in FIG. 17, the rate of change in potential due to a voltage drop can be made substantially the same. The potential difference is substantially the same between the A position and the B position that are separated from each other in the direction, and the occurrence of a decrease in luminance can be suppressed. Thereby, the length of the 1st direction of one light emission area in a surface light emitting element can be lengthened, the number of non-light-emitting areas can also be reduced, and a brightness nonuniformity can be suppressed more.

  In the sixth embodiment, the first electrode 604 and the second electrode 606 are both light-transmitting electrodes. However, the first electrode 604 and the second electrode 606 are not limited to each other. You may comprise from the thing in which the characteristic of descent is substantially equal.

  Further, when both the first electrode 604 and the second electrode 606 are made of a light transmissive electrode, it is desirable that the light transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nm when not emitting light is 50% or more. Further, when both the first electrode 604 and the second electrode 606 are made of a light transmissive electrode, for example, the first electrode 604 is made of ITO, and the second electrode 606 is made of IZO (Indium Zinc Oxide). Alternatively, the first electrode 604 may be made of IZO, and the second electrode 606 may be made of ITO. Alternatively, the first electrode 604 and the second electrode 606 are thin film metals such as silver (Ag), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and gold (Au) having a thickness of 50 nm or less, and metal oxides such as ITO and IZO. It may be a combination of those selected from any of the above.

  In order to express the present invention, the present invention has been properly and fully described through the embodiments with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art can easily change and / or improve the above-described embodiments. It should be recognized that this is possible. Therefore, unless the modifications or improvements implemented by those skilled in the art are at a level that departs from the scope of the claims recited in the claims, the modifications or improvements are not covered by the claims. To be construed as inclusive.

1, 200, 300, 400, 500 Surface light emitting module 2, 102, 202, 302, 402, 502 Surface light emitting element 3, 103, 203, 303, 403, 503 Substrate 4, 104, 204, 304, 404, 504, 604 First electrode 5, 105, 205, 305, 405, 505, 605 Separator 6, 106, 206, 306, 406, 506, 606 Second electrode 10, 410, 510 Gap 20a, 120a, 220a, 320a, 420a, 520a Light emitting area 20b, 120b, 220b, 320b, 420b, 520b Non-light emitting area

Claims (6)

A substrate, and a surface light emitting device having a plurality of light emitting areas arranged along a predetermined first direction on the substrate,
The surface light emitting device includes: a first electrode laminated on the substrate; an organic functional layer laminated on the first electrode; a second electrode laminated on the organic functional layer; and the organic functional layer. And an insulating separator that separates each of the second electrode and the second electrode,
At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is light transmissive,
The first electrode comprises a plurality of electrodes disposed in each light emitting area with a predetermined gap along the first direction on the substrate.
The separator has the first organic layer between the two light emitting areas adjacent to each other such that the organic functional layers and the second electrodes separated by the separator are disposed in the respective light emitting areas. Extending in a direction that intersects the direction,
The one first electrode and the other second electrode in the two light emitting areas adjacent to each other are electrically connected in series with each other in an outer peripheral region of the surface light emitting element. Surface emitting module. An auxiliary electrode attached to at least one of the one first electrode and the other second electrode in the two light emitting areas adjacent to each other;
The auxiliary electrode is made of a material having an electric resistance smaller than that of the attached first electrode or the second electrode, and extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The surface emitting module according to claim 1. The auxiliary electrode includes a first auxiliary electrode attached to the first electrode and a second auxiliary electrode attached to the second electrode,
The first auxiliary electrode is made of a material having a smaller electrical resistance than the first electrode, and extends in the second direction.
3. The surface emitting module according to claim 2, wherein the second auxiliary electrode is made of a material having an electric resistance smaller than that of the second electrode, and extends in the second direction. The auxiliary electrode includes a first auxiliary electrode disposed on one of the first electrodes in the two adjacent light emitting areas,
The separator is located at a position further away from the position of the first auxiliary electrode or substantially the same position as the first auxiliary electrode when viewed from the position of the gap between the first electrodes in the first direction. The surface emitting module according to claim 2, wherein the surface emitting module is disposed in the area. The auxiliary electrode includes a second auxiliary electrode disposed on the other second electrode in the two light emitting areas adjacent to each other,
5. The device according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of the second auxiliary electrode is disposed in the gap between the first electrodes in the first direction. 6. Surface emitting module. The surface emitting module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are both light transmissive.