JP6699285B2 - Lighting device with dual sealing structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a lighting device having a dual sealing structure including a plurality of flexible surface emitting elements.

  In recent years, a lighting device using an organic EL (electro luminescence) panel is being used. In order to realize a wide light emitting surface, it is possible to deal with the problem by enlarging the substrate of the organic EL panel. However, problems such as an increase in the size of manufacturing equipment and a deterioration in yield occur. Therefore, for example, an illuminating device has been proposed which realizes a wide light emitting surface by arranging a plurality of panels having a size that is easy to manufacture in a plane. Such an illuminating device is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1.

  The EL backlight device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a device capable of forming a surface light source having an arbitrary area by laying together and laying at least two EL sheets each having a peripheral electrode provided on a peripheral portion. Is. Further, in this EL backlight device, one EL sheet is superposed on a part of the peripheral portion of the other EL sheet at the joint between the respective EL sheets, and is superposed at least on the other EL sheet. The peripheral electrode is omitted so that light is emitted up to the end.

JP 2001-12687 A

  By the way, the organic EL light emitting element is generally affected by moisture and oxygen and gradually deteriorates. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is advantageous for widening the light emitting surface. However, when the EL sheets adjacent to each other have a structure in which one EL sheet is overlapped with a part of the peripheral edge portion of the other EL sheet, a gap may occur at the joint (overlap region). There is. If a gap is created, it easily becomes a path for moisture and oxygen to enter, and there is room for improvement in terms of moisture resistance and oxygen resistance.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is a lighting device having a partially overlapped tiling structure and having a dual sealing structure that is superior in moisture resistance and oxygen resistance. Is to provide.

As a result of various studies, the present inventor has found that the above object can be achieved by the present invention described below. That is, a lighting device having a dual sealing structure according to one embodiment of the present invention has a flexible sheet-shaped first sealing member and a flexible sheet-shaped first sealing member which is juxtaposed on the first sealing member. And a plurality of sheet-shaped surface emitting elements having a sealing structure, and one end of two surface emitting elements adjacent to each other in the plurality of surface emitting elements has the other end in the thickness direction. In the overlapping area where they overlap, a filling member filled in a space formed by the first sealing member and the two surface emitting elements, the plurality of surface emitting elements, and the filling member are first sealed. And a flexible sheet-shaped second sealing member for sealing with a member. Preferably, in the above-mentioned lighting device, the surface emitting element is an organic EL (electro luminescence) element (OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)).

  Such an illumination device includes a filling member that fills a space formed by the first sealing member and the two surface emitting elements in the overlapping region. For this reason, the space formed by the first sealing member and the two surface emitting elements is closed by the filling member, and it is difficult for the space to serve as an invasion path for moisture and oxygen. Moreover, since the lighting device has a structure (dual sealing structure) in which the surface emitting element having the sealing structure is further sealed by the first and second sealing members, it is further excellent in moisture resistance and oxygen resistance. ing. Therefore, the lighting device is superior in moisture resistance and oxygen resistance.

  In another aspect, in the above-described lighting device, a sheet-shaped hygroscopic member having hygroscopicity and flexibility is further provided between the plurality of surface emitting elements and the second sealing member. Characterize.

  Since such an illuminating device further includes the moisture absorbing member, the illuminating device is further excellent in moisture resistance for the surface emitting element.

  Further, in another aspect, the illumination device described above further includes a second filling member that fills a space formed by the plurality of surface emitting elements and the moisture absorbing member.

  Since such a lighting device further includes the second filling member filled in the space formed by the plurality of surface emitting elements and the moisture absorbing member, the lighting device is further excellent in moisture resistance and oxygen resistance.

  Further, in another aspect, in the above-described illumination device, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are separate members.

  Since such a lighting device can use the first sealing member and the second sealing member which are separate bodies, a so-called roll-to-roll method can be adopted, and the production efficiency can be improved.

  Further, in another aspect, in the above-described illumination device, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are integrated members.

  In such an illuminating device, one sealing member is folded back at one end of a plurality of juxtaposed surface emitting elements, so that the one sealing member is used for the first sealing member and the second sealing. The member can be configured. Then, as described above, when the first sealing member and the second sealing member are separate members, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are subjected to the sealing process. A marginal area (a so-called "spot") to which the stop member is attached is required on the entire outer circumference of the plurality of surface emitting elements. However, since the lighting device does not require such a margin region at the folded back portion, the lighting device maintains the area of the light emitting surface by that amount (without reducing the area of the light emitting surface). Can be miniaturized.

  Further, in another aspect, in the above lighting device, each of the filling member and the second filling member is a thermosetting resin.

  In such a lighting device, since the filling member and the second filling member are each thermosetting resin, each of these members can be processed in one heat treatment step.

The illumination device having the dual sealing structure according to the present invention is excellent in moisture resistance and oxygen resistance in an illumination device having a partially overlapping tiling structure.

It is a top view which shows the structure of the illuminating device in embodiment. It is sectional drawing in the II line of FIG. 1 which shows the structure of the illuminating device in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure of the surface emitting element in the illuminating device of embodiment. It is sectional drawing in the II line of FIG. 1 which shows the structure of the illuminating device in 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing in the II line of FIG. 1 which shows the structure of the illuminating device in 3rd and 4th embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the illuminating device of a comparative example.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that in each of the drawings, the components denoted by the same reference numerals indicate the same components, and the description thereof will be appropriately omitted. In the present specification, reference numerals without suffixes are used for generic names, and reference numerals with suffixes are used when referring to individual components.

  The illumination device in the embodiment includes a plurality of sheet-shaped surface emitting elements having a sealing structure, which are juxtaposed such that surface emitting elements adjacent to each other are overlapped in the thickness direction at their ends. In this device, the surface emitting element is further sealed. The structure in which the plurality of surface emitting elements are juxtaposed is referred to as a tiling structure (planar filling structure) in one example, and the structure in which the surface emitting elements adjacent to each other overlap each other in the thickness direction at their ends is an example. Is called a partially overlapped structure (tile structure), and a structure for further sealing the surface emitting device having a sealing structure is called a dual sealing structure (double sealing structure) in one example. To be done. According to such a name, the lighting device according to the embodiment is a device having a tiled tiling double sealing structure (partially overlapping tiling dual sealing structure, partially overlapping plane filling double sealing structure). Is. Such an illuminating device having a tiled double sealing structure will be described in more detail with reference to first to third embodiments as an example.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a top view showing the configuration of the illumination device according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1, showing the configuration of the lighting device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a surface emitting element in the lighting device of the embodiment. 3A is a rear view and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 3A. Note that FIG. 1 shows not only the lighting device according to the first embodiment but also lighting devices according to second and third embodiments described later. Further, the surface emitting element shown in FIG. 3 is used not only in the lighting device in the first embodiment but also in the lighting devices in the second to fourth embodiments.

  The illumination device LPa in the first embodiment includes, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of juxtaposed surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22), A first sealing member 2, a second sealing member 3, and a filling member (first filling member) 4 are provided.

  The surface emitting element 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22) is a sheet-shaped element that has flexibility, has a sealing structure, and emits light on the surface. In this embodiment, the surface emitting element 1 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, an organic EL (electro luminescence) element (OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)), and includes a substrate 11, a barrier layer 12, and a first layer. And second transparent electrodes 13-1 and 13-2, an organic layer (light emitting layer) 14, a cathode 15, a zeroth sealing member 16, and an insulating layer 17.

  The substrate 11 is formed of a flexible sheet-shaped (film-shaped) transparent body, and includes a barrier layer 12, first and second transparent electrodes 13-1 and 13-2, an organic layer (light emitting layer) 14, and a cathode. 15, a member for supporting the 0th sealing member 16, the insulating layer 17, and the like. The material has a light-transmitting property such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), polyimide, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polystyrene (PS), polyether sulfone (PES) and polypropylene (PP). It is a resin material. Further, for example, the material of the substrate 11 may be thin film glass. Even glass can be made flexible by reducing its thickness. For example, a glass substrate having a thickness of 0.1 mm or less has flexibility.

  The barrier layer 12 is laminated on one main surface of the substrate 11 and protects the organic layer 14 from the atmosphere and gases such as water and oxygen in the substrate 11.

  The first and second transparent electrodes 13-1 and 13-2 are films (layers) that are laminated on the barrier layer 12 and have optical transparency and electrical conductivity. In order to electrically insulate the first and second transparent electrodes 13-1 and 13-2, the first and second transparent electrodes 13-1 and 13-2 are horizontal and orthogonal to the stacking direction of the barrier layer 12 and the first and second transparent electrodes 13-1 and 13-2. Are arranged at a predetermined interval in the direction. For example, in order to form the first and second transparent electrodes 13-1 and 13-2, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like is formed on the barrier layer 12 by a sputtering method or the like. .. Then, the formed ITO film is patterned by a processing technique such as photolithography so that the formed ITO film is divided into two regions in the horizontal direction at right and left in the horizontal direction. The one right side region formed by this patterning is divided so as to cover the barrier layer 12 with a relatively large area, and the anode 13a-1 and the anode extraction electrode 13b-1 for extracting the anode 13a-1 to the outside. It becomes the 1st transparent electrode 13-1 which functions as. That is, the first transparent electrode 13-1 is configured to include the anode 13a-1 and the anode extraction electrode 13b-1. The other left side region formed by this patterning is divided so as to cover the barrier layer 12 with a relatively small area on the left end side of the barrier layer 12, and functions as a cathode extraction electrode for extracting the cathode 15 to the outside. Two transparent electrodes 13-2 are formed.

  The organic layer (light emitting layer) 14 is mainly laminated on the first transparent electrode 13-1 functioning as the anode 13a-1, and emits visible light, for example, when supplied with electric power. The light emitted from the organic layer 14 is emitted to the outside via the anode 13a-1, the barrier layer 12 and the substrate 11. The organic layer 14 may be a single layer, or may be a multilayer in which a so-called hole transport layer, a light emitting layer, a hole blocking layer, an electron transport layer and the like are sequentially laminated. The cathode 15 is stacked on the organic layer 14. Therefore, the organic layer 14 is sandwiched between the anode 13a-1 and the cathode 15, and electric power is supplied to the organic layer 14 by applying a predetermined voltage to the anode 13a-1 and the cathode 15.

The cathode 15 is a thin film of a metal (including alloy) having a relatively high conductivity such as aluminum, and is formed so as to cover the organic layer 14 by, for example, a vacuum deposition method or the like. The first transparent electrode 13-1 functioning as the anode 13a-1 and the cathode 15 are electrically insulated from each other so that the first transparent electrode 13-1 and the cathode 15 are not electrically short-circuited. An insulating layer 17 is provided for this purpose. A portion of the cathode 15 opposite to the side where the insulating layer 17 is provided is electrically connected to the second transparent electrode 13-2 that functions as a cathode extraction electrode. The insulating layer 17 is formed of, for example, a silicon dioxide (SiO ₂ ) film or the like. For example, a silicon dioxide film is formed by a sputtering method or the like, and the silicon dioxide film is patterned by a photolithography method or the like while leaving a region for insulating the first transparent electrode 13-1 and the cathode 15 from each other. Layer 17 is formed.

The 0th sealing member 16 is a film (layer) laminated on the cathode 15 so as to seal substantially the entire anode 13a-1, the organic layer 14, and the cathode 15 on the substrate 11. A part of the first transparent electrode 13-1 (anode extraction electrode 13b-1) and a part of the second transparent electrode (cathode extraction electrode) 13-2 are not sealed by the 0th sealing member 16 and are exposed to the outside. Is exposed to. The 0th sealing member 16 is formed of, for example, a film of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polystyrene (PS), polyether sulfone (PES), polyimide, SiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , or the like. A material having a gas barrier property by stacking a plurality of layers of an inorganic thin film such as SiN _x and a flexible acrylic resin thin film is used.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such a surface emitting element 1 has a radiation surface (front surface) for emitting light on a flexible sheet-shaped (film-shaped) first sealing member 2. A plurality of them are arranged so that they are aligned and arranged in a substantially planar shape. The plurality of surface emitting elements 1 may be an arbitrary number of 2 or more, and may be juxtaposed in an arbitrary manner. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device LPa includes four first to fourth surface emitting elements 1-11, 1-12, 1-21, and 1-22, and these four first to fourth The surface emitting elements 1-11, 1-12, 1-21, and 1-22 are arranged side by side in an array in two rows and two columns in two linearly independent directions, more specifically in two orthogonal directions. More specifically, the first surface light emitting device 1-11 is adjacent to the second surface light emitting device 1-12 in the row direction, and the third surface light emitting device 1-21 is in the row direction of the fourth surface light emitting device 1-22. Adjacent to. The first surface light emitting element 1-11 is adjacent to the third surface light emitting element 1-21 in the column direction, and the second surface light emitting element 1-12 is adjacent to the fourth surface light emitting element 1-22 in the column direction. is doing. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device LPa includes four first to fourth surface emitting elements 1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22 arranged in an array in two rows and two columns. However, m×n surface emitting elements 1 arranged in an array in m rows and n columns may be provided (m×n≧2, m and n are positive integers). The lighting device LPa may include m (or n) surface emitting elements 1 arranged in parallel so as to extend along one direction (m×1≧2, m is a positive integer of 2 or more, or 1×n≧2, n is a positive integer of 2 or more).

  Then, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, one end of two surface emitting elements 1 adjacent to each other in the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 has one end in the other in the thickness direction. They are arranged so that they overlap. In the example shown in FIG. 1, for example, the second surface light emitting element 1-12 has, as shown in FIG. 2, the second surface light emitting element 1-12 in the adjacent portion adjacent to the first surface light emitting element 1-11 in the row direction. The end portion of −12 is arranged so as to overlap the end portion of the first surface light emitting device 1-11 in the thickness direction. Therefore, the overlapping area SA-12 in which the end portion of the second surface light emitting element 1-12 overlaps the end portion of the first surface light emitting element 1-11 in the thickness direction extends in the column direction. Although illustration is omitted, similarly, the end portions of the fourth surface light emitting element 1-22 are arranged so as to overlap with the end portions of the third surface light emitting element 1-21 in the thickness direction, and the overlapping area SA- 34 extends in the column direction. Similarly, the end portion of the first surface light emitting element 1-11 is arranged so as to overlap the end portion of the third surface light emitting element 1-21 in the thickness direction, and the overlapping area SA-13 is arranged in the row direction. Extend. Similarly, the end portions of the second surface light emitting element 1-12 are arranged so as to overlap with the end portions of the fourth surface light emitting element 1-22 in the thickness direction, and the overlapping area SA-24 is arranged in the row direction. Extend. By overlapping in the non-light emitting area of the surface emitting element 1, the non-light emitting area of the lighting device LPa can be made small. These overlapping areas SA can also be defined as an area from the rising start portion of the surface emitting element 1 that overlaps the upper side to the end thereof. For example, the overlapping area SA-12 can be defined as an area from the rising start portion of the second surface light emitting element 1-12, which overlaps the upper side, to the end portion thereof.

  In such a partially overlapped structure, a space may be formed between the first sealing member 2 and the two surface emitting elements 1 adjacent to each other in the overlapping area SA. In one example, in the overlapping area SA-12 of the first surface light emitting element 1-11 and the second surface light emitting element 1-12, as shown in FIG. 6, the first sealing member 2 and two adjacent ones are provided. A space may be formed between the first and second surface emitting elements 1-11 and 1-12. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the filling member 4 is filled in the overlapping area SA in the space formed by the first sealing member 2 and the two surface emitting elements 1 adjacent to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 1, for example, in the overlapping area SA-12, as shown in FIG. 2, the first sealing member 2 and the first and second surface emitting elements 1-11 and 1-12 are formed. The space is filled with the filling member 4. Although illustration is omitted, similarly, the space formed by the first sealing member 2 and the third and fourth surface light emitting elements 1-21 and 1-22 is filled with the filling member 4, and the first sealing is performed. The space formed by the member 2 and the first and third surface emitting elements 1-11 and 1-21 is filled with the filling member 4, and the first sealing member 2 and the second and fourth surface emitting elements are provided. A filling member (first filling member) 4 is filled in the space formed by 1-12 and 1-22.

  Such a filling member 4 is formed of a resin material, preferably a thermosetting resin. The thermosetting resin is a resin material that is cured by initial heating and does not soften even when reheated. As the thermosetting resin, for example, epoxy resin, silicone resin, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer resin (EVA) or the like can be used.

  The first and second sealing members 2 and 3 are flexible sheet-shaped (film-shaped) members. The first sealing member 2 is light transmissive. The second sealing member 3 may or may not have light transparency. For the first and second sealing members 2 and 3, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), acrylic, polyether sulfone (PES), polyimide or the like is used. The second sealing member 3 seals the surface emitting devices 1 and the filling member 4 on the first sealing member 2 together with the first sealing member 2 as a whole. More specifically, the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 are joined at their peripheral edge portions in contact with each other while sandwiching the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 and the filling member 4. Thereby, the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 seal the surface emitting elements 1 and the filling member 4. The joined peripheral edge portions of the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 serve as a margin area (so-called “spot”) PA1 to which the first sealing member 2 and the second sealing member 3 are attached. The margin region (portion corresponding to the peripheral edge) PA1 is located outside the entire plurality of juxtaposed surface emitting elements 1.

  In order to join the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 to each other in the marginal area PA1, the inner surfaces of the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 in the marginal area PA1 are bonded together. An approximate adhesive layer is provided. For the adhesive layer, for example, an energy curable resin such as a thermosetting resin or an ultraviolet curable resin is used. Preferably, the adhesive layer is the same thermosetting resin as the filling member 4.

  In order to supply power to each of the anode extraction electrodes 13b-1 and the second transparent electrode 13-2 (cathode extraction electrodes) in the plurality of surface light emitting elements 1, for example, a flexible printed circuit board, a wiring member, or the like is not shown. The respective energizing members are connected, and the respective energizing members are provided so as to partially face the outside of the first and second sealing members 2 and 3.

  Such a lighting device LPa includes, for example, a juxtaposing step of juxtaposing a plurality of surface emitting elements 1 on the first sealing member 2 so as to sandwich the thermosetting resin serving as the filling member 4 in the overlapping area SA, and 1 sealing member 2 and a second sealing member 3 are superposed on each other via a plurality of surface emitting elements 1 sandwiching the thermosetting resin, and a first and second sealing member by heating and pressing. Then, it is manufactured by, for example, roll-to-roll by a manufacturing method including a sealing step of sealing a plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 in which the thermosetting resin is sandwiched.

  More specifically, first, for the first and second sealing rolls of the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 wound in a roll shape, for the filling member 4 having a width corresponding to the width of the overlapping area SA. The first thermosetting resin sheet, the second thermosetting resin sheet for the adhesive layer having a width corresponding to the width of the margin area PA1, and the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 are prepared.

  Next, the 1st sealing member 2 pulled out from the 1st sealing roll is mounted on the base which has a flat mounting surface in a heating press.

  Next, on the first sealing member 2, a plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 are juxtaposed with their light emitting surfaces aligned so as to sandwich the thermosetting resin serving as the filling member 4 in the overlapping area SA. More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 1, the third surface light emitting element 1-21 is arranged on the first sealing member 2 with its radiation surface facing the first sealing member 2. The first surface light emitting element 1-11 is arranged so that its emission surface is aligned with the third surface light emitting element 1-21 in the column direction with the emission surface facing the first sealing member 2, and at the end thereof in the overlapping area SA-13. The parts are arranged on the first sealing member 2 such that the parts overlap each other in the thickness direction on the end of the third surface light emitting element 1-21 via the first thermosetting resin sheet. The fourth surface light emitting element 1-22 is arranged so that its emission surface is aligned with the third surface light emitting element 1-21 in the row direction toward the first sealing member 2, and at the end thereof in the overlapping area SA-34. The parts are arranged on the first sealing member 2 such that the parts overlap each other in the thickness direction on the end part of the third surface light-emitting element 1-21 via another first thermosetting resin sheet. Then, the second surface light emitting element 1-12 is arranged such that its emission surface is aligned with the first surface light emitting element 1-11 in the row direction toward the first sealing member 2, and in the overlapping area SA-12. The fourth surface emitting elements 1-in the column direction so that their ends overlap with the ends of the first surface emitting element 1-11 through the other first thermosetting resin sheet in the thickness direction. 11 and in the overlapping area SA-24, the ends thereof overlap with each other in the thickness direction on the ends of the fourth surface light emitting element 1-22 via the other first thermosetting resin sheet. Thus, it is arranged on the first sealing member 2.

  Next, the 2nd thermosetting resin sheet is arrange|positioned on the 1st sealing member 2 so that it may be located in the outer periphery of these whole surface emitting elements 1 juxtaposed on the whole circumference.

  Next, the second sealing member 3 pulled out from the second sealing roll covers the entire surface emitting elements 1 arranged side by side with the first thermosetting resin sheet sandwiched therebetween so that the first heat The curable resin sheet is sandwiched between the surface emitting elements 1 and the second thermosetting resin sheet, and the surface sealing element 1 and the second thermosetting resin sheet are stacked on the first sealing member 2.

  Next, the first sealing member 2, the plurality of surface light-emitting elements 1 sandwiching the first thermosetting resin sheet and juxtaposed, the second thermosetting resin sheet, and the second sealing member 3 are heated and pressed by a press machine. The heating and pressurizing member is used to apply pressure while heating. Thereby, the first thermosetting resin sheet is thermoset while closely filling the space between the first sealing member 2 and the two surface emitting elements 1 adjacent to each other in the overlapping area SA, It becomes the filling member 4. Then, by this, the second thermosetting resin sheet is thermoset while airtightly adhering to the first sealing member 2 and the second sealing member 3 in the margin area (portion for the peripheral edge) PA1, It becomes an adhesive layer (not shown). Therefore, the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 and the filling member 4 are entirely sealed by the first and second sealing members 2 and 3. In addition, at the time of this heating and pressurization, vacuuming (decompression) may be performed so as to be more airtight.

  Then, after being cooled to room temperature, it is wound on a roll, and thereafter, each step is similarly performed, and when necessary, the first and second sealings are left, leaving a margin area (the portion corresponding to the peripheral edge) PA1. The stop members 2 and 3 are cut, and the lighting device LPa is manufactured. In addition, after being cooled to room temperature without being wound on a roll, the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 are cut, leaving a margin area (portion for the peripheral edge) PA1, and a lighting device LPa is manufactured. May be done.

  As described above, in the lighting device LPa in the present embodiment, the filling member 4 filled in the space formed by the first sealing member 2 and the two surface emitting elements 1 adjacent to each other in the overlapping area SA. Equipped with. Therefore, the space formed by the first sealing member 2 and the two surface emitting elements 1 is closed by the filling member 4, and it is difficult for the space to serve as an invasion path for moisture and oxygen. Moreover, the lighting device LPa has a structure (dual sealing structure) in which the surface emitting element 1 having the sealing structure by the 0th sealing member 16 is further sealed by the first and second sealing members 2 and 3. Therefore, it is also excellent in moisture resistance and oxygen resistance. Therefore, the lighting device LPa is more excellent in moisture resistance and oxygen resistance in a lighting device having a partially overlapping tiling structure, more specifically, a lighting device having a partially overlapping tiling dual sealing structure. Therefore, the lighting device LPa according to the present embodiment can be used not only indoors but also outdoors, for example, in a severe environment of high temperature and high humidity, and can be used in a wider range.

  If moisture (water vapor) or oxygen permeates the first sealing member 2 or the second sealing member 3, the filling member 4 causes the first sealing member 2 and the two surface emitting elements 1 to be connected. Since the space formed by is closed, it is possible to extend the time until the permeated water (water vapor) or oxygen reaches the organic layer 14 to form the non-light emitting portion, and thus the surface emission The life of the element 1 can be extended.

  Further, in the case of constructing a light emitting surface having a relatively large area, when a plurality of individual surface light emitting elements 1 are juxtaposed, it is necessary to juxtapose the surface light emitting elements 1 one by one, which takes time and effort. .. However, in the lighting device LPa in the present embodiment, since the plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 are sealed and integrated with the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 in the tiling structure, the labor and time are reduced. It can be reduced and handleability can be improved.

  Further, since the lighting device LPa can use the first sealing member and the second sealing member that are separate bodies, a so-called roll-to-roll method can be adopted, and the production efficiency can be improved.

Next, another embodiment will be described.
(Second embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1, showing the configuration of the lighting device according to the second embodiment.

  The lighting device LPb in the second embodiment further includes a moisture absorbing member 5 in order to further improve moisture resistance, and further includes a second filling member 6 in order to further improve oxygen resistance and moisture resistance.

  The illumination device LPb in the second embodiment as described above, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, includes a plurality of juxtaposed surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22). ), the first sealing member 2, the second sealing member 3, the filling member (first filling member) 4, the moisture absorbing member 5, and the second filling member 6.

  A plurality of surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22), a first sealing member 2, a second sealing member 3 and a filling member (in the lighting device LPb of the second embodiment. The first filling member 4 is a plurality of surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22) in the lighting device LPa of the first embodiment, the first sealing member 2, respectively. Since it is similar to the second sealing member 3 and the filling member (first filling member) 4, the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the moisture absorbing member 5 is a sheet-like member having hygroscopicity and flexibility, which is arranged between the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 juxtaposed with each other and the second sealing member 3. .. More specifically, in the present embodiment, since the second filling member 6 is provided, the moisture absorbing member 5 includes the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 and the second sealing member 3 that are arranged side by side through the second filling member 6. Is placed between. As the moisture absorbent member 5, for example, a desiccant sheet including calcium oxide (CaO), a desiccant sheet including barium oxide (BaO), or the like is used.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the second filling member 6 is filled in the space formed by the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 and the moisture absorbing member 5 which are arranged side by side. Like the filling member 4, the second filling member 6 is made of a resin material, preferably a thermosetting resin. The second filling member 6 may be the same material as the filling member 4 or a different material.

  Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 including the first sealing member 2 and the filling member 4 and arranged side by side, the second filling member 6, the moisture absorbing member 5, and the second sealing member 3 are arranged. The layers are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction.

  In the method for manufacturing the illumination device LPb according to the second embodiment, first, the desiccant sheet and the third thermosetting resin having a size (area, size) capable of covering the entire plurality of juxtaposed surface emitting elements 1. Sheets are prepared.

  Next, similarly to the lighting device LPa in the first embodiment, the first sealing member 2 pulled out from the first sealing roll is placed on the base of the heating press machine, and the first sealing is performed. On the member 2, a plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 are juxtaposed with their light emitting surfaces aligned so that the thermosetting resin to be the filling member 4 is sandwiched in the overlapping area SA.

  Next, a third thermosetting resin serving as a second filling member is provided on the surface emitting elements 1 so as to cover the entire surface emitting elements 1 sandwiching the first thermosetting resin sheet. The sheets are arranged in an overlapping manner, and the desiccant sheet serving as the moisture absorbing member 5 is arranged in an overlapping manner on the third thermosetting resin sheet.

  Next, similarly to the illumination device LPa in the first embodiment, the second thermosetting resin sheet is placed on the first sealing member 2 so as to be located on the entire outer periphery of the entire surface emitting elements 1. The second sealing member 3 that is arranged in the second sealing roll and is pulled out from the second sealing roll so as to cover the entire surface emitting elements 1 through the third thermosetting resin sheet and the desiccant sheet. The surface emitting element 1, the third thermosetting resin sheet, the desiccant sheet, and the second thermosetting resin sheet are stacked on the first sealing member 2, and these are heated and pressed by a heating press machine. Is pressurized by heating.

  Then, after cooling to room temperature, it is wound on a roll, and thereafter, similarly, each step is performed, and when necessary, the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 are cut leaving a margin area PA2. Then, the lighting device LPb is manufactured. Alternatively, without being wound on a roll, after cooling to room temperature, the first and second sealing members 2 and 3 are cut leaving the margin area PA2, and the lighting device LPb is manufactured.

  The illumination device LPb in the second embodiment as described above has the same operational effect as the illumination device LPa in the first embodiment. Since the lighting device LPb further includes the moisture absorbing member 5, the moisture proof property for the surface emitting element 1 is further excellent. That is, if moisture (water vapor) permeates the first sealing member 2 or the second sealing member 3, the moisture can be absorbed by the moisture absorbent member 5, so that the permeated moisture reaches the organic layer 14 and is not absorbed. Since the time until the light emitting portion is formed can be extended, the life of the surface emitting element 1 can be extended. Since the lighting device LPb further includes the second filling member 6, even if a space is formed between the moisture absorbing member and the surface emitting element 1 by including the moisture absorbing member 5, the space is closed by the second filling member 6, Since the space is unlikely to act as a path for moisture and oxygen to enter, it is more excellent in moisture resistance and oxygen resistance.

  In addition, in the lighting device LPa, since the filling member 4 and the second filling member 6 are each a thermosetting resin, these members are subjected to one heat treatment step (the above-mentioned treatment step of applying pressure while heating). It can be processed.

  In the above description, the lighting device LPb includes both the moisture absorbing member 5 and the second filling member 6, but may include only the moisture absorbing member 5.

Next, another embodiment will be described.
(Third and fourth embodiments)
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I of FIG. 1, showing the configuration of the illumination device according to the third and fourth embodiments. 5A shows a lighting device LPc of a third embodiment which is a modification of the lighting device of the first embodiment, and FIG. 5B shows a modification of the lighting device of the second embodiment of the fourth embodiment. Illumination device LPd is shown.

  In the lighting devices LPa and LPb in the above-described first and second embodiments, the first sealing member 2 and the second sealing member 3 are separate members, but in the third and fourth embodiments. In the lighting devices LPc and LPd, the first sealing member 2 and the second sealing member 3 are integral members.

  The illumination device LPc in the third embodiment as described above includes, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5A, a plurality of juxtaposed surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22). ), a third sealing member 7 a, and a filling member (first filling member) 4. The plurality of surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22) and the filling member (first filling member) 4 in the lighting device LPc of the third embodiment are respectively the first embodiment. Since it is the same as the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22) and the filling member (first filling member) 4 in the illumination device LPa, description thereof will be omitted.

  The third sealing member 7a is a flexible sheet-shaped (film-shaped) member, like the first and second sealing members 2 and 3. And the 3rd sealing member 7a has a light transmittance. The third sealing member 7a has a plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 and a filling member 4 arranged on one side region 7a-1 thereof, and is folded back near one end of the plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 as a whole. The other side region 7a-2 is arranged so as to be stacked on the surface emitting devices 1. Then, the third sealing member 7a is a portion in which the one region 7a-1 and the other region 7a-2 are in contact with each other in the peripheral portions of the third light emitting device 1 and the filling member 4 in a state of sandwiching them. Are joined together. As a result, the third sealing member 7a seals the surface emitting elements 1 and the filling member 4. In such a third sealing member 7a, the one side region 7a-1 that abuts each radiation surface in each of the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 corresponds to the above-mentioned first sealing member 2, and a plurality of surface emitting elements. The other side region 7a-2 that abuts on the surface (rear surface) facing each radiation surface in each of 1 corresponds to the above-mentioned second sealing member 3.

  In the method for manufacturing the illumination device LPc according to the third embodiment, first, the third sealing member 7a is prepared. Next, the one side region 7a-1 of the third sealing member 7a is placed on the base of the heating press machine, and the lighting device LPa in the first embodiment is placed on the one side region 7a-1. Similarly, the plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 are juxtaposed with their light emitting surfaces aligned so as to sandwich the thermosetting resin serving as the filling member 4 in the overlapping area SA. Next, the second thermosetting resin sheet is placed outside the entire surface emitting elements 1 so as to be positioned on three sides other than one side corresponding to the folded back portion TA1 of the third sealing member 7a. It is arranged on one side area 7a-1. Next, the other side area 7a-2 of the third sealing member 7a is folded back in the vicinity of one end of the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 as a whole, and the other side area 7a-2 is provided in the plurality of surface emitting elements. The element 1 is arranged so as to be overlaid. Hereinafter, each process similar to that of the lighting device LPa in the first embodiment is performed to manufacture the lighting device LPc.

  On the other hand, the illumination device LPd in the fourth embodiment, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5B, includes a plurality of juxtaposed surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22). A fourth sealing member 7b, a filling member (first filling member) 4, a moisture absorbing member 5, and a second filling member 6. A plurality of surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22), a filling member (first filling member) 4, a moisture absorbing member 5 and a second filling in the lighting device LPd of the fourth embodiment. The member 6 is a plurality of surface emitting elements 1 (1-11, 1-12, 1-21, 1-22), the filling member (first filling member) 4, and the moisture absorption in the lighting device LPb of the second embodiment, respectively. Since it is similar to the member 5 and the second filling member 6, the description thereof is omitted.

  Similar to the third sealing member 7a, the fourth sealing member 7b is a light-transmissive, flexible sheet-shaped (film-shaped) member. In the fourth sealing member 7b, a plurality of surface emitting elements 1 and a filling member 4 are arranged on one side area 7b-1, and the fourth sealing member 7b is folded back near one end of the plurality of surface emitting elements 1 as a whole. The other side region 7a-2 is arranged so as to be overlapped on the plurality of surface light emitting devices 1 with the second filling member 6 and the moisture absorbing member 5 interposed therebetween. Then, the fourth sealing member 7b sandwiches the plurality of surface light emitting elements 1, the filling member 4, the second filling member 6 and the moisture absorbing member 5, and the one region 7b-1 and the other region at the peripheral portions thereof. The regions 7b-2 are joined at the portions in contact with each other. As a result, the fourth sealing member 7b seals the surface emitting elements 1, the filling member 4, the second filling member 6 and the moisture absorbing member 5. In the fourth sealing member 7b as described above, the one side region 7b-1 contacting each radiation surface in each of the plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 corresponds to the above-mentioned first sealing member 2, and the second filling member 6 is provided. The other side region 7b-2 that abuts on the above corresponds to the above-mentioned second sealing member 3.

  In the method of manufacturing the lighting device LPd according to the fourth embodiment, first, the fourth sealing member 7b is prepared. Next, the one side region 7b-1 of the fourth sealing member 7b is placed on the base of the heating press machine, and the lighting device LPb in the second embodiment is placed on the one side region 7b-1. Similarly, a plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 are juxtaposed with their light emitting surfaces aligned so as to sandwich the thermosetting resin serving as the filling member 4 in the overlapping area SA, and the plurality of surface light emitting elements 1 are arranged on the plurality of surface light emitting elements 1. The 3rd thermosetting resin sheet used as 2 filling members is piled up, and the desiccant sheet used as the moisture absorption member 5 is piled up and arranged on this 3rd thermosetting resin sheet. Next, the second thermosetting resin sheet is placed outside the entire surface emitting elements 1 so as to be located on the other three sides except one side corresponding to the folded back portion TA2 of the fourth sealing member 7b. It is arranged on one side area 7b-1. Next, the other side region 7b-2 of the fourth sealing member 7b is folded back in the vicinity of one end of the entire plurality of surface emitting elements 1, and the other side region 7b-2 is superposed on the desiccant sheet. Placed. Hereinafter, each process similar to that of the lighting device LPb in the second embodiment is performed to manufacture the lighting device LPd.

  The illumination devices LPc and LPd in the third and fourth embodiments have the same operational effects as the illumination device LPa in the first embodiment, except for the roll-to-roll viewpoint. The illumination device LPd in the fourth embodiment has the same operational effect as the illumination device LPb in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the lighting devices LPc and LPd in the third and fourth embodiments are configured such that one third and fourth sealing member 7a, 7b is folded back at one end of the plurality of juxtaposed surface emitting elements 1. The first sealing member 2 and the second sealing member 3 can be configured by the single third and fourth sealing members 7a and 7b. Then, as described above, when the first sealing member 2 and the second sealing member 3 are separate members, the first sealing member 2 and the second sealing member are sealed during the sealing process. Marginal areas (so-called “spots”) PA1 and PA2 to which the member 3 is attached are required on the entire outer circumference of the entire surface emitting elements 1. However, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the lighting devices LPc and LPd in the third and fourth embodiments do not need such margin areas PA1 and PA2 at the folded-back portions TA1 and TA2. Therefore, the illuminating device can be downsized while maintaining the area of the light emitting surface (without reducing the area of the light emitting surface).

  In order to represent the present invention, the present invention has been described above appropriately and sufficiently through the embodiments with reference to the drawings, but those skilled in the art can easily modify and/or improve the above embodiments. It should be recognized that this is possible. Therefore, unless a modification or improvement performed by a person skilled in the art is at a level that departs from the scope of rights of the claims recited in the claims, the modification or the improvement is covered by the scope of rights of the claims. Is understood to be included in.

LP, LPa to LPd, P Illumination device 1 Surface emitting element 2 First sealing member 3 Second sealing member 4 Filling member (first filling member)
5 Moisture Absorbing Member 6 Second Filling Member

Claims (6)

A sheet-shaped first sealing member having flexibility,
A plurality of sheet-like surface emitting elements which are arranged side by side on the first sealing member and have a flexible and sealing structure;
In the overlapping region in which one end of two surface emitting elements adjacent to each other in the plurality of surface emitting elements overlaps the other end in the thickness direction, the first sealing member and the two A filling member filled in the space formed by the surface emitting element,
A lighting device having a dual sealing structure , comprising: a flexible sheet-shaped second sealing member that seals the plurality of surface emitting elements and the filling member with the first sealing member. apparatus. The sheet-shaped hygroscopic member having hygroscopicity and flexibility is further provided between the plurality of surface light-emitting elements and the second sealing member . Lighting equipment. The lighting device having a dual sealing structure according to claim 2, further comprising a second filling member filled in a space formed by the plurality of surface light emitting elements and the moisture absorbing member. The said 1st sealing member and said 2nd sealing member are separate members, The illuminating device of the dual sealing structure of any one of Claim 1 thru|or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The said 1st sealing member and the said 2nd sealing member are integral members, The illuminating device of the dual sealing structure of any one of Claim 1 thru|or 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The dual sealing structure lighting device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the filling member and the second filling member are each a thermosetting resin.

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