JPWO2008120365A1 - Organic EL panel and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to reduce the thickness and extend the life of the organic EL panel in which the electrode pattern is formed by the partition wall (4), the first electrode (2), the partition wall (4), the organic layer (including the one surface of the substrate (1)) 5) and a coating film (7, 70, 71) covering the second electrode (6), and the coating material forming the coating film is made of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material, The covering film is formed so as to contact at least a part of the side surface of the partition wall.

Description

  The present invention relates to an organic EL panel and a method for manufacturing the same.

  Organic EL panels are, for example, scanners, display screens for mobile phones, monitor screens for in-vehicle or household electronic devices, information display screens for personal computers and television receivers, advertising lighting panels, etc. A self-luminous panel that can be used for various purposes as various light sources used in printers, as illumination devices used in general illumination, backlights of liquid crystal display devices, etc., or as optical communication devices using photoelectric conversion functions. is there.

  The organic EL panel includes one or a plurality of light emitting units (pixels) made of organic EL elements, and each light emitting unit is turned on or off to display desired information, various light sources, It can function as a lighting device. As the form of the light emitting part (pixel), there are a plurality of dots arranged in a matrix shape, a part forming an icon part (fixed display part), etc. The size of the panel can be formed in various sizes depending on the application. can do.

  In such an organic EL panel, when the organic layer and the electrodes constituting the organic EL element are exposed to moisture and oxygen in the atmosphere, the light emission characteristics of the element are deteriorated, so that the organic EL element is shielded from the outside air. Providing sealing means is indispensable at the present development stage.

  As a sealing structure of the organic EL panel, a metal or glass sealing member and a substrate on which the organic EL element is formed are bonded together to form a sealing space in which a desiccant can be disposed around the organic EL element. In general, a structure is adopted. In addition, further thinning of the panel and adoption of a top emission system that extracts light from the opposite side of the substrate with respect to the organic EL device on the substrate have been studied, and the organic EL device on the substrate is directly sealed A solid sealing structure coated with is being studied.

In the following Patent Document 1, a protective film is formed on an organic EL element partitioned by a partition so as to cover the partition that has the maximum thickness of the layered material of the organic EL element, and the thickness of the protective film is defined as the partition. It is described that the film is formed to have a thickness equal to or greater than that.
Japanese Patent No. 3405335

  As a driving method of the organic EL panel, a passive driving method and an active driving method are known. The passive drive system includes a plurality of first electrodes formed in a stripe shape on a substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes formed in a stripe shape so as to intersect with the first electrodes, the first electrode, the second electrode, An organic EL element that sandwiches the organic layer between the first electrode and the second electrode is formed at the intersection of the two, and the specified organic EL element is driven to light by selecting the first electrode and the second electrode. .

  In this passive matrix method, an electrically insulating insulating film is formed on the substrate and the first electrode so as to expose a part of the light emitting portion of the first electrode and cover the other part, and on the insulating film. A partition having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section is formed in parallel with the direction intersecting the first electrode, and an organic layer having a stripe pattern intersecting the first electrode and the second are formed by forming a film between the partitions. An electrode is formed.

  According to this, by making the cross section of the partition wall into a substantially inverted trapezoidal shape, the continuity between the film formation layer formed on the upper part of the partition wall and the film formation layer formed between the partition walls is cut off, and a stripe shape is formed between the partition walls. The plurality of second electrodes can be electrically insulated from each other.

  However, since the partition wall is a resin molding that is patterned by photolithography including a wet process, outgas may be generated that adversely affects the organic EL element after the element is formed. In this case, even if a coating film as in the prior art is provided, the outgas generated from the partition wall reaches the constituent elements of the organic EL element through the coating film, and the emission characteristics of the organic EL element deteriorate. Inviting problems arise.

  On the other hand, when an organic EL panel provided with such a partition adopts the above-described conventional technique to form a solid sealing structure that directly covers the organic EL element, a coating film that covers the organic EL element is formed. In addition, the substantially inverted trapezoidal partition acts as an umbrella, and a cavity is formed around the side surface of the partition where the coating material cannot reach. In particular, when a coating film is formed by a vapor deposition process, a portion where the vapor deposition flow does not reach is formed on the side face of the partition wall which is behind the vapor deposition flow, and the above-mentioned cavity portion appears remarkably.

  If such a hollow portion exists around the side wall of the partition wall, outgas generated from the partition wall accumulates in the cavity portion, which adversely affects the electrodes or organic layers of the organic EL elements formed in the periphery. Problems arise.

  This invention makes it an example of a subject to cope with such a problem. That is, in the organic EL panel in which the electrode pattern is formed by the partition walls, the influence of the outgas generated from the partition walls is effectively eliminated, the deterioration of the light emission characteristics due to the outgas is prevented, and the coating film that directly covers the organic EL element is formed. It is effective to achieve thinning of the organic EL panel, to achieve a long life of the organic EL panel by preventing the remarkable deterioration of the light emitting characteristics of the organic EL element in that case, and the like. Is the purpose.

  In order to achieve such an object, the organic EL panel and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention include at least the configurations according to the following independent claims.

  [Claim 1] An organic EL panel provided with a light emitting portion made of an organic EL element, a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes formed in parallel on the substrate, and the light emission on the first electrode An insulating film that electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes by exposing a part forming the part and covering the other part, and in parallel so as to intersect the first electrode on the insulating film A plurality of partition walls having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section, an organic layer formed on at least the first electrode, and formed in parallel on the organic layer so as to intersect the first electrode A coating material that includes the second electrode and a coating film that covers the first electrode, the partition, the organic layer, and the second electrode, including one surface of the substrate, and that forms the coating film, , Composed of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material, and the coating film is at least of the partition wall The organic EL panel, characterized in that in contact with the portion of the surface.

  [Claim 4] An organic EL panel provided with a light emitting portion comprising an organic EL element, a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes formed in parallel on the substrate, and the light emission on the first electrode An insulating film that electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes by exposing a part forming the part and covering the other part, and in parallel so as to intersect the first electrode on the insulating film A plurality of partition walls having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section, an organic layer formed on at least the first electrode, and formed in parallel on the organic layer so as to intersect the first electrode A coating material that includes the second electrode and a coating film that covers the first electrode, the partition, the organic layer, and the second electrode, including one surface of the substrate, and that forms the coating film, , Composed of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material, and the coating film covers the entire side surface of the partition wall. Has a pressure deformation membrane deformed portion Migihitsuji, organic EL panel, characterized in that it comprises a sealing means for forming a sealed space for sealing the organic EL element on said coating layer.

  [Claim 5] An organic EL panel provided with a light emitting portion comprising an organic EL element, a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes formed in parallel on the substrate, and the light emission on the first electrode An insulating film that electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes by exposing a part forming the part and covering the other part, and in parallel so as to intersect the first electrode on the insulating film A plurality of partition walls having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section, an organic layer formed on at least the first electrode, and formed in parallel on the organic layer so as to intersect the first electrode A coating material that includes the second electrode and a coating film that covers the first electrode, the partition, the organic layer, and the second electrode, including one surface of the substrate, and that forms the coating film, , Composed of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material, and the coating film covers the entire side surface of the partition wall. Has a pressure deformation membrane deformed portion Migihitsuji, organic EL panel, and forming a sealing layer sealing the organic EL element on said coating layer.

  [Claim 6] A method of manufacturing an organic EL panel having a light emitting portion made of an organic EL element, the first electrode forming step of forming a plurality of first electrodes arranged in parallel on one side of the substrate, the first electrode An insulating film forming step of forming an insulating film that electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes by exposing a part of the light emitting portion on the upper surface and covering the other part; A partition formation step of forming a plurality of partition walls having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section in parallel so as to cross one electrode, an organic layer formation step of forming an organic layer on at least the first electrode, and on the organic layer Including a second electrode forming step of forming a second electrode in parallel to intersect the first electrode, one surface of the substrate, the first electrode, the partition, the organic layer, and the second electrode A coating film forming step for forming a coating film for coating The coating material for forming the coating film is made of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material, and the coating film is in contact with at least a part of the side surface of the partition wall. Manufacturing method.

It is explanatory drawing explaining the organic electroluminescent panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its manufacturing method. It is explanatory drawing explaining the organic electroluminescent panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its manufacturing method. It is explanatory drawing explaining the organic electroluminescent panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its manufacturing method. It is explanatory drawing explaining the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the organic electroluminescent panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing (element structure of an organic EL element) explaining the Example of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the structure of an organic EL panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. An organic EL panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate 1, a first electrode 2, an insulating film 3, a partition wall 4, an organic layer 5, a second electrode 6, and a coating film 7 as a basic configuration.

  The substrate 1 can be formed of glass or the like. When light is extracted through the substrate 1 (bottom emission), it is necessary to be a transparent member, but when light is extracted to the opposite side of the substrate 1 (top emission), it is not necessary to be a transparent member. .

  The first electrode 2 is formed in parallel (in the form of stripes) on the substrate 1. When light is taken out through the substrate 1, a transparent electrode such as ITO is used, When extracting light, other metal electrodes having high reflectivity are used.

  The insulating film 3 electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes 2 by exposing a part forming the light emitting part on the first electrode 2 and covering the other part, and emits light in a dot matrix shape. When arranging the portions, the left and right side portions of the first electrode 2 are partially covered so that the exposed portions on the first electrode 2 are partitioned in a lattice pattern, and a portion is partially on the substrate 1. It is formed on one electrode 2.

  A plurality of partition walls 4 are formed in parallel on the insulating film 3 so as to intersect the first electrode 2 (in the illustrated example, in the form of stripes perpendicular to the paper surface), and have a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section. The substantially trapezoidal shape only needs to be in a state where the width of the upper surface of the partition wall 4 is larger than the width of the lower surface on the insulating film 3, and includes a T-shaped one. The side surface of the partition wall 4 may be a flat surface, a slightly curved surface, or a surface refracted to form a T-shape.

  The organic layer 5 is a layer of an organic EL medium including a light emitting layer, and is formed on the first electrode that is not covered with at least the insulating film 3. Various light emitting layers and various functional layers for supplying electrons / holes to the light emitting layer (for example, electron injection / transport layer, hole injection / transport layer, hole / electron block layer, hole / electron buffer layer, etc.) ).

  The second electrode 6 is formed in parallel on the organic layer 5 so as to intersect the first electrode 2, and the organic layer 5 is sandwiched at the intersection with the first electrode 2 to emit light composed of an organic EL element. The part is formed. A transparent electrode such as ITO is used when light is extracted to the side opposite to the substrate 1, and another metal electrode with high reflectivity is used when light is extracted through the substrate 1.

  The coating film 7 covers the first electrode 2, the partition 4, the organic layer 5, and the second electrode 6 including the one surface of the substrate 1, and the coating material for forming the coating film 7 is It consists of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material, and the coating film 7 is in contact with at least a part of the side surface of the partition wall 4.

  According to the organic EL panel having such a configuration, the outgas generated from the partition wall 4 after the element is formed is absorbed by the hygroscopic agent in the coating material, so that harmful components (water, oxygen, etc.) of the outgas are covered with the coating film 7. Even if it permeates, it does not reach the first electrode 2, the second electrode 6 or the organic layer 5 of the organic EL element via the coating film 7. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the light emission characteristics due to the outgas generated from the partition 4.

  Further, since the coating film 7 containing the hygroscopic agent is formed so as to contact not only the upper surface of the partition wall 4 but also a part of the side surface, the outgas generated from the partition wall 4 can be effectively absorbed. In addition, the deterioration of the light emission characteristics due to the scattering of the outgas can be suppressed, and the life of the organic EL panel can be extended.

  As a method for manufacturing such an organic EL panel, a first electrode forming step for forming a plurality of first electrodes 2 arranged in parallel on one side of the substrate 1 and a part for forming a light emitting portion on the first electrode 2 are exposed. An insulating film forming step for forming an insulating film 3 that electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes 2 by covering other parts, and in parallel so as to intersect the first electrode 2 on the insulating film 3, A partition formation step of forming a plurality of partition walls 4 having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section, an organic layer formation step of forming an organic layer 5 on at least the first electrode 2, and a first electrode 2 crossing over the organic layer 5 A coating film 7 for covering the first electrode 2, the partition wall 4, the organic layer 5, and the second electrode 6, including the second electrode forming step for forming the second electrode 6 in parallel with the substrate 1 and one surface of the substrate 1. A coating film forming step to be formed.

  In the first electrode forming step, the electrode material of the first electrode 2 is formed on the substrate by a thin film forming technique such as vapor deposition and sputtering, and then patterned in a stripe shape by a pattern forming technique such as photolithography. After pattern formation, cleaning and drying processes are performed as necessary.

In the insulating film forming step, an organic insulating material such as polyimide or an inorganic insulating material such as SiO ₂ or SiN is used to form a film on one surface of the substrate 1 on which the first electrode 2 is formed, and then a pattern is formed. . Specifically, when an organic insulating material such as polyimide is used, a film having a predetermined thickness is formed on the substrate 1 on which the first electrode 2 is formed by a spin coating method or the like to form a light emitting portion. An exposure process is performed using an exposure mask having an opening pattern, and then a development process is performed to form the insulating film 3 having the lattice pattern described above. When the insulating film is formed of an inorganic material, the film is formed by vapor deposition, sputtering, or the like, and the above-described lattice pattern is obtained by a pattern formation technique such as photolithography.

  In the partition formation step, the partition 4 is formed in a stripe shape on the insulating film 3. The shape and pattern of the partition 4 can be formed by photolithography. That is, after applying a photosensitive resin to a predetermined thickness, light is irradiated through a photomask having a striped pattern opening intersecting the first electrode 2, and the difference in exposure amount in the thickness direction of the film A partition wall 4 having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section is formed by utilizing the difference in the developing speed generated.

  In the organic layer forming step, the first electrode 2, the insulating film 3, and the partition wall 4 are formed on the substrate 1, and then each layer of the organic layer is formed on the substrate 1 on which the first electrode 2, the insulating film 3, and the partition wall 4 are formed. The organic layer 5 is formed on the exposed portion 2. When the light emitting layer and other functional layers are separately colored for colorization, a mask having an opening corresponding to the light emitting portion forming position of the same color is used, and the mask is exchanged or the position is shifted. However, a film is formed for each color. Each layer of the organic layer 5 can be formed by vacuum deposition.

  In the second electrode formation step, after the organic layer 5 is formed, an electrode material for the second electrode 6 is formed thereon. At this time, the partition 4 functions as a shadow mask, and the second electrode 6 having a stripe pattern is formed between the partitions 4.

  In the coating film forming process, the coating film 7 is formed by a film forming process such as vapor deposition using a film forming material composed of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material. At this time, in order to form the coating film 7 so as to be in contact with a part of the side surface of the partition wall 4, angle deposition, vibration or rotation of the substrate, or directivity of the deposition flow is reduced. It is necessary that the film forming material wraps around the side surface.

  According to such a method of manufacturing an organic EL panel, the coating film 7 containing a hygroscopic agent can be formed so as to be in contact with the partition walls 4, so that the outgas generated from the partition walls 4 can be effectively absorbed, The deterioration of the light emission characteristics due to the scattering of the outgas can be suppressed, and the life of the organic EL panel can be extended.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an organic EL panel according to another embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure is the same as the above-described embodiment by including the substrate 1, the first electrode 2, the insulating film 3, the partition 4, the organic layer 5, and the second electrode 6.

  In the organic EL panel according to this embodiment, a coating film 70 is formed so as to cover the entire side surface of the partition wall 4, and the coating material for forming the coating film 70 is a hygroscopic agent as in the above-described embodiment. And an amorphous organic material.

  As a method for manufacturing such an organic EL panel, the first electrode forming step, the insulating film forming step, the partition wall forming step, the organic layer forming step, the second electrode forming step, and the coating film forming step are performed as described above. However, in the coating film forming step, a film forming method with high coverage (coverage) is adopted. For example, in the case of vapor deposition, the film formation time is lengthened by methods such as angle vapor deposition, vibration or rotation of the substrate, or a decrease in directivity of the vapor deposition flow.

  According to such an organic EL panel and the manufacturing method thereof, since the entire partition 4 is covered with the coating film 70 containing the hygroscopic agent, the hygroscopic agent reliably absorbs outgas generated from the partition 4 after element formation. And outgassing does not occur. Further, since the hygroscopic agent absorbs and blocks the harmful components of the outgas that reaches the component of the organic EL element through the coating film 70, the emission characteristics of the organic EL element are reliably deteriorated by the outgassing of the partition walls 4. Can be prevented.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an organic EL panel according to another embodiment of the present invention. The basic structure is the same as the above-described embodiment by including the substrate 1, the first electrode 2, the insulating film 3, the partition 4, the organic layer 5, and the second electrode 6.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the organic EL panel according to this embodiment is a coating made of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material, and has a predetermined thickness so as to cover the entire partition wall 4. A film 71A is formed, and then a film deformation step by pressure treatment is performed to form a coating film 71 in which a film deformation portion 71x in contact with the side surface of the partition wall 4 is formed as shown in FIG. The

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3A, a coating film 71A is formed by vapor deposition or the like on one surface of the substrate 1 on which the first electrode 2, the insulating film 3, the partition wall 4, the organic film 5, and the second electrode 6 are formed. Then, since the partition wall 4 having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section is present, a cavity portion C is formed around the side surface of the partition wall 4, but by using an amorphous organic material as a coating material, 3 (b) enables a pressure treatment as shown in FIG. 3 (b). By this pressure treatment, the coating material on the side of the cavity portion C is filled in the cavity portion C, and the membrane deformation portion in contact with the side surface of the partition 4 71x is formed.

  According to the organic EL panel according to such an embodiment, since the partition wall 4 is completely covered by the coating film 71 containing the hygroscopic agent, the hygroscopic agent surely absorbs the outgas generated from the partition wall 4 and is thus outgassed. Can be prevented. As a result, deterioration of the organic EL element due to the outgas generated from the partition walls 4 can be prevented, and the life of the organic EL panel can be extended. In addition, since the flattened surface is formed on the surface of the coating film 71 by the pressurizing process described above, the subsequent sealing process can be effectively performed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the organic EL panel according to the embodiment of the present invention described above. After performing the substrate preparation step Sa including polishing and cleaning of the substrate, as described above, the first electrode formation step S1, the insulating film formation step S2, the partition wall formation step S3, the organic layer formation step S4, and the second electrode formation After the step S5 and the coating film forming step S6, a sealing step or the like (Sb) is performed thereafter.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, as the coating film forming process S6, a film forming process S6a for forming a coating film 71A having a predetermined thickness is first performed, and thereafter, from the surface of the coating film 71A. A film deformation step S6b for performing pressure treatment is performed.

  As the adsorbent in the coating material, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal (Na, K, Ca, Mg, etc.) salt anhydride, chloride, sulfide, oxide or the like can be used. Magnesium sulfate, anhydrous sodium sulfate, calcium chloride, lithium chloride, calcium oxide, vanadium oxide, strontium oxide, and the like can be used.

The amorphous organic material in the covering material may be any organic material that can be formed by vapor deposition that does not damage the organic layer 5 or the second electrode 6 during film formation and that becomes amorphous during film formation. N, N′-di (naphthalen-1-yl) -N, N′-diphenyl-benzidine (NPB), aluminum quinolinol complex (Alq ₃ ), or the like can be used.

  After the above-described coating film forming step S6, a sealing step is performed. As a sealing process in each embodiment mentioned above, it seals without providing the hollow sealing which seals the organic EL element coat | covered with the coating films 7,70,71 in sealing space, and sealing space. There is a solid seal. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining these two sealing forms. The example shown in FIG. 2A is hollow sealing, and the organic EL element structure E (first electrode 2, insulating film 3, partition wall 4, organic layer 5, second electrode 6) formed on the substrate 1 is shown. Is coated with the coating films 7, 70, 71, and then the substrate 1 and the sealing member 80 are bonded together with an adhesive 90 so as to form the sealing space M. Further, the example shown in FIG. 5B is solid sealing, and the organic EL element structure E formed on the substrate 1 is coated with the coating films 7, 70, 71, and then the adhesive layer 91 is formed thereon. And a sealing layer 81 is further formed thereon. The sealing layer 81 in this case may be a sealing plate such as glass or a sealing film such as a metal film.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the organic EL panel according to the embodiment of the present invention that has undergone such a sealing process prevents outgas generated from the partition walls 4 from diffusing into the sealed space M. In the example shown in FIG. 5B, it is possible to prevent the outgas generated from the partition 4 from penetrating into the adhesive layer 91. Outgas generated from the partition walls 4 is generated after sealing and deteriorates the light emission characteristics of the organic EL element. If this outgas is present, the life of the organic EL panel is deteriorated regardless of the performance of the sealing technology. According to the embodiment of the present invention, since deterioration due to outgas can be suppressed, it is possible to effectively extend the life of the organic EL panel by enhancing the performance of the sealing technique.

<Element Structure> The following examples and comparative examples have the common element structure shown in FIG. That is, the first electrode 2 is formed by forming a thin film of ITO on the glass substrate 1 by a film forming method such as vapor deposition or sputtering, and patterning by photolithography or the like. As the organic layer 5 formed on the first electrode 2, 30 nm of CuPc is used as the hole injection layer 5A, and N, N′-di (naphthalen-1-yl) -N, N′— is used as the hole transport layer 5B. diphenyl - N'-diphenyl-benzidine (NPB) to 30 nm, the light emitting layer 5C 30 nm Alq ₃ is that coumarin to 0.6 wt% doped as, 30 nm and Alq ₃ as an electron transport layer 5D, 1 nm to Li ₂ O as an electron injection layer 5E, these Each is formed by vacuum evaporation. The second electrode 6 is formed with a predetermined thickness by depositing Al.

  In place of the above-described constituent materials, the substrate 1 is a plastic substrate, and the first electrode 2 is a conductive material (IZO, poly (3,4) -ethylenedioxythiophene (PE-DOT) and polystyrene sulfonate (PSS)). PE-DOT: PSS), hole injection layer 5A is PE-DOT: PSS, hole transport layer 5B is tetraphenyldiaminodiphenyl (TPD), diphenylnaphthyldiamine (α-NPD), poly (p-phenylene vinylene) ( PPV), the light-emitting layer 5C is doped with perylene and tetraphenylbutadiene (TPB), and the electron transport layer 5D is (4-biphenyl) (4-t-butylphenyl) oxydiazole (PDB), 1, 2, 4 -Triazole derivative (TAZ), LiF can be used for the electron injection layer 5E, MgAg, AlLi, etc. can be used for the second electrode. Results similar to the evaluation results described later can also be obtained by changing these materials.

<Example 1> As shown in FIG. 1, a coating film 7 having a height of 6 μm, which is higher than a height of 4.5 μm, is formed by combining a height of 1 μm of the insulating film 3 and a height of 3.5 μm of the partition walls 4. Further, the coating film 7 was brought into contact with the side surface of the partition wall 4 by using angle vapor deposition. As a coating material of the coating film 7, a film was formed by co-evaporation using an electron beam method and a resistance heating method, using CaO as a hygroscopic agent, Alq ₃ as an amorphous organic material, and a mixing ratio of 1: 5. . The sealing step is a sealing member made of a glass substrate in which a recess (drilling) is formed so as not to damage the coating film 7 and the organic EL element in order to perform hollow sealing as shown in FIG. 80 was used, and this was attached to the substrate 1 with an ultraviolet curable adhesive. The adhesive was applied around the periphery of the recess.

<Example 2> As shown in FIG. 2, it formed similarly to Example 1 except forming the coating film 70 so that the whole partition 4 may be covered. In order to cover the entire partition wall 4 with the coating film 70, a relatively long film formation time was set using a film formation method with high coverage (coverage).

<Example 3> As shown in FIG. 3, it formed similarly to Example 1 except forming the coating film 71 so that the whole partition 4 may be covered. In order to cover the entire partition wall 4 with the coating film 71, after forming a film with a certain thickness, a pressure treatment was performed to form a film deformed part 71 x filling the cavity part C.

Example 4 An organic EL panel was formed by replacing the sealing process in Example 1 with the solid sealing shown in FIG. That is, after the coating film 7 is formed, an ultraviolet curable adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the flat glass sealing member, and an adhesive layer 91 is formed on the coating film 7 to bond the sealing member and the substrate 1 together. In addition, a sealing layer 81 made of a sealing member was formed.

Example 5 An organic EL panel was formed by replacing the sealing process in Example 2 with the solid sealing shown in FIG. That is, after the coating film 70 is formed, an ultraviolet curable adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the flat glass sealing member, and an adhesive layer 91 is formed on the coating film 70 to bond the sealing member and the substrate 1 together. In addition, a sealing layer 81 made of a sealing member was formed.

Example 6 An organic EL panel was formed by replacing the sealing process in Example 3 with the solid sealing shown in FIG. That is, after the coating film 71 is formed, an ultraviolet curable adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the flat glass sealing member, and an adhesive layer 91 is formed on the coating film 71 to bond the sealing member and the substrate 1 together. In addition, a sealing layer 81 made of a sealing member was formed.

Comparative Example 1 Angular vapor deposition was not performed when the coating film 7 was formed in Example 1, and the coating film 7 was not in contact with the side surfaces of the partition walls 4.
<Comparative example 2> The sealing process was performed in a state where the cavity portion C was present without improving the covering property when forming the coating film 71 in the example 6.
In place of the coating film 7 in <Comparative Example 3> Example 1, using Alq ₃ containing no moisture absorbent as a planarizing film, it was then sealing step (hollow sealing).

<Evaluation Method> A high-temperature storage test at a temperature of 85 ° C. was performed on the organic EL panels formed in the above-described Examples and Comparative Examples, and the state of the light emitting part (pixel) after 500 hours of continuous lighting was observed. In that case, the width of the non-light emitting portion (black frame, dark spot) extending from the peripheral portion of the pixel is less than 1 μm, ◎ 1 μm or more and less than 3 μm, ◯ 3 μm or more and less than 10 μm, Δ X was evaluated.

<Evaluation results> The evaluation results are as shown in the following table.

As is clear from the above evaluation results, regardless of whether the sealing process is hollow sealing or solid sealing, the coating films 7, 70, 71 made of the adsorbent and the amorphous organic material are provided at least on the side surfaces of the partition walls 4. By making it contact, the outgas generated from the partition 4 can be absorbed effectively, and deterioration of the organic EL panel due to the outgas can be effectively suppressed.
Further, the present invention can obtain the same effect in suppressing black frames and dark spots not only in the above evaluation results but also in a test in a high temperature and high humidity state at 60 ° C. and 90% humidity.

  As described above, according to each embodiment of the present invention, in the organic EL panel in which the electrode pattern is formed by the partition walls 4, the influence of the outgas generated from the partition walls 4 is effectively eliminated, and the emission characteristics are deteriorated by the outgas. Therefore, the coating films 7, 70 and 71 that directly cover the organic EL element can function effectively, and the organic EL panel can be thinned. In such a case as well, it is possible to prevent a remarkable deterioration in the light emission characteristics of the organic EL element, and to achieve a long lifetime of the organic EL panel.

[0003]
In this case, a portion where the vapor deposition flow does not reach is formed on the side face of the partition wall which is behind the vapor deposition flow, and the above-mentioned cavity portion appears remarkably.
[0012]
If such a hollow portion exists around the side wall of the partition wall, outgas generated from the partition wall accumulates in the cavity portion, which adversely affects the electrodes or organic layers of the organic EL elements formed in the periphery. Problems arise.
[0013]
This invention makes it an example of a subject to cope with such a problem. That is, in the organic EL panel in which the electrode pattern is formed by the partition walls, the influence of the outgas generated from the partition walls is effectively eliminated, the deterioration of the light emission characteristics due to the outgas, and the coating film that directly covers the organic EL element It is effective to achieve thinning of the organic EL panel, to achieve a long life of the organic EL panel by preventing the remarkable deterioration of the light emitting characteristics of the organic EL element in that case, and the like. Is the purpose.
Means for Solving the Problems [0014]
In order to achieve such an object, the organic EL panel and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention include at least the configuration according to the following independent claims.
[0015]
[Claim 1] A method of manufacturing an organic EL panel including a light emitting portion made of an organic EL element, the first electrode forming step of forming a plurality of first electrodes arranged in parallel on one side of the substrate, the first electrode An insulating film forming step of forming an insulating film that electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes by exposing a part of the light emitting unit on the upper surface and covering the other part; A partition formation step of forming a plurality of partition walls having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section in parallel so as to cross one electrode, an organic layer formation step of forming an organic layer on at least the first electrode, and on the organic layer Including a second electrode forming step of forming a second electrode in parallel to intersect the first electrode, one surface of the substrate, the first electrode, the partition, the organic layer, and the second electrode A coating film forming step for forming a coating film for coating The coating material forming the coating film is made of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material, and the coating film is in contact with at least a part of the side surface of the partition wall, and the coating film forming step includes And a film deformation step of deforming the coating material so as to contact the side surface of the partition wall after the film formation. The film deformation step includes forming a film deformation portion on the coating film by pressure treatment. A method for producing an organic EL panel, comprising:
[0016]

[0004]
[0017]
[0018]

[0005]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0019]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an organic EL panel and a method for manufacturing the same according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG. 2] It is explanatory drawing explaining the organic electroluminescent panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its manufacturing method.
[FIG. 3] It is explanatory drawing explaining the organic electroluminescent panel which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and its manufacturing method.
[FIG. 4] It is explanatory drawing explaining the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent panel based on embodiment of this invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an organic EL panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[FIG. 6] It is explanatory drawing (element structure of an organic EL element) explaining the Example of this invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION [0020]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the structure of an organic EL panel according to an embodiment of the present invention. An organic EL panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate 1, a first electrode 2, an insulating film 3, a partition wall 4, an organic layer 5, a second electrode 6, and a coating film 7 as a basic configuration.
[0021]
The substrate 1 can be formed of glass or the like. When light is extracted through the substrate 1 (bottom emission), it is necessary to be a transparent member, but when light is extracted to the opposite side of the substrate 1 (top emission), it is not necessary to be a transparent member. .
[0022]
The first electrode 2 is formed in parallel (in the form of stripes) on the substrate 1. When light is taken out through the substrate 1, a transparent electrode such as ITO is used, When extracting light, other metal electrodes having high reflectivity are used.
[0023]
The insulating film 3 electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes 2 by exposing a part forming the light emitting part on the first electrode 2 and covering the other part, and emits light in a dot matrix shape. When arranging the portions, the left and right side portions of the first electrode 2 are partially covered so that the exposed portions on the first electrode 2 are partitioned in a lattice pattern, and a portion is partially on the substrate 1. Formed on one electrode 2

Claims (7)

An organic EL panel provided with a light emitting unit composed of an organic EL element,
A substrate,
A plurality of first electrodes formed in parallel on the substrate;
An insulating film that electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes by exposing a part of the light emitting part on the first electrode and covering the other part;
A plurality of partition walls formed in parallel on the insulating film so as to intersect the first electrode and having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section;
An organic layer formed on at least the first electrode;
A second electrode formed in parallel on the organic layer so as to intersect the first electrode;
Including one surface of the substrate, the first electrode, the partition, the organic layer, and a coating film covering the second electrode,
The coating material forming the coating film is composed of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material,
The organic EL panel, wherein the coating film is in contact with at least a part of a side surface of the partition wall.   The organic EL panel according to claim 1, wherein the coating film covers the entire side surface of the partition wall.   The organic EL panel according to claim 1, wherein the coating film has a film deformation portion that contacts a side surface of the partition wall. An organic EL panel provided with a light emitting unit composed of an organic EL element,
A substrate,
A plurality of first electrodes formed in parallel on the substrate;
An insulating film that electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes by exposing a part of the light emitting part on the first electrode and covering the other part;
A plurality of partition walls formed in parallel on the insulating film so as to intersect the first electrode and having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section;
An organic layer formed on at least the first electrode;
A second electrode formed in parallel on the organic layer so as to intersect the first electrode;
Including one surface of the substrate, the first electrode, the partition, the organic layer, and a coating film covering the second electrode,
The coating material forming the coating film is composed of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material,
The coating film has a film-deformed portion that is pressure-deformed so as to cover the entire side surface of the partition wall,
An organic EL panel comprising sealing means for forming a sealing space for sealing the organic EL element on the coating film. An organic EL panel provided with a light emitting unit composed of an organic EL element,
A substrate,
A plurality of first electrodes formed in parallel on the substrate;
An insulating film that electrically insulates between the plurality of first electrodes by exposing a part of the light emitting part on the first electrode and covering the other part;
A plurality of partition walls formed in parallel on the insulating film so as to intersect the first electrode and having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section;
An organic layer formed on at least the first electrode;
A second electrode formed in parallel on the organic layer so as to intersect the first electrode;
Including one surface of the substrate, the first electrode, the partition, the organic layer, and a coating film covering the second electrode,
The coating material forming the coating film is composed of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material,
The coating film has a film-deformed portion that is pressure-deformed so as to cover the entire side surface of the partition wall,
An organic EL panel, wherein a sealing layer for sealing the organic EL element is formed on the coating film. A method for manufacturing an organic EL panel including a light emitting unit composed of an organic EL element,
A first electrode forming step of forming a plurality of first electrodes arranged in parallel on one side of the substrate;
An insulating film forming step of forming an insulating film that electrically insulates the plurality of first electrodes by exposing a part of the light emitting portion on the first electrode and covering the other part;
A partition wall forming step of forming a plurality of partition walls having a substantially inverted trapezoidal cross section in parallel so as to intersect the first electrode on the insulating film,
An organic layer forming step of forming an organic layer on at least the first electrode;
A second electrode forming step of forming a second electrode in parallel so as to intersect the first electrode on the organic layer;
A coating film forming step of forming a coating film covering the first electrode, the partition, the organic layer, and the second electrode, including one surface of the substrate;
The coating material forming the coating film is composed of a hygroscopic agent and an amorphous organic material,
The method for manufacturing an organic EL panel, wherein the coating film is in contact with at least a part of a side surface of the partition wall.   5. The method of manufacturing an organic EL panel according to claim 4, wherein the coating film forming step includes a film deformation step of deforming the coating material so as to contact a side surface of the partition after film formation. .

Images