JPWO2013065547A1 - Organic EL lighting device and manufacturing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The organic EL lighting device (10A) includes a transparent substrate (11), a first electrode layer (12), an organic layer, and a second electrode layer (14) stacked in order on the transparent substrate (11), A sealing substrate formed on the two-electrode layer (14), and a plurality of recesses recessed inward are formed on a part of the outer edge of the sealing substrate, and the first electrode layer (12) Is exposed in one recess, and a portion of the exposed first electrode layer (12) is a first electrical connection portion (for supplying power to the first electrode layer (12)). 12P), a part of the second electrode layer (14) is exposed in the other recess, and a part of the exposed second electrode layer (14) is the second electrode layer. A second electrical connection portion (14P) for supplying power to (14) is configured.

Description

  The present invention relates to an organic EL lighting device that uses organic EL (Organic Electro Luminescence) as a planar light source and a method for manufacturing the same.

  As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-266285 (Patent Document 1) and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-152137 (Patent Document 2), an organic EL lighting device that uses an organic EL as a planar light source is known. . An organic EL lighting device is desired to be as small as possible and to save space, and as a planar light source, a space light source that is as efficient as possible within the range (in other words, occupies the entire device). The area of the light emitting part is as large as possible.

JP 2005-266285 A JP 2009-152137 A

  An object of this invention is to provide the organic electroluminescent illuminating device which has a structure which can further expand the area of a light emission part, and its manufacturing method.

  An organic EL lighting device according to the present invention is formed on a transparent substrate, a first electrode layer, an organic layer, and a second electrode layer that are sequentially stacked on the transparent substrate, and the second electrode layer, A sealing member that seals the first electrode layer, the organic layer, and the second electrode layer, and a plurality of recesses that are recessed inward are formed on a part of an outer edge of the sealing member. And a part of the first electrode layer is exposed in one of the recesses, and a part of the exposed first electrode layer is a first part for supplying power to the first electrode layer. A part of the second electrode layer is exposed in the other concave portion, and a part of the exposed second electrode layer is the second electrode layer. A second electrical connection for supplying power to the electrode layer is configured.

  The manufacturing method of the organic EL lighting device according to the present invention includes a step of preparing a transparent substrate, a step of forming a first electrode layer on the transparent substrate, and an organic layer on the first electrode layer. A step of forming a second electrode layer on the organic layer, and a step of sealing the organic layer by providing a sealing member on the second electrode layer, the first electrode The organic layer and the second electrode layer are formed in a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and each of the organic layer and the second electrode layer is exposed so that a part of the first electrode layer can be exposed. A part of the outer edge is formed to have a recess recessed inward, and a part of the outer edge of the sealing member is formed at a position corresponding to the recess of the organic layer and the recess of the second electrode layer. A first recess recessed toward the inside so that a part of the first electrode layer is exposed. A second recess that is recessed toward the inside so that a part of the second electrode layer is exposed at a part of the outer edge of the sealing member that is different from the first recess. Is formed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the organic electroluminescent illuminating device which has a structure which can further expand the area of a light emission part, and its manufacturing method can be obtained.

It is a top view for demonstrating process ST1 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in a comparative example. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST2 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in a comparative example. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST3 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in a comparative example. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST4 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in a comparative example. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST5 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in a comparative example. It is a bottom view which shows the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in a comparative example. 1 is a plan view showing an organic EL lighting device in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the organic EL lighting device in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the IX-IX line in FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XX line in FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XI-XI line in FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XII-XII line | wire in FIG. It is a bottom view which shows typically the state in which the organic EL lighting device in Embodiment 1 was connected with the electric circuit. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST10 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XV-XV line | wire in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST11 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XVII-XVII line | wire in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST12 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XIX-XIX line | wire in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST13 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XXI-XXI line | wire in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST14 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XXIII-XXIII line | wire in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST15 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is arrow sectional drawing along the XXV-XXV line | wire in FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST21 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a top view for demonstrating process ST22 of the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing an organic EL lighting device according to Embodiment 2. 6 is a plan view showing an organic EL lighting device in Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an organic EL lighting device in Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a bottom view which shows the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 4. FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating an example of a usage mode of an organic EL lighting device according to Embodiment 4. It is a bottom view which shows an example of the usage condition of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device in Embodiment 4.

  Before describing each embodiment based on the present invention, first, a comparative example relating to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description of the comparative example, the same parts and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may not be repeated.

[Comparative example]
With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device 10Z in a comparative example is demonstrated. The manufacturing method includes steps ST1 to ST5, and according to the manufacturing method, the organic EL lighting device 10Z shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is obtained. Hereinafter, process ST1-process ST5 are demonstrated in order.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in step ST1, a transparent substrate 11 is prepared, and an anode 12 is laminated at the approximate center of the surface. The transparent substrate 11 in the comparative example has a substantially square shape in plan view, and the anode 12 has a rectangular shape in plan view. The anode 12 has a smaller surface area than the transparent substrate 11. The length of the two sides of the transparent substrate 11 (the length of the two sides extending in the left-right direction in FIG. 1) and the length of the two sides of the anode 12 in a positional relationship parallel to these are substantially the same. The length of the other two sides of the transparent substrate 11 (the length of the two sides extending in the vertical direction in FIG. 1) is longer than the length of the other two sides of the anode 12 in a positional relationship parallel to them.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in step ST <b> 2, the organic layer 13 is formed in the approximate center of the surface of the anode 12. The organic layer 13 generates light (visible light) when power is supplied.

  The shape of the organic layer 13 is also substantially square in plan view. The length of the two sides of the organic layer 13 (the length of the two sides extending in the left-right direction in FIG. 2) is shorter than the length of the two sides of the anode 12 in a positional relationship parallel to them, and the position parallel to them. It is shorter than the length of the two sides of the transparent substrate 11 in relation. The lengths of the other two sides of the organic layer 13 (the lengths of the two sides extending in the vertical direction in FIG. 2) are longer than the lengths of the other two sides of the anode 12 in a positional relationship parallel to them. Is shorter than the length of the two sides of the transparent substrate 11 in a positional relationship parallel to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in step ST <b> 3, the cathode 14 is formed at the approximate center of the surface of the organic layer 13. The shape of the cathode 14 is also rectangular in plan view. The length of the two sides of the cathode 14 (the length of the two sides extending in the left-right direction in FIG. 3) is shorter than the length of the two sides of the organic layer 13 in a positional relationship parallel to them, and the position parallel to them. It is shorter than the length of the two sides of the transparent substrate 11 in relation. The lengths of the other two sides of the cathode 14 (the lengths of the two sides extending in the vertical direction in FIG. 3) are longer than the lengths of the other two sides of the organic layer 13 in a positional relationship parallel to them. Is substantially the same as the length of the two sides of the transparent substrate 11 which are in a positional relationship parallel to each other.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in step ST <b> 4, the adhesive layer 15 is formed so as to cover the substantially central portion of the surface of the cathode 14.

  The shape of the adhesive layer 15 is a substantially square shape in plan view. The length of the two sides of the adhesive layer 15 (the length of the two sides extending in the left-right direction in FIG. 4) is longer than the length of the two sides of the organic layer 13 in a positional relationship parallel to them, and is parallel to them. It is shorter than the length of the two sides of the transparent substrate 11 in a positional relationship. The length of the other two sides of the adhesive layer 15 (the length of the two sides extending in the vertical direction in FIG. 4) is longer than the length of the other two sides of the organic layer 13 in a positional relationship parallel to them. It is shorter than the length of the two sides of the transparent substrate 11 in a positional relationship parallel to these.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in step ST <b> 5, the sealing substrate 16 is formed so as to cover the surface of the adhesive layer 15. The outer shape (plan view) of the sealing substrate 16 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the surface of the adhesive layer 15. The organic EL lighting device 10Z in the comparative example is obtained through the above-described steps ST1 to ST5.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the organic EL lighting device 10Z, and FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the organic EL lighting device 10Z. In FIG. 6, the transparent substrate 11 is transparently illustrated using a one-dot chain line. In FIG. 6, the anode 12, the organic layer 13, and the like are shown through through the transparent substrate 11.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a part of the anode 12 and a part of the cathode 14 are exposed outward from the outer edges of the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16 for electrical connection. doing. A light emitting portion 18Z (see FIG. 6) is formed in a portion where the anode 12, the organic layer 13, and the cathode 14 overlap each other. The light emitting portion 18Z in this comparative example is formed in a rectangular shape.

  The portions of the anode 12 exposed from the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16 constitute anode connection portions 12P and 12Q for supplying power to the anode 12. The anode connecting portions 12P and 12Q and the anode 12 are made of the same material. The anode connecting portions 12P and 12Q are located on the peripheral edge side of the light emitting portion 18Z and are located on the opposite sides of the light emitting portion 18Z.

  The portions of the cathode 14 exposed from the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16 constitute cathode connection portions 14P and 14Q for supplying power to the cathode 14. The cathode connecting portions 14P and 14Q and the cathode 14 are made of the same material. The cathode connecting portions 14P and 14Q are located on the peripheral edge side of the light emitting portion 18Z and are located on the opposite sides of the light emitting portion 18Z.

  The transparent substrate 11, the anode 12, the organic layer 13, the cathode 14, the adhesive layer 15, the sealing substrate 16, and the like configured as described above are held by a frame body or a casing (not shown) and are attached to a ceiling or a wall surface. Fixed. As the organic EL lighting device 10Z, the drive voltage output from an external electric circuit (not shown) is supplied through the anode connecting portions 12P and 12Q and the cathode connecting portions 14P and 14Q, so that the organic layer 13 emits light. . The light generated in the organic layer 13 is extracted outside from the transparent substrate 11 (light emitting unit 18Z) side. The organic EL lighting device 10Z emits light around the light emitting unit 18Z.

  As described at the beginning, generally, in order for the organic EL lighting device to illuminate with a predetermined emission luminance, the organic EL lighting device is desired to be as small as possible and save space. As the area of the light emitting part occupying the whole, the largest possible one is desired.

  In the organic EL lighting device 10Z, the anode connecting portions 12P and 12Q and the cathode connecting portions 14P and 14Q are each formed in a rectangular shape (band shape) and extend in a wide range along the periphery of the organic EL lighting device 10Z. Yes. The anode connection portions 12P and 12Q and the cathode connection portions 14P and 14Q are portions that do not substantially contribute to light emission in the sense of increasing luminance.

  As anode connection parts 12P and 12Q and cathode connection parts 14P and 14Q, the whole surface may not be used for electric supply. In such a case, a part necessary for connecting the external electric circuit and each of the connection portions 12P, 12Q, 14P, and 14Q is a part of the surface of each of the connection portions 12P, 12Q, 14P, and 14Q. Thus, the other parts are not used for power feeding, nor are they used for light emission in the sense of increasing luminance.

  Therefore, there is room for further improvement in the organic EL lighting device 10Z from the viewpoint of increasing the area of the light emitting unit in the entire device.

[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of each embodiment, when referring to the number, amount, or the like, the scope of the present invention is not necessarily limited to the number, amount, or the like unless otherwise specified. In the description of each embodiment, the same parts and corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may not be repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
With reference to FIGS. 7-12, the organic electroluminescent illuminating device 10A in this Embodiment is demonstrated. A method for manufacturing the organic EL lighting device 10A will be described later with reference to FIGS.

(Organic EL lighting device 10A)
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the organic EL lighting device 10A. FIG. 7 corresponds to FIG. 5 in the comparative example described above. FIG. 8 is a bottom view showing the organic EL lighting device 10A. FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 6 in the comparative example described above. In FIG. 8, the transparent substrate 11 is transparently illustrated using a one-dot chain line. In FIG. 8, the anode 12, the organic layer 13, and the like are shown through through the transparent substrate 11.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI in FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XII-XII in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 12, the organic EL lighting device 10 </ b> A is a light emitting unit including an organic EL. The organic EL lighting device 10 </ b> A includes a transparent substrate 11 (cover layer), an anode 12 (first electrode layer), an organic layer 13, a cathode 14 (second electrode layer), an adhesive layer 15, and a sealing substrate 16. In the present embodiment, the anode functions as the first electrode layer and the cathode functions as the second electrode layer, but these polarities may be reversed.

  The anode 12, the organic layer 13, and the cathode 14 are sequentially stacked on the transparent substrate 11. The adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16 are formed on the cathode 14 and seal the anode 12, the organic layer 13, and the cathode 14. In the present embodiment, the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16 correspond to a sealing member.

  The transparent substrate 11 is composed of various glass substrates, for example. As a member constituting the transparent substrate 11, a film substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyether sulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC: Poly Carbonate), or the like may be used. .

  The anode 12 is a conductive film having transparency. In order to form the anode 12, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like is formed on the transparent substrate 11 by sputtering or the like. The anode 12 is formed by patterning the ITO film into a predetermined shape by photolithography or the like.

  The organic layer 13 is a layer made of an organic material such as an organic compound or a complex of several nm to several μm, and can generate light (visible light) when electric power is supplied. The organic layer 13 may be composed of a single light-emitting layer, and is formed by laminating a hole transport layer in contact with the anode 12, a light-emitting layer containing a light-emitting material, an electron transport layer in contact with the cathode, and the like. It may be configured as a plurality of layers. The organic layer 13 may include a lithium fluoride layer, an inorganic metal salt layer, a layer containing them, or the like at an arbitrary position.

  The cathode 14 is, for example, aluminum (AL). The cathode 14 is formed so as to cover the organic layer 13 by a vacuum deposition method or the like. In order to pattern the cathode 14 into a predetermined shape, a mask may be used during vacuum deposition.

  The adhesive layer 15 is provided to electrically insulate between the anode 12 and the cathode 14 while adhering and fixing a sealing substrate 16 to be described below onto the cathode 14. As the adhesive layer 15, for example, an epoxy-based, acrylic-based, or acrylic-urethane-based component, and an adhesive that is cured by ultraviolet rays or a thermosetting adhesive can be used. The outer shape (in plan view) of the adhesive layer 15 in the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the transparent substrate 11.

  The sealing substrate 16 is, for example, a glass substrate and has an insulating property. The sealing substrate 16 may be formed from a metal foil made of a metal material such as aluminum, copper, or nickel, or an alloy material such as stainless steel. The sealing substrate 16 is formed to protect the organic layer 13 from moisture and the like. As described above, in the present embodiment, the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16 correspond to a sealing member. The outer shape (plan view) of the sealing substrate 16 in the present embodiment is substantially the same as that of the transparent substrate 11.

As the sealing substrate 16, you may be comprised from the member formed in the board | substrate form (thin plate shape) from the resin-made materials, and the barrier layer laminated | stacked on the member. In this case, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethersulfone (PES), or polycarbonate (PC) is used as the material for the substrate-like member made of a resin material. As the barrier layer, an inorganic vapor deposition film such as SiO ₂ or SIN _X is used as the material.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 7, a part of the outer edge of the sealing substrate 16 includes a plurality of recesses 32P and 32Q (see also FIG. 10), 32R and 32S (see also FIG. 10) that are recessed inward. A plurality of recesses 34P and 34Q (see also FIG. 12), 34R and 34S (see also FIG. 12) are formed.

  Similarly, a part of the outer edge of the adhesive layer 15 is provided on the inner side so as to correspond to the recesses 32P, 32Q, 32R, and 32S formed in the sealing substrate 16 and the recesses 34P, 34Q, 34R, and 34S, respectively. A plurality of concave portions 22P (see FIG. 22), 22Q (see FIG. 10), 22R (see FIG. 22), 22S (see FIG. 10), and a plurality of concave portions 24P (see FIG. 22), 24Q (FIG. 12) ), 24R (see FIG. 22), 24S (see FIG. 12) are formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 7, 10, and 12, parts of the anode 12 and the cathode 14 are exposed from the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16 for electrical connection.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, a part of the anode 12 is exposed from the recess 32S of the sealing substrate 16 and the recess 22S of the adhesive layer 15, and the exposed anode 12 A part constitutes an anode connecting portion 12S for supplying power to the anode 12. Similarly, a part of the anode 12 is exposed from the recess 32Q of the sealing substrate 16 and the recess 22Q of the adhesive layer 15, and the exposed part of the anode 12 is an anode for supplying power to the anode 12. The connection unit 12Q is configured. In the present embodiment, the anode connecting portion 12S and / or the anode connecting portion 12Q can function as the first electrical connecting portion.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a part of the anode 12 is exposed from the recess 32R of the sealing substrate 16 and the recess 22R (see FIG. 22) of the adhesive layer 15, and a part of the exposed anode 12 is An anode connecting portion 12R (see FIG. 7) for supplying power to the anode 12 is configured. Similarly, a part of the anode 12 is exposed from the recess 32P of the sealing substrate 16 and the recess 22P (see FIG. 22) of the adhesive layer 15, and a part of the exposed anode 12 is exposed to the anode 12. An anode connecting portion 12P (see FIG. 7) for supplying power is configured.

  7 and 12, a part of the cathode 14 is exposed from the recess 34S of the sealing substrate 16 and the recess 24S of the adhesive layer 15, and a part of the exposed cathode 14 is a cathode A cathode connecting portion 14 </ b> S for supplying power to 14 is configured. Similarly, a part of the cathode 14 is exposed from the recessed part 34Q of the sealing substrate 16 and the recessed part 24Q of the adhesive layer 15, and the exposed part of the cathode 14 is a cathode for supplying power to the cathode 14. The connection unit 14Q is configured. In the present embodiment, the cathode connection portion 14S and / or the cathode connection portion 14Q can function as the second electrical connection portion.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a part of the cathode 14 is exposed from the recess 34R of the sealing substrate 16 and the recess 24R (see FIG. 22) of the adhesive layer 15, and a part of the exposed cathode 14 is A cathode connecting portion 14R (see FIG. 7) for supplying power to the cathode 14 is configured. Similarly, a part of the cathode 14 is exposed from the recess 34P of the sealing substrate 16 and the recess 24P (see FIG. 22) of the adhesive layer 15, and a part of the exposed cathode 14 is exposed to the cathode 14. A cathode connecting portion 14P (see FIG. 7) for supplying power is configured.

  Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in organic EL lighting device 10A, anode connecting portions 12P and 12Q and anode connecting portions 12R and 12S have two opposing sides of transparent substrate 11 (upper and lower sides in FIGS. 7 and 8). It is provided so as to be scattered on two sides extending in the direction). The cathode connection portions 14P and 14Q and the cathode connection portions 14R and 14S are also provided so as to be scattered on the other two opposite sides (two sides extending in the left-right direction in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the transparent substrate 11, respectively. ing.

  That is, the organic EL lighting device 10A in the present embodiment has a structure in which the anode 12 and the cathode 14 are exposed from the respective concave portions provided in the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16, and the anode connection portion 12P, 12Q, 12R, and 12S and cathode connection portions 14P, 14Q, 14R, and 14S are provided on the periphery of the transparent substrate 11 so as to be scattered with a minimum area necessary for power feeding.

  When the outer shape of each of the organic EL lighting device 10A in the present embodiment and the organic EL lighting device 10Z in the comparative example described above (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is the same, each anode connection portion and each cathode connection The area occupied by the unit is smaller in the organic EL lighting device 10A than in the organic EL lighting device 10Z, and in the organic EL lighting device 10A, the area of the light emitting unit 18A can be enlarged.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state where the organic EL lighting device 10 </ b> A is connected to the electric circuit 30. In FIG. 13, as in FIGS. 6 and 8, the transparent substrate 11 is transparently illustrated using a one-dot chain line. Also in FIG. 13, the anode 12 and the organic layer 13 are shown through through the transparent substrate 11.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the organic EL lighting device 10A can include, for example, a light emitting unit 18A having an area as illustrated (such as the anode 12, the organic layer 13, and the cathode 14 constituting the light emitting unit 18A). A detailed configuration will be described later with reference to FIGS. The light emitting unit 18A is a region surrounded by a two-dot chain line in the drawing (a region indicated by diagonal lines in the drawing). In FIG. 13, as a reference, the light emitting unit 18 </ b> Z (see FIG. 6) in the above-described comparative example is illustrated by a dotted line.

  The organic EL lighting device 10A includes a light emitting portion wider than the organic EL lighting device 10Z by a region outside the dotted line indicating the light emitting portion 18Z and inside the two-dot chain line indicating the light emitting portion 18A. ing. Compared to the organic EL lighting device 10Z, the organic EL lighting device 10A includes a light emitting unit 18A having a large area contributing to light emission, and can realize brighter illumination.

  That is, the organic EL lighting device 10A has a structure in which the anode 12 and the cathode 14 are exposed from the respective recesses provided in the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16, and the anode connection portions 12P, 12Q, 12R, 12S and cathode connection portions 14P, 14Q, 14R, and 14S are provided so as to be scattered at the peripheral edge of the transparent substrate 11 with a minimum area necessary for power feeding. As a result, in the organic EL lighting device 10A, the area of the light emitting portion 18A can be further increased, and the organic EL lighting device 10A improves the space utilization efficiency compared to the organic EL lighting device 10Z. Therefore, it is possible to save space when illuminating with a predetermined light emission luminance.

  In the organic EL lighting device 10A, the concave portions are formed so that the positions of the anode connecting portions 12P, 12Q, 12R, and 12S are point-symmetric with respect to the center of the organic layer 13, and the cathode connecting portion 14P. , 14Q, 14R, and 14S are formed so as to be point-symmetric. Since the power feeding to the organic layer 13 is point-symmetric, the occurrence of luminance unevenness (light emission unevenness) is suppressed.

(Manufacturing method of organic EL lighting device 10A)
With reference to FIGS. 14-25, the manufacturing method of 10 A of organic electroluminescent illuminating devices (refer FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) is demonstrated. The manufacturing method includes steps ST10 to ST15. Hereinafter, process ST10-process ST15 are demonstrated in order.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in step ST10, a transparent substrate 11 is prepared. The transparent substrate 11 is composed of various glass substrates, for example. As a member constituting the transparent substrate 11, a film substrate made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyether sulfone (PES), polycarbonate (PC: Poly Carbonate), or the like may be used. . The shape of the transparent substrate 11 in the present embodiment is a substantially square shape in plan view.

  As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in step ST <b> 11, the anode 12 (first electrode layer) is laminated at substantially the center of the surface of the transparent substrate 11. As described above, in order to form the anode 12, ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) or the like is formed on the transparent substrate 11 by sputtering or the like. The anode 12 is formed by patterning the ITO film into a predetermined shape by photolithography or the like.

  The anode 12 in the present embodiment is formed in a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and the recesses 12E, 12F, 12G, and 12H (third recesses) are formed in a part of the outer edge so as to be recessed inward. . A distance C12 between the side of the anode 12 in which the recesses 12E and 12F are formed and the outer edge of the transparent substrate 11 is, for example, 0.1 mm. An interval C12 between the side of the anode 12 where the recesses 12G and 12H are formed and the outer edge of the transparent substrate 11 is also 0.1 mm, for example.

  The anode 12 is formed so as to partially bulge outward toward the outside as compared with the case of the above-described comparative example (see FIG. 1) so that the area is as large as possible on the transparent substrate 11. The reason why the recesses 12E, 12F, 12G, and 12H are formed is to form the cathode connection portions 14P, 14Q, 14R, and 14S in a later step. By forming these recesses, the cathode connection portion is It will be formed on the transparent substrate 11. Thereby, when making an electrical connection to the cathode connection portion, it is possible to reliably prevent the cathode and the anode from being short-circuited to each other. If the insulating state between the cathode and the anode can be ensured by the organic layer between them, the recesses 12E, 12F, 12G, and 12H are not necessarily formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in step ST <b> 12, the organic layer 13 is formed approximately at the center of the surface of the anode 12. As described above, the organic layer 13 is a layer made of an organic material such as an organic compound or a complex of several nm to several μm, and can generate light (visible light) when power is supplied. The organic layer 13 may be composed of a single light-emitting layer, and is formed by laminating a hole transport layer in contact with the anode 12, a light-emitting layer containing a light-emitting material, an electron transport layer in contact with the cathode, and the like. It may be configured as a plurality of layers. The organic layer 13 may include a lithium fluoride layer, an inorganic metal salt layer, a layer containing them, or the like at an arbitrary position.

  The organic layer 13 in the present embodiment is formed in a substantially square shape as a whole, and concave portions 13E, 13F, 13G, 13H (fourth concave portion) and concave portions 13K, 13L, 13M, 13N are formed in part of the outer edge. It is formed so as to be recessed toward the inside.

  A distance C13 between the side of the organic layer 13 in which the recesses 13E and 13F are formed and the outer edge of the transparent substrate 11 is, for example, 0.1 to several mm. A distance C13 between the side of the organic layer 13 in which the recesses 13G and 13H are formed and the outer edge of the transparent substrate 11 is also 0.1 to several mm, for example. A distance C13 between the side of the organic layer 13 in which the recesses 13K and 13L are formed and the outer edge of the transparent substrate 11 is also 0.1 to several mm, for example. A distance C13 between the side of the organic layer 13 in which the recesses 13M and 13N are formed and the outer edge of the transparent substrate 11 is also 0.1 to several mm, for example.

  Similarly to the anode 12, the organic layer 13 is formed so as to partially bulge outward as compared with the case of the above-described comparative example (see FIG. 2) so that the area is as large as possible. The The reason why the recesses 13E, 13F, 13G, and 13H are formed is to form the cathode connection portions 14P, 14Q, 14R, and 14S in a later process. By forming these recesses, the cathode connection portion is It will be formed on the transparent substrate 11. Thereby, when making an electrical connection to the cathode connection portion, it is possible to reliably prevent the cathode and the anode from being short-circuited to each other. The recesses 13E, 13F, 13G, and 13H cover the outer edge of the anode from the outer edge of the anode (including the recesses 12E, 12F, 12G, and 12H) outward so that the cathode and the anode are not short-circuited to each other. Is formed. As described above, the recesses 13E, 13F, 13G, and 13H are not necessarily formed when the insulating state between the cathode and the anode can be ensured by the organic layer between them when the cathode connection portion is electrically connected. You don't have to. The reason why the recesses 13K, 13L, 13M, and 13N are formed is to form (expose) the anode connection parts 12P, 12Q, 12R, and 12S in a later process.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in step ST <b> 13, the cathode 14 (second electrode layer) is formed in the approximate center of the surface of the organic layer 13. The cathode 14 is, for example, aluminum (AL). The cathode 14 is formed so as to cover the organic layer 13 by a vacuum deposition method or the like. In the present embodiment, the anode functions as the first electrode layer and the cathode functions as the second electrode layer, but these polarities may be reversed.

  The cathode 14 in the present embodiment is formed in a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and the recesses 14K, 14L, 14M, and 14N are formed in a part of the outer edge so as to be recessed inward. A distance C14 between the side of the cathode 14 in which the recesses 14K and 14L are formed and the outer edge of the transparent substrate 11 is, for example, several mm. The distance C14 between the side of the cathode 14 where the recesses 14M and 14N are formed and the outer edge of the transparent substrate 11 is also several millimeters, for example.

  Similarly to the anode 12 and the organic layer 13, the cathode 14 partially bulges outward as compared to the case of the above-described comparative example (see FIG. 3) so that the area is as large as possible. Formed. The reason why the recesses 14K, 14L, 14M, and 14N are formed is to form the anode connection portions 12P, 12Q, 12R, and 12S in a later process, and the cathode 14 and the anode 12 do not short-circuit with each other. In this way, the organic layer 13 is formed so as to recede further inward from the outer edge (recesses 13K, 13L, 13M, 13N: see FIG. 18).

  As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, in step ST14, the adhesive layer 15 is formed so as to cover the cathode. As described above, as the adhesive layer 15, for example, an epoxy-based, acrylic-based, or acrylic-urethane-based component, and an adhesive that is cured by ultraviolet rays or a thermosetting adhesive can be used.

  The adhesive layer 15 in the present embodiment has substantially the same size as the outer shape of the transparent substrate 11. The adhesive layer 15 is formed in a substantially square shape as a whole, and the concave portions 22P, 22Q, 22R, and 22S and the concave portions 24P, 24Q, 24R, and 24S are recessed inward at a part of the outer edge (the outer edge Formed so that a part is cut out).

  A part of the anode 12 is exposed from the recesses 22P, 22Q, 22R, and 22S, and a part of the exposed anode 12 is an anode connection part 12P, 12Q, and 12R for supplying power to the anode 12. , 12S. A part of the cathode 14 is exposed from the recesses 24P, 24Q, 24R, 24S, and a part of the exposed cathode 14 is a cathode connection part 14P, 14Q, 14R for supplying power to the cathode 14. , 14S, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, in step ST15, the sealing substrate 16 is placed on the adhesive layer 15. The sealing substrate 16 is fixed on the cathode 14 by the adhesive layer 15.

  The sealing substrate 16 has substantially the same shape as the adhesive layer 15 and is formed in a substantially square shape as a whole. A part of the outer edge of the sealing substrate 16 has concave portions 32P, 32Q, 32R, 32S (first concave portion) and concave portions 34P, 34Q, 34R, 34S (second concave portion) recessed toward the inside (one of the outer edges). Formed so that the part is cut out).

  As described above, the sealing substrate 16 may be composed of a member formed in a substrate shape (thin plate shape) from a resin material and a barrier layer laminated on the member. When the sealing member includes a resin material, the recesses 32P, 32Q, 32R, 32S and the recesses 34P, 34Q, 34R, 34S can be easily processed and formed.

  The positions and shapes of the recesses 32P, 32Q, 32R, and 32S of the sealing substrate 16 correspond to the positions and shapes of the recesses 22P, 22Q, 22R, and 22S of the adhesive layer 15, respectively. The positions and shapes of the recesses 34P, 34Q, 34R, and 34S of the sealing substrate 16 correspond to the positions and shapes of the recesses 24P, 24Q, 24R, and 24S of the adhesive layer 15, respectively.

  A part of the anode 12 is exposed from the recesses 32P, 32Q, 32R, 32S, and a part of the exposed anode 12 is an anode connection part 12P, 12Q, 12R for supplying power to the anode 12. , 12S. A part of the cathode 14 is exposed from the recesses 34P, 34Q, 34R, 34S, and a part of the exposed cathode 14 is a cathode connection part 14P, 14Q, 14R for supplying power to the cathode 14. , 14S, respectively. As described above, the organic EL lighting device 10A in the present embodiment is obtained.

  As described above, the organic EL lighting device 10A has a structure in which the anode 12 and the cathode 14 are exposed from the recesses provided in the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16, and the anode connection portions 12P, 12Q, 12R and 12S and the cathode connection portions 14P, 14Q, 14R, and 14S are provided so as to be scattered at the peripheral edge of the transparent substrate 11 with a minimum area necessary for power feeding. As a result, in the organic EL lighting device 10A, the area of the light emitting portion 18A can be further increased, and the organic EL lighting device 10A improves the space utilization efficiency compared to the organic EL lighting device 10Z. Therefore, it is possible to save space when illuminating with a predetermined light emission luminance.

[Embodiment 2]
The organic EL lighting apparatus 10A according to the first embodiment includes a total of four anode connecting portions 12P, 12Q, 12R, and 12S as power feeding means to the anode 12. Since the anode 12 is formed of ITO or the like as described above, the resistance is high. On the other hand, since the cathode 14 is formed of AL or the like as described above, the resistance is low. Therefore, in order to form a wider light-emitting portion, the number of cathode connection portions may be reduced so that the number of anode connection portions is larger than that of the cathode connection portions.

  Referring to FIG. 26, in this case, the anode 12 on the transparent substrate 11 is formed having two recesses 12E and 12F. Step ST21 shown in FIG. 26 corresponds to step ST11 (see FIG. 16) in the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 27, organic layer 13 on anode 12 is formed having a total of six recesses 13E, 13F and recesses 13K, 13L, 13M, 13N. Step ST22 shown in FIG. 27 corresponds to step ST12 (see FIG. 18) in the first embodiment described above.

  Referring to FIG. 28, the organic EL lighting device 10B obtained as described above has two cathode connection portions 14R and 14P, the number of which is the number of anode connection portions 12P, 12Q, 12R, and 12S. Less than four.

  13 and 28, the light emitting unit 18B in the organic EL lighting device 10B has a portion in which the organic EL lighting device 10B does not have the cathode connection portions 14S and 14Q (see FIG. 13) in the organic EL lighting device 10A. However, it has a larger area than the light emitting portion 18A. In the organic EL lighting device 10B, the area of the light emitting unit 18B can be further expanded, and the organic EL lighting device 10B improves the space utilization efficiency compared to the organic EL lighting devices 10A and 10Z. Therefore, it is possible to save space when illuminating with a predetermined light emission luminance.

[Embodiment 3]
The sealing substrate 16 and the adhesive layer 15 of the organic EL lighting devices 10A and 10B in the first and second embodiments described above include a recess formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view.

  As in the organic EL lighting device 10C shown in FIG. 29, each recess provided in the adhesive layer 15 and the sealing substrate 16 may be formed in a substantially triangular shape in plan view. About a triangular recessed part, a process becomes easy. In FIG. 29, recesses 32P, 32Q, 32R, 32S, 32T, 32U and recesses 34P, 34R provided in the sealing substrate 16 are illustrated.

  Also in the organic EL lighting device 10C, it is possible to further increase the area of the light emitting section, and the organic EL lighting device 10C can improve the space use efficiency compared to the organic EL lighting device 10Z. Therefore, it is possible to save space when illuminating with a predetermined luminance.

[Embodiment 4]
FIG. 30 is a plan view showing an organic EL lighting device 10D in the present embodiment. FIG. 31 is a bottom view showing the organic EL lighting device 10D.

  As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the organic EL lighting device 10 </ b> D according to the present embodiment is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in the plan view. In the organic EL lighting device 10D, five concave portions 34P, 34Q, 34R, 34S, and 34T and five concave portions 32P, 32Q, 32R, 32S, and 32T are formed along the opposing long sides.

  In the recesses 34P, 34Q, 34R, 34S, and 34T, a part of the cathode 14 is exposed, and the cathode connecting portions 14P, 14Q, 14R, 14S, and 14T are configured. In the recesses 32P, 32Q, 32R, 32S, and 32T, a part of the anode 12 is exposed, and anode connection portions 12P, 12Q, 12R, 12S, and 12T are configured.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the light emitting portion 18D of the organic EL lighting device 10D is also formed so as to expand as far as possible so as to partially bulge outward. Also in the organic EL lighting device 10D, each anode connection portion and each cathode connection portion are provided so as to be scattered on two opposing sides.

  As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the organic EL lighting device 10 </ b> D can be used in a state where a plurality of the organic EL lighting devices 10 </ b> D are connected so that the long sides are adjacent to each other. Adjacent organic EL lighting devices 10D are connected in series by silver paste or wire bonding.

  Even in the case where a plurality of organic EL lighting devices 10D are arranged in a planar shape and are enlarged, the area of the light emitting unit is further increased in each of the organic EL lighting devices 10D as in the above-described embodiments. The use of the space can be improved, and space can be saved when illuminating with a predetermined light emission luminance.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment based on this invention was described, each embodiment disclosed this time is an illustration and restrictive at no points. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10Z Organic EL lighting device, 11 transparent substrate, 12 anode, 12E, 12F, 12G, 12H, 13E, 13F, 13G, 13H, 13K, 13L, 13M, 13N, 14K, 14L, 14M , 14N, 22P, 22Q, 22R, 22S, 24P, 24Q, 24R, 24S, 32P, 32Q, 32R, 32S, 32T, 32U, 34P, 34Q, 34R, 34S, 34T Recessed part, 12P, 12Q, 12R, 12S, 12T anode connection part, 13 organic layer, 14 cathode, 14P, 14Q, 14R, 14S, 14T cathode connection part, 15 adhesive layer, 16 sealing substrate, 18A, 18B, 18D, 18Z light emitting part, 30 electrical circuit, C12, C13, C14 interval, ST1, ST2, ST3, ST4, ST5, ST10, ST1 , ST12, ST13, ST14, ST15, ST21, ST22 process.

An organic EL lighting device according to the present invention is formed on a transparent substrate, a first electrode layer, an organic layer, and a second electrode layer that are sequentially stacked on the transparent substrate, and the second electrode layer, A sealing member that seals the first electrode layer, the organic layer, and the second electrode layer, and a plurality of recesses that are recessed inward are formed on a part of an outer edge of the sealing member. And a part of the first electrode layer is exposed in one of the recesses, and a part of the exposed first electrode layer is a first part for supplying power to the first electrode layer. A part of the second electrode layer is exposed in the other concave portion, and a part of the exposed second electrode layer is the second electrode layer. constitute a second electrical connection portion for supplying power to the electrode layer, a plurality of the recesses, the second electrical connection Than having formed so many people having the first electrical connection.

The manufacturing method of the organic EL lighting device according to the present invention includes a step of preparing a transparent substrate, a step of forming a first electrode layer on the transparent substrate, and an organic layer on the first electrode layer. A step of forming a second electrode layer on the organic layer, and a step of sealing the organic layer by providing a sealing member on the second electrode layer, the first electrode The organic layer and the second electrode layer are formed in a substantially rectangular shape as a whole, and each of the organic layer and the second electrode layer is exposed so that a part of the first electrode layer can be exposed. A part of the outer edge is formed to have a recess recessed inward, and a part of the outer edge of the sealing member is formed at a position corresponding to the recess of the organic layer and the recess of the second electrode layer. A first recess recessed toward the inside so that a part of the first electrode layer is exposed. A second recess that is recessed toward the inside so that a part of the second electrode layer is exposed at a part of the outer edge of the sealing member that is different from the first recess. The first electrode layer is formed at a position corresponding to the second recess of the sealing member so as to have a third recess recessed inward from the outer edge thereof, and the organic layer is It forms so that it may have a 4th recessed part recessed inward from the outer edge in the position corresponding to the said 2nd recessed part of a sealing member .

Claims (6)

A transparent substrate;
A first electrode layer, an organic layer, and a second electrode layer sequentially laminated on the transparent substrate;
A sealing member that is formed on the second electrode layer and seals the first electrode layer, the organic layer, and the second electrode layer;
A part of the outer edge of the sealing member is formed with a plurality of recesses recessed toward the inside,
A part of the first electrode layer is exposed in one of the recesses, and a part of the exposed first electrode layer is a first electric power for supplying power to the first electrode layer. The connecting part,
A part of the second electrode layer is exposed in the other recess, and a part of the exposed second electrode layer is a second electric power for supplying power to the second electrode layer. Constituting the connection part,
Organic EL lighting device. The sealing member includes a resin material,
The organic EL lighting device according to claim 1. The plurality of concave portions are formed such that the number of the first electrical connection portions is larger than the number of the second electrical connection portions.
The organic EL lighting device according to claim 1 or 2. The plurality of recesses are formed such that the position of the first electrical connection portion is point-symmetric with respect to the center of the organic layer.
The organic EL lighting device according to claim 3. Preparing a transparent substrate;
Forming a first electrode layer on the transparent substrate;
Forming an organic layer on the first electrode layer;
Forming a second electrode layer on the organic layer;
Providing a sealing member on the second electrode layer and sealing the organic layer,
The first electrode layer, the organic layer, and the second electrode layer are formed in a substantially rectangular shape as a whole,
Each of the organic layer and the second electrode layer is formed to have a recess recessed inward at a part of an outer edge thereof so that a part of the first electrode layer can be exposed.
Inside a part of the outer edge of the sealing member, a part of the first electrode layer is exposed at a position corresponding to the concave part of the organic layer and the concave part of the second electrode layer. A first recess is formed which is recessed toward the
A second recess that is recessed toward the inside is formed at a part of the outer edge of the sealing member and at a location different from the first recess so that a part of the second electrode layer is exposed. The
Manufacturing method of organic EL lighting device. The first electrode layer is formed at a position corresponding to the second recess of the sealing member so as to have a third recess recessed inward from an outer edge thereof,
The organic layer is formed at a position corresponding to the second recess of the sealing member so as to have a fourth recess recessed inward from the outer edge thereof.
The manufacturing method of the organic electroluminescent illuminating device of Claim 5.

Images