JPWO2013161005A1 - Organic EL panel and light emitting device manufacturing method using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

An organic EL panel with little variation in light emission luminance and a method for manufacturing a light emitting device using the same are provided. An organic EL panel according to the present invention includes a substrate, a light emitting unit disposed in an effective light emitting region on the substrate, and a current supply terminal pair disposed outside the effective light emitting region on the substrate. A series lateral resistance portion disposed outside the effective light emitting region on the substrate and connected in series with the light emitting portion with respect to the current supply terminal pair, and the resistance of the series lateral resistance portion The value can be adjusted or selected. In addition, the method for manufacturing a light emitting device according to the present invention manufactures a light emitting device including the processed organic EL panel after the process of adjusting or selecting the light emission characteristics by selecting the current supply terminal pair of the organic EL panel. To do.

Description

  The present invention relates to an organic electroluminescence panel (hereinafter referred to as an organic EL panel) and a method for manufacturing a light emitting device using the same.

  In order to improve the energy efficiency of lighting devices, research and development of light sources to replace incandescent bulbs and fluorescent lamps is ongoing. Recently, high-brightness light-emitting diodes (hereinafter referred to as “LEDs”) are regarded as one of the candidates, and applied products are actually commercialized. The market for lighting that uses organic EL panels to follow it is also rising.

  Since LED lighting emits light in a narrow region, it is necessary to diffuse light by some method. On the other hand, illumination using an organic EL panel has a merit that a wide and uniform light can be obtained because the organic EL panel itself emits surface light. In addition, the organic EL panel is very thin, and it is possible to illuminate the wall surface of the room itself by attaching the organic EL panel to a wall or ceiling, etc., and a flexible substrate using flexible plastic Can be attached to the curved surface by providing flexibility.

  In the organic EL panel, the characteristics of the light emitting layer vary depending on the process, lot, or material of the light emitting layer at the time of manufacture. Due to the variation in the characteristics of the light emitting layer, for example, the current-voltage characteristics vary for each organic EL panel juxtaposed for illumination of a wide area, and light emission occurs even when these organic EL panels are driven by the same voltage. The brightness will vary.

  Since the current-voltage characteristics differ depending on the individual organic EL panels, when a plurality of organic EL panels are connected in parallel and driven at a certain voltage, the current-voltage characteristics of the organic EL panels vary between the organic EL panels. There is a problem that the luminance or current of the lamps is different, and the luminance uniformity of the illumination light emitting surface is deteriorated.

  For example, Patent Document 1 includes an organic EL panel that includes an output detection terminal, performs feedback control for controlling power supplied to the light emitting element based on the output of the output detection terminal, and uses a plurality of panels. It is disclosed that the variation in the light emission luminance of the organic EL panel in the case of configuring the above is suppressed.

JP 2009-54426 A

  However, according to the invention of Patent Document 1, it is effective to suppress the light emission luminance of the organic EL panel by controlling the power supplied to the light emitting element so that the outputs of the output detection terminals are the same. Although it is conceivable, since the feedback control circuit is formed, there is a problem that the control circuit is incorporated in the drive circuit system of the organic EL panel, the circuit becomes complicated as a whole, and the manufacturing cost increases.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is the above-mentioned disadvantages as an example, and the variation in emission luminance between organic EL panels with a relatively simple configuration without using a control circuit and low manufacturing costs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a light emitting device for an organic EL panel that can suppress the above.

  An organic EL panel according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a substrate, a light emitting unit disposed in the effective light emitting region on the substrate, and a current supply terminal pair disposed outside the effective light emitting region on the substrate. A series lateral resistance portion disposed outside the effective light emitting region on the substrate and connected in series with the light emitting portion with respect to the current supply terminal pair, and the resistance of the series lateral resistance portion The value is adjustable.

It is a top view of the organic electroluminescent panel which is an Example of this invention. It is a top view of the organic electroluminescent panel which is an Example of this invention. It is a top view of the organic electroluminescent panel which is an Example of this invention. It is sectional drawing along the AA line of FIG. It is sectional drawing along BB of FIG. It is process drawing of the manufacturing process of an organic electroluminescent panel. It is process drawing of the manufacturing process of a serial side resistance part. It is process drawing of the manufacturing method of an organic electroluminescent light emitting device.

  An organic EL panel which is an embodiment of the present invention and a method of manufacturing a light emitting device using the organic EL panel will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Referring to FIG. 1, an organic EL panel 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent substrate 3 made of a transparent material such as a substantially rectangular glass that bears a light emitting portion 2 at the center thereof. For example, external connection terminals 4-1a, 4-2a, 4-3a, 4-4a, and 4-5a, which are one of current supply terminal pairs, are provided in the vicinity of one end in the longitudinal direction on the substrate 3, for example. In the vicinity of the other end in the longitudinal direction on the substrate 3, external connection terminals 4-1b, 4-2b, 4-3b, 4-4b, and 4-5b, which are the other of the current supply terminal pairs, are provided. ing.

  On the substrate 3 between the external connection terminals 4-1 a, 4-2 a, 4-3 a, 4-4 a, 4-5 a and the light emitting unit 2, the series side resistance units 6-1, 6-2, 6 are arranged. -3, 6-4, and 6-5 are arranged. On the substrate 3 between the external connection terminals 4-1 b, 4-2 b, 4-3 b, 4-4 b, 4-5 b and the light emitting part 2, the series side resistance parts 7-1, 7-2, 7. -3, 7-4, and 7-5 are arranged.

  The external connection terminals 4-1a, 4-2a, 4-3a, 4-4a, 4-5a have branch portions 5-1a, 5-2a, 5-3a, 5-4a, 5- 5a are connected to each other. The external connection terminals 4-1b, 4-2b, 4-3b, 4-4b, 4-5b are connected to the branch portions 5-1b, 5-2b, 5-3b, 5-4b, 5- of the conductive pattern 5, respectively. 5b are connected to each other.

  The branch sections 5-1a, 5-2a, 5-3a, 5-4a, and 5-5a are connected in series to the external connection terminals 4-1a, 4-2a, 4-3a, 4-4a, and 4-5a. The resistance parts 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5 and the anode of the light emitting part 2 are connected in series.

  Branch sections 5-1b, 5-2b, 5-3b, 5-4b, and 5-5b are connected in series to the external connection terminals 4-1b, 4-2b, 4-3b, 4-4b, and 4-5b. Resistor portions 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4 and 7-5 are connected in series with the cathode of the light emitting portion 2.

  External connection terminals 4-1a, 4-2a, 4-3a, 4-4a, 4-5a (for example, positive side) of the organic EL panel 1 and external connection terminals 4-1b, 4-2b, 4-3b, From the viewpoint of 4-4b and 4-5b (for example, the negative side), the conductive pattern 5 has branch portions 5-1a, 5-2a, 5-3a, 5-4a, 5-5a, 5-1b, 5 -2b, 5-3b, 5-4b, and 5-5b, the light emitting section 2 and the series side resistance sections 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5, 7-1, 7 -2, 7-3, 7-4, and 7-5 are connected in series to form a series circuit.

  That is, each of the series side resistance portions has an external connection terminal, and the conductive pattern 5 includes a branch portion that connects between each of the series side resistance portions and each of the corresponding external connection terminals. Yes.

  The occupied area of the light emitting unit 2 on the substrate 3 is larger than any occupied area of the series lateral resistance unit. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, five series lateral resistance portions are arranged on each side of the light emitting portion 2. However, the number of series side resistance portions is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one is provided on at least one side of the light emitting portion 2.

  For example, if there is at least one series side resistance part (for example, the series side resistance part 6-2) on one side of the light emitting part 2, another series side disposed on one side of the light emitting part 2 The direction resistance part (for example, the series side resistance part 6-1) may not be provided. In this case, the branch part 5-1a connects the anode of the light emitting part 2 in series to the external connection terminal 4-1a.

  In addition, the series side resistance parts 6-1 to 6-5 and 7-1 to 7-5 are branched parts 5-1a to 5-5a and 5- Without having 1b to 5-5b, they may be directly connected to the anode and the cathode of the light emitting unit 2 (not shown).

  The resistance values of the series side resistance units 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, and 6-5 are different. The resistance values of the series side resistance units 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4, and 7-5 are different. The difference between the resistance values may be set constant, or may be a constant magnification or a power of 2. Series side resistance parts 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4, 6-5 and series side resistance parts 7-1, 7-2, 7-3, 7-4, 7-5 The respective resistance values may be the same. Although the resistance value of each of the series side resistance portions can be set to a known value in advance, it is not essential that the resistor itself is known.

  Furthermore, the shape of the substrate 3 is not limited to a rectangle but may be a square. Further, it may be circular or elliptical. In short, it suffices that at least one of the series side resistance portions is disposed on at least one of the both sides of the light emitting portion 2. Also, the pattern shape of the conductive pattern 5 is such that a current path including a series lateral resistance portion is connected in series to the light emitting portion 2, and a light emitting portion is selected by selecting a pair of external connection terminals from a plurality of external connection terminals. Any pattern shape can be used as long as the resistance value of the resistive current path connected in series with the circuit 2 is freely changed.

  What is clear here is that the organic EL panel 1 according to the first embodiment is provided with an effective light emitting area EA as a light emitting area including the light emitting portion 2 and adjacent to the light emitting area on the side thereof. This means that an ineffective area NA is provided.

  By selecting each of the external connection terminals connected to the current paths having different resistance values in the ineffective area NA, the voltage / current characteristics and the light emission characteristics of the organic EL panel 1 can be adjusted.

  In FIG. 2, an organic EL panel 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent substrate 3 made of a transparent material such as a substantially rectangular glass that bears the light emitting portion 2 at the center thereof. For example, external connection terminal groups 8-1a to 8-3a and 8-1b to 8-3b, which are pairs of current supply terminals, are provided on both sides of the light emitting unit 2 near one end in the short direction on the substrate 3, for example. Each is provided.

  The external connection terminal groups 8-1a to 8-3a (for example, positive side) and 8-1b to 8-3b (for example, negative side) have branches of the conductive pattern 9 provided on the substrate 3. The ends of the sections 9-1a and 9-1b are connected to each other.

  On the same side as the external connection terminal groups 8-1a to 8-3a with respect to the light emitting unit 2, series side resistance units 10-1 to 10-3 are provided on the substrate 3 along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 3, for example. Each is arranged.

  On the same side as the external connection terminal groups 8-1b to 8-3b with respect to the light emitting unit 2, serial side resistance units 11-1 to 11-3 are provided on the substrate 3 along the longitudinal direction of the substrate 3, for example. Each is arranged.

  The branch part 9-1a of the conductive pattern 9 is connected to the external connection terminal 8-1a in series with the series side resistance parts 10-1, 10-2, 10-3 and the anode of the light emitting part 2 for external connection. The series side resistance units 10-2 and 10-3 and the anode of the light emitting unit 2 are connected in series to the terminal 8-2a, and the series side resistance unit 10-3 and the light emitting unit 2 are connected to the external connection terminal 8-3a. The anode is connected in series.

  The branch part 9-1b of the conductive pattern 9 connects the cathode of the light emitting part 2 and the series side resistance part 11-1 in series to the external connection terminal 8-1b, and the light emitting part 2 to the external connection terminal 8-2b. The cathodes of the light emitting part 2 and the series side resistance parts 11-1, 11-2, 11- are connected to the external connection terminal 8-3b in series. 3 are connected in series.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, three series side resistance portions are arranged on each side of the light emitting portion 2. However, the number of series side resistance portions is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one is provided on at least one side of the light emitting portion 2.

  For example, if there is at least one series side resistance part (for example, the series side resistance part 10-1 or 10-2) on one side of the light emitting part 2, it is arranged on one side of the light emitting part 2. Another series side resistance part (for example, the series side resistance part 10-3) may not be provided. In this case, the branch part 9-1a connects the anode of the light emitting part 2 in series to the external connection terminal 8-3a.

  The series side resistance units 10-3 and 11-1 do not have the branch portions 9-1a and 9-1b of the conductive pattern 9 that connect the anode and the cathode between the light emitting unit 2 and the light emitting unit. It may be directly connected to the two anodes and cathodes (not shown).

  Further, in the organic EL panel 1 according to the second embodiment, an effective light emitting area EA including the light emitting portion 2 is provided as an effective light emitting area, and a non-effective area NA adjacent to the light emitting area is provided on the side thereof. Is provided.

  By selecting any one of the external connection terminals connected to the current paths having different resistance values in the ineffective area NA, the voltage / current characteristics and the light emission characteristics of the organic EL panel 1 can be adjusted.

  In FIG. 3, an organic EL panel 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a transparent substrate 3 made of a transparent material such as a substantially rectangular glass, which bears the light emitting portion 2 at the center thereof. External connection terminals 12-1 a and 12-1 b, which are current supply terminal pairs, are provided near one end of the substrate 3 in the short direction, for example.

  External connection terminals 12-1 a and 12-1 b (for example, 12-1 a is a positive side and 12-1 b is a negative side) are connected to trunk portions 13 a and 13 b of the conductive pattern 13. The trunk portions 13 a and 13 b extend along the edge of the substrate 3 in parallel with each other at a position sandwiching the light emitting portion 2.

  On the substrate 3 between the main path portion 13a and the light emitting portion 2, series side resistance portions 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, 14-4, and 14-5 are respectively disposed. Series side resistance portions 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, and 15-5 are disposed on the substrate 3 between the light emitting portion 2 and the trunk path portion 13b.

  The conductive pattern 13 includes branch portions 13-1a, 13-2a, 13-3a, 13-4a, 13- that form current paths from the trunk portions 13a, 13b to the series side resistance portions and the light emitting portion 2, respectively. 5a, 13-1b, 13-2b, 13-3b, 13-4b, and 13-5b.

  The trunk portion 13a and the branch portions 13-1a, 13-2a, 13-3a, 13-4a, 13-5a are connected to the external connection terminal 12-1a in series side resistance portions 14-1, 14-2, 14-. 3, 14-4, and 14-5 and the anode of the light emission part 2 are respectively connected in series.

  The trunk portion 13b and the branch portions 13-1b, 13-2b, 13-3b, 13-4b, and 13-5b are connected to the external connection terminal 12-1b in series side resistance portions 15-1, 15-2, and 15-. 3, 15-4, 15-5 and the cathode of the light emitting unit 2 are connected in series.

  The branch portions 13-1a to 13-5a and 13-1b to 13-5b that form current paths to each of the series side resistance portions or the region including each of the series side resistance portions are provided in the substrate 3. It has an easy-to-cut part that is easily cut from the other parts above by a cutting means, and it becomes easy to separate the series side resistance parts one by one from the series circuit of the organic EL panel 1. The organic EL panel 1 according to this example includes series side resistance portions 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, 14-4, 14-5, 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4. 15-5 can be adjusted to adjust the entire resistance value of the series circuit.

  In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3, five series side resistance portions are arranged on each side of the light emitting portion 2. However, the number of series side resistance portions is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that at least one is provided on at least one side of the light emitting portion 2.

  For example, if there is at least one series side resistance part (for example, the series side resistance part 14-2) on one side of the light emitting part 2, another series side arranged on one side of the light emitting part 2 The direction resistance part (for example, the series side resistance part 14-1) may not be provided. In this case, the branch part 13-1a connects the anode of the light emitting part 2 in series to the external connection terminal 12-1a via the trunk part 13a.

  In addition, the series side resistance parts 14-1 to 14-5 and 15-1 to 15-5 are branched parts 13-1a to 13-5a and 13- that connect the anode and the cathode to the light emitting part 2. Without having 1b to 13-5b, they may be directly connected to the anode and the cathode of the light emitting unit 2 (not shown).

  Further, in the organic EL panel 1 according to the third embodiment, an effective light emitting area EA including the light emitting portion 2 is provided as an effective light emitting area, and a non-effective area NA adjacent to the light emitting area is provided on the side thereof. Is provided.

  In this ineffective area NA, the voltage / current characteristics and the light emission characteristics of the organic EL panel 1 can be adjusted by cutting a part of the conductive pattern 13 or cutting the substrate 3 by laser processing. .

  As shown in FIG. 4, the light emitting unit 2 includes a transparent electrode 16 that is, for example, an anode laminated on a substrate 3. A hole transport layer 17 is stacked on the transparent electrode 16, an organic EL light-emitting layer 18 is stacked on the hole transport layer 17, an electron transport layer 19 is stacked on the organic EL light-emitting layer 18, and an electron transport layer 19 is stacked. A metal electrode 20 which is a cathode, for example, is laminated on the top.

  As is well known, in the light emitting portion 2, while indium tin oxide (ITO) is used as the anode material, aluminum (Al) can be used as the cathode material.

  In the illustrated light emitting unit 2, the structure of the organic functional layer including the hole transport layer 17, the organic EL light emitting layer 18, and the electron transport layer 19 stacked on each other between the transparent electrode 16 and the metal electrode 20 is a three-layer structure. Is. However, such an organic functional layer is, for example, a single layer structure of the organic EL light-emitting layer 18, a two-layer structure including the hole transport layer 17 and the organic EL light-emitting layer 18, or a hole injection layer, a hole transport layer 17, and an organic EL light-emitting layer. 18, various structures such as a five-layer structure including an electron transport layer 19 and an electron injection layer (not shown) can be adopted.

  In addition, the light emitting section 2 is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-42658, and a large number of striped organic EL laminates of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) are R, G, A structure juxtaposed in the order of B can also be taken (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 5, each of the series lateral resistance portions includes a conductive layer 21 formed on the substrate 3 and a resistance layer 22 formed on the conductive layer 21. In addition, each of the series side resistance portions may be a one-layered resistor of the conductive layer 16.

  As a material of the conductive layer 21, a known conductive material such as Al can be used. The conductive layer 21 may be made of the same material as the transparent electrode 16 or the metal electrode 20 of the light emitting unit 2.

  As a material of the resistance layer 22, for example, polycrystalline silicon oxide may be used. A material having desired resistance characteristics can be used. The resistance layer 22 may be a chip component such as a chip resistor.

  In addition, each resistance layer 22 of the serial side resistance portion can have the same layer structure as the hole transport layer 17, the organic EL light emitting layer 18, and the electron transport layer 19 which are organic functional layers. Accordingly, each of the series side resistance portions can be formed by the same process as the light emitting portion 2.

  The resistance layer 22 may be made of the same material as that of one layer in the light emitting unit 2. In this case, in particular, if the resistance layer 22 is made of the same material as the hole transport layer 17, the resistance layer 22 can be formed in the process of manufacturing the light emitting unit 2.

  As described above, in the case where the light emitting section 2 has a juxtaposed structure of organic EL laminates of R, G, and B stripes, each of the series side resistance sections is also a stripe corresponding to each group of R, G, and B. (Not shown).

  The manufacturing process of the organic EL panel 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a substrate 3 made of a transparent material such as glass or plastic is prepared, and a transparent electrode 16 that is an anode pattern is formed on the substrate 3 (step S1). For the anode, a conductive material having a high work function, for example, indium tin oxide (ITO) having a thickness of about 1000 to 3000 mm or gold having a thickness of about 800 to 1500 mm can be used.

  Specifically, an anode pattern is formed on the substrate 3 by, for example, a vapor deposition method or a sputtering method, and is patterned by photolithography.

  Next, the hole transport layer 17 is formed on the anode pattern made of the transparent electrode 16 (step S2). The organic EL light emitting layer 18 is applied on the hole transport layer 17 formed in step S2 (step S3). The electron transport layer 19 is formed on the organic EL light emitting layer 18 applied in Step S3 (Step S4).

  Next, the metal electrode 20 which is a cathode is formed on the electron carrying layer 19 (step S5). For the metal electrode 20 as the cathode, a metal having a small work function, for example, aluminum, magnesium, indium, silver having a thickness of about 100 to 5000 mm, or an alloy thereof can be used.

  External connection terminals and conductive patterns are formed on the substrate 3 by a known method.

  The manufacturing process of the serial side resistance portion will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the conductive layer 21 is formed on the substrate 3 prepared in step S1 of the manufacturing process of the organic EL panel 1 (step SP1). The conductive layer 21 is formed by a known method. When the conductive layer 21 of the serial side resistance portion is made of the same material as that of the transparent electrode 16 of the light emitting portion 2, it can be performed simultaneously with step S <b> 1 of the manufacturing process of the organic EL panel 1. In the case where each of the series side resistance portions is a one-layer structure resistor of the conductive layer 21, the present manufacturing process ends.

  When each of the series lateral resistance portions is a laminated resistor of the conductive layer 21 and the resistance layer 22, the resistance layer 22 is formed on the conductive layer 21 formed in step SP1 (step SP2). The resistance layer 22 is formed by a known method. When the resistance layer 22 has the same three-layer structure as the organic functional layer of the light emitting unit 2, the formation of the resistance layer 22 can be performed simultaneously from step S2 to step S4 of the manufacturing process of the organic EL panel 1.

  Further, when the material of the resistance layer 22 is the same as that of one of the organic functional layers, the formation of the resistance layer 22 is any one of steps S2 to S4 of the manufacturing process of the organic EL panel 1. Can be done simultaneously with the steps. For example, when the resistance layer 22 is made of the same material as the hole transport layer 17, the formation of the resistance layer 22 can be performed simultaneously with step S <b> 2 of the manufacturing process of the organic EL panel 1.

  A method for manufacturing a light emitting device will be described with reference to FIG.

  The organic EL panel 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is prepared (step SS1).

  Next, the organic EL panel 1 is driven (step SS2).

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, for example, the positive and negative terminals of the DC power supply are connected to the external connection terminals 4-1a and 4-1b. A current is supplied to the light emitting section 2 and the series side resistance sections 6-1 and 7-1 connected in series between the external connection terminals 4-1a and 4-1b.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, for example, the positive and negative terminals of the DC power supply are connected to the external connection terminals 8-1a and 8-1b. A current is supplied to the light emitting unit 2 and the series side resistor units 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, and 11-1 connected in series between the external connection terminals 8-1a and 8-1b.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the positive and negative terminals of the DC power supply are connected to the external connection terminals 12-1a and 12-1b. The light emitting section 2 and the series side resistance sections 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, 14-4, 14-5, 15-1, 15 connected in series between the external connection terminals 12-1a, 12-1b. -2, 15-3, 15-4, and 15-5 are supplied with current.

  Next, the electrical characteristics of the organic EL panel 1 are selected (step SS3). In this step, a constant voltage is supplied between the external connection terminals of the organic EL panel 1 to measure the electrical characteristics such as current and resistance, and the light emission part 2 is connected between the external connection terminals so as to obtain a desired light emission luminance. An external connection terminal having desired electrical characteristics is selected.

  In addition, the light emission luminance of the light emitting unit 2 can be measured in parallel with the selection of the electrical characteristics.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, it is determined whether the drive current flowing between the external connection terminals 4-1a and 4-1b is a desired current (or current range). If the current is desired, the external connection terminals 4-1a and 4-1b are selected.

  If it is not a desired current, for example, the external connection terminal 4-1a on the positive side remains connected to the positive side of the DC power supply, and the external connection terminal connected to the negative side of the DC power supply is changed from 4-1b to 4-2b. The connection is changed to determine whether a desired current is obtained.

  As a result of this connection change, the current path between the external connection terminals 4-1a and 4-2b becomes branch sections 5-1a and 5-2b, and is connected in series between the external connection terminals 4-1a and 4-2b. Current is supplied to the light emitting section 2 and the series side resistance sections 6-1 and 7-2. Thereby, since the resistance value of the series circuit changes, the current of the series circuit changes. If it is not the desired current, the external connection terminal connected to the negative side of the DC power supply is sequentially switched to 4-3b, 4-4b, 4-5b, and it is determined whether or not the desired current is obtained.

  Next, the external connection terminal connected to the positive side of the DC power source is switched from 4-1a to 4-2a, and the external connection terminal connected to the negative side of the DC power source is sequentially switched to obtain a desired current. Judge. Further, the external connection terminals connected to the positive side of the DC power source are sequentially switched to 4-3a, 4-4a, and 4-5a, and this is repeated to select both external connection terminals from which a desired current is obtained.

  That is, by switching the positive side and the negative side of the external connection terminal, the resistance value of the series circuit of the organic EL panel 1 is adjusted, and the external connection terminal that provides a desired current is selected.

  Note that a plurality of terminals on the positive side and / or the negative side of the external connection terminal may be connected to a DC power source. For example, the external connection terminals 4-1a and 4-2a can be connected to the positive side of the DC power supply, and the external connection terminals 4-1b and 4-2b can be connected to the negative side of the DC power supply.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, it is determined whether a desired current (or current range) is obtained between the external connection terminals 8-1a and 8-1b. If the current is desired, the external connection terminals 8-1a and 8-1b are selected.

  If the current is not desired, for example, the external connection terminal 8-1a on the positive side remains connected, and the external connection terminals connected to the negative side of the DC power supply are sequentially connected from 8-1b to 8-2b and 8-3b. In other words, it is determined whether or not a desired current is obtained.

  Next, the external connection terminal connected to the positive side of the DC power source is switched from 8-1a to 8-2a, and the external connection terminal connected to the negative side of the DC power source is sequentially switched to obtain a desired current. Judge. Further, the external connection terminal connected to the positive side of the DC power source is switched to 8-3a, and this is repeated to select both external connection terminals that have obtained a desired current.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, it is determined whether a desired current (or current range) is present between the external connection terminals 12-1a and 12-1b.

  If it is not a desired current, in this step, a part of the conductive pattern 13 of the organic EL panel 1 is cut with a laser or the like, and the number of series side resistance parts included in the series circuit is adjusted, whereby the external connection terminal Electrical characteristics can be adjusted between 12-1a and 12-1b. That is, for example, the branch portion 13-1a connecting, for example, the trunk portion 13a of the conductive pattern 13 and the positive side of the series side resistor portion 14-1 is cut, and the series side resistor portion 14-1 is connected. Disconnect from the series circuit of the organic EL panel 1.

  Thereby, the resistance value of a series circuit changes, the electric current between the external connection terminals 12-1a and 12-1b can be adjusted, and desired brightness | luminance can be selected.

  When the series side resistor 14-1 is disconnected from the series circuit of the organic EL panel 1 and a desired luminance can be selected between the external connection terminals 12-1a and 12-1b of the organic EL panel 1, the electrical characteristics This selection step SS3 ends.

  Thus, a part of the conductive pattern 13 (for example, the branch portions 13-1a, 13-2a, 13-3a, 13-4a, 13-5a, 13-1b, 13-2b, 13-3b, 13-4b) , 13-5b) is cut with a laser or the like as necessary to adjust the electrical characteristics of the series circuit of the organic EL panel 1, and the series lateral resistance units 14-1, 14- Any one or more of 2, 14-3, 14-4, 14-5, 15-1, 15-2, 15-3, 15-4, and 15-5 are disconnected from the series circuit of the organic EL panel 1.

  The conductive pattern 13 including the branch portion is made of a metal of a known conductive material and can be easily cut with a laser or the like.

  In the present embodiment, the branch portion 13-1a connecting the trunk portion 13a and the positive side of the series side resistance portion 14-1 was cut with a laser, but the negative of the series side resistance portion 14-1 was cut. It may be between the side and the anode of the light emitting unit 2. Further, when the conductive layer of the series side resistance portion is made of the same material as that of the metal electrode, cutting with a laser is easy.

  In order to separate from the series circuit of the organic EL panel 1 one by one, the region including each of the series side resistance portions and the portion corresponding to each of the branch portions can be easily cut by the cutting means from the other portions of the substrate 3 It can have an easy cutting part.

  In order to indicate the position of the easy-to-cut portion, a mark or the like that can be visually recognized or detected by the easy-to-cut portion can be provided on or near the substrate 3. As the cutting means, for example, a laser is used, but a mechanical, electromagnetic or optical cutting means may be used.

  When the series side resistance portion has the same layer structure as the light emitting portion 2, not only the light emitting portion 2 but also each of the series side resistance portions supplied with current emits light. In the case where it interferes with the measurement of the light emission luminance of the light emitting unit 2, masking or a cover may be provided on the series side resistance part of the same layer structure to hide each light emitting part of the series side resistance part.

  Next, the light emitting device using the organic EL panel 1 after the selection of electrical characteristics is completed is assembled (step SS4). For example, the organic EL panel 1 having selected electrical characteristics is subjected to other necessary inspection and processing such as deburring and cleaning, and a light emitting device using the organic EL panel 1 is assembled. The organic EL panel 1 according to the present invention can be stored in a case (not shown) having a transparent window having a shape conforming to a predetermined standard, for example, and can be commercialized as a light emission, that is, a lighting device.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, external connection terminals such as 4-1a, 8-1a, and 12-1a and external connection terminals such as 4-1b, 8-1b, and 12-1b are on the positive side and the negative side. Although the description has been made on the premise that there is, it is not limited to such a case, and external connection terminals such as 4-1a, 8-1a, 12-1a, and 4-1b, 8-1b, 12-1b, etc. The external connection terminal may be a negative side and a positive side.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Organic EL panel 2 Light emission part 3 Board | substrate 4-1a-4-5a, 4-1b-4-5b External connection terminal 5 Conductive pattern 5-1a-5-5a, 5-1b-5-5b Branch part 6- 1-6-5, 7-1 to 7-5 Series lateral resistance portion 8-1a to 8-3a, 8-1b to 8-3b External connection terminal 9 Conductive pattern 9-1a, 9-1b Branch portion 10 -1 to 10-3, 11-1 to 11-3 Series side resistance portions 12-1a and 12-1b External connection terminals 13 Conductive patterns 13a and 13b Trunk portions 13-1a to 13-5a and 13-1b to 13-5b Branch part 14-1 to 14-5, 15-1 to 15-5 Series lateral resistance part 16 Transparent electrode (anode)
17 hole transport layer 18 organic EL light emitting layer 19 electron transport layer 20 metal electrode (cathode)
21 Conductive layer 22 Resistive layer EA Effective light emitting area NA Non-effective area

Claims (10)

  A substrate, a light emitting portion disposed in the effective light emitting region on the substrate, a current supply terminal pair disposed outside the effective light emitting region on the substrate, and outside the effective light emitting region on the substrate. A series lateral resistance unit disposed and connected in series with the light emitting unit with respect to the current supply terminal pair, wherein the resistance value of the series lateral resistance unit is adjustable EL panel.   2. The organic EL panel according to claim 1, wherein the series side resistance part includes an easy-to-cut part that can be easily cut by mechanical, electromagnetic, or optical means.   The series side resistance unit includes a resistor disposed on the substrate, and a branch unit that forms a current path to serially connect the light emitting unit and the resistor to the current supply terminal pair, The organic EL panel according to claim 2, wherein the easy-to-cut portion is provided in the branch portion.   The series side resistance unit includes a resistor disposed on the substrate, and a branch unit that forms a current path to serially connect the light emitting unit and the resistor to the current supply terminal pair, The organic EL panel according to claim 2, wherein the easy-to-cut portion is provided in the resistor.   3. The organic EL panel according to claim 2, wherein an area occupied by the light emitting unit on the substrate is larger than that of any of the series side resistance units.   The organic EL panel according to claim 2, wherein the series side resistance portion is formed by the same process as the light emitting portion.   The organic EL panel according to claim 3, further comprising a visible or detectable mark on the substrate or in the vicinity thereof, which indicates a position of the easy-to-cut portion.   Each of the series side resistor units further includes a current supply terminal, and the individual current path to the series side resistor unit includes each of the series side resistor units and each of the corresponding current supply terminals. The organic EL panel according to claim 2, further comprising a branch portion connecting the two. A measurement step for measuring electrical characteristics of the series circuit of the organic EL panel according to claim 1;
A selection step of selecting a part of the current supply terminal of the organic EL panel according to the measurement result in the measurement step;
A method for manufacturing an organic EL light-emitting device that forms a light-emitting device including an organic EL panel that has undergone the selection step.   The method of manufacturing an organic EL light emitting device according to claim 9, wherein the measuring step includes a luminance measuring step of measuring light emission luminance of the light emitting unit.

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