KR20030024405A - Electro-Luminescence Panel and Method of Fabricating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An electro luminescence panel is provided to be capable of sealing an inner space without getter. CONSTITUTION: A plurality of electro luminescence devices are formed on a front substrate, and a leveling layer is formed to have a leveled surface at an image display region where the electro luminescence devices are formed. An adhesive(34) is deposited on the front surface, and a seaming plate(46) is joined with the front substrate by the adhesive. Each of the electro luminescence devices comprises an anode electrode(32), an organic luminescence layer(36), a cathode layer(38), and a bulkhead(44). The leveling layer consists of a metal layer(42) and an insulation layer(40).

Description

Electro-Luminescence Panel and Method of Fabricating the same

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electroluminescent panel, and more particularly, to an electroluminescent panel and a method for manufacturing the same, which can be made thin and seal an inner space without a getter.

Recently, various flat panel displays have been developed to reduce weight and volume, which are disadvantages of cathode ray tubes. Such flat panel displays include liquid crystal displays (hereinafter referred to as "LCDs"), field emission displays, plasma display panels (hereinafter referred to as "PDPs"), and electro lumines. And a sense (Electro-Luminescence) display device.

In order to increase the display quality of such a flat panel display device and to attempt to make a large screen, studies are being actively conducted. Among them, the EL elements are self-luminous elements that emit light by themselves depending on the material of the light emitting layer. This EL display element displays an image or an image by exciting a fluorescent substance using carriers such as electrons and holes. The EL display device can be driven by a DC low voltage, has a fast response speed, and has a large luminous efficiency, brightness, and viewing angle.

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional EL panel includes an anode electrode 12 formed on the transparent substrate 10, a cathode electrode 22 formed on the anode electrode 12, and an anode electrode 12. 12 and an organic light emitting layer 20 formed between the cathode electrode 22, a sealing plate 16 formed to cover the anode electrode 12, the cathode electrode 22, and the organic light emitting layer 20, and the partition wall 18. , An adhesive 14, and a getter 24.

Referring to FIG. 2, the manufacturing method of the EL panel is described. An anode electrode 12 is formed on the transparent substrate 10. (Step S21) The anode electrode 12 is applied with a data voltage as a data electrode. Transparent conductive material with high light transmittance with good water transmittance, for example, indium tin oxide (hereinafter referred to as "ITO"), indium zinc oxide (hereinafter referred to as "IZO") And Indium-Tin-Zinc-Oxide (hereinafter referred to as "ITZO").

Then, the partition wall 18 is formed on the anode electrode 12. (Step S22) After the insulating material is deposited on the anode electrode 12 is formed by etching by isotropic etching. In this case, the partition wall 18 is formed in a direction in which the upper width of the partition wall 18 is wider than the lower width and crosses the cathode electrode 22 so as to separate the anode electrode 12.

Subsequently, the organic light emitting layer 20 is formed on the anode electrode 12. (Step S23) The organic light emitting layer 20 is formed by depositing an organic material such as ZnS and Mn.

The cathode electrode 22 is formed on the organic light emitting layer 20. (Step S24) The cathode electrode 22 is formed by depositing a metal material having a low work function, for example, aluminum (Al) as a scan electrode.

The anode 12, the cathode 22, and the sealing plate 16 for blocking the organic light emitting layer 20 from the outside are bonded to each other (step S25). The sealing plate 16 includes the anode electrode 12 and the cathode. When the electrode 22 and the organic light emitting layer 20 come into contact with moisture or oxygen, the electrode 22 and the organic light emitting layer 20 are encapsulated with a metal material to prevent deterioration. Suture plate 16 is both ends are vertical and the center is concave form.

The getter 24 is inserted into the concave center portion of the sealing plate 16 (step S26). The getter 24 is formed of Eg, BaO, CaO, or the like, and the transparent substrate 10 and the sealing plate 16. Removes moisture that has penetrated the formed internal space. The adhesive 14 serves to bond the transparent substrate 10 and the sealing plate 16 as a photocurable resin or a thermosetting resin.

When voltage is applied to the cathode electrode 22 and the anode electrode 12, holes flow in the anode electrode 12 and electrons flow in the organic electrode layer 20 in the cathode electrode 22. When the holes and electrons are introduced into the organic light emitting layer 20, excitons are generated, and visible light is generated by energy differences due to the emission and disappearance of the excitons.

The EL panel is bonded by an adhesive 14 formed on the outer portion of the transparent substrate 10 and the sealing plate 16. If the width of the adhesive 14 is too large, the effective area of the display panel is reduced. On the other hand, when the width of the adhesive 14 is small, the adhesion between the transparent substrate 10 and the sealing plate 16 is not made properly, so that moisture or oxygen penetrates into the organic light emitting device. The lifetime of the EL element is reduced by the reaction of the water or oxygen penetrated with the organic material of the organic light emitting layer 20.

In addition, the sealing plate 16 has a thick thickness of the EL panel because the bent portion has to be designed in consideration of the concave center of the sealing plate 16 into which the getter 24 is inserted and the predetermined space so as not to contact the deposition layer inside the device. You lose. The material of the sealing plate 16 of the organic light emitting element is a metal material, it is difficult to manufacture a flexible EL panel. On the other hand, since the sealing plate 16 made of metal does not transmit light, the transparent substrate 10 is irradiated with ultraviolet rays to cure the adhesive 14 to bond the transparent substrate 10 to the sealing plate 16. In this case, in order to prevent damage to the organic material by ultraviolet rays, an expensive separate mask is required to selectively irradiate ultraviolet rays. In addition, the organic light emitting layer 20 is damaged by the harmful gas generated when the adhesive 14 is cured.

In addition, the use of expensive getters 24 for removing moisture penetrated inside the EL panel is inevitable, and a complicated process for forming the getters 24 is required.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electroluminescent panel and a method of manufacturing the same that can be made thin and seal an inner space without a getter.

1 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional electro luminescence panel.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing the electroluminescent panel shown in FIG. 1 in stages. FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view showing an electroluminescent panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing the electro luminescence panel shown in FIG.

<Explanation of symbols on main parts of the drawing>

10, 30: transparent substrate 12, 32: anode electrode

14, 34: sealant 16, 46: suture plate

18, 44: partition 20, 36: organic light emitting layer

22, 38 cathode electrode 24 getter

40: insulating layer 42: metal layer

In order to achieve the above object, the electroluminescent panel according to the present invention has a front surface on which a plurality of electro luminescence elements are formed, and a flat surface on an image display area in which the electro luminescence elements are formed among the front substrates. It characterized in that it comprises a flattening layer formed to have a, an adhesive applied to the front of the front substrate having the flattening layer is formed, and a sealing plate bonded to the front substrate by the adhesive.

The electro luminescence device insulates an anode electrode formed of a transparent conductive material on the front substrate, an organic light emitting layer formed on the anode electrode, a cathode electrode formed on the organic light emitting layer, and the cathode electrode. Characterized in that it further comprises a partition formed to make.

The planarization layer may further include a metal layer formed to cover the cathode electrode and the partition wall, and an insulation layer formed to insulate the metal layer from the cathode electrode.

The metal layer is formed of the same material as the cathode electrode.

The metal layer is characterized in that formed of aluminum (Al).

The sealing plate is characterized in that it is formed of any one of a plastic film, glass.

A method of manufacturing an electroluminescent panel according to the present invention includes forming a plurality of electroluminescent elements on a front substrate, and forming a flattened surface in an image display area in which the electroluminescent elements of the front substrate are formed. Forming a planarization layer to have, and applying an adhesive to the front of the front substrate having the planarization layer is formed, the front substrate is characterized in that it comprises a step of bonding to the sealing plate by the adhesive.

The metal layer is formed using a mask used for the cathode electrode.

Other objects and features of the present invention in addition to the above object will be apparent from the description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, the EL panel according to the present invention forms an insulating layer 40 and a metal layer 42 on the cathode electrode 38, and then uses a transparent substrate (eg, an adhesive 34) so that there is no space inside the organic light emitting element. 30) and the sealing plate 46 of the flat form is bonded.

The EL panel includes an anode electrode 32 formed on the transparent substrate 30, a partition 44 formed on the anode electrode 32, a cathode electrode 38 formed on the anode electrode 32, and an anode electrode ( The organic light emitting layer 36 formed between the 32 and the cathode electrode 38, the insulating layer 40 formed on the cathode electrode 38, and the partition 44 and the insulating layer 40 on the insulating layer 40. A metal layer 42 formed to cover the entire surface thereof, and a flat sealing plate 46 bonded to the transparent substrate 30 by an adhesive agent 34.

4, the anode electrode 32 is formed on the transparent substrate 30 (step S41). The anode electrode 32 is applied with a data voltage as a data electrode. It is formed by depositing a high water-transmitting transparent conductive material such as ITO, IZO, ITZO.

Thereafter, a partition wall 44 is formed on the anode electrode 32. (Step S42) After the insulating material is deposited on the anode electrode 32, it is formed by etching with isotropic etching. In this case, the partition wall 44 is formed to have an upper width greater than the lower width of the partition wall 44 and is formed in a direction crossing the cathode electrode 38 to separate the anode electrode 32.

Subsequently, the organic light emitting layer 36 is formed on the anode electrode 32. (Step S43) The organic light emitting layer 36 is formed by depositing an organic material such as ZnS and Mn.

The cathode electrode 38 is formed on the organic light emitting layer 36. (Step S44) The cathode electrode 44 is formed by depositing a metal material having a low work function, for example, aluminum (Al) as a scan electrode.

Thereafter, an insulating layer 40 is formed on the cathode electrode 38 (step S45). The insulating layer 40 is used in an organic light emitting diode to prevent a short between the cathode electrode 38 and the metal layer 42. It is formed by depositing using one of the insulating materials.

The metal layer 42 is formed on the insulating layer 40 (step S46). The metal layer 42 is formed by depositing a metal material, for example, aluminum (Al), and includes an organic light emitting device including the partition wall 44. The cover is made flat so that the surface is flattened. Accordingly, the metal layer 42 blocks moisture or oxygen that penetrates into the organic light emitting element, thereby extending the life of the EL element. Since the metal layer 42 is formed in the same region as the cathode electrode 38 of the image display area, the metal layer 42 may be formed in the same pattern as the mask pattern used for the cathode electrode 38, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process.

An adhesive 34 is formed to cover the transparent substrate 30 on which the EL element is formed. (Step S47) The adhesive 34 is formed on the entire surface of the transparent substrate 30 to form the transparent substrate 30 and the sealing plate 46. ). This adhesive 34 prevents the penetration of moisture or various foreign matters from the side of the EL panel, and the space inside the element where the infiltrated moisture is present is removed, thereby effectively preventing moisture penetration. Accordingly, the lifespan of the organic light emitting device is extended.

Thereafter, the sealing plate 46 is bonded onto the adhesive 34 (step S48). The sealing plate 46 is formed of a flat plastic film or glass by the adhesive 34 having a flat surface. do. Since the sealing plate 46 is formed of a material of a plastic film, a flexible EL panel can be constructed and the weight becomes light. Since the plastic film may transmit ultraviolet rays, the adhesive 44 may be cured by irradiating ultraviolet rays toward the sealing plate 46.

When a voltage is applied to the cathode electrode 38 and the anode electrode 32, holes flow from the anode electrode 32 and electrons flow from the cathode electrode 38 into the organic emission layer 36. When the holes and electrons are introduced into the organic emission layer 36, excitons are generated, and visible light is generated by energy differences due to the emission and disappearance of the excitons.

In this way, the EL panel seals the organic light emitting element with the metal layer 42, the adhesive 34, and the sealing plate 46, thereby preventing foreign substances such as moisture or oxygen from penetrating from the outside. That is, the organic light emitting device of the present invention can prevent the penetration of moisture more effectively by forming a triple blocking film of the metal layer 42, the adhesive 34 and the sealing plate 46 as compared with the conventional art and accordingly the organic light emitting device The service life of the will be improved.

As described above, the electroluminescent panel and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention can be made thin and seal the inner space without a getter. The electroluminescent panel and the manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention can effectively prevent moisture and oxygen from permeating from the outside by sealing with a triple barrier film of a metal layer, a sealant and a sealing plate. As a result, the organic light emitting layer may be prevented from deteriorating due to reaction with moisture, thereby improving the lifespan of the organic light emitting display device. In addition, the electroluminescent panel and the method of manufacturing the same according to the present invention do not have an internal space, and thus, there is no need to form a getter for removing moisture penetrated into the device internal space as compared with a conventional organic light emitting display device. Accordingly, the thickness of the EL panel can be reduced and the process can be simplified while reducing the process cost since no expensive getter is used. Furthermore, the electroluminescent panel and its manufacturing method according to the present invention can construct a flexible panel by using a plastic film as the material of the sealing plate and can reduce the weight of the EL panel. In addition, by using a sealing film of a plastic film capable of transmitting ultraviolet rays, a separate mask for selective irradiation of ultraviolet rays is not required, and thus, the process can be facilitated, and a spacer is mixed in the sealant to prevent a short circuit between the sealing plate and the anode electrode. Since there is no need to do so, the process cost can be reduced.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification but should be defined by the claims.

Claims (10)

A front substrate on which a plurality of electro luminescent elements are formed; A planarization layer formed to have a flattened surface in an image display area in which the electroluminescent elements are formed on the front substrate; An adhesive applied to an entire surface of the front substrate on which the planarization layer is formed; An electroluminescent panel comprising a sealing plate bonded to the front substrate by the adhesive. The method of claim 1, The electro luminescence device includes an anode electrode formed of a transparent conductive material on the front substrate; An organic light emitting layer formed on the anode electrode; A cathode electrode formed on the organic light emitting layer; And an additional barrier rib formed to insulate between the cathode electrodes. The method of claim 2, The planarization layer may include a metal layer formed to cover the cathode electrode and the partition wall; And an insulating layer formed to insulate between the metal layer and the cathode electrode. The method of claim 3, wherein And the metal layer is formed of the same material as the cathode electrode. The method of claim 3, wherein Electroluminescent panel, characterized in that the metal layer is formed of aluminum (Al). The method of claim 1, The sealing plate is an electroluminescent panel, characterized in that formed of any one of a plastic film, glass. Forming a plurality of electro luminescence elements on the front substrate; Forming a planarization layer to have a planarized surface in an image display area in which the electroluminescent elements of the front substrate are formed; Applying an adhesive to an entire surface of the front substrate on which the planarization layer is formed; The front substrate is a method of manufacturing an electroluminescent panel, characterized in that it comprises the step of bonding to the sealing plate by the adhesive. The method of claim 7, wherein Forming the electroluminescent device is Forming an anode on the front substrate; Depositing an insulating material on the anode and then etching to form a partition wall; Forming an organic emission layer on the anode; And forming a cathode on the organic light emitting layer. The method of claim 7, wherein Forming the planarization layer Forming a metal layer to cover the cathode electrode and the partition wall; And forming an insulating layer to insulate the metal layer from the cathode electrode. The method of claim 9, The metal layer is a method of manufacturing an electroluminescent panel, characterized in that formed using the same mask used for the cathode electrode.