WO2015104939A1

WO2015104939A1 - Lighting device and light-emitting module

Info

Publication number: WO2015104939A1
Application number: PCT/JP2014/082633
Authority: WO
Inventors: 昌宏今田
Original assignee: コニカミノルタ株式会社
Priority date: 2014-01-08
Filing date: 2014-12-10
Publication date: 2015-07-16
Also published as: JPWO2015104939A1

Abstract

Provided is a planar lighting device capable of achieving various light-emitting patterns by using a comparatively simple configuration. The lighting device (100) has an electrical path formed between a terminal (13_1A) and a power supply circuit (40), and also between a terminal (13_1B) and a power supply circuit (40). An electrical path is also formed between a terminal (13_2A) and a power supply circuit (40), and between a terminal (13_2B) and a power supply circuit (40). The power supply circuit (40) is configured: so as to be capable of adjusting, according to a request, the size of the current flowing to a light-emitting layer (12_1) through the terminal (13_1A), and/or the size of the current flowing to the light-emitting layer (12_1) through the terminal (13_1B); and so as to be capable of adjusting, according to a request, the size of the current flowing to a light-emitting layer (12_2) through the terminal (13_2A), and/or the size of the current flowing to a light-emitting layer (12_2) through the terminal (13_2B).

Description

Lighting device and light emitting module

The present disclosure relates to a lighting device and a light emitting module including a planar light emitting layer arranged side by side in a stacking direction.

Conventionally, various devices using light-emitting elements such as OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) have been developed.

For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-057873 (Patent Document 1) discloses an image display device composed of organic light emitting elements. The image display device includes a plurality of stacked light emitting cells, and each light emitting cell emits light having a different wavelength. The plurality of stacked light emitting cells are arranged in a matrix in the planar direction. The image display device can display various colors by adjusting the luminance of light emitted from each light emitting cell.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2010-277949 (Patent Document 2) discloses an organic EL display device having a high aperture ratio and capable of reducing the cost. The organic EL display device has a plurality of organic EL elements stacked one above the other, and each organic EL element emits light having a different wavelength. The plurality of stacked organic EL elements are arranged in a matrix in the plane direction. The organic EL display device can display various colors by adjusting the luminance of light emitted from each organic EL element.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-057873 JP 2010-277949 A

Incidentally, in recent years, in addition to an image device using a light emitting element such as an OLED as disclosed in JP-A-7-057873 and JP-A-2010-277949, a planar illumination device using the light-emitting element is used. Has also been developed. In such an illuminating device, it is required to realize light emission of various colors within the surface in order to improve design.

Here, when the image display device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-057873 is applied to, for example, a planar illumination device, light emission of various colors is achieved by controlling light emission of each pixel of the image display device. Can be realized. However, in this case, it is necessary to provide an additional component such as a transistor for each pixel of the image processing display device. That is, when the image display device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-057873 is realized as a lighting device, there are problems such as an increase in price and a complicated configuration. The same applies to the organic EL display device disclosed in Patent Document 2.

The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a planar lighting device capable of realizing various light emission patterns with a relatively simple configuration. That is. An object in another aspect is to provide a planar light emitting module capable of realizing various light emitting patterns with a relatively simple configuration.

According to one embodiment, the lighting device includes a power supply circuit and planar first light emitting layers and second light emitting layers arranged side by side in the stacking direction. A planar electrode is provided on each surface of each light emitting layer. A first terminal provided on a planar electrode on one side of the first light emitting layer and a power supply circuit, and a first terminal provided on a position different from the first terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. Electrical paths are respectively formed between the two terminals and the power supply circuit. The third terminal provided between the third terminal provided on the planar electrode on one side of the second light emitting layer and the power supply circuit and at a position different from the third terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. Electrical paths are respectively formed between the terminals 4 and the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit adjusts at least one of the magnitude of the current flowing through the first light-emitting layer through the first terminal and the magnitude of the current flowing through the first light-emitting layer through the second terminal, for example, as required. In addition, at least one of the magnitude of the current flowing through the second light-emitting layer through the third terminal and the magnitude of the current flowing through the fourth terminal into the second light-emitting layer is set as required, for example. It is configured to be adjustable accordingly.

According to another embodiment, a light emitting module to which a power supply circuit can be connected is provided. The light emitting module includes a planar first light emitting layer and a second light emitting layer arranged side by side in the stacking direction. A planar electrode is provided on each surface of each light emitting layer. A first terminal provided on a planar electrode on one side of the first light emitting layer and a power supply circuit, and a first terminal provided on a position different from the first terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. An electrical path can be formed between each of the two terminals and the power supply circuit. The third terminal provided between the third terminal provided on the planar electrode on one side of the second light emitting layer and the power supply circuit and at a position different from the third terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. An electric path can be formed between each of the four terminals and the power supply circuit.

According to the present invention, various light emission patterns can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.
The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows the schematic external appearance of an illuminating device. It is the figure which represented roughly a mode that the illuminating device according to 1st Embodiment was light-emitting. It is the figure which represented roughly a mode that the illuminating device according to 1st Embodiment was light-emitting. It is the figure which showed the main structures of the illuminating device according to 1st Embodiment. It is the figure which decomposed | disassembled the light emitting layer and planar electrode which the light emitting module according to 1st Embodiment has. It is a side view of the illuminating device according to 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view of the planar electrode according to 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the light emission aspect of the light emitting layer which has a blue light emission wavelength characteristic according to 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the light emission aspect of the light emitting layer which has a green light emission wavelength characteristic according to 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the light emission aspect of the light emitting layer which has a red light emission wavelength characteristic according to 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the light emission aspect of the illuminating device according to 2nd Embodiment at the time of combining the light emitting layer which has a green light emission wavelength characteristic, and the light emission layer which has a red light emission wavelength characteristic. The light emitting mode of the lighting device according to the second embodiment in the case where a light emitting layer having a blue light emitting wavelength characteristic, a light emitting layer having a green light emitting wavelength characteristic, and a light emitting layer having a red light emitting wavelength characteristic are combined. It is a figure which shows an example. It is a top view of the planar electrode which the illuminating device according to 3rd Embodiment has. It is a side view of the illuminating device according to 4th Embodiment. It is the figure which decomposed | disassembled the light emitting layer and planar electrode which the light emitting module according to 5th Embodiment has. It is the figure which showed the main structures of the light emitting module according to 6th Embodiment. It is a side view of the illuminating device according to 7th Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In addition, each embodiment and / or each modified example described below may be selectively combined.

[Principle explanation]
First, in order to deepen the understanding of the embodiment according to the present invention, the principle for realizing the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic appearance of an example lighting device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lighting device 1 includes a light emitting unit 10_1 and a power source 50_1. The light emitting unit 10_1 includes a planar electrode 11_1, a planar electrode 11_2, and a light emitting layer 12_1 that is an organic EL layer. The light emitting layer 12_1 is provided with a planar electrode 11_1 on one surface and a planar electrode 11_2 on the other surface. One end of the power source 50_1 is electrically connected to the planar electrode 11_1 via the terminal 13_1, and the other end of the power source 50_1 is electrically connected to the planar electrode 11_2 via the terminal 13_2. Hereinafter, the planar electrode 11_1 and the planar electrode 11_2 are also collectively referred to as the planar electrode 11. In addition, the terminal 13_1 and the terminal 13_2 are collectively referred to as a terminal 13.

When the power supply 50_1 applies a voltage between the planar electrode 11_1 and the planar electrode 11_2, the light emitting layer 12_1 emits light. More specifically, holes supplied from one of the planar electrodes 11_1 and 11_2 and electrons supplied from the other planar electrode are included in the light emitting layer 12_1. Join with. Thereby, the organic substance in the light emitting layer 12_1 is in a high energy state called an excited state. The light-emitting layer 12_1 emits light when the organic substance in the excited state returns to the original stable state. From such a light emission principle, the luminance of the lighting device 1 changes according to the amount of holes and electrons per unit time supplied to the planar electrode 11, that is, the current.

The luminance distribution of the lighting device 1 is generated in the plane of the lighting device 1. Since the planar electrode 11 has an internal resistance in the plane, the current density decreases as the position becomes farther from the connection point (terminal 13_1) between the power source 50 and the planar electrode 11. On the planar electrode 11_1 in FIG. 2, a dotted line connecting positions where current densities are equal is shown. A dotted line closer to the terminal 13_1 indicates a higher current density. That is, a larger current flows between the planar electrodes 11 as it is closer to the terminal 13_1.

Thus, a current density distribution occurs in the planar electrode 11. Thereby, the brightness of the lighting device 1 increases as the position is closer to the terminal 13, and the brightness decreases as the position is farther from the terminal 13. That is, the current density distribution in the surface of the planar electrode 11 varies depending on where the power source 50 is connected to the planar electrode 11, and the light emission pattern (the light emitting surface of the lighting device 100 is changed) according to the current density distribution. Brightness distribution) changes. The embodiment according to the present invention realizes various light emission patterns by applying such a change in current density distribution.

In the above description, the light-emitting layer 12_1 is an organic EL layer. However, the light-emitting layer 12_1 may be an inorganic EL layer or the like.

[First Embodiment]
<Outline of lighting device 100>
With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the illuminating device 100 according to 1st Embodiment which laminated | stacked two above-mentioned light emission units is demonstrated. 2 and 3 are diagrams schematically showing a state in which the lighting device 100 emits light. 2 and 3 show a light emission mode (A) when the illumination device 100 is viewed from the side and a light emission mode (B) when the illumination device 100 is viewed from the front.

As shown in FIG. 2, the lighting device 100 includes a light emitting unit 10_1 and a light emitting unit 10_2. Hereinafter, the light emitting unit 10_1 and the light emitting unit 10_2 are also collectively referred to as the light emitting unit 10.

Each of the light emitting units 10 is arranged side by side in the stacking direction. Moreover, the illuminating device 100 is comprised so that adjustment of the brightness | luminance of each light emitting unit 10 is possible. A specific configuration of the light emitting unit 10 will be described later. By arranging the light emitting units 10 side by side in the stacking direction, the lights emitted by the light emitting units 10 in the stacking direction are combined. As described above, the lighting device 100 can generate light having various emission wavelength characteristics according to the combination of the light emitted from the light emitting unit 10_1 and the light emitted from the light emitting unit 10_2. That is, the lighting device 100 can emit light of various colors.

Further, the light emission pattern of the illumination device 100 varies in various ways according to the current density distribution generated in the planar electrode of the light emitting unit 10 as described above. The lighting device 100 intentionally creates various current density distributions in the planar electrode to realize various light emission patterns. More specifically, each of the light emitting units 10 has a plurality of terminals, and the lighting device 100 is configured to be able to adjust the magnitude of the current flowing through each of the plurality of terminals. Thereby, the illuminating device 100 can generate various current density distributions in the planar electrode of the light emitting unit 10.

For example, as shown in the light emission modes (A) and (B) of FIG. 2, when a large current is applied to both ends of the light emitting unit 10 and a small current is applied to the central portion of the light emitting unit 10, It is possible to realize a light emission pattern that becomes darker as it goes to.

In addition, as shown in the light emission modes (A) and (B) of FIG. 3, when a large current is applied to the central portion of the light emitting unit 10 and a small current is applied to both ends of the light emitting unit 10, the central portion of the light emitting unit 10_1 is obtained. It is possible to realize a light emission pattern that becomes brighter toward the. As described above, the lighting device 100 can realize various light emission patterns by changing the current density distribution of the light emitting unit 10.

In addition, since the lighting device 100 is configured to be capable of adjusting the light emission luminance of each light emitting unit 10, the combination of the light emission luminance is changed with respect to the combination of the light emission wavelength characteristics of the light emitting unit 10_1 and the light emitting unit 10_2. Can be changed to various emission colors. That is, the lighting device 100 can emit light of various colors.

The lighting device 100 can realize a wide variety of light emission by a combination of a light emission pattern and a light emission color. Thereby, it becomes possible to manufacture the illuminating device excellent in the design which has various light emission modes. Furthermore, since the illumination device 100 supplies power from different positions to the planar electrode provided in common for the entire light emitting layer, it does not require a component such as a transistor for each pixel unlike an EL display. For this reason, it is possible to realize a lighting device having high design with a relatively simple configuration.

Note that the number of light emitting units to be stacked is not limited to two layers, but may be two or more layers.

<Main configuration of lighting device 100>
With reference to FIG. 4, the illuminating device 100 according to 1st Embodiment is demonstrated in detail. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration of the illumination device 100.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lighting device 100 includes a light emitting module 60 and a power supply circuit 40 electrically connected to the light emitting module 60. The light emitting module 60 includes a light emitting unit 10_1 and a light emitting unit 10_2. The light emitting unit 10_1 includes a planar electrode 11_1, a planar electrode 11_2, and a planar light emitting layer 12_1. The light emitting unit 10_2 includes a planar electrode 11_2, a planar electrode 11_3, and a planar light emitting layer 12_2.

The light emitting layer 12_1 and the light emitting layer 12_2 are arranged side by side in the stacking direction so that the lighting device 100 can emit light of various colors. More specifically, the lighting device 100 emits light of various wavelengths according to the combination of the wavelength characteristics of light emitted from the light emitting layer 12_1 and the wavelength characteristics of light emitted from the light emitting layer 12_2. That is, the lighting device 100 emits light of various colors depending on the combination of the light emission color of the light emitting layer 12_1 and the light emission color of the light emitting layer 12_2. Typically, the light emitted from each of the light emitting layers 12 has different wavelength characteristics. The light emitted from each of the light emitting layers 12 may have the same wavelength characteristics.

A planar electrode is provided on each surface of each light emitting layer. More specifically, the planar electrode 11_1 is provided on one surface of the light emitting layer 12_1, and the planar electrode 11_2 is provided on the other surface of the light emitting layer 12_2. A planar electrode 11_2 is provided on one surface of the light emitting layer 12_2, and a planar electrode 11_3 is provided on the other surface of the light emitting layer 12_2.

The planar electrode 11_2 sandwiched between the light emitting layer 12_1 and the light emitting layer 12_2 is used as a planar electrode provided for both the light emitting layer 12_1 and the light emitting layer 12_2 in order to reduce the number of planar electrodes to be provided in the lighting device 100. Is done. That is, the planar electrode 11_2 is commonly used as a path for a current flowing through the light emitting layer 12_1 and a path for a current flowing through the light emitting layer 12_2.

The planar electrode 11_1 has a terminal 13_1A and a terminal 13_1B. The terminal 13_1A and the terminal 13_1B are provided at different positions depending on the current density distribution desired to be generated on the surface of the planar electrode 11_1. In order to cause different currents to flow individually to the terminals 13, electrical paths are formed between the terminal 13_1A and the power supply circuit 40 and between the terminal 13_1B and the power supply circuit 40.

The planar electrode 11_2 has a terminal 13_2A and a terminal 13_2B. The terminal 13_2A and the terminal 13_2B are provided at different positions depending on the current density distribution desired to be generated on the surface of the planar electrode 11_2. In order to cause different currents to individually flow through the terminals 13, electrical paths are formed between the terminal 13_2A and the power supply circuit 40 and between the terminal 13_2B and the power supply circuit 40, respectively.

The illumination device 100 is configured to be able to individually adjust the magnitude of the current flowing through each of the terminals 13 so that the brightness and the light emission pattern of each light emitting layer 12 can be adjusted. More specifically, the lighting device 100 is configured to be able to adjust at least one of the magnitude of the current flowing through the light emitting layer 12_1 through the terminal 13_1A and the magnitude of the current flowing through the terminal 13_1B into the light emitting layer 12_1 as required. Is done. The lighting device 100 is configured to be able to adjust the amount of current flowing through at least one of the terminal 13_1A and the terminal 13_1B, whereby the light emission pattern of the light emitting layer 12_1 can be changed.

Further, the lighting device 100 is configured to be able to adjust at least one of the magnitude of the current flowing through the light emitting layer 12_2 through the terminal 13_2A and the magnitude of the current flowing through the light emitting layer 12_2 through the terminal 13_2B as required. That is, the lighting device 100 can change the light emission pattern of the light emitting layer 12_2 as long as the amount of current flowing through at least one of the terminal 13_2A and the terminal 13_2B can be adjusted.

Typically, the lighting device 100 has a magnitude of a current flowing from the power supply circuit 40 to the light emitting layer 12_1 through the terminal 13_1A and the terminal 13_1B, and a current flowing from the power supply circuit 40 to the light emitting layer 12_2 through the terminal 13_2A and the terminal 13_2B, respectively. Is further provided with a control circuit 70 for controlling at least one of the sizes. The control circuit 70 outputs a control command for controlling the light emission pattern of the lighting device 100 to the power supply circuit 40 according to the operation of the lighting device 100 by the user. The power supply circuit 40 supplies a current to each terminal of the planar electrode according to the received control command.

As an example, the lighting device 100 is configured to be able to select one light emission pattern from among a plurality of predetermined light emission patterns of the light emitting unit 10_1, and among the plurality of predetermined light emission patterns of the light emitting unit 10_2. From this, one light emission pattern can be selected. For example, the user arbitrarily selects a light emission pattern of each light emitting unit 10 by operating an operation unit (not shown) such as a button. The control circuit 70 outputs a control command to the power supply circuit 40 according to the selected light emission pattern. Thereby, the user can adjust the light emission mode by the number of combinations of the light emission pattern of the light emission unit 10_1 and the light emission pattern of the light emission unit 10_2. As described above, the illumination device 100 includes the control circuit 70 for adjusting the output of the power supply circuit, so that the user can select the intended light emission mode.

(Details of planar electrode)
Hereinafter, the planar electrode 11 will be described in more detail. The planar electrode provided on the light emitting side from the light emitting layer 12_1 and the light emitting layer 12_2, and the planar electrode provided between the light emitting layer 12_1 and the light emitting layer 12_2 are semi-transparent electrodes and transparent electrodes. Consists of either.

For example, the planar electrodes 11_1 to 11_3 are made of a transparent or translucent member in order to transmit light emitted from the light emitting layer. Examples of transparent or translucent planar electrodes include metal oxides such as ITO (mixture of indium oxide and tin oxide), IZO (mixture of indium oxide and zinc oxide), and light transmission. Examples thereof include a thin metal layer (Al, Ag, Ca, etc.), or a transparent conductive film (TCF: Transparent Conductive Film) in which nanowires and nanoparticles thereof are dispersed.

In addition, when light should just be radiate | emitted only from one surface of the illuminating device 100, either one of the planar electrode 11_1 and the planar electrode 11_3 may be comprised with the member which does not permeate | transmit light. Examples of the opaque planar electrode include various conductive metals such as Al, Ag, Mg, and Cu, and alloys such as AlMg.

<Example of power connection>
With reference to FIG. 5, the example of a connection of the power supply to the light emitting module 60 is demonstrated. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the light emitting layer and the planar electrode included in the light emitting module 60.

The power supply circuit 40 includes a plurality of power supplies. For example, power supply circuit 40 includes a power supply 50_1A, a power supply 50_1B, a power supply 50_2A, and a power supply 50_2B. Typically, a power source is provided for each light emitting layer in order to adjust each light emission pattern of the light emitting layer 12. A plurality of power supplies are electrically connected to each light emitting layer in order to realize various light emission patterns in the light emitting layer.

More specifically, one end of the power supply 50_1A is electrically connected to the terminal 13_1A, and the other end of the power supply 50_1A is electrically connected to the terminal 13_2A. One end of the power supply 50_1B is electrically connected to the terminal 13_1B, and the other end of the power supply 50_1B is electrically connected to the terminal 13_2B. One end of the power supply 50_2A is electrically connected to the terminal 13_2A, and the other end of the power supply 50_2A is electrically connected to the terminal 13_3A. One end of the power supply 50_2B is electrically connected to the terminal 13_2B, and the other end of the power supply 50_2B is electrically connected to the terminal 13_3B.

Each terminal of the planar electrode sandwiched between the light emitting layers is configured to be usable with a plurality of power supplies in order to reduce the number of terminals provided on the planar electrode. Each terminal of the planar electrode sandwiched between the light emitting layers may be used by a power source 50_1A and a power source 50_2A, for example, as a terminal 13_2A. The number of power supplies electrically connected to one terminal is not limited to two. For example, three or more power supplies may be connected to one terminal.

[Second Embodiment]
<Outline of Lighting Device 100A>
Referring to FIGS. 6 to 12, illumination apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment will be described. Lighting device 100A according to the present embodiment is different from lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment in that it has three light emitting layers. Other points are the same as those of lighting device 100 according to the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will not be repeated.

Referring to FIG. 6, an outline of lighting apparatus 100A according to the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a side view of the lighting device 100A.

As shown in FIG. 6, the lighting device 100 </ b> A includes a power supply circuit 40 and a light emitting module 60. The light emitting module 60 includes light emitting units 10_1 to 10_3 arranged side by side in the stacking direction. The light emitting unit 10_3 includes a planar electrode 11_3, a planar electrode 11_4, and a light emitting layer 12_3 provided between the planar electrodes.

A power supply is connected to the planar electrode, and the lighting device 100A can individually supply current to each of the light emitting layers 12_1 to 12_3. In addition, the light emitting layers 12_1 to 12_3 have different light emission wavelength characteristics. Since each emission wavelength characteristic of the light emitting layer 12 can be changed variously according to the magnitude of the current flowing through the light emitting layer, the emission wavelength characteristic of the light emitted from the illumination device 100A is arbitrarily changed. It becomes possible.

For example, the light emitting layer 12_1 has a blue light emitting wavelength characteristic, the light emitting layer 12_2 has a green light emitting wavelength characteristic, and the light emitting layer 12_3 has a red light emitting wavelength characteristic. Since the light emitting layer 12 has the light emission wavelength characteristics of the three primary colors of light (that is, blue, green, and red), the lighting device 100A can realize light emission of almost all colors perceivable by humans.

Each of the light-emitting layers 12 may be configured to have emission wavelength characteristics of yellow, yellow-purple (Magenta), and blue-green (Cyan), depending on a desired emission color. May be appropriately configured.

In the above example, the case where the number of light emitting layers is three has been described, but the number of light emitting layers may be two or more.

(Details of the light emitting layer 12)
Details of the light emitting layer 12 will be described below. The light emitting layer 12 includes, for example, a hole injection layer (HIL), a hole transport layer (HTL), a photon generation layer (EML), and an electron transport layer (ETL). It is composed of an electron transport layer (EIL) and an electron injection layer (EIL).

In addition, the structure of the light emitting layer 12 is not limited to the above. For example, it may be composed of a photon generation layer / electron transport layer. In addition, the light emitting layer 12 may be composed of a hole transport layer / photon generation layer / electron transport layer. In addition, the light emitting layer 12 may be composed of a hole transport layer / photon generation layer / hole blocking layer / electron transport layer. In addition, the light emitting layer 12 may be composed of a hole transport layer / photon generation layer / hole blocking layer / electron transport layer / cathode buffer layer.

<Details of Lighting Device 100A>
Details of the illumination device 100A will be described with reference to FIGS. First, with reference to FIG. 7, the several terminal provided in the planar electrode is demonstrated. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the planar electrode.

7, terminals 13_1A to 13_1N (arranged in the order of ABCDE, MN, JIHGF, and LK in the clockwise direction from the upper left of the figure) are provided around the planar electrode 11_1. Each of the power supplies 50_1A to 50_1N (arranged in the order of ABCDE, MN, JIHGF, and LK in the clockwise direction from the upper left of the figure) is electrically connected to each of the terminals 13_1A to 13_1N. Each terminal 13 is individually supplied with current from a power source connected to the terminal. As a result, the magnitude of the current flowing through each of the terminals 13 can be individually changed. That is, as the number of power supplies connected increases, the balance of the current flowing through each terminal can be changed. The current density distribution in the surface of the planar electrode can be changed variously, and the number of light emission patterns can be increased.

Further, the planar electrodes 11_2 to 11_4 also have a plurality of terminals like the planar electrode 11_1, and are configured to allow different currents to flow through the terminals. Note that the number of terminals provided in each of the planar electrodes 11_1 to 11_4 is not necessarily the same. In addition, the arrangement of the terminals in the planar electrode provided in each of the planar electrodes 11_1 to 11_4 is not necessarily the same. For example, the number and arrangement of terminals provided in the planar electrode may be determined according to the characteristics (conductivity, resistivity, etc.) of the planar electrode.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, an example of the light emission mode of the light emitting layer when currents having different magnitudes are supplied to the terminals of the planar electrode will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a light emission mode of the light emitting layer 12_1 having a blue light emission wavelength characteristic. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a light emission mode of the light emitting layer 12_2 having a green light emission wavelength characteristic. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a light emission mode of the light emitting layer 12_3 having a red light emission wavelength characteristic.

The light emitting layer 12_1 shown in FIG. 8 has a blue emission wavelength characteristic, and is provided between the planar electrode 11_1 and the planar electrode 11_2. In the vicinity of the planar electrode 11_1, terminals 13_1A to 13_1N are provided as in FIG. For example, when the current flowing through the terminals on the upper side of the paper (terminals 13_1A to 13_1E) is reduced and the current passed through the terminals on the lower side of the paper (terminals 13_1J to 13_1F) is increased, the light emitting layer 12_1 It emits light with a light emission pattern in which the blue color gradually becomes brighter toward. In this case, the magnitude of the current flowing through each of the terminals 13_1A to 13_1N satisfies the following expression (1).

_{_{_{_{I 1A = I 1B = I 1C}}}} = I 1D = I 1E ≦ I 1M = I 1K ≦ I 1N = I 1L ≦ I 1J = I 1I = I 1H = I 1G = I 1F ··· Equation (1)
The light emitting layer 12_2 shown in FIG. 9 has a green emission wavelength characteristic, and is provided between the planar electrode 11_2 and the planar electrode 11_3. Terminals 13_2A to 13_2N (arranged in the order of ABCDE, MN, JIHGF, and LK in the clockwise direction from the upper left in the figure) are provided around the planar electrode 11_2. For example, when the current passed through the terminals on the left side of the paper (terminal 13_2L, terminal 13_2K) is increased and the current passed through the terminals on the right side of the paper (terminal 13_2M, terminal 13_2N) is reduced, the light-emitting layer 12_2 is formed from the left side of the paper. It emits light with a light emission pattern in which the green color gradually becomes darker toward the right side. In this case, the magnitude of the current flowing through each of the terminals 13_2A to 13_2K satisfies the following expression (2).

_{_{_{I 2M = I 2N ≦ I 2E}}} = I 2J ≦ I 2D = I 2I ≦ I 2C = I 2H ≦ I 2B = I 2G ≦ I 2A = I 2F ≦ I 2L = I 2K ··· formula (2)
The light emitting layer 12_3 illustrated in FIG. 10 has a red light emission wavelength characteristic, and is provided between the planar electrode 11_3 and the planar electrode 11_4. Around the planar electrode 11_3, terminals 13_3A to 13_3N (arranged in the order of ABCDE, MN, JIHGF, and LK in the clockwise direction from the upper left of the figure) are provided. For example, when the current passed through the terminals on the left side of the paper (terminal 13_3L, terminal 13_3K) is reduced and the current passed through the terminals on the right side of the paper (terminal 13_3M, terminal 13_3N) is increased, the light emitting layer 12_3 Light is emitted in a light emission pattern in which red gradually becomes brighter toward the right side. In this case, the magnitude of the current flowing through each of the terminals 13_3A to _3K satisfies the following expression (3).

_{_{_{I 3L = I 3K ≦ I 3A}}} = I 3F ≦ I 3B = I 3G ≦ I 3C = I 3H ≦ I 3D = I 3I ≦ I 3E = I 3J ≦ I 3M = I 3N ··· formula (3)
Finally, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the light emission mode when the light emitting layers shown in FIG. 8 to FIG. 10 are combined will be described.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a light emission mode of the lighting device 100A when the light emitting layer 12_2 having the green light emission wavelength characteristic shown in FIG. 9 and the light emission layer 12_3 having the red light emission wavelength characteristic shown in FIG. 10 are combined. Indicates. When the light emitting layer 12_2 having a light emitting pattern in which the green gradually becomes brighter from the right side to the left side of the paper and the light emitting layer 12_3 having a light emitting pattern in which the red color gradually becomes brighter from the left side to the right side of the paper are combined. Emits light with a light emission pattern of green → red green → red (or yellow) from the left side to the right side of the drawing.

12 has the light emitting layer 12_1 having the blue light emission wavelength characteristic shown in FIG. 8, the light emitting layer 12_2 having the green light emission wavelength characteristic shown in FIG. 9, and the red light emission wavelength characteristic shown in FIG. An example of a light emission mode of the lighting device 100A when combined with the light emitting layer 12_3 is shown. When the light emitting layer 12_1 having a light emission pattern in which blue gradually becomes brighter from the upper side to the lower side of the paper is further combined, the lighting device 100A emits light with a complex color light emission pattern (rainbow color) in the plane.

In the examples of FIGS. 7 to 12, the example in which different currents flow through the terminals of the planar electrodes has been described. However, one planar electrode of two planar electrodes provided on both surfaces of the light emitting layer is described. The terminals of the electrodes may be adjusted so that the same current flows.

For example, the first-layer planar electrode 11_1 and the fourth-layer planar electrode 11_4 are provided with one or more terminals, and are adjusted so that the same current flows through each terminal. The terminals of the second-layer planar electrode 11_2 and the third-layer planar electrode 11_3 are adjusted so that different currents flow through the terminals. Thereby, the wiring to the planar electrodes 11_1 and 11_4 can be further simplified. In addition, the manufacturing process of the lighting device 100A can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Similarly, the first-layer planar electrode 11_1 and the third-layer planar electrode 11_3 may be provided with one or more terminals, and may be adjusted so that the same current flows in each terminal. In this case, adjustment is made so that different currents flow through the terminals of the second-layer planar electrode 11_2 and the fourth-layer planar electrode 11_4.

Similarly, the second-layer planar electrode 11_2 and the fourth-layer planar electrode 11_4 may be provided with one or more terminals, and may be adjusted so that the same current flows in each terminal. In this case, adjustment is made so that different currents flow through the terminals of the first-layer planar electrode 11_1 and the third-layer planar electrode 11_3.

[Third Embodiment]
With reference to FIG. 13, the illuminating device 100B according to 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a planar electrode included in the lighting apparatus 100B. Lighting device 100B according to the present embodiment is different from lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment in the arrangement of terminals in the planar electrodes and the method of connecting a power source to each terminal. Since other points are similar to those of lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

The planar electrode 11_1 included in the lighting device 100B has a plurality of terminals 13_1A to 13_1N (arranged in the order of ACE, MN, JIGF, and LK in the clockwise direction from the upper left in the figure). As shown in FIG. 13, the arrangement of the terminals on the planar electrode 11_1 does not necessarily have to be vertically and horizontally symmetrical. For example, the intervals between the terminals may be uneven.

Further, the lighting device 100B may be configured such that one end of one power source is electrically connected to two or more terminals among a plurality of terminals provided on the planar electrode. For example, the power supply 50_1A is electrically connected to three terminals 13_1A, 13_1C, and 13_1E. In this manner, even when current is supplied from a single power source to a plurality of terminals, the current density distribution (balance of currents flowing through the terminals) can be changed in the plane of the planar electrode 11_1. By configuring the lighting device 100B in this way, the number of power supplies can be reduced. That is, the configuration of the lighting device 100B can be further simplified, and the cost can be reduced.

[Fourth Embodiment]
With reference to FIG. 14, an illuminating device 100C according to the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a side view of the illumination device 100C. Lighting device 100C according to the present embodiment is different from lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment in having an insulating layer. Since other points are similar to those of lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

The lighting device 100C includes light emitting units 10_1 to 10_3, transparent insulating layers 14_1 and 14_2, and a power supply circuit 40. Hereinafter, the insulating layers 14_1 and 14_2 are also collectively referred to as the insulating layer 14. The insulating layer 14 is provided so that the light emitting units 10_1 to 10_3 do not interfere with each other. That is, by providing an insulating layer between two light emitting units, a reference potential (ground potential) can be set for each light emitting unit.

More specifically, the insulating layer 14_1 is provided between the light emitting unit 10_1 and the light emitting unit 10_2. The insulating layer 14_2 is provided between the light emitting unit 10_2 and the light emitting unit 10_3. The light emitting unit 10_1 can set either the planar electrode 11_1 or the planar electrode 11_2 to a reference potential. The light emitting unit 10_2 can set either the planar electrode 11_3 or the planar electrode 11_4 to a reference potential. The light emitting unit 10_3 can set either the planar electrode 11_5 or the planar electrode 11_6 to a reference potential. That is, since the light emitting units do not interfere with each other, the luminance of the light emitting units can be individually adjusted. Thereby, the light emission pattern of the light emitting unit 10 can be adjusted more easily.

[Fifth Embodiment]
With reference to FIG. 15, illuminating device 100D according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Lighting device 100D according to the present embodiment is different from lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment in that it has a planar electrode provided with only one terminal. Since other points are similar to those of lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the light emitting layer and the planar electrode of the light emitting module 60. FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of one light-emitting unit 10_1 among the three-layer light-emitting units 10_1 to 10_3 of the illumination device 100A shown in FIG.

In lighting device 100D according to the present embodiment, among the two planar electrodes provided on both sides of the light emitting layer, one planar electrode is provided with a plurality of terminals, and the other planar electrode is provided with one terminal. Is provided.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the planar electrode 11_1 is provided with a plurality of terminals 13_1A and 13_1B. The planar electrode 11_2 is provided with a single terminal 13_2A. The power supply 50_1A is electrically connected between the terminal 13_1A and the terminal 13_2A. The power supply 50_1B is electrically connected between the terminal 13_1B and the terminal 13_2A. In this manner, the terminal 13_2A is used for the power supply 50_1A and the power supply 50_1B.

This makes it possible to reduce the number of terminals to be provided on the planar electrode, thereby further simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the manufacturing cost.

[Sixth Embodiment]
A light emitting module 60 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a main configuration of the light emitting module 60. The light emitting module 60 according to the present embodiment is the same as that obtained by removing the power supply circuit 40 from the illumination device 100A according to the second embodiment. Thereby, since it becomes possible for a user to connect a power supply arbitrarily after sale of the light emitting module 60, the freedom degree of design increases.

[Seventh Embodiment]
With reference to FIG. 17, the illuminating device 100E according to 7th Embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 17 is a side view of the illumination device 100E. Lighting device 100E according to the present embodiment is different from lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment in that substrate 15 is provided. Since other points are similar to those of lighting device 100A according to the second embodiment, description thereof will not be repeated.

In order to protect the planar electrode 11 and the light emitting layer 12, the substrate 15 is provided on the surface of the planar electrode 11_4 opposite to the contact surface between the planar electrode 11_4 and the light emitting layer 12_3. Typically, the planar electrode 11 and the light emitting layer 12 are sealed between the substrate 15 and a sealing member (not shown). Thereby, the penetration | invasion of a water | moisture content or an ultraviolet-ray can be prevented in the inside of the illuminating device 100E, and durability of the illuminating device 100E can be raised.

The illumination device 100E is configured as a bottom emission type that emits light from the substrate 15 as an example. In this case, the substrate 15 and the planar electrodes 11_2 to 11_4 are made of a transparent or translucent member. The planar electrode 11_1 may be either transparent or opaque. Examples of the transparent or translucent substrate 15 include glass, resin (PET, PEN, polycarbonate, etc.), sapphire, and the like.

Note that the lighting device 100E may be configured as a top emission type that emits light from the planar electrode 11_1 side. In this case, the planar electrodes 11_1 to 11_3 are made of a transparent or translucent member. The substrate 15 and the planar electrode 11_4 may be either transparent or opaque. Examples of the opaque substrate 15 include a semiconductor (such as Si), a metal (such as Al and stainless steel), and a metal foil.

Further, the lighting device 100E may be configured to emit light from both sides of the substrate 15 and the planar electrode 11_1. In this case, the substrate 15 and the planar electrodes 11_1 to 11_4 are made of transparent or translucent members.

As described above, the illumination device 100 </ b> E can improve durability by providing the substrate 15.

The lighting device described above includes a power supply circuit and planar first light emitting layers and second light emitting layers arranged in the stacking direction. A planar electrode is provided on each surface of each light emitting layer. A first terminal provided on a planar electrode on one side of the first light emitting layer and a power supply circuit, and a first terminal provided on a position different from the first terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. Electrical paths are respectively formed between the two terminals and the power supply circuit. The third terminal provided between the third terminal provided on the planar electrode on one side of the second light emitting layer and the power supply circuit and at a position different from the third terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. Electrical paths are respectively formed between the terminals 4 and the power supply circuit. The power supply circuit adjusts at least one of the magnitude of the current flowing through the first light emitting layer through the first terminal and the magnitude of the current flowing through the first light emitting layer through the second terminal, for example, according to demand. In addition, at least one of the magnitude of the current flowing through the second light-emitting layer through the third terminal and the magnitude of the current flowing through the fourth terminal into the second light-emitting layer is set as required, for example. It is configured to be adjustable accordingly.

Preferably, the lighting device has a magnitude of a current flowing from the power supply circuit to the first light emitting layer through the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively, and a second current from the power supply circuit through the third terminal and the fourth terminal. And a control circuit for controlling at least one of the magnitudes of currents flowing to the light emitting layers.

Preferably, a planar electrode shared between the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer is used as a current path flowing through the first light emitting layer and a current path flowing through the second light emitting layer. It is done.

Preferably, the power supply circuit has a relative relationship between the magnitude of the current flowing through the first light emitting layer through the first terminal and the magnitude of the current flowing through the first light emitting layer through the second terminal, and through the third terminal. The relative relationship between the magnitude of the current flowing in the second light emitting layer and the magnitude of the current flowing in the second light emitting layer through the fourth terminal is configured to be adjustable.

Preferably, the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer are made of an organic light emitting layer.
Preferably, the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer have different emission wavelength characteristics.

Also, as described above, a light emitting module capable of connecting a power supply circuit is provided. The light emitting module includes a planar first light emitting layer and a second light emitting layer arranged side by side in the stacking direction. A planar electrode is provided on each surface of each light emitting layer. A first terminal provided on a planar electrode on one side of the first light emitting layer and a power supply circuit, and a first terminal provided on a position different from the first terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. An electrical path can be formed between each of the two terminals and the power supply circuit. The third terminal provided between the third terminal provided on the planar electrode on one side of the second light emitting layer and the power supply circuit and at a position different from the third terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. An electric path can be formed between each of the four terminals and the power supply circuit.

According to each configuration described above, various light emission patterns can be realized with a relatively simple configuration.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

10, 10_1 to 10_3 light emitting unit, 11, 11_1 to 11_6 planar electrode, 12, 12_1 to 12_3 light emitting layer, 13, 13_1A to 13_1N, 13_2A to 13_2N, 13_3A to 13_3N terminal, 14 insulating layer, 15 substrate, 40 power circuit , 50_1 to 50_3, 50_1A to 50_1N, 50_2A to 50_2N, 50_3A to 50_3N power supply, 70 control circuit, 100, 100A to 100E lighting device.

Claims

A power circuit;
A planar first light emitting layer and a second light emitting layer arranged side by side in the stacking direction, each surface of each light emitting layer is provided with a planar electrode,
Provided between the first terminal provided on the planar electrode on one side of the first light emitting layer and the power supply circuit, and at a position different from the first terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. An electrical path is formed between the second terminal and the power supply circuit,
Provided between the third terminal provided on the planar electrode on one side of the second light emitting layer and the power supply circuit, and at a position different from the third terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. An electrical path is formed between each of the fourth terminal and the power supply circuit,
The power supply circuit is
At least one of the magnitude of the current flowing through the first light emitting layer through the first terminal and the magnitude of the current flowing through the first light emitting layer through the second terminal is configured to be adjustable. ,
At least one of the magnitude of the current flowing through the second light emitting layer through the third terminal and the magnitude of the current flowing through the second light emitting layer through the fourth terminal is configured to be adjustable. Lighting device.
The magnitudes of currents flowing from the power supply circuit to the first light emitting layer through the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively, and from the power supply circuit through the third terminal and the fourth terminal. The lighting device according to claim 1, further comprising a control circuit for controlling at least one of the magnitudes of currents flowing through the two light emitting layers.
Between the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer, there is a planar electrode shared as a current path flowing through the first light emitting layer and a current path flowing through the second light emitting layer. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is provided.
The power supply circuit includes a relative relationship between a magnitude of a current flowing through the first light emitting layer through the first terminal and a magnitude of a current flowing through the first light emitting layer through the second terminal, and the third circuit. The configuration is such that the relative relationship between the magnitude of the current flowing through the second light emitting layer through the terminal and the magnitude of the current flowing through the fourth terminal through the fourth terminal can be adjusted to be different from each other. 4. The illumination device according to any one of 1 to 3.
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer are made of an organic light emitting layer.
The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first light emitting layer and the second light emitting layer have different light emission wavelength characteristics.
A light emitting module to which a power circuit can be connected,
A planar first light emitting layer and a second light emitting layer arranged side by side in the stacking direction, each surface of each light emitting layer is provided with a planar electrode,
Provided between the first terminal provided on the planar electrode on one side of the first light emitting layer and the power supply circuit, and at a position different from the first terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. An electrical path can be formed between each of the second terminals and the power supply circuit,
Provided between the third terminal provided on the planar electrode on one side of the second light emitting layer and the power supply circuit, and at a position different from the third terminal of the planar electrode on the one side. A light emitting module configured such that an electrical path can be formed between each of the fourth terminal and the power supply circuit.