DE102011083247A1 - Hermetic encapsulated organic LED arrangement for use in roof of building to introduce daylight and artificial light, has sealing layer comprising inner recess at inner side, and connected with support substrate by hermetic connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The arrangement (110) has organic LED (OLED) (112) attached on an outer side and an inner side of a planar support substrate (116). A planar sealing layer (118) i.e. sealing substrate, is provided with an outer side and an inner side. The OLED and a solar cell (114) are encapsulated between the support substrate and the sealing layer. The sealing layer comprises an inner recess at an inner side, and immediately connected with the substrate by a hermetic connection (119) such that a hermetic encapsulation is formed from the support substrate, the sealing layer and the hermetic connection. The solar cell is designed as an organic solar cell such as an organic photovoltaic cell. The hermetic connection is made by a welding process. The support substrate and/or the sealing layer is made of transparent thermoplastic or glasses.

Description

The invention relates to an encapsulated arrangement of an organic, light-emitting diode (OLED) combined with one or more solar or solar cells.

OLEDs are typically designed as flat semiconductor light sources that are applied to glass or other substrates in the form of a layer structure and represent transparent or non-transparent light sources.

Currently available OLEDs have a relatively short lifetime. This is partly due to insufficient tightness of the system, in particular the encapsulation of the active layers. Oxygen or moisture damage the active layers and affect the life of the system. A particular weak point of known OLEDs is the lead out of the electrical connection lines from the encapsulated arrangement, within which the layer structure is arranged. At the points where the electrical leads are led to the outside, the capsule is broken. Permanent tightness against atmospheric oxygen and humidity are very difficult to produce, especially at this point.

For this reason, among other things, an attempt is being made to equip the encapsulated arrangement with an integrated power supply. As a result, the need for an opening of the capsule can be avoided, since no electrical connection lines must be led to the outside.

As an energy source for forming a self-sufficient arrangement with its own supply in particular the principle of the solar cell comes into consideration. In addition to the ecologically advantageous renewability in particular organic solar cells (organic photovoltaic cells) have the advantage of being able to be produced by similar methods as the OLEDs themselves.

Accordingly, for example, proposes the international patent application WO 2008/017986 an encapsulated arrangement of an OLED combined with a solar cell, in which both the OLED and a solar cell between the carrier substrate of the OLED and a sealing layer are encapsulated together. In addition, the beats WO 2008/017986 as a sealing layer, which is hermetically connected to the carrier substrate to use a separately manufactured thin-film battery. For manufacturing reasons, according to the encapsulated arrangement WO 2008/017986 on the layer structure of the OLED a topcoat applied, on which the battery is attached in thin film technology. Overall, this arrangement avoids the need to lead electrical connection lines from the encapsulated area to the outside. However, due to the different layers used, it is difficult to hermetically encapsulate these arrangements. A comparable arrangement is from the WO 2010/033518 known, which proposes as a solar cell, the use of an organic photocell. Even with this arrangement, however, it is technically difficult to produce a reliable and durable hermetic encapsulation.

Another encapsulated arrangement of an OLED combined with solar cell is from the published patent application DE 101 40 991 known. This includes in a known manner a flat carrier substrate with outside and inside. On the inside are the layers that make up the OLED. A laminar sealing layer encapsulates both the OLED and the solar cell together with the carrier substrate. The DE 101 40 991 proposes, inter alia, by an additional insulating layer to allow the separate production of the OLED and the solar cell, which are then sealed together using so-called spacers (spacers). This solution allows manufacturing techniques known type to use and at the same time to avoid an electrical connection to an external supply. Also in this arrangement, among other things by the use of the spacer, the tightness of the system should be improved.

An object of the present invention is thus to improve the sealing of a self-powered OLED arrangement without lines to the outside. Another object is to provide new uses of such arrangements.

The first object is achieved by an encapsulated arrangement of an OLED combined with at least one solar cell according to claim 1.

This arrangement comprises a flat carrier substrate with outside and inside, on which the layers are formed, which form the OLED. For encapsulation, a flat sealing layer is provided, in particular a sealing substrate. Here, both the OLED and the at least one solar cell, d. H. a photovoltaic source, encapsulated between the carrier substrate and the sealing layer. The term solar or solar cell here includes any photovoltaic element that, regardless of the light source, is suitable to convert light into electrical energy. The solar cell is preferably a semiconductor element for converting light in the visible spectrum.

According to the invention, at least the sealing layer and possibly also the carrier substrate are provided on the respective inner side with an inner recess transversely to the main plane. Further, for hermetic, ie, technically gas-tight encapsulation, the sealing layer according to the invention is directly adjacent to the carrier substrate and connected thereto by a hermetic connection. The hermetic encapsulation thus consists of the sealing layer, the carrier substrate, and the hermetic connection. As a hermetic connection, for example, a bond or a weld into consideration.

By reducing to a single continuous connection between the sealing outer layers more durable and higher tightness is ensured.

Preferably, both the carrier substrate and the sealing layer are made of the same material and the hermetic connection is designed as a material-fit joint. Preferably, a cohesive joint without filler material is used, d. H. without glue. Alternatively, carrier substrate and sealing layer can also be made of different materials. In this case, however, materials are preferably used which are material fit and preferably without additional material available. Thus, a hermetic encapsulation can take place even with different materials by cohesive joining connection, advantageously without additional material. By material bond between the material of the carrier substrate and the sealing layer, d. H. a continuous atomic or molecular, non-releasable compound, a particularly high density is realized. As materials for the carrier substrate and / or the sealing layer come, in particular for visible light, permeable, d. H. transparent thermoplastics or transparent glass into consideration. A particularly preferred type of hermetic joint connection represents the welded joint.

For the production of the OLED component and the solar cell component of the encapsulated arrangements, various known methods can be considered. On the one hand, the solar cell can be produced separately on a substrate, which can then be used as a sealing layer for encapsulating the OLED also produced on its own carrier substrate. Alternatively, both OLED and solar cell can be produced from the same carrier substrate. The latter embodiment is particularly advantageous when OLED and solar cell are produced in similar processes, for example when using an organic solar cell (OPV).

For the electrical connection between OLED and solar cell and for controlling both components can advantageously be used a circuit with radio control. This is connected to the OLED and the solar cell (s) and also encapsulated between the carrier substrate and the sealing layer. When using a printed circuit board, the sealing layer or the carrier substrate or possibly both are designed to form a holder for the printed circuit board. The holder is within the joining area, so that the circuit board is held within the encapsulated arrangement.

Advantageously, the sealing layer is used to implement other functions. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing layer has an optically active design, in particular for focusing external light, for example sunlight, on the solar cell (s). Alternatively or additionally, the sealing layer can be designed to focus the light emission of the OLED.

For time-independent feeding of the OLED, it is advantageous to provide an electrical energy store on the inside of the sealing layer and optionally of the carrier substrate. At least one accumulator cell is preferably used in the region of the recess in layer construction, in particular a printed Li-polymer accumulator cell.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to FIGS. Show it:

1 a component with solar cell and OLED on opposite sides of the encapsulated arrangement,

2 a component with solar cell and OLED on the same side of the encapsulated arrangement, designed so that external light can be incident on the solar cell from both sides,

3 a component with solar cell and OLED on the same side of an encapsulated arrangement,

4 a component with solar cell and OLED on the same side of the encapsulated assembly, with a one-sided recess for receiving the components.

1 shows as an example arrangement such as a component 110 according to a first embodiment. The component 110 includes an OLED 112 and a solar cell 114 , both with known ones Layer structure. In the execution after 1 are both the OLED 112 as well as the solar cell 114 side by side on the same carrier substrate 116 prepared, preferably in compatible thin-film processes. To avoid damaging environmental influences are both the OLED 112 as well as the solar cell 114 of the component 110 technically gas-tight, ie hermetically encapsulated. For this purpose, the inside of the carrier substrate is opposite 116 a corresponding sealing layer 118 provided, which hermetically with the carrier substrate 116 connected is. For producing a hermetically sealed connection 119 a gentle welding process is preferred in order to produce thereby a cohesive joint connection with particularly high tightness. Preference is given as material for the carrier substrate 116 and the sealing layer 118 thus weldable materials, such as glass or suitable polymer plastics used. The component 110 can in a known manner as a flexible part, for. B. be made as a film. The in the main plane of the component 110 across the plane 1 running full hermetic connection 119 is preferably produced by a gentle method such as pinpoint laser welding. It should be noted here that the hermetic compound 119 , in the direction transverse to the main plane of the component 110 seen, only a single interface between the carrier substrate 116 and sealing layer 118 forms. In other words, carrier substrate 116 and sealing layer 118 hermetically connected to each other by a single seam or interface. This ensures particularly good tightness.

How to continue 1 can be seen, this is on the inside of the carrier substrate 116 and on the inside of the sealant layer 118 in each case a corresponding recess 120 . 122 provided for receiving the components of the device 110 , The recesses 120 . 122 can be determined by any method, e.g. B. directly in the preparation of the carrier substrate 116 or the sealing layer 118 , or be subsequently manufactured. A possible subsequent manufacturing process is, for example, chemical etching according to known thin-film processes.

How farther 1 As can be seen, the manufacture of the recesses 120 . 122 be exploited to on the inside of the carrier substrate 116 and / or the sealant layer 118 to achieve an optically effective design. By way of example only 1 an optic 132 which represents a lens for focusing, for example on a sensor or an LED 134 , Accordingly, the focus of sunlight on the solar cell 114 , or of emitted light of the OLED by optically effective configuration of the respective opposite inner side of the carrier substrate 116 or the sealing layer 118 be achieved (see, for example 3 ).

1 further shows one on the inside of the sealant layer 118 manufactured accumulator 130 for storing electrical energy, which is the solar cell 118 generated. Thus, the accumulator 130 also within the carrier substrate 116 and the sealing layer 118 hermetically enclosed. The accumulator 130 is preferably also produced in layer technology, for example as a printed lithium-polymer accumulator. An electrical energy store, for example in the form of an electrochemical accumulator 130 , allows artificial light generation through the OLED 112 independent of the generation of energy by the solar cell 114 , An electrical energy storage device is in the device 110 not mandatory.

How farther 1 schematically apparent, according to the invention are no electrical connection lines from the hermetic encapsulation of the device 110 led out. To control the components of the device 110 , especially the OLED 112 and the solar cell 114 , includes the component 110 continue a circuit 136 , The circuit 136 can be made in conventional technology, as a circuit board equipped with electronic components. In particular, the circuit comprises 136 an electronic radio control not shown in detail, which with the OLED 112 and the solar cell 114 interconnected, that is electrically connected. The radio controllable circuit 136 thus allows a user or automation system to operate the component 110 , Furthermore, the circuit is used 136 the production of the supply connection between the solar cell 114 and accumulator 130 , as well as between accumulator 130 and OLED 112 , To hold the circuit board of the circuit 136 is on the inside of the circumferentially continuous joining area of the hermetic connection 119 by appropriate design of the carrier substrate 116 and / or the sealant layer 118 a bracket 128 educated. How farther 1 the circuit is visible 136 thus also hermetically encapsulated within the device.

The circuit 136 can with one or more sensors, such as a light sensor and also with conventional LEDs 134 be equipped. The circuit 136 is through the solar cell and / or the accumulator 130 fed. The circuit 136 In addition, an antenna device for inductive / capacitive energy coupling in or out of the component 110 exhibit.

How farther 1 can be seen, the electrical connection to the interconnection of circuit 136 with the OLED 112 and the solar cell 114 also be produced in thin film technology. These are on the carrier substrate 116 inside at the recess 120 successively a first conductor layer 140 , an insulator layer 142 and a second conductor layer 144 applied in thin film technique.

In the execution after 1 are both the OLED 112 as well as the solar cell 114 produced in thin film technology. In particular, for the production of the solar cell 114 also an organic semiconductor can be used. As a solar cell 114 However, a conventionally produced solar cell can be used and, for example, on the circuit board of the circuit 136 be provided. The embodiment according to 1 however has the advantage that OLED 112 and solar cell 114 in a coherent possibly similar method on the carrier substrate 116 can be produced.

On the other hand, for example, the accumulator 130 on the sealing layer 118 as an independent substrate in another possibly incompatible process.

2 shows a second embodiment of a device 210 a hermetically sealed assembly comprising an OLED 212 combined with a solar or photocell 214 , By 100 increased reference numerals refer to 2 compared to 1 identical or identically acting components of the component 210 , Because the other features of the device 210 to 2 are identical to the according to 1 , only differences and essential similarities are highlighted in a row.

In 2 are OLEDs 212 and solar cell 214 arranged on opposite sides of the device. The solar cell 214 is thus on the sealing layer 218 manufactured, whereby a larger area can be exploited. This also provides additional space for conventional LEDs and sensors 234 on the circuit board of the circuit 236 , In addition to the diffuse light emission through the OLED 212 can with other conventional LEDs 234 desired lighting properties can be achieved. The LEDs 234 act together with the integrated into the carrier substrate optics 232 for the bundling of light beams complementary to the diffuse radiation through the OLED 212 , In the cavity between the carrier substrate 216 and sealing layer 218 For example, a pollutant-absorbing material, for example a so-called getter material, may be provided in FIG 2 With 246 designated. Also in the component 210 according to 2 However, the hermetic capsule consists of only the carrier substrate 216 , the sealing layer 218 and a single joint connection 219 , which is preferably cohesive.

Further shows 2 to the first and second recesses 220 . 222 a third recess 250 in the carrier substrate and a fourth recess 252 are provided in the sealing layer. The third and fourth recess 250 . 252 also extend generally transverse to the main plane of the device 210 , The recesses 250 . 252 are laterally separated from the first and second recesses 220 . 222 and serve to accommodate other components such as electronic circuit components of the circuit 236 , schematic with 256 designated. The arrangement after 2 with separate recesses 220 . 222 respectively. 250 . 252 may be advantageous to ensure a procedural separation in the production. For example, an accumulator 230 in printing technology and an OLED 212 in organic thin-film technique easier on the same carrier substrate 216 getting produced.

2 further shows an external device 260 which, for example, for inductive or capacitive energy transfer with corresponding components of the circuit 236 interacts. This makes it possible, for example, in case of need with insufficient energy yield through the solar cell 214 the accumulator 230 charge. Consequently, in addition to materials, which for the light supply of the solar cell 214 and for light emission through the OLED 212 are translucent in the visible range, preferably used materials which are also sufficiently permeable to electromagnetic induction or capacitive coupling and in this case have low Joule heating. In addition, for carrier substrate 216 and sealing layer 218 According to the invention, preferably materials are used which can be connected to one another by an integral joining connection, preferably without additives (such as, for example, adhesive), in particular a suitable silicon glass.

3 shows a third embodiment of a component 310 with hermetically encapsulated arrangement with OLED 312 and solar cell 314 , The embodiment according to 3 is manufacturing technology 1 ajar. Compared to 1 are identical or identically acting components of the component 310 provided with increased reference numerals by 200.

The execution after 3 differs essentially in that a thin-film photocell 314 is used, which is suitable for double-sided light utilization. Thus, on the one hand external light, which through the transparent carrier substrate 316 on the solar cell 314 falls and on the other hand by outside light, which through the sealing layer 318 is incident, electrical energy is generated. Accordingly, in the accumulator 330 a first passage opening 370 coaxial with the center axis of the solar cell 314 intended. A corresponding coaxial second passage opening 372 is in the circuit board of the circuit 336 intended. Further shows 3 a second look 333 , which by appropriate design of the inner recess 322 in the material of the sealing layer 318 is formed. Analogous to the integrated optics 332 serves the integrated optics 333 also for focusing, but here of irradiated external light on the photocell 314 ,

4 shows a further embodiment of a device, generally designated with 410 , which are also under construction 1 is ajar and a capsule with only a hermetic joint connection 419 having. Essential difference to the component 110 to 1 is that the component 410 to 4 only in the sealing layer 418 a recess 422 comprising which the internal components of the component 410 receives. Here is the recess 422 designed so that they also a directly adjacent joining of the carrier substrate 416 and sealing layer 418 allows. This embodiment has the particular advantage that a conventional carrier substrate for the production of the OLED 412 or the solar cell 414 can be used [please check].

The components 110 ; 210 ; 310 ; 410 according to 1 - 4 can be applied in different areas. For example, indoor or outdoor luminaires for energy-efficient artificial lighting can be equipped with corresponding components. Components according to the invention can also be used in built-in windows or facade elements for buildings. In this case, the possibly opaque region, for example of the accumulator 130 , lie in the frame area of the window element. In a known manner, both the area of the OLED can be 112 as well as the photocell 114 run transparent so that daylight can pass through the device. Accordingly, components according to the invention can also be used as part of a roof covering for buildings or vehicles and bring in both daylight and artificial light. Also an intransparent device in opposite embodiment according to 2 can find new uses in building technology. For example, such components can be designed as slats of a shading device. As a result, electrical energy generated during the day in shadow position from sunlight can be stored, which at night for artificial lighting of the interior using the OLED 212 is exploited. It is also conceivable, the components 110 ; 210 ; 310 ; 410 via a wireless connection, for example, by induction in an energy network, such as the public power grid to integrate. Thus, components according to the invention can achieve on the one hand as a buffer memory for smoothing demand peaks and on the other hand as a regenerative energy source further advantages. If required, the OLED of the component can be integrated into an energy interconnected network 110 ; 210 ; 310 ; 410 be fed from the grid. Such a network integration by means of wireless energy transmission is particularly suitable in embodiments without their own energy storage.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

110

Anordnung/Bauteil

112

organische Leuchtdiode (OLED)

114

Photozelle

116

Trägersubstrat

118

Versiegelungsschicht

119

hermetische Verbindung

120

erste Aussparung

122

zweite Aussparung

128

Halterung

130

Akkumulator

132

Optik

134

LEDs

136

Schaltkreis

140

erste Leiterschicht

142

Isolator-Schicht

144

zweite Leiterschicht

Fig. 2

210

Bauelement

212

organische Leuchtdiode (OLED)

214

Solarzelle

216

Trägersubstrat

218

Versiegelungsschicht

219

hermetische Verbindung

220

erste Aussparung

222

zweite Aussparung

228

Halterung externe

230

Akkumulator

232

Optik

234

LEDs

236

Schaltkreis

240

erste Leiterschicht

242

Isolator-Schicht

244

zweite Leiterschicht

246

Getter

250

erste Aussparung

252

zweite Aussparung

256

elektr. Komponenten

260

Vorrichtung

Fig. 3

310

Anordnung/Bauteil

312

organische Leuchtdiode (OLED)

314

Dünnschicht-Photozelle

316

Trägersubstrat

318

Versiegelungsschicht

320

erste Aussparung

322

zweite Aussparung

324

hermetische Verbindung

328

Halterung

330

Akkumulator

332

erste Optik

333

zweite Optik

334

LEDs

336

Schaltkreis

340

erste Leiterschicht

342

Isolator-Schicht

344

zweite Leiterschicht

370

erste Durchlassöffnung

372

zweite Durchlassöffnung

Fig. 4

410

Anordnung/Bauteil

412

organische Leuchtdiode (OLED)

414

Solarzelle

416

Trägersubstrat

418

Versiegelungsschicht

419

hermetische Verbindung

422

Aussparung

428

Halterung

430

Akkumulator

434

LEDs

436

Schaltkreis

440

erste Leiterschicht

442

Isolator-Schicht

444

zweite Leiterschicht

Fig. 1

110

Assembly / component

112

organic light emitting diode (OLED)

114

photocell

116

carrier substrate

118

sealing layer

119

hermetic connection

120

first recess

122

second recess

128

bracket

130

accumulator

132

optics

134

LEDs

136

circuit

140

first conductor layer

142

Insulator layer

144

second conductor layer

Fig. 2

210

module

212

organic light emitting diode (OLED)

214

solar cell

216

carrier substrate

218

sealing layer

219

hermetic connection

220

first recess

222

second recess

228

Bracket external

230

accumulator

232

optics

234

LEDs

236

circuit

240

first conductor layer

242

Insulator layer

244

second conductor layer

246

getter

250

first recess

252

second recess

256

elec. components

260

contraption

Fig. 3

310

Assembly / component

312

organic light emitting diode (OLED)

314

Thin-film photovoltaic cell

316

carrier substrate

318

sealing layer

320

first recess

322

second recess

324

hermetic connection

328

bracket

330

accumulator

332

first appearance

333

second optics

334

LEDs

336

circuit

340

first conductor layer

342

Insulator layer

344

second conductor layer

370

first passage opening

372

second passage opening

Fig. 4

410

Assembly / component

412

organic light emitting diode (OLED)

414

solar cell

416

carrier substrate

418

sealing layer

419

hermetic connection

422

recess

428

bracket

430

accumulator

434

LEDs

436

circuit

440

first conductor layer

442

Insulator layer

444

second conductor layer

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2008/017986 [0006, 0006, 0006]
• WO 2010/033518 [0006]
• DE 10140991 A [0007]
• DE 10140991 [0007]

Claims (10)

An encapsulated arrangement of an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) combined with at least one solar cell comprising: a planar carrier substrate having an outer side and an inner side, on which the OLED-forming layers are applied, a flat sealing layer, in particular a sealing substrate, with an outer side and an inner side, wherein both the OLED and the at least one solar cell are encapsulated between the carrier substrate and the sealing layer, characterized in that at least the sealing layer has an inner recess on its inner side and the sealing layer is connected directly to the carrier substrate by a hermetic connection with it forming a hermetic encapsulant consisting of the carrier substrate, the sealing layer and the hermetic compound. Encapsulated arrangement of an OLED with solar cell (s) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier substrate and the sealing layer are made of the same material and the hermetic compound is a cohesive joint preferably without additional material. Encapsulated arrangement of an OLED with solar cell (s) according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier substrate and the sealing layer are made of different materials, which, however, are material fit and preferably without additional material available and the hermetic connection is a cohesive joint preferably without filler material. Encapsulated arrangement of an OLED with solar cell (s) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the carrier substrate and / or the sealing layer made of transparent thermoplastic or glass is or are. Encapsulated arrangement of an OLED with solar cell (s) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hermetic connection is a welded joint. Encapsulated arrangement of an OLED with solar cell (s) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one solar cell • applied or fabricated on the inside of the sealant layer so that the substrate of the solar cell is used as a sealant layer; or Is applied or produced on the inside of the carrier substrate, preferably laterally next to the OLED layers, so that the carrier substrate of the OLED is at the same time the substrate of the solar cell. Encapsulated arrangement of an OLED with solar cell (s) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a circuit with a radio control with the OLED and the / the solar cell (s) (s) is interconnected and encapsulated between the carrier substrate and the sealing layer. Encapsulated arrangement of an OLED with solar cell (s) according to claim 7, characterized in that a populated printed circuit board comprises the radio control, wherein the one carrier substrate and the sealing layer each having a circumferentially continuous joining region and the sealing layer and / or the carrier substrate is a holder or which is internal with respect to the joining area and supports the printed circuit board within the sealed arrangement. Encapsulated arrangement of an OLED with solar cell (s) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner recess in the sealing layer has an optically acting design, in particular for focusing of external light on the / the solar cell (s) and / or for focusing of Light emission of the OLED. Encapsulated arrangement of an OLED with solar cell (s) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for feeding the OLED on the inside of the sealing layer and / or the carrier substrate in the region of the recess (s) at least one accumulator cell produced in layer structure, in particular a printed Li-polymer cell, is provided.

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