JPH10172757A - Organic el light emitting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an organic EL light emitting device whose organic EL element is hardly damaged at sealing time by arranging a sealing member on a base material, forming a space to seal the organic EL element formed on one surface of the base material, and arranging a lower electrode taking-out part and a counter electrode taking-out part on the base material. SOLUTION: A prescribed intermediate layer 4 is formed on respective side surfaces of a plate-like light transmissive base material 1. Next, the prescribed number of organic EL elements 9 are formed in an X-Y matrix shape on one surface of the base material 1 by laminating a belt-like lower electrode (transparent electrode) 9a, a light emitting layer 9b and a belt-like counter electrode 9c in order. At this time, the lower electrode 9a and the counter electrode 9c are formed so as to be electrically connected to a lower electrode taking-out part 2a or a counter electrode taking-out part 3a. Afterwards, a cap-shaped sealing member 5 is arranged on the base material 1. A sealing layer 7 is arranged over an intermediate layer 6 arranged on respective side surfaces of a sealing member 5 from an intermediate layer 4 of a side surface of the base material 1. The organic EL elements 9 are sealed in a space 8 formed of the base material 1 and the sealing member 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an organic EL device having one or a plurality of organic EL (electroluminescence) elements as a light source.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An EL element is a self-luminous element and therefore has high visibility, and since it is a completely solid element, it has excellent impact resistance. Due to these features, various inorganic E using an inorganic compound as a light emitting material are now available.
Various organic EL devices using an organic compound (hereinafter, this compound is referred to as an organic light emitting material) as a light emitting material have been proposed, and practical use has been attempted. Above all, since the applied voltage of the organic EL element can be greatly reduced as compared with the inorganic EL element, the development of a light emitting device (organic EL light emitting device) using the organic EL element as a light emitting source has been actively promoted. I have.

The basic layer structure of an organic EL device is a structure in which a lower electrode, a light emitting layer, and a counter electrode are sequentially laminated on a base material.
In the organic EL element, desired EL light is emitted from the light emitting layer by flowing a current between the lower electrode and the counter electrode. That is, the organic EL element is a current driven type light emitting element.

An organic EL element, which is a current-driven type light emitting element, needs to electrically connect each of a lower electrode and a counter electrode constituting the element to an external power source. It is necessary to provide a counter electrode extraction portion. On the other hand, the organic EL element, which is a current-driven light emitting element, generates heat when emitting light, and when there is oxygen or moisture around the element, oxidation of the element constituent material by the oxygen or moisture is promoted, The element deteriorates. Therefore, in order to obtain a practical organic EL light-emitting device using an organic EL element as a light-emitting source, it is desired to seal the element so that oxygen and moisture do not enter the organic EL element as much as possible.

Various methods have been proposed for sealing the organic EL element. One of the methods is to seal the organic EL element formed on a predetermined base material with the base material in a predetermined shape. There is a method of enclosing in a space formed by members. In sealing an organic EL element by this method,
Usually, the space is formed by sealing a base material (after the organic EL element is formed) and a sealing material to each other with a thermosetting or photosetting adhesive, and then, if necessary, The space is filled with a desired sealant made of an inert gas, an inert liquid or the like.

However, since thermosetting adhesives and photo-curing adhesives have moisture permeability, it is impossible to completely prevent moisture from entering the organic EL element from the surrounding environment. The life of the sealed organic EL device is approximately several thousand hours when the device is stored at room temperature or normal temperature. Therefore, as described above, the organic E
When sealing the L element, it is organic to seal the base member and the sealing member to each other with a metal material having a lower moisture permeability than a thermosetting adhesive or a photosetting adhesive. It is preferable in extending the life of the EL element.

As an example of an inorganic EL device,
JP-A-80314 and JP-A-4-278983 disclose a technique for sealing the inorganic EL element by sealing a base material on which the inorganic EL element is formed and a sealing member with a metal material. Each is listed.

[0008] That is, Japanese Patent Publication No. 3-80314 discloses an inorganic EL element and a plate-like element having a lower electrode lead-out portion (conductive thin film lead) and an upper electrode lead-out portion (conductive thin film lead) for the element. The base material and the plate-shaped sealing member (cover sheet) were sealed to each other using a sealing material including an electrically insulating thin film layer and a metal solder material, thereby sealing the inorganic EL element. An EL display device is described. In this apparatus, the above-mentioned electrically insulating thin film layer is provided at a predetermined position in each of the lower electrode lead-out part and the upper electrode lead-out part, and a metal solder material provided in a frame shape via the electric insulating thin-film layer is provided. The base material and the sealing member are sealed to each other by the layer.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-278983 discloses a flat base material on which a display portion and leads for the display portion are formed, and a flat sealing member (sealing plate) having a low melting point. A method of sealing a display panel in which the display unit is sealed by sealing with a metal is described.
In this method, a metal film having an annular pattern is provided on a predetermined portion of the lead via an insulating film, while a metal film is provided on the lower surface of the sealing member in a pattern corresponding to the metal film. The base material and the sealing member are sealed (joined) to each other by melting and solidifying the low-melting metal layer provided between the metal film on the base material side and the metal film on the sealing member side.

[0010]

In order to extend the life of the organic EL element formed on the base material, as described above, the space formed by the base material and the sealing member having a predetermined shape is required. When encapsulating the organic EL element formed on the base material, it is desirable to seal the base material and the sealing member to each other using a metal material. Easy to receive.

For this reason, as in the methods disclosed in the above two publications, a lower electrode lead-out portion (conductive thin film lead or lead) or a counter electrode lead-out portion (conductive layer) is provided via an electrically insulating thin film or insulating layer. The base material on which the organic EL element is formed and the sealing member are sealed to each other by melting and solidifying the metal (metal solder material or low melting point metal) for sealing provided on the conductive thin film lead or lead). In this case, heat generated when the sealing metal is melted is conducted to the organic EL element through the lower electrode take-out portion and the counter electrode take-out portion, and the heat causes the organic EL device to be thermally damaged. The resulting organic E
The light emission characteristics of the L light emitting device deteriorate.

An object of the present invention is to provide an organic EL device that is not easily damaged by heat when a base material on which the organic EL device is formed and a sealing member are sealed to each other with a metal material.
A light emitting device is provided.

[0013]

According to the present invention, there is provided an organic EL device comprising: a base; one or more organic EL elements formed on one surface of the base; A sealing member provided on the base material for forming a space for enclosing the organic EL element in cooperation with the organic EL element;
A lower electrode lead-out portion for electrically connecting a lower electrode constituting the element to an external power supply, and a counter electrode lead-out for electrically connecting the counter electrode constituting the organic EL element to an external power supply Part, the base material and the sealing member are sealed to each other by a low melting point metal sealing layer provided from the outer surface of the base material to the outer surface of the sealing member. And the lower electrode lead-out portion and the counter electrode lead-out portion are provided at an interval from the sealing layer.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. As described above, the organic EL light-emitting device of the present invention includes a base material, one or more organic EL elements formed on one surface of the base material, and the organic EL element in cooperation with the base material. A sealing member provided on the base material to form a space for enclosing the organic EL element, and a lower electrode extraction portion for electrically connecting a lower electrode constituting the organic EL element to an external power supply. , The aforementioned organic EL
A counter electrode lead-out portion for electrically connecting the counter electrode constituting the element to an external power supply.

Here, when the substrate side is used as a light extraction surface in the target organic EL light emitting device, the substrate emits light (EL light) from the light emitting layer (organic light emitting material). It is preferable to use a material made of an electrically insulating substance that gives high transmittance (generally, 80% or more) (hereinafter, referred to as “light-transmitting substrate”). When the substrate side is not used as the light extraction surface, a translucent substrate may be used, or an electrically insulating non-translucent substrate may be used. Regardless of whether a translucent substrate or a non-translucent substrate is used, these substrates need to have heat resistance enough to form a sealing layer described below on the outer surface thereof. .

Specific examples of such a translucent substrate include:
Materials made of transparent glass such as alkali glass and non-alkali gas, materials made of transparent resin such as polyimide and polysulfone, materials made of transparent ceramics such as translucent alumina and sintered ZnS, and materials made of quartz or the like No. On the other hand, when a non-translucent substrate is used as the substrate, the non-translucent substrate may be made of an organic material as long as it has electric insulation and the above heat resistance. And may be made of an inorganic material.

The shape of the substrate is such that a predetermined space, that is, a space for enclosing the organic EL element formed on the substrate can be formed in cooperation with a sealing member described later. What is necessary is just to select suitably according to the shape of the sealing member used together with the said base material. For example, when the shape of the sealing member used in combination is a cap shape, the shape of the base material can be a flat plate shape. Further, when the sealing member to be used in combination is a flat plate, the shape of the base material can be flat by using a predetermined spacer,
More preferably, it is formed in a cap shape.

Here, the "cap shape" in the present invention refers to a flat portion and a side wall portion of a predetermined height formed around the flat portion on one side of the flat portion. A shape having a single opening such as a shape having the same or a ball (a bowl), and a shape capable of forming a predetermined internal space when the opening is sealed with a flat plate member or the like. When the shape of the base material or the sealing member is a cap shape, the base material or the sealing member may be integrally formed, or may be formed by combining a plurality of members.

The "substrate" referred to in the present invention includes, in addition to the above-mentioned light-transmitting substrate and non-light-transmitting substrate, a lower electrode, a lower electrode take-out portion, It is also assumed that at least one of the electrode extraction portions is formed in advance.

In the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention, one or a plurality of organic EL elements are formed on one surface of the above-mentioned substrate. The layer configuration of the organic EL element is not particularly limited, as long as it functions as an organic EL element. Similarly, the material of each layer constituting the organic EL element is not particularly limited, and various materials can be used as long as the organic EL element can be obtained.

Organic E when the substrate side is a light extraction surface
Specific examples of the layer configuration of the L element include those having the following lamination order from the substrate side (1) to (4), and organic layers having any of the following (1) to (4): Also in the EL element, a transparent electrode (lower electrode) is used as an anode, and a counter electrode is used as a cathode. When the side opposite to the substrate is the light extraction surface, the order of lamination on the substrate is the reverse of (1) to (4) below.

(1) Transparent electrode (lower electrode) / light emitting layer / counter electrode (2) Transparent electrode (lower electrode) / hole injection layer / light emitting layer / counter electrode (3) Transparent electrode (lower electrode) / light emitting layer / Electron injection layer / counter electrode (4) Transparent electrode (lower electrode) / hole injection layer / light emitting layer / electron injection layer / counter electrode

The above-mentioned organic EL device formed on the above-mentioned base material is finally sealed in a space formed by the base material and a sealing member of a predetermined shape provided on the base material. Have been. The sealing member may be any member that can form a predetermined space in cooperation with the base material, that is, a space for enclosing the organic EL element formed on the base material. As described in the description of the base material, a plate shape, a cap shape, or the like is appropriately selected depending on the shape of the base material used together with the sealing member.

The sealing member may be made of an organic material or an inorganic material as long as it has heat resistance enough to form a sealing layer described later on its outer surface. ,
In the case where the sealing member side is used as a light extraction surface, it is made of a light-transmitting material that gives high transmittance (about 80% or more) to light emission (EL light) from the light-emitting layer (organic light-emitting material). Is preferred. When the sealing member side is not used as the light extraction surface, it may be made of a light-transmitting material or may be made of a non-light-transmitting material. Specific examples of the translucent material for the sealing member include the same materials as the translucent base material described above.

As described above, the organic EL element is a current-driven type light emitting element. Therefore, even when the organic EL element is sealed in a predetermined space by the above-described sealing member and the above-described base material, the organic EL element is constituted. Since it is necessary to electrically connect the lower electrode and the counter electrode respectively to an external power supply, the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention has the lower electrode take-out part and the counter electrode take-out part. . These electrode take-out parts are, for example, silver (Ag) paste, gold (A
u) A conductive paste such as a paste or a conductive material such as a metal wire or a conductive metal (including an alloy) is provided at a predetermined position as described later.

The above-mentioned substrate, organic EL element, sealing member,
The greatest feature of the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention having a lower electrode take-out portion and a counter electrode take-out portion is
The base material and the sealing member are sealed to each other by a low melting point metal sealing layer provided from the outer surface of the base material to the outer surface of the sealing member, and In which the lower electrode take-out portion and the counter electrode take-out portion are provided at an interval from the sealing layer.

In the present invention, the “outer surface” of each of the base material and the sealing member is defined when the sealing member is disposed on the base material in a predetermined positional relationship, that is, when the sealing member is formed on the base material. Means a surface that becomes an outer surface when the sealing member is arranged on the base material such that a space for enclosing the organic EL element (before sealing) is formed. The sealing layer made of the low-melting-point metal enables the base member and the sealing member to be sealed to each other, so that a desired portion on the outer surface of the base member and a desired portion on the outer surface of the sealing member are formed. Is provided.

The sealing layer is preferably made of a metal which is melted at a temperature as low as possible. However, when the sealing layer is formed of a metal material having an extremely low melting point, the mechanical strength and the bonding strength are low. For example, the reliability of the sealing decreases. On the other hand, the higher the temperature at which the sealing layer is formed, the more easily the organic EL element is susceptible to thermal damage. For this reason, it is preferable that the sealing layer is formed of a low melting point metal having a melting point of approximately 150 to 400 ° C.

Examples of such low melting point metals include cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), bismuth (Bi), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), indium (In),
A simple metal selected from the group consisting of copper (Cu) and silver (Ag), or 2 of metals selected from the above group
An alloy having a melting point of 150 to 400 [deg.] C. is preferable. As a specific example of the above alloy, Pb-Ag
Alloy, Pb-Cd-Sb alloy, Pb-Sb alloy, Pb-
Cd alloy, In-Sb alloy, Bi-Pb alloy, Bi-S
b-Pb alloy and the like. In addition, Pb-tin (S
n) An alloy having a melting point in the range of 150 to 400 ° C. is also preferable.

The sealing layer can be formed by melting and solidifying the material. If the wettability between the material of the sealing layer and the base material or the sealing member is low, the sealing layer may be formed as necessary. An intermediate layer may be provided at a predetermined position on the base material or the sealing member, and a sealing layer may be formed on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer can be formed in close contact with the base material or the sealing member,
In addition, it is preferable that the sealing layer be made of a material that also binds to the material of the sealing layer.
i), a layer made of a metal such as copper (Cu), Ag, or Sn;
Nickel (Ni) -phosphorus (P), Ni-C (carbon)-
A layer made of an alloy or an inorganic compound such as a P or Cu alloy,
Alternatively, a layer made of an inorganic composite material or the like in which particles of oxides, nitrides, carbides, and the like are dispersed in a metal such as Ni or Cu, such as Ni sericite, may be mentioned.

In the organic EL light-emitting device of the present invention, the above-described lower electrode lead-out portion and counter electrode lead-out portion are provided at intervals from the above-mentioned sealing layer. Here, in the present invention, "the lower electrode take-out portion and the counter electrode take-out portion are provided at an interval from the sealing layer" means that the lower electrode take-out portion and the counter electrode take-out portion are each sealed as described above. Means that it is provided without contacting the layer, when the above-described intermediate layer is provided between the base material or the sealing member and the sealing layer,
This means that the lower electrode take-out portion and the counter electrode take-out portion are provided without being in contact with any of the sealing layer and the intermediate layer. Specifically, for example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7, a lower electrode lead-out portion and a counter electrode lead-out portion are provided.

FIG. 1 (a) shows a predetermined number of lower electrode take-out portions 2a and a predetermined number of the lower electrode taking-out portions penetrating the perimeter of the plate-shaped translucent base material 1 in the thickness direction. FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a light-transmitting substrate 1 after forming a plurality of counter electrode extraction portions 3a (an organic EL element and an intermediate layer are formed).
FIG. 3B is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an organic EL light emitting device 10a provided with (b).

In this organic EL light emitting device 10a, the intermediate layer 4 provided at a predetermined position on each side surface of the translucent substrate 1
Since the sealing layer 7 is formed over the intermediate layer 6 provided at a predetermined position on each side surface of the cap-shaped sealing member 5 provided on the translucent substrate 1, each lower electrode is taken out. Part 2
a and the sealing layer 7 (the intermediate layer 4 and the intermediate layer 6), and between each counter electrode extraction portion 3a and the sealing layer 7 (the intermediate layer 4 and the intermediate layer 6). is there.

The organic EL device 10a can be manufactured, for example, as follows. First, a predetermined number of through-holes are provided at predetermined positions in the peripheral portion of the plate-shaped translucent substrate 1 by a method such as machining, laser processing, chemical drilling, or photolithography, and a conductive material is formed in these through-holes. Are embedded to form a lower electrode extraction portion 2a and a counter electrode extraction portion 3a. As a material of the lower electrode lead-out part 2a and the counter electrode lead-out part 3a, for example, a conductive paste such as an Ag paste or a gold (Au) paste or a predetermined metal wire can be used. Also, the lower electrode take-out portion 2a and the counter electrode take-out portion 3a can be formed by depositing a desired conductive material in the through-hole so as to fill the through-hole by electroless plating, electrolytic plating, or the like. can do.

Oxygen and moisture enter the enclosure space 8 for the organic EL element from the boundary between the light-transmissive substrate 1 and the end on the extraction end (outer end in use) of the lower electrode extraction portion 2a. In order to prevent this, if necessary, the above-mentioned boundary portion may be sealed with a metal material (for example, a low-melting-point metal as a material for the sealing layer described above). Similarly, the boundary between the light-transmissive base material 1 and the end on the extraction end (outer end in use) of the counter electrode extraction portion 3a may be sealed with a metal material as necessary.

Next, a vacuum deposition method, a sputtering method, an ion plating method, a CVD method, an electroless plating method, an electrolytic plating method,
The predetermined intermediate layer 4 is formed by a method such as a composite plating method. Next, a band-shaped lower electrode (transparent electrode) 9a, a light-emitting layer 9b having a predetermined shape, and a band-shaped counter electrode 9c are sequentially laminated on one surface of the light-transmissive substrate 1 so as to be XY.
A predetermined number of organic EL elements 9 are formed in a matrix type.
At this time, each lower electrode 9a and each counter electrode 9c are formed so as to be electrically connected to the lower electrode extraction portion 2a or the counter electrode extraction portion 3a.

After that, a cap-shaped sealing member 5 having a predetermined size is arranged on the translucent substrate 1. At this time,
At a predetermined position on each side surface of the sealing member 5, a predetermined intermediate layer 6 is formed in advance in the same manner as in the case where it is provided on the side surface of the translucent substrate 1. Then, the desired low melting point metal is melted and solidified from the intermediate layer 4 provided on each side surface of the translucent base material 1 to the intermediate layer 6 provided on each side surface of the sealing member 5 to seal. The attachment layer 7 is provided, thereby sealing the light-transmissive substrate 1 and the sealing member 5 to each other. At this time, the sealing layer 7 is provided over the entire periphery of the translucent substrate 1 and the sealing member 5.

By sealing the light-transmitting substrate 1 and the sealing member 5 with each other by the sealing layer 7, each organic EL element 9 formed on the light-transmitting substrate 1 becomes transparent. Base material 1
And the sealing member 5 sealed on the light-transmitting substrate 1. The order of forming the lower electrode extraction portion 2a, the counter electrode extraction portion 3a, the intermediate layer 4 provided on the translucent substrate 1, and the lower electrode 9a is not particularly limited. Can be formed in any order. The space 8 may be filled with a desired sealant made of an inert gas, an inert liquid, or the like, if necessary.

On the other hand, FIG. 2 shows a predetermined number of L-shaped members which penetrate the plate-shaped light-transmitting base material 1 from the thickness direction to the horizontal direction at the periphery of the light-transmitting base material 1. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an organic EL light emitting device 10b provided with a lower electrode take-out portion 2b. 2, members that are functionally common to the members illustrated in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 except for the lower electrode extraction portion 2b.

In this organic EL device 10b,
Intermediate layer 4 provided at a predetermined position on each side surface of translucent substrate 1
Since the sealing layer 7 is formed over the intermediate layer 6 provided at a predetermined position on each side surface of the sealing member 5, the lower electrode extraction portions 2b and the sealing layer 7 (the intermediate layer 4, the intermediate layer 4, 6) there is a predetermined interval.

In the organic EL light-emitting device 10b, if each counter electrode take-out portion has a predetermined space between the counter electrode take-out portion and the sealing layer 7 (the intermediate layers 4 and 6), It may be provided in the same manner as the counter electrode lead-out part 3a shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided in the same manner as the lower electrode lead-out part 2b shown in FIG.
The organic EL light emitting device 10b can be manufactured in the same manner as the organic EL light emitting device 10a shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a plate-shaped light-transmitting substrate 1a, a predetermined number of lower electrode extraction portions 2c provided on the side surface of the light-transmitting substrate 1a, and one end of each of the lower electrode extraction portions 2c ( A flat light-transmitting substrate comprising an auxiliary layer 1b made of low-melting glass, glass paste, or the like provided on the side surface of the light-transmitting substrate 1a so as to cover the side which is an inner end when used). FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an organic EL light emitting device 10c using a material 1. 3, members that are functionally common to the members illustrated in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 except for the lower electrode extraction portion 2c.

In this organic EL light emitting device 10c, the light transmitting substrate 1a, each lower electrode extraction portion 2c, and the auxiliary layer 1b
Are integrated to form the plate-shaped light-transmitting substrate 1, and as a result, each lower electrode extraction portion 2 c is formed at the periphery of the plate-shaped light-transmitting substrate 1. Through in the thickness direction. The sealing member 5 is in contact with the upper surface of the auxiliary layer 1b,
It is provided above.

In the above-described organic EL device 10 c, the intermediate layer 4 provided at a predetermined position on each side surface of the translucent substrate 1 to the intermediate layer 6 provided at a predetermined position on each side surface of the sealing member 5 are also provided. The sealing layer 7 is formed so as to cover each lower electrode extraction portion 2c and the sealing layer 7 (the intermediate layer 4 and the intermediate layer 6).
There is a predetermined interval between.

In the organic EL light-emitting device 10c, each counter electrode lead-out portion is provided as long as there is a predetermined interval between the counter electrode lead-out portion and the sealing layer 7 (intermediate layers 4 and 6). It may be provided in the same manner as the counter electrode lead-out part 3a shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided in the same manner as the lower electrode lead-out part 2b shown in FIG. 2 or the lower electrode lead-out part 2c shown in FIG. You may. The organic EL light emitting device 10c can be manufactured in the same manner as the organic EL light emitting device 10a shown in FIG. 1 except that the above-described specific light-transmitting base material is used.

FIG. 4 shows a predetermined number of lower electrode extraction portions 2d penetrating through the side wall 11a at a predetermined position (the bottom side in the figure) of the side wall 11a in the cap-shaped translucent substrate 11. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an organic EL light emitting device 10d provided with a. Among the members shown in FIG. 4, members that are functionally common to the members shown in FIG. 1 include a light-transmitting base material 11, a lower electrode extraction portion 2 d, and a sealing member 12.
Except for, the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 are used.

In this organic EL device 10d,
A plate-shaped sealing member 12 is provided on the translucent substrate 11 so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the side wall portion 11a. Since the sealing layer 7 is formed from the intermediate layer 4 provided on the (side) to the intermediate layer 6 provided at a predetermined position on each side surface of the sealing member 12, the sealing layer 7 is sealed with each lower electrode extraction portion 2 d. There is a predetermined space between the layer 7 (the intermediate layer 4 and the intermediate layer 6).

In the organic EL light-emitting device 10d, each counter electrode lead-out portion is provided as long as there is a predetermined space between the counter electrode lead-out portion and the sealing layer 7 (intermediate layers 4 and 6). It may be provided in the same manner as the counter electrode lead-out part 3a shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided in the same manner as the lower electrode lead-out part 2b shown in FIG. 2 or the lower electrode lead-out part 2d shown in FIG. You may. The organic EL light emitting device 10d can be manufactured in the same manner as the organic EL light emitting device 10a shown in FIG. 1 except that a cap-shaped translucent substrate and a flat sealing member are used.

FIG. 5 shows a plate-shaped light-transmitting substrate 11b, a predetermined number of lower electrode extraction portions 2e provided on one side edge of the light-transmitting substrate 11b, and each of the lower electrode extraction portions 2e. A cap-shaped light-transmitting group comprising a side wall 11c made of low-melting glass or the like provided on one surface of the light-transmitting substrate 11b so as to cover one end (the end that becomes an inner end in use) of the light-transmitting substrate 11b. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an organic EL light emitting device 10 e using a material 11. The members functionally common to the members shown in FIG. 1 among the members shown in FIG. 5 are the same as those shown in FIG. 1 except for the light-transmitting base material 11, the lower electrode take-out portion 2e, and the sealing member 12. The same reference numerals as in FIG.

In this organic EL light-emitting device 10e, the translucent substrate 11b, the lower electrode take-out portions 2e, and the side wall portions 1e are provided.
1c are integrated to form the cap-shaped light-transmitting base material 11, and as a result, each lower electrode extraction portion 2e is located at a predetermined position of the side wall portion 11c in the cap-shaped light-transmitting base material 11 (in the drawing). In the thickness direction.

Also in the organic EL light emitting device 10e, the plate-shaped sealing member 12 is provided on the translucent substrate 11 so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the side wall portion 11c. (A sealing member 12)
Since the sealing layer 7 is formed from the intermediate layer 4 provided on the (side) to the intermediate layer 6 provided at a predetermined position on each side surface of the sealing member 12, the sealing layer 7 is sealed with each lower electrode extraction portion 2e. Layer 7
(Intermediate layer 4, Intermediate layer 6).

In the organic EL light-emitting device 10e, each counter electrode lead-out portion is provided as long as there is a predetermined space between the counter electrode lead-out portion and the sealing layer 7 (intermediate layers 4 and 6). It may be provided in the same manner as the counter electrode lead-out part 3a shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided in the same manner as the lower electrode lead-out part 2b shown in FIG. 2 or the lower electrode lead-out part 2e shown in FIG. You may. The organic EL light-emitting device 10e can be manufactured in the same manner as the organic EL light-emitting device 10a shown in FIG. 1 except that the above-described specific light-transmitting base material and a flat sealing member are used.

FIG. 6 shows another example in which a predetermined number of lower electrode extraction portions 2a are provided at the peripheral portion of the plate-shaped translucent substrate 1 so as to penetrate the translucent substrate 1 in the thickness direction. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an organic EL light emitting device 10f. 6, those members that are functionally common to the members shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG.

In this organic EL light emitting device 10f, the spacer 13 made of a metal film or an electric insulating film made of a thermosetting resin or a photocurable resin is formed on one surface of the translucent substrate 1 (the organic EL element 9 is formed). A flat sealing member 12 is provided so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the spacer 13.

In the above-mentioned organic EL light emitting device 10f, the intermediate layer 4 provided on each side surface of the plate-shaped translucent substrate 1 to the intermediate layer 6 provided on each side surface of the sealing member 12 are provided. Since the sealing layer 7 is formed, there is a predetermined space between each lower electrode extraction portion 2a and the sealing layer 7 (the intermediate layers 4 and 6).

In the organic EL light-emitting device 10f, each counter electrode lead-out portion is provided as long as there is a predetermined space between the counter electrode lead-out portion and the sealing layer 7 (intermediate layers 4 and 6). It may be provided in the same manner as the counter electrode lead-out part 3a shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided in the same manner as the lower electrode lead-out part 2b shown in FIG.
In the organic EL light emitting device 10f, the above-described spacer 13 is provided on the edge of the translucent substrate 1 in accordance with the material thereof by a vacuum deposition method, a sputtering method, an ion plating method, a CVD method,
It is formed in the same manner as the organic EL light emitting device 10a shown in FIG. 1 except that it is formed by a method such as an electroless plating method, an electrolytic plating method, a composite plating method, and a coating method, and uses a flat sealing member. can do.

FIG. 7 shows another example in which a predetermined number of lower electrode extraction portions 2a are provided on the peripheral edge of the flat light-transmitting substrate 1 so as to penetrate the light-transmitting substrate 1 in the thickness direction. Organic E
It is a partial sectional view showing the outline of L light emitting device 10g. FIG.
1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 except for the sealing member 15.

In the organic EL light emitting device 10 g, the translucent substrate 1 and a cap-shaped sealing member 15 having an inner diameter equivalent to the outer dimension of the translucent substrate 1 are used in combination. I have. The translucent substrate 1 on which the organic EL element 9 is formed is disposed such that the side surface is in contact with the lower end (lower end in the drawing) of the inner surface of the side wall portion 15a of the sealing member 15, In this state, the sealing layer 7 is provided from the periphery of one surface (the surface opposite to the surface on which the organic EL element 9 is provided) to the lower surface of the side wall 15a of the sealing member 15.

In the above-described organic EL light-emitting device 10g, the intermediate layer 4 provided on the periphery of one surface of the light-transmitting substrate 1 (the surface opposite to the surface on which the organic EL element 9 is provided).
Although the sealing layer 7 is formed over the intermediate layer 6 provided on the lower surface of the side wall 15 a of the sealing member 15, each lower electrode extraction portion 2 a is provided further inside the intermediate layer 4. Therefore, these lower electrode extraction portions 2
There is a predetermined distance between the sealing layer 7 and the sealing layer 7 (the intermediate layer 4 and the intermediate layer 6).

Each of the opposing electrode take-out portions in the organic EL light emitting device 10g is provided as long as there is a predetermined distance between the opposing electrode take-out portion and the sealing layer 7 (intermediate layers 4 and 6). It may be provided in the same manner as the lower electrode take-out part 2a shown in FIG. 7, or may be provided so as to penetrate the side wall part 15a of the sealing member 15.
The organic EL light emitting device 10g can be manufactured in the same manner as the organic EL light emitting device 10a shown in FIG. In providing the sealing layer 7 in a state where both sides are arranged such that the side surface of the light-transmitting substrate 1 is in contact with the lower end side of the inner side surface of the side wall portion 15a of the sealing member 15, the above arrangement is not shifted. It is preferable to fix both using an adhesive or the like.

The organic E of the present invention in which the lower electrode take-out portion and the counter electrode take-out portion are formed as described above.
In the L light emitting device, when manufacturing the organic EL light emitting device, a base material (on which the organic EL element is formed) and a sealing member are sealed to each other by a sealing layer made of a metal material (low melting point metal). At this time, heat for melting the metal material is not easily transmitted to the organic EL element through the lower electrode take-out portion and the counter electrode take-out portion. Therefore, the organic EL elements constituting the organic EL light emitting device are less likely to be thermally damaged during the manufacturing process.

The sealing layer sealing the base material and the sealing member is made of a low-melting metal, and the space formed by the base material and the sealing member sealed to each other by the sealing layer. Since the organic EL element is sealed therein, it is unlikely that oxygen or moisture in the surrounding environment will enter the organic EL element through the sealing layer. The organic EL light-emitting device of the present invention having the above characteristics is suitable as a light source, a display panel, or the like.

[0063]

As described above, in the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention, the organic EL element is hardly damaged by heat during the manufacturing process, and oxygen or moisture in the surrounding environment is applied to the organic EL element after the manufacturing. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an organic EL light-emitting device having a long device life since it is unlikely to intrude.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention, and FIG.
FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing the light-transmitting substrate 1 after forming an organic EL element and an intermediate layer on a light-transmitting substrate which is a component of the organic EL light-emitting device shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view schematically showing another example of the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view schematically showing another example of the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view schematically showing another example of the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view schematically showing another example of the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view schematically showing another example of the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view schematically showing another example of the organic EL light emitting device of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... a flat translucent substrate, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d,
2e: Lower electrode take-out portion, 3a: Counter electrode take-out portion, 4: Intermediate layer provided on base material, 5, 15: Cap-shaped sealing member, 6: Intermediate layer provided on sealing member, 7 ... Sealing layer, 9 ... organic EL element, 10a, 1
0b, 10c, 10d, 10e, 10f, 10g: Organic EL light-emitting device, 11: Cap-shaped translucent substrate, 1
2. Flat sealing member.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A substrate and a substrate formed on one side of the substrate.
Alternatively, the organic EL element comprises a plurality of organic EL elements, a sealing member provided on the base to form a space for enclosing the organic EL element in cooperation with the base, and the organic EL element. A lower electrode lead-out part for electrically connecting the lower electrode to an external power supply, and a counter electrode lead-out part for electrically connecting a counter electrode constituting the organic EL element to an external power supply; The base material and the sealing member are sealed to each other by a sealing layer made of a low melting point metal provided from the outer surface of the base material to the outer surface of the sealing member, and An organic EL light-emitting device, wherein a lower electrode lead-out part and the counter electrode lead-out part are provided at an interval from the sealing layer. 2. The organic EL light emitting device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing layer is formed via an intermediate layer.