Organic light-emitting diode

Abstract

Organic light-emitting diode (10) with - at least two electrically independent segments (2) which are designed to generate light and which are arranged next to each other when viewed from above, - a scattering layer (3) that scatters at least part of the light produced in each of the segments (2), and - at least one separation area (4) located in the scattering layer (3), wherein - the separation area (4) in the direction parallel to the main extension directions (M) of the scattering layer (3) has a transmittance for the light generated in the segments (2) of at most 20%, - the separation area (4) is arranged in a transition area between adjacent segments (2) when viewed from above, so that within the scattering layer (3) the propagation of light between the segments (2) is suppressed, - the segments (2) comprise an organic layer sequence (22) located between a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (6), - the segments (2) are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the principal extension directions (M), - the scattering layer (3) is directly adjacent to the at least one translucent first electrode (5) and on one side facing away from the first electrode (5) is directly adjacent to a transparent layer (1), and wherein the scattering layer (3) is arranged on the transparent layer (1), the first electrode (5) on the scattering layer (3), the organic layer sequence (22) on the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) on the organic layer sequence (22), wherein the second electrode (6) is structured.

Description

[0001] An organic light-emitting diode is specified.

[0002] Documents DE 10 2015 102 105 A1, DE 10 2004 041 371 B4, DE 10 2008 019 926 B4, WO 2007 / 008946 A2 and EP 2 613 374 A2 each describe organic light-emitting diodes.

[0003] One task to be solved is to specify an organic light-emitting diode with multiple light-emitting segments that are separated from each other by a sharp edge.

[0004] This problem is solved by an organic light-emitting diode with the features of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments are the subject of dependent claims.

[0005] According to at least one embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode comprises two or more than two segments. Each segment is configured to generate light, for example, colored light such as blue, green, yellow, orange, or red light, or mixed-color light such as white light. Preferably, the segments are electrically controllable independently of one another and can be operated separately.

[0006] According to at least one embodiment, the segments are arranged side by side when viewed from above. This means, in particular, that the segments, and especially their electrodes, are not stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, it is possible that areas of the segments intended for radiation generation do not overlap. It is not excluded that an organic layer sequence of the segments, designed to generate the light, extends continuously across the segments or may slightly overlap in a peripheral area, which is preferably not designed for light generation. However, any overlap of the organic layer sequences does not provide any additional functionality; such overlap occurs at most within the limits of manufacturing tolerances.

[0007] According to at least one embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode comprises one or more diffusing layers. The at least one diffusing layer is configured to at least partially scatter the light generated in each of the segments. In particular, the diffusing layer is a transparent layer that appears milky-opaque to an observer. Preferably, the light generated in the segments passes completely or partially through the diffusing layer and out of the organic light-emitting diode.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment, the scattering layer contains at least one separation zone. This separation zone is configured for optical separation and / or subdivision of the scattering layer. The at least one separation zone divides the scattering layer into regions which, viewed from above, are preferably arranged congruently with the segments.

[0009] According to at least one embodiment, the separation zone has a transmittance of at most 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% for the light generated in the segments in the direction parallel to the principal directions of extension of the scattering layer. Alternatively, the separation zone can be opaque to the light generated in the segments. If, for example, the transmittance of the separation zone is at most 20%, then at most 20% of the light incident on the separation zone, running parallel to the principal directions of extension and generated in one of the segments, passes through the separation zone. In other words, the separation zone acts as an optical isolation layer.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment, the separation zone, viewed from above, is located in a transition region between adjacent segments. This suppresses or prevents the propagation of light between adjacent segments within the scattering layer. In particular, the at least one separation zone is located exclusively in the transition region, viewed from above.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode comprises at least two segments configured to generate light, arranged side by side in a top view. A diffusing layer scatters at least part of the light generated in each segment. At least one separation zone is located in the diffusing layer. The separation zone has a transmittance of at most 20% for the light generated in the segments in the direction parallel to the principal directions of extension of the diffusing layer. In a top view, the separation zone is located in a transition region between adjacent segments. Within the diffusing layer, the propagation of light between the segments is suppressed or prevented by the separation zone.

[0012] The separation zone ensures that a sharp edge is formed between the segments for the viewer, thus achieving high optical contrast. In a light-emitting diode (LED) without a separation zone, where the segments are applied to a diffusing layer, there is generally no sharply defined contrast edge between the segments, as the diffusing layer mixes the light emitted by the segments, making the transition area between them appear blurred to the viewer.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment, the average distance between adjacent segments is at most 0.5 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.1 mm, or 25 µm. Alternatively or additionally, this average distance is at least 10 µm, 50 µm, or 0.1 mm. Preferably, the average distance is chosen to be so small that, in the intended use of the organic light-emitting diode, the adjacent segments appear to an observer to be connected and gap-free.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment, the mean extent of the segments in the direction parallel to the principal directions of extension of the scattering layer is at least 50, 100, or 500 times the mean distance between the adjacent segments. Alternatively or additionally, the mean extent of the segments is at least 5 mm, 20 mm, or 60 mm.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment, the scattering layer has a turbidity value of at least 0.5, 0.6, or 0.7 in a transit direction perpendicular to the principal extension directions. Alternatively or additionally, the turbidity value is at most 0.99, 0.9, or 0.85.

[0016] The haze value is also referred to as the turbidity value or haziness. For example, in the context of transmission, the haze value is defined as the ratio of the fraction of radiation that is scattered when passing through a medium at an angle greater than 2.5° to the total radiation transmitted through the medium.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment, the separation zone has a mean width of at most 100 µm, 50 µm, or 20 µm in the direction parallel to at least one or exactly one of the principal directions of extension of the scattering layer. Alternatively or additionally, the mean width of the separation zone is at least 5 µm, 10 µm, or 20 µm. The width or mean width of the separation zone is preferably so small that the separation zone is not perceptible to an observer during the intended use of the organic light-emitting diode.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment, the scattering layer extends across all segments with a constant thickness. In this view, the separation zone is considered part of the scattering layer. This means that, within the manufacturing tolerances, the scattering layer and the at least one separation zone can have the same thickness in the direction perpendicular to the main directions of extension.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one separation region completely penetrates the scattering layer in a direction perpendicular to the principal directions of extension. That is, the scattering layer is completely interrupted by the separation region. Different light-scattering regions of the scattering layer, which are assigned to the individual segments, are then not connected to each other by any continuous, scattering sublayer of the scattering layer.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment, the scattering layer has a thickness of at least 1 µm, 10 µm, or 20 µm. Alternatively or additionally, the thickness of the scattering layer is at most 100 µm, 50 µm, or 25 µm.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment, the scattering layer for scattering the light comprises a plurality of scattering particles or scattering centers. The scattering particles are preferably inorganic, preferably made of a material with a high refractive index such as titanium dioxide or zirconium dioxide. It is possible for the mean diameter of the scattering particles to be at least 100 nm, 250 nm, or 500 nm and / or at most 5 µm, 1 µm, or 0.5 µm.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment, the separation area(s) are free of the scattering particles. The scattering layer can be applied with a corresponding structure, or alternatively, the scattering particles can be subsequently removed and / or destroyed from the separation areas.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment, the scattering layer comprises a matrix material. The scattering particles can be introduced and embedded in the matrix material. The matrix material can be, for example, an inorganic material such as glass. It is also possible for the matrix material to be formed by an organic material such as a polymer. For example, the matrix material could be an epoxy, a silicone, an epoxy-silicone hybrid material, a polycarbonate, or an acrylate. Alternatively or additionally, the matrix material can also contain or consist of metal oxides, such as the following substances: silicon dioxide (SiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), zirconium oxide (ZrO₂), indium tin oxide (ITO), antimony tin oxide (ATO), aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), gallium oxide (Ga₂O). x ), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), titanium oxide.

[0024] According to at least one embodiment, the matrix material of the scattering layer is partially or completely decomposed in the at least one separation zone. This means that the scattering layer and the separation zone originally have the same matrix material. When the separation zone is created, the matrix material is decomposed, for example, chemically and / or by exposure to light and / or physically, such as by exposure to temperature. This decomposition preferably occurs through laser treatment. The decomposition of the matrix material alters its color appearance and optical properties. For example, the non-decomposed matrix material is transparent and transparent to the light generated in the segments. The decomposed matrix material is then preferably opaque, particularly brown or black.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment, the separation zone is absorbent on at least one side facing the scattering layer or overall for the light generated in the segments. Absorbent can mean that the reflectance of a material in the at least one separation zone is at most 50%, 30%, or 5%. In particular, the separation zone is then formed from the decomposed matrix material of the scattering layer.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the separation zone comprises at least one metal or metal alloy, or consists of one metal or metal alloy. In this case, it is possible that the separation zone includes an additional electrically insulating layer, such as an oxide layer of the metal from which the separation zone is formed, at least on one side facing the segments.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment, the separation zone is designed to be reflective on at least one side facing the scattering layer or on its outer surfaces in general, with respect to the light generated in the segments. Reflective preferably means that the average reflectance for the light generated in the segments is at least 50%, 80%, or 90%. For example, the separation zone may appear white to an observer. Preferably, the separation zone exhibits no or no significant spectral dependence in its reflection for the light generated in the segments. The same preferably applies to the absorption behavior of the separation zone.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment, the separation area is designed to be electrically conductive. The separation area is either electrically conductive as a whole or comprises at least an electrically conductive sub-area.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment, the separation area is designed to conduct electric current in the intended use of the light-emitting diode, i.e., the separation area is in particular electrically conductively connected to external electrical terminals of the organic light-emitting diode.

[0030] According to at least one embodiment, the separation zone is in direct electrical contact with at least one electrode of the organic light-emitting diode. That is, the separation zone can touch the at least one electrode. Preferably, the separation zone is not in direct electrical and / or mechanical contact with the organic light-emitting layer stack of the segments.

[0031] According to at least one embodiment, the electrodes are configured to induce a current in the segments and in the organic, light-emitting layer sequence of the segments. The electrode that preferably faces the scattering layer is a transparent electrode, and another electrode is preferably reflective. The reflective electrode is, in particular, oriented away from the scattering layer. The transmitting electrode is located partially or completely between the scattering layer and the organic layer sequence of the segments.

[0032] For example, the separation zone is electrically connected to, for instance, branched, linear current-expansion structures, also known as bus bars. Preferably, no direct current is injected into the organic layer sequences of the segments via the separation zone.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment, a region between the segments, parallel to the principal directions of extension and in the same plane as the organic layer sequences, is transmissive to the light generated in the segments. In other words, no opaque material is placed directly between the segments. Alternatively, optical isolation between the segments in the plane of the segments can also be present.

[0034] According to at least one embodiment, the at least one separation area and the segments overlap when viewed from above. In particular, when viewed from above, an intermediate area between the segments is completely covered by the separation area. It is also possible that, when viewed from above, one or more of the electrodes of the segments overlap with the separation area.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment, the segments or groups of segments are configured to generate light of the same color. This means that, within the manufacturing tolerances, these segments generate light of the same spectrum. Alternatively, it is possible for different segments to be configured to generate light of different colors.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment, the light generated in the segments is emitted by the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) with an unchanged or nearly unchanged spectral composition. This means that other components of the LED, such as the slit region, the diffusing layer, or the electrodes, do not contribute, or contribute only minimally, to a change in the spectrum of the light generated in the segments.

[0037] According to at least one embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode is part of a motor vehicle's taillight, or the organic light-emitting diode is a motor vehicle's taillight. The motor vehicle is, for example, an automobile.

[0038] According to at least one embodiment, the light-emitting diode is installed in a general lighting device. Furthermore, it is possible that the organic light-emitting diode is used in information lighting, specifically in a so-called low-content display.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment, the organic light-emitting diode has at least two, at least four, or at least six segments. Alternatively or additionally, the number of segments in the LED is at most 32, 25, 16, or 10. In other words, the organic light-emitting diode is then not a high-resolution display with a large number of pixels.

[0040] According to at least one embodiment, all segments of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) are configured to generate white light. The various segments or groups of segments are configured to produce white light of different color temperatures. By controlling one or more segments of the LED, the color temperature of the total light emitted by the OLED can be adjusted. In particular, several of the segments are then designed for simultaneous operation.

[0041] The organic light-emitting diode described here is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing and examples of its embodiment. The same reference symbols indicate identical elements in the individual figures. However, the figures are not to scale; rather, individual elements may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0042] They show: Fig. Figures 1 to 7A are schematic sectional views of exemplary embodiments of the organic light-emitting diodes described herein. Fig. 7B and Fig. 8A Schematic top views of exemplary embodiments of the organic light-emitting diodes described herein, Fig. 8B and Fig. 8C a schematic top view and a schematic sectional view of a modification of an organic light-emitting diode, and Fig. 9 A schematic top view of a rear light with an organic light-emitting diode described here.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an organic light-emitting diode 10. The organic light-emitting diode 10 has a substrate 1, for example made of a transparent material such as glass or plastic. The substrate 1 can be mechanically rigid or mechanically flexible.

[0044] A scattering layer 3 is applied to the substrate 1. The scattering layer 3 has a matrix material 34, which is, for example, an organic material. Scattering particles 33, which have a different, in particular higher, refractive index than the matrix material, are embedded in the matrix material 34.

[0045] On a side of the scattering layer 3 facing away from the substrate 1, there is a first electrode 5, preferably made of a translucent, transparent material such as a transparent conductive oxide (TCO). In particular, the first electrode 5 is made of ITO. The first electrode 5 can be a continuous, uninterrupted layer.

[0046] Organic layer sequences 22 are deposited on a side of the first electrode facing away from the substrate 1. Light-generating segments 2 are formed by the organic layer sequences 22. The organic layer sequences 22 include at least one active layer for generating visible light. It is possible that the organic layer sequences 22 touch and abut each other along a principal direction of extension M of the scattering layer 3.

[0047] A second electrode 6 is applied to the organic layer sequences 22 on a side facing away from the substrate 1. The second electrode 6 is preferably a metallic layer that reflects the light generated in the layer sequences 22. The second electrode 6 is structured and not applied continuously. The structuring into segments 2 is optionally achieved, contrary to the illustration, also using the first electrode 5.

[0048] According to Fig. In Figure 1, the organic light-emitting diode 10 has only two of the segments 2. However, more than two segments 2 can also be present. Furthermore, other components of the organic light-emitting diode 10, such as encapsulation layers or external electrical contacts, are not shown for the sake of simplicity. Optionally, as in all other embodiments, a phosphor can be incorporated into a component of the organic light-emitting diode 10, for example, the diffusing layer 3, for the partial or complete conversion of the radiation generated in the layer sequences 22. Preferably, however, the organic light-emitting diode 10 is free of phosphors.

[0049] The light generated in the electrically independently controllable organic layer sequences 22 is scattered in the scattering layer 3, thus increasing the output efficiency of the radiation in a transmission direction x through the substrate 1. For this purpose, the scattering layer 3 preferably has a comparatively high turbidity value of at least 0.5. However, to suppress or prevent propagation of light generated in the segments 2 between the segments 2 within the scattering layer 3, an optical separation zone 4 is provided in a transition region between the segments 2. Along the principal direction of extension M, the separation zone 4 is opaque to the light generated in the segments 2.

[0050] The separation zone 4 is formed, for example, by a structured application of the scattering layer 3 and the separation zone 4. It is also possible for the separation zone 4 to be subsequently created within the scattering layer 3. For example, the matrix material 34, initially applied continuously, is photochemically decomposed in the separation zone 4, for instance, by laser radiation. This decomposition can cause the matrix material 34 to become black, and thus absorbing and opaque. Alternatively, the separation zone 4 is formed from a different material than the scattering layer 3, for example, a white plastic or a reflective metal.

[0051] The segments 2 can emit light of different colors or light of the same color. The diffusing layer 3 is preferably identical for all segments 2 and, within the manufacturing tolerances, has the same material composition and thickness everywhere. The organic layer sequences 22 of the segments 2 are arranged side by side, viewed from above, and not one above the other or stacked.

[0052] In the exemplary embodiment as in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, this is a single, continuous organic layer sequence 22. The structuring into segments 2 is achieved by the second electrode 6, or, contrary to what is shown, optionally also by the first electrode 5. Since the organic layer sequence 22 has negligible electrical conductivity along its main direction of extension M, current flow between the electrodes 6 occurs essentially only along the direction of transit x. Thus, by selectively energizing the regions of the second electrode 6, the segments 2 can be controlled electrically independently of one another, despite the continuous organic layer sequence 22.

[0053] Furthermore, the organic layer sequence 22 is comparatively thin and also absorbs radiation to a limited extent. Therefore, the conduction of light generated in the segments 2 within the organic layer sequence 22 is only of a relatively short range. The same applies to light conduction within the first electrode 5. Thus, optical isolation between the segments 2 is achieved by the separation zone 4. Viewed from above, the separation zone 4 is preferably so narrow that it is not visible to an external observer during the intended use of the organic light-emitting diode 10. The width of the separation zone 4 is, for example, greater than the distance between the regions of the second electrode 6 on the side of the organic layer sequence 22 facing away from the substrate 1.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 3. Electrodes 5 and 6, as well as the organic layer sequence 22, are designed to be identical. A distance d between segments 2 corresponds to a distance between the organic layer sequences 22 and also to a width of the separation zone 4.

[0055] Optionally, as in all other embodiments, an encapsulation layer 7, in particular a so-called thin-film encapsulation, is provided. The material of the encapsulation layer 7 can extend into the region between the organic layer sequences 22, in a plane parallel to the main direction of extension M, and partially or completely fill this region. The material of the encapsulation layer 7 is preferably clear and transparent, for example, silicon dioxide.

[0056] According to the embodiment of the organic light-emitting diode 10, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the organic layer sequences 22a and 22b overlap slightly in the transition region between segments 2. The separation region 4 preferably extends completely over this overlap region between the organic layer sequences 22a and 22b. This comparatively small overlap region between the layer sequences 22a and 22b is neither optically nor electrically functionalized and arises from manufacturing tolerances, for example, during the production of an organic light-emitting diode according to [reference to relevant figure]. Fig. 1. Along the main extension direction M, the two electrodes 5, 6 optionally have different widths.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 5 shows that the encapsulation layer 7 is relatively thin and only partially fills the area between the organic layer sequences 22. Optionally, the encapsulation layer 7 is designed to be reflective. The encapsulation layer 7 is preferably an electrically insulating layer.

[0058] In Fig. Figure 5 also shows that the separation area 4 is neither in contact with the organic layer sequences 22 nor with the electrodes 5, 6. As in all other embodiments, it is possible that the separation area 4 touches the encapsulation layer 7.

[0059] Due to the manufacturing process, it is possible that during the decomposition of, for example, the matrix material of the scattering layer 3, in Fig. 5. Not specifically drawn, a volume increase or decrease may occur. This can result in deviations from the Fig. 1 to 4, the thickness of the separation zone 4 along the direction of passage x differs from the thickness of the other zones of the scattering layer 3. In Fig. 5 The separation area 4 extends beyond the remaining parts of the scattering layer 3 in the direction away from the substrate 1. Alternatively, a depression may be formed.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiment as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the separation zone is divided into parts 4a and 4b. The first part 4a is, for example, a metallic and electrically conductive area. The first part 4a is electrically insulated from the first electrode 5 by the second part 4b. The second part 4b is preferably also an opaque area. If the second part 4b is made of a transparent material, its thickness is preferably such that the transmission through parts 4a and 4b of the separation zone is not increased or not significantly increased.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 7 The separation zone 4 is designed to be electrically conductive and configured for current conduction in its intended use. The separation zone 4 is preferably not in direct electrical contact with the organic layer sequences 22. In particular, the separation zone 4 is in electrical contact with a current expansion structure 9, which may be a so-called bus bar. The width of the separation zone 4 may exceed the width of the current expansion structures 9 when viewed from above, or vice versa. Unlike in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, it is possible that the separation area 4 is electrically isolated from the first electrodes 5 and is in electrical contact only with the current expansion structure 9 and with external electrical connections, not shown.

[0062] The separation area 4 thus ensures that, viewed from above, a sharp, high-contrast transition exists between the segments 2 without any blurring of the color impressions between the segments 2, compare Fig. 8A.

[0063] If no separation area is present, see the section view in Fig. 8C, so a smearing of the color impression of segments 2 occurs for a viewer, see Fig. 8B. In many applications, such smearing is undesirable or interferes with the function of the light-emitting diode 10.

[0064] In Fig.Figure 9 shows that the organic light-emitting diode 10 is part of a rear light 11 of a motor vehicle. The organic light-emitting diode 10 can perform several lighting functions simultaneously, for example as a rear light, brake light, and / or turn signal. The segments 2 can emit the same or different colors, in particular red and orange light. The mean lateral extent w of the segments 2 is preferably on the order of several centimeters.

Claims

[1] Organic light-emitting diode (10) with - at least two electrically independent segments (2) which are designed to generate light and which are arranged next to each other when viewed from above, - a scattering layer (3) that scatters at least part of the light produced in each of the segments (2), and - at least one separation area (4) located in the scattering layer (3), wherein - the separation area (4) in the direction parallel to the main extension directions (M) of the scattering layer (3) has a transmittance for the light generated in the segments (2) of at most 20%, - the separation area (4) is arranged in a transition area between adjacent segments (2) when viewed from above, so that within the scattering layer (3) the propagation of light between the segments (2) is suppressed, - the segments (2) comprise an organic layer sequence (22) located between a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (6), - the segments (2) are spaced apart from each other in a direction parallel to the principal extension directions (M), - the scattering layer (3) is directly adjacent to the at least one translucent first electrode (5) and on one side facing away from the first electrode (5) is directly adjacent to a transparent layer (1), and wherein the scattering layer (3) is arranged on the transparent layer (1), the first electrode (5) on the scattering layer (3), the organic layer sequence (22) on the first electrode (5) and the second electrode (6) on the organic layer sequence (22), wherein the second electrode (6) is structured. [2] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to the preceding claim, where the mean distance (d) between the adjacent segments (2) is at most 0.3 mm, wherein a mean extent (w) of the segments (2) in the direction parallel to the principal extension directions (M) is at least 100 times the mean distance (d), and wherein the scattering layer (3) has a turbidity value between 0.5 and 0.99 inclusive in a transit direction (x), perpendicular to the principal extension directions (M). [3] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the separation area (4) has a mean width of at most 100 µm, in the direction parallel to at least one of the principal extension directions (M), wherein the scattering layer (3) together with the separation zone (4) extends with constant thickness over all segments (2). [4] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the separation zone (4) completely penetrates the scattering layer (3) in a direction perpendicular to the main extension directions (M), wherein the thickness of the scattering layer (3) is between 1 µm and 50 µm inclusive. [5] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the scattering layer (3) for scattering the light comprises a plurality of inorganic scattering particles (33), wherein the separation area (4) is free of the scattering particles. [6] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the scattering layer (3) comprises an organic matrix material (34), wherein the matrix material in the separation area (4) is at least partially decomposed and the separation area (4) acts as an absorber of light on at least one side facing the scattering layer (3). [7] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the separation area (4) comprises or consists of a metal or a metal alloy, wherein the separation area (4) is reflective to the light on at least one side facing the scattering layer (3). [8] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, where the separation area (4) is electrically conductive or includes an electrically conductive sub-area, wherein the separation area (4) carries an electric current in the intended use of the light-emitting diode (10). [9] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation area (4) is in electrical contact with one of the electrodes (5, 6) of the organic light-emitting diode (10), wherein the second electrode (6) is reflective. [10] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a region between the segments (2) in the direction parallel to the principal extension directions (M) acts as a transmitter for the light generated in the segments (2). [11] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the separation area (4) and the segments (2) overlap each other, viewed from above. [12] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the segments (2) each produce light of the same color, wherein the light generated in the segments (2) is emitted by the organic light-emitting diode (10) in unchanged spectral composition. [13] Organic light-emitting diode (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is part of a rear light (11) of a motor vehicle.

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