OLED module

Abstract

OLED module with: a holding device (1) with a holding element (2) which has a mounting surface (3) on a main surface, and an organic light-emitting diode (7) mounted on the mounting surface (3), wherein - the retaining element (2) comprises several first volume regions (4) whose thickness decreases from a side surface of the retaining element (2) towards the center of the retaining element (2), wherein a second volume region (5) is arranged between each of two directly adjacent first volume regions (4), - the first volume areas (4) of the retaining element (2) in the area of ​​the mounting surface (3) exhibit increased elasticity, so that the first volume areas (4) can absorb more force through elastic deformation than the second volume areas (5) of the retaining element (2), and - the elasticity of the retaining element (2) varies along the main surface.

Description

[0001] An OLED module with a mounting device is specified.

[0002] An OLED module is described, for example, in the publication WO 2012 / 171790 A1.

[0003] Publication US 2011 / 0019351 A1 describes frames for sealed glass assemblies and glass assemblies.

[0004] The publication DE 202012103596 U1 describes a light fixture.

[0005] The publication DE 102013109814 A1 describes an optoelectronic component and an optoelectronic component device.

[0006] Publication WO 2014 / 054359 A1 describes a lighting device.

[0007] The publication WO 2015 / 028902 A1 describes a holder, a lighting module and a light fixture.

[0008] Publication DE 20 2011 051 338 U1 discloses a clip-on lamp.

[0009] The publication DE 10 2013 101 529 A1 relates to an optoelectronic component and a method for manufacturing an optoelectronic component.

[0010] Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) are valued for their large and variable luminous area and low energy consumption.

[0011] Energy consumption makes OLEDs attractive light sources in automotive applications, for example as light sources in taillights. Here, the OLED can be mounted in a holder to form an OLED module. However, during vehicle operation, the OLED module is subject to vibrations, for example when driving over uneven surfaces or when opening and closing the doors. This can transfer mechanical forces to the OLED, which can damage it.

[0012] The specification is to include an OLED module with a holding device that reduces the likelihood of damage to the OLED due to external mechanical stresses.

[0013] These tasks are solved by an OLED module with the features of claim 1.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the OLED module are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0015] A holding device for an organic light-emitting diode comprises a holding element with a main surface that includes a mounting surface. The holding element has a first volume region and a second volume region, wherein the first volume region is distinct from the second volume region.

[0016] The retaining element can, for example, be essentially rod-shaped. "Essentially" here means that the retaining element is designed as a rod, with one or more corners being rounded or chamfered. For example, the first volume section is also essentially rod-shaped.

[0017] The first volume section of the retaining element is located in the area of ​​the mounting surface. For example, the first volume section has a main surface that runs along the mounting surface. The main surface of the first volume section can be arranged approximately parallel to the mounting surface.

[0018] Due to its increased elasticity, the first volume area absorbs more force through elastic deformation when subjected to mechanical loads than the second volume area of ​​the retaining element.

[0019] In this context, the term "elasticity" refers to the property of a body to change its shape under the influence of a mechanical force. Ideally, this change should be reversible. If a body exhibits high elasticity, it deforms significantly under the influence of a mechanical force. Conversely, if a body exhibits low elasticity, it deforms only slightly under the influence of a force. The elasticity of a body generally depends on its geometry and its material.

[0020] A measure of a material's elasticity is its modulus of elasticity, which is derived from the generalization of Hooke's law σ = E * ε, where σ is the stress, E is the modulus of elasticity, and ε is the strain. The larger the modulus of elasticity E, the more difficult the material is to deform.

[0021] The holding device is based on the idea of ​​providing a first volume compartment within the holding element that can be elastically deformed more easily by external mechanical loads than the second volume compartment of the holding element. The deformation of the first volume compartment is preferably reversible. This allows mechanical forces acting on the OLED module and the holding device to be absorbed through elastic deformation in the first volume compartment. This significantly reduces the likelihood of damage to the OLED.

[0022] For this purpose, it is particularly useful to arrange the first volume area in the area of ​​the mounting surface that is intended to accommodate the OLED.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the first volume region has a first modulus of elasticity and the second volume region has a second modulus of elasticity, wherein the first modulus of elasticity is smaller than the second modulus of elasticity.

[0024] For example, the elasticity of the retaining element varies along its main surface. For example, the elasticity of the first volume region varies along its main surface. For example, the variation can be a linear decrease or linear increase in elasticity from a side face of the first volume region towards a center of the retaining element. The elasticity can vary by more than 5%, preferably more than 30%, and most preferably more than 90%.

[0025] The elasticity of the first volume region varies along the entire main surface of the retaining element. For example, the variation can be a linear decrease or increase in elasticity from the side surfaces of the retaining element towards its center. In this embodiment, the mounting surface is preferably located centrally on the main surface of the retaining element. The elasticity can vary by more than 5%, preferably more than 30%, and most preferably more than 90%.

[0026] For example, the retaining element comprises several first volume regions whose thickness decreases continuously from a side face of the retaining element towards its center, with a second volume region arranged between each pair of directly adjacent first volume regions. Preferably, the thickness of the first volume regions decreases along the mounting surface. In this way, a variation in the elasticity of the entire retaining element can be achieved along a main surface of the retaining element, thus improving the stability of the entire retaining device.

[0027] For example, the first volume area comprises the mounting surface. In this embodiment of the holding element, the OLED is applied directly to the first volume area during assembly into an OLED module. If the first volume area, in addition to its optimized mechanical properties, also exhibits increased thermal conductivity, improved heat dissipation from the OLED during operation can be achieved in this way.

[0028] For example, the first volume area and the second volume area comprise two different materials. Particularly preferably, the first volume area is arranged inside the holding element, so that the mounting surface is free of the material of the first volume area. For example, the mounting surface is enclosed by the second volume area and formed by the material of the second volume area. If a module with such a holding device is formed by mounting an OLED onto the mounting surface, the OLED or an adhesive for connecting the OLED to the mounting surface is not in contact with the material of the first volume area, but rather in contact with the material of the second volume area.

[0029] For example, the first volume area and / or the second volume area contains or is made of one of the following materials: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, composites, plastics, metals, ceramics.

[0030] Thermoplastics can include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyester. Semi-crystalline thermoplastics are also possible, such as polyoxymethylene (POM), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Amorphous thermoplastics are also possible, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), and polyphenylene ether (PPE). It is also possible to use polymer alloys or polyblends as thermoplastics. Polymer alloys or polyblends are mixtures of two or more different polymers. These result in plastics, known as polyblends, with very specific properties, characterized in particular by impact strength, stiffness, and heat resistance.Examples of polyblends include: ABS / PA, PC / ABS, acrylic / PVC (Kydex®), ASA / PC, PP / EPDM, PC / PBT and PS / PE.

[0031] Thermoplastics can also be produced with different densities: For example, polyethylene can be produced in different grades, mainly in: HD-PE (High-Density-PE), LLD-PE (Linear-Low-Density-PE), LD-PE (Low-Density-PE).

[0032] Examples of thermosets include phenolic resins, polyester resins, polyurethane resins for paints and surface coatings, and synthetic resins such as epoxy resins.

[0033] Examples of elastomers that can be chosen include natural rubber (NR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), butadiene rubber (BR) and ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM).

[0034] Composite materials can be, for example, plastics. These plastics can contain additives such as carbon and / or glass fibers or color pigments. Plastics containing plasticizers, such as extenders, are also possible. Extenders are also referred to as secondary plasticizers. Examples of such extenders include epoxidized oils, high-boiling mineral oils, and paraffins. For example, a plastic containing diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) combined with extenders such as epoxidized oils, high-boiling mineral oils, and / or paraffins is used. The plastics can also contain stabilizers. Stabilizers can be, for example, antioxidants that scavenge the free radicals produced during the reaction (radical chain terminators) or prevent the formation of radicals altogether (deactivators).For example, phenols or amines are added as radical chain terminators, while phosphines and amines serve as deactivators. It is also possible that the plastics contain fillers. Fillers are extenders that reduce the cost of manufacturing the plastic. Extenders are well-known to those skilled in the art. Additionally, fillers can improve the mechanical properties of the material. Examples of suitable fillers include: chalk, sand, diatomaceous earth, glass fibers and spheres, zinc oxide, quartz, wood flour, starch, graphite, carbon black, and talc. Fillers can be used to minimize the flammability of the plastics.

[0035] For example, the first and second volume compartments can also contain the same base material. In this case, the elasticity of the two materials is modified and adjusted, for example, by adding further materials.

[0036] For example, the second volume region comprises a metal and a base material, such as a thermoplastic, thermoset, elastomer, composite, or plastic, or consists of these materials, and the first volume region comprises or consists of the base material of the second volume region. For example, the second volume region consists of a metal, such as a metal holder, completely coated with a plastic. The metal holder is preferably essentially rod-shaped. The same plastic then forms the first volume region. In this case, the stiffness in the second volume region is due to the high stiffness of the metal holder.

[0037] For example, the first and second volume regions have the same base material, with particles embedded in the second volume region that increase its elastic modulus compared to the first volume region. The first volume region is preferably free of these particles. The base material can be, for example, a polymer. The particles are particularly useful for avoiding sharp bending edges between the first and second volume regions.

[0038] The particles particularly preferably exhibit a thermal conductivity that is higher than that of the base material.

[0039] The particles may, for example, consist of or be made from one of the following materials: carbon nanotubes (CNTs), diamond, copper, boron nitride, aluminum, aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide and plastics.

[0040] The materials mentioned can exhibit the following thermal conductivities: carbon nanotubes (CNTs): 6000 W / mK, diamond: 2300 W / mK, copper: 392 W / mK, boron nitride: 400 W / mK, aluminum: 221 W / mK, aluminum nitride: 180-220 W / mK, aluminum oxide: 28 W / mK, plastics: 0.2-0.4 W / mK. In comparison, air has a thermal conductivity of 0.026 W / mK.

[0041] The particle diameter is preferably between 50 nm and 5 mm. Particularly preferably, the particle diameter is between 100 nm and 100 µm, and most preferably between 1 µm and 10 µm.

[0042] The base material can be, for example, one of the following materials: polyethylene, ethylene polyvinyl acetate, expandable polystyrene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, plasticized polyvinyl chloride, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyacetals, polyether alcohols, epoxy resins or cycloaliphatic epoxy resins, polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polypropylene, polypropylene copolymers, acrylic polymers, acrylic polymers (molding compounds), polyamides, urea resins, melamine resins, amino resins, polyurethanes, phenolic resins, silicones, cellulose ethers and derivatives, synthetic rubber, latex.

[0043] For example, a material in the first volume region exhibits different crosslinking behavior than a material in the second volume region. It is particularly preferred that the crosslinking mechanism of both volume regions is the same. This simplifies the crosslinking process.

[0044] For example, the volume compartments contain or are formed from a polymer whose degree of cross-linking is lower within the first volume compartment than within the second. Generally, the higher the degree of cross-linking of the polymer, the greater its modulus of elasticity.

[0045] In this case, the polymer can differ only in the frequency of its crosslinking sites in the two volume regions, while the basic chemical structure of the polymer is identical across the entire holding element. Alternatively, it is also possible that the first volume region contains a first polymer and the second volume region a second polymer, which differs from the first polymer not only in the number of crosslinking sites but also in its basic chemical structure.

[0046] The first polymer and the second polymer are particularly preferably crosslinked using the same mechanism, such as temperature or (UV) radiation.

[0047] For example, the first volume compartment and the second volume compartment contain pores, with the pores in the first volume compartment having a larger average diameter than the pores in the second volume compartment. The pores lead to a change in the stiffness of the material. Preferably, the first volume compartment and the second volume compartment contain the same material, preferably a metal. For example, the following metals are suitable for use in this embodiment: aluminum, iron, copper, cobalt, nickel, manganese, magnesium, tungsten, vanadium, zinc, tin, zirconium, niobium, molybdenum, palladium, platinum, silver, titanium, chromium, or alloys of these metals.

[0048] The pores in the first volume region preferably have a diameter between 1 µm and 5 mm including inclusive, particularly preferably between 5 µm and 2 mm including inclusive, and most preferably between 10 µm and 1 mm including inclusive.

[0049] In the second volume region, the pores preferably have a diameter that is 1% - 1000% smaller, preferably 10% - 100% smaller, depending on the diameter of the pores in the first volume region.

[0050] For example, the first volume compartment and the second volume compartment contain pores, with the overall pore fill level being higher in the first volume compartment than in the second. The overall fill level can vary between 0 and 99%, preferably between 0 and 50%, and most preferably between 0 and 30%.

[0051] For example, the first volume region differs from the second volume region in its geometry such that the elasticity of the first volume region is increased compared to the second volume region. For example, a cross-section of the first volume region tapers from the center of the retaining element towards a side face of the retaining element. Preferably, this taper is continuous. For example, the first volume region is wedge-shaped.

[0052] Preferably, the first and second volume regions are made of the same material. Since the first volume region contains less material than the second volume region, its elasticity is increased compared to the second volume region.

[0053] The holding device is particularly suitable for use in an OLED module.

[0054] An OLED module comprises an OLED mounted on the mounting surface of a holder. For example, the OLED may be bonded to the mounting surface. The holder includes several first volume regions whose thickness decreases from a side face of the holder towards its center, with a second volume region positioned between each pair of directly adjacent first volume regions. Furthermore, the first volume regions of the holder exhibit increased elasticity in the area of ​​the mounting surface, allowing them to withstand greater force through elastic deformation than the second volume regions. The elasticity of the holder also varies along its main surface.

[0055] The OLED comprises an organic layer stack with an organic light-emitting zone. The organic layer stack is positioned between an anode and a cathode, which, during operation of the OLED, inject charge carriers into the organic layer stack and, in particular, into the active zone. The anode and the cathode are typically made of an inorganic material, such as a metal or a TCO (transparent conductive oxide).

[0056] In one embodiment of the OLED, the anode is applied to a substrate. Here, the substrate and the anode are preferably transparent to the light emitted by the OLED. For example, the substrate is made of glass and the anode of a TCO (transparent carbon oxide). In this embodiment, the main surface of the substrate facing away from the layer stack preferably comprises the radiation emission surface of the OLED. In other words, the OLED emits light through the substrate during operation. Such an OLED is also called a bottom emitter. The OLED used in this OLED module is preferably a bottom emitter.

[0057] The OLED used in the OLED module can also be a top emitter. In this embodiment, the light is emitted during operation via the cathode, which is transparent to the light from the OLED. The substrate in this embodiment can be a film, such as a steel or plastic film. This embodiment of the OLED is also referred to as a flexible OLED.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the mounting surface occupies only a portion of the main surface of the holding element. Preferably, the OLED is only attached to the mounting surface with a partial area of ​​its rear main surface, for example, by adhesive, so that the holding element and the OLED only partially overlap laterally, with a portion of the OLED projecting laterally beyond the holding element and a portion of the holding element projecting beyond the OLED. Preferably, the OLED is arranged such that a contact strip of the OLED is located above the holding element, particularly preferably centrally. Such an arrangement allows the design advantages of the OLED to be utilized, which result from its thinness and delicate structure. However, this arrangement also inherently creates the possibility of torques acting on the organic layer stack under external mechanical loads. Therefore, the described holding device is particularly advantageous in this respect.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the OLED, the organic layer stack is arranged on the main surface of the substrate opposite the radiation-emitting surface. A contact strip is also preferably arranged on this main surface, serving to electrically contact the OLED. Preferably, the contact strip is located in an edge region of the main surface. Particularly preferably, the contact strip is arranged laterally next to the organic layer stack.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the OLED has an encapsulation that encapsulates the organic layer stack and serves to protect the organic layer stack from harmful external influences, such as moisture and oxygen. For example, the encapsulation comprises a thin-film layer stack. Such a thin-film layer stack is described, for example, in publication WO 2010 / 108 894 A1.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the OLED module, a rear main surface of the OLED is formed by a stack of thin film layers as encapsulation, wherein the OLED with the thin film encapsulation is applied to the mounting surface, for example by gluing.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally to the thin-film stack, the encapsulation of the OLED can also comprise a thin metal foil, a plastic film, and / or a lacquer layer. For example, a thin metal foil, a plastic film, and / or a lacquer layer is applied to the thin-film stack. A combination of a metal foil or a plastic film with a lacquer layer is preferred.

[0063] In addition to the thin-film layer stack, the metal foil, and / or the lacquer layer, the encapsulation can include a glass plate applied to the thin-film layer stack, the metal foil, and / or the lacquer layer. The glass plate preferably extends along the entire main surface of the substrate and is, for example, bonded across its entire surface.

[0064] The metal foil can, for example, have one of the following materials or be made of one of the following materials: aluminum, copper.

[0065] The coating layer can, for example, contain or consist of one of the following materials: epoxy, acrylate, silicone, polyurethane.

[0066] Preferably, the encapsulation of the OLED is free of a glass plate. Mechanical forces can be absorbed via the glass plate and transferred to adhesion areas that are formed around the organic layer stack. If the OLED has a glass plate as part of the encapsulation, it can generally absorb external mechanical forces in such a way that damage to the organic layer stack can be at least significantly reduced.

[0067] The function of the glass plate within the encapsulation can be taken over by a metal foil, a plastic film, or a coating. A metal foil, for example, can achieve better heat dissipation than a glass plate, while coatings and plastic films allow for cost reductions compared to a glass plate. Therefore, the glass plate is preferably replaced by a metal foil, a plastic film, or a coating.

[0068] Preferably, the metal foil, plastic film, or lacquer layer extends along the entire main surface of the substrate. The metal foil, plastic film, or lacquer layer is preferably in full contact with the substrate.

[0069] Another option for encapsulating the organic layer stack is a glass cap with a cavity placed over the stack. The glass cap is typically mechanically bonded to the substrate laterally, for example, via an adhesive layer. The glass cap can be enclosed by the encapsulation in addition to, or as an alternative to, the encapsulation elements described above.

[0070] Encapsulation using a glass cap is particularly preferred, as this also allows mechanical stresses to be absorbed via the joining areas.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the OLED module, the first volume region is located within the active, light-emitting zone of the OLED. In other words, the first volume region, with its increased elasticity, overlaps laterally with the active light-emitting zone of the OLED. In this way, mechanical forces that would otherwise be destructive to the active zone can be absorbed by the first volume region.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the OLED module, the OLED is fully bonded to the mounting surface of the holding device, covering its entire rear main surface. The mounting surface is preferably located centrally on the first main surface of the holding element. For example, the elasticity of the holding element and / or the first volume region varies along the entire main surface of the holding element. This variation can, for instance, be a linear decrease or increase in elasticity from the side surfaces of the holding element towards its center.

[0073] The OLED module is preferably suitable for use in a motor vehicle, for example in a taillight.

[0074] Features and designs that are only described in connection with the holding device can also be present in the OLED module and vice versa.

[0075] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the holding device and the OLED module result from the exemplary embodiments and examples described below in conjunction with the figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a holding device according to a first example. Fig. Figures 2 and 4 to 9 each show a schematic cross-sectional view of an OLED module according to an example. The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an OLED module according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0076] Identical, similar, or similarly functioning elements are marked with the same reference symbols in the figures. The figures and the relative sizes of the elements depicted within them are not to be considered to scale. Rather, individual elements, particularly layer thicknesses, may be exaggerated for clarity and / or better understanding.

[0077] The holding device 1 according to the example of Fig. The device 1 has a retaining element 2 with a mounting surface 3 on a main surface. The retaining element 2 comprises a first volume region 4 and a second volume region 5, wherein the first volume region 4 differs from the second volume region 5 with respect to its elasticity. The first volume region 4 is located in the area of ​​the mounting surface 3 and exhibits increased elasticity, such that the first volume region 4 can absorb more force through elastic deformation than the second volume region 5 of the retaining element 2.

[0078] The first volume area 4 is smaller than the second volume area 5 and embedded within it, such that the first volume area 4 is completely covered by a thin layer of the material of the second volume area 5. Furthermore, a major surface of the first volume area 4 extends along the mounting surface 3. The mounting surface 3 is formed from material of the second volume area 5.

[0079] Suitable materials for the first volume range 4 and the second volume range 5 are specified in the general part of the description.

[0080] The OLED module, as exemplified by the Fig. 2 has a holding device 1, as shown by Fig. As already described in section 1, an OLED 7 is mechanically stably attached to the mounting surface 3 of the retaining element 2 by means of an adhesive layer 6, with a portion of its main rear surface being mechanically stably attached. The adhesive layer 6 is applied to the entire surface of the mounting surface 3 of the retaining element 2.

[0081] The OLED 7 comprises a substrate 8 on which an organic layer stack 9 is arranged between an anode and a cathode (not shown). The organic layer stack 9 has an active zone (not shown) that emits light when the OLED 7 is operating. The light is emitted from a radiation emission surface 10, which is encompassed by the main surface of the substrate 8 facing away from the organic layer stack 9. The emitted light is indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2 symbolizes.

[0082] The organic layer stack 9 is encapsulated by means of a thin-film layer stack 11. The thin-film layer stack 11 embeds the organic layer stack 9 and is in direct contact with it.

[0083] Furthermore, the encapsulation of the organic layer stack 9 comprises a thin metallic foil 12, which is bonded directly to the thin-film layer stack 11 by means of an adhesive layer 6'. The adhesive layer 6' is applied over the entire surface of the thin-film layer stack 11. The metal foil 12, for example an aluminum foil, is also applied over its entire surface to the adhesive layer 6'.

[0084] The OLED 7 on its substrate 8 includes a contact strip 13 on the side of the organic layer stack 9, with which the OLED 7 can be electrically contacted to the outside.

[0085] In this case, the OLED 7 is attached to the retaining element 2 such that a portion of the OLED 7 projects laterally beyond the retaining element 2. Likewise, a portion of the retaining element 2 projects laterally beyond the OLED 7. The OLED 7 is positioned such that the contact strip 13 is located above the retaining element 2.

[0086] The OLED module according to the embodiment of the Fig. 3 has a different retaining element 2 than the OLED module according to the example of the Fig. 2.

[0087] The retaining element 2 of the retaining device 1 according to the Fig. 3 comprises several first volume regions 4, which are spaced apart from each other along the main surface of the holding element 2. The thickness of the first volume regions 4 decreases from a side surface of the holding element 2, which is overlaid by the OLED 7, towards the center of the holding element 2.

[0088] The holding device 1 further comprises a plurality of second volume regions 5. The first volume regions 4 are each separated from one another by a second volume region 5. The first volume regions 4 are embedded in the material of the second volume regions 5. Due to the design and arrangement of the first volume regions 4, the elasticity of the holding element 2 decreases from the side surface of the holding element 2, which is overlaid by the OLED 7, towards the center of the holding element 2.

[0089] The OLED module, as exemplified by the Fig. 4 differs from the OLED module by means of the holding device 1, according to the example of the Fig. 2. The retaining element 2 of the retaining device 1 according to the example of the Fig. 4 has a first volume area 4 which is arranged within the second volume area 5 such that the mounting surface 3 is encompassed by the first volume area 4. The first volume area 4 thus forms part of the main surface of the retaining element 2.

[0090] The OLED module, as exemplified by the Fig. Module 5 differs from the other OLED modules described here by its holding device 1. The holding element 2 of the holding device 1 comprises a first volume region 4, which differs from the second volume region 5 in its geometric design, such that the elasticity of the first volume region 4 is increased compared to the second volume region 5. The first volume region 4 has a cross-sectional area that increases continuously from the side surface of the holding element 2, which is overlaid by the OLED 7, towards the center of the holding element 2. The first volume region 4 is wedge-shaped.

[0091] The OLED module, as exemplified by the Fig. The retaining element 6 has a retaining element 2 with several first volume regions 4 and several second volume regions 5. The first volume regions 4 have an increasing thickness from two opposite side faces of the retaining element 2 towards a center of the retaining element 2. The first volume regions 4 are embedded in the material of the second volume regions 5. In other words, a second volume region 5 is arranged between each pair of directly adjacent first volume regions 4. Due to the increasing thickness of the first volume regions 4, the elasticity of the retaining element 2 increases continuously from the two side faces towards a center of the retaining element 2. The mounting surface 3 is located centrally on a main surface of the retaining element 2. The OLED 7 is attached to the mounting surface 3 with its rear main surface fully covered by an adhesive layer 6.

[0092] The OLED module, as exemplified by the Fig. Module 7 differs from the other OLED modules described here by its holding device 1. The holding element 2 of the holding device 1 comprises a first volume area 4, which differs from the second volume area 5 in that the elasticity of the first volume area 4 is increased compared to the second volume area 5. This is achieved by using different materials for the first volume area 4 and the second volume area 5. For example, the second volume area 5 is made of a metal, and the first volume area 4 is made of polyethylene. In this case, the first volume area 4 has the same thickness as the second volume area 5 in the area between the two main surfaces of the holding element 2. The mounting surface 3 is encompassed by the first volume area 4 and partially by the second volume area 5. The first volume area and the second volume area thus form the main surface of the holding element 2.The adhesive layer 6 has direct mechanical contact with the first volume area 4 and the second volume area 5.

[0093] The OLED module, as exemplified by the Fig. Module 8 differs from the other OLED modules described here by its holding device 1. The holding element 2 of the holding device 1, according to the example of the Fig. Figure 8 has a first volume area 4, which comprises the mounting surface 3. The first volume area 4 thus forms the entire main surface of the retaining element 2. The second volume area 5 is in direct mechanical contact with the first volume area 4 and is located on the main surface of the first volume area 4 opposite the mounting surface. The main surface of the first volume area 4 facing away from the mounting surface is in partial or complete (not shown here) direct contact with the main surface of the second volume area 5 facing the mounting surface. In this case, a portion of the first volume area 4 projects laterally beyond the second volume area 5. The extent of the first volume area 4 towards the side surfaces is greater than the extent of the second volume area 5 towards the side surfaces.However, the dimensions can also be the same, so that the main surface of the first volume area 4 facing away from the mounting surface and the main surface of the second volume area 5 facing the mounting surface are in complete mechanical contact (not shown here). For example, the second volume area 5 is made of a metal that reinforces the first volume area 4, which is made of a more elastic material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene rubber.

[0094] The OLED module, as exemplified by the Fig. Module 9 differs from the other OLED modules described here by its holding device 1. The holding element 2 of the holding device 1, as shown in the example of... Fig.9 has a first volume area 4, which encompasses the mounting surface 3. The first volume area 4 forms the entire main surface of the retaining element 2. The second volume area 5 is in direct mechanical contact with the first volume area 4 and is located on the main surface of the first volume area 4 opposite the mounting surface. The main surface of the first volume area 4 facing away from the mounting surface is partially in direct contact with the main surface of the second volume area 5 facing the mounting surface. The extension of the first volume area 4 towards the side surfaces is greater than the extension of the second volume area 5 towards the side surfaces. Thus, two parts of the first volume area 4 project laterally beyond the second volume area 5. This is particularly suitable when the OLED module is installed in a rear light and the retaining element 2 projects outwards from the OLED housing.The first volume region 4 and the second volume region 5 can be made of the same material or consist of the same materials. The different elasticity is then based on the different geometry or thickness of the first and second volume regions. The first volume region 4 exhibits increased elasticity compared to the second volume region 5.

Claims

[1] OLED module with: a holding device (1) with a holding element (2) which has a mounting surface (3) on a main surface, and an organic light-emitting diode (7) mounted on the mounting surface (3), wherein - the retaining element (2) comprises several first volume regions (4) whose thickness decreases from a side surface of the retaining element (2) towards the center of the retaining element (2), wherein a second volume region (5) is arranged between each of two directly adjacent first volume regions (4), - the first volume areas (4) of the retaining element (2) in the area of ​​the mounting surface (3) exhibit increased elasticity, so that the first volume areas (4) can absorb more force through elastic deformation than the second volume areas (5) of the retaining element (2), and - the elasticity of the retaining element (2) varies along the main surface. [2] OLED module according to claim 1, wherein the organic light-emitting diode (7) is glued to the mounting surface (3). [3] OLED module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a rear main surface of the organic light-emitting diode (7) is formed by a thin-film stack (11) as encapsulation and the organic light-emitting diode (7) with the thin-film stack (11) is applied to the mounting surface (3). [4] OLED module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the organic light-emitting diode (7) emits light through its substrate (8) during operation. [5] OLED module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first volume regions (4) have a first modulus of elasticity and the second volume regions (5) have a second modulus of elasticity, wherein the first modulus of elasticity is greater than the second modulus of elasticity. [6] OLED module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first volume regions (4) and the second volume regions (5) comprise two different materials. [7] OLED module according to the preceding claim, wherein the first volume regions (4) and / or the second volume regions (5) comprise one of the following materials: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, composites, plastics, metals, ceramics. [8] OLED module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein - the first volume areas (4) and the second volume areas (5) have the same base material, - the second volume regions (5) contain particles embedded in the base material, while the first volume regions (4) are free of the particles, and - the particles increase the elastic modulus of the second volume regions (5) compared to the elastic modulus of the first volume regions (4). [9] OLED module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a material of the first volume regions (4) exhibits a different crosslinking behavior than a material of the second volume regions (5).

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