Lighting arrangement

Abstract

Lighting arrangement, in particular a luminous surface, comprising at least one organic light-emitting diode (OLED1) having a planar layer structure on a substrate, wherein - the layer structure comprises a first electrically conductive layer and a second electrically conductive layer and an electroluminescent functional layer comprising an organic semiconducting material arranged therebetween, - the layer structure has at least one structured layer with a line structure (1), - the line structure (1) of the structured layer is arranged on or near at least one of the conductive layers selected from the first and second conductive layers, corresponding to a perspective image of a three-dimensional object, - the structured layer has at least one metal layer, - the line structure divides the organic light-emitting diode (OLED1) into several partial areas (2), each of the partial areas (2) being framed at least partially and in accordance with the perspective illustration by sections (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) of the line structure (1), and - the partial areas (2) framed by the sections (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) have at least one colour gradient corresponding to the perspective image and in accordance with the line structure (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting arrangement, in particular a luminous surface.

[0002] The following publications relate to lighting arrangements: DE 10 2014 217 475 A1, EP 1 950 725 A1, WO 2004 / 013 920 A2, US 2012 / 0 286 298 A1, JP 2014 – 32 757 A.

[0003] Organic light-emitting diodes, or OLEDs, are luminous thin-film components made of organic semiconducting materials and are used, for example, as luminous surfaces for a variety of lighting tasks. An OLED typically comprises a layer structure consisting of a substrate, a first electrically conductive layer (e.g., made of indium tin oxide, chromium-aluminum-chromium (CrAlCr), or other metals and alloys), and a second, likewise electrically conductive layer, e.g., made of metal (e.g., made of aluminum, silver, etc.). Furthermore, a passivation layer can be provided on one or both of the conductive layers. Between the two conductive layers is an electroluminescent functional layer containing an organic semiconducting material, which, as the active layer, can emit light during operation of the OLED. The layers of an OLED are typically enclosed in an encapsulation and thus protected from environmental influences.

[0004] The conductivity of the conductive layers, especially transparent conductive layers, can be influenced and improved by additional layers. For example, a more homogeneous luminance distribution of the OLED can be achieved by additional metallic line structures (so-called busbars) applied on or within the conductive layers. The busbars represent structured layers that provide additional current conduction. The additional layers can be applied directly to the conductive layers or to the functional layer. However, additional intermediate layers can also be provided, which is expressed by the term "in the vicinity."

[0005] However, the advantages of additional structured layers, and in particular busbars, are offset by the fact that they often unintentionally influence or change the visual appearance of an OLED. Especially in the automotive sector, customers desire a three-dimensional illuminated surface consisting of one or more OLEDs that implements specific design specifications. Busbars, which are usually used for a homogeneous luminance distribution, often conflict with this wish. In the near future, it will not be possible to replace the currently essentially two-dimensional OLEDs with flexible, three-dimensional OLEDs. Typical OLEDs can usually only be bent in one preferred direction and are therefore of limited use for three-dimensional designs. Therefore, in many taillight demonstrations for motor vehicles, various flat OLED segments are used and arranged into three-dimensional lighting arrangements to create a 3D impression.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting arrangement, in particular a luminous surface, which enables an improved three-dimensional impression.

[0007] The lighting arrangement, in particular a luminous surface, comprises at least one organic light-emitting diode. The light-emitting diode has a planar layer structure on a substrate. The layer structure further comprises a first electrically conductive layer and a second, likewise electrically conductive layer. An electroluminescent functional layer comprising an organic semiconducting material is provided between the conductive layers. Furthermore, the layer structure has at least one structured layer with a line structure. The line structure of the structured layer is arranged in the vicinity of at least one of the conductive layers, selected from the first and second conductive layers. The arrangement of the line structure occurs in accordance with a perspective image of a three-dimensional object on or in the vicinity of at least one of the conductive layers.

[0008] The structured layer extends at least partially over a main surface of the organic light-emitting diode. The structured layer can have one or more line structures that are connected to one another or separated from one another. The line structures can be regularly defined by geometric sections or can have a pattern or structure predetermined by design specifications. For example, the structured layer defines depressions on the conductor layers or the functional layer and forms, in a sense, a frame structure with linear walls. The line structure determines the frame in a sense and generally has a certain height, width, and elongated extent. The depressions created between the line structure can, for example, be filled with further layers and can also have at least parts of the electroluminescent functional layer.The line structure can generally comprise a conductive, semiconductive or non-conductive material.

[0009] The arrangement and shape of the structured layer or the line structure is defined by a perspective image. The term perspective image should be understood in the following in the sense of descriptive geometry. For example, the perspective image is a projection onto a main surface of the (planar) organic light-emitting diode. Such a projection can be defined, for example, using the means of central projection. The perspective image, which forms the basis of the illumination arrangement, projects one or more three-dimensional objects or bodies onto a main surface of the organic light-emitting diode. The perspective image can be defined section by section and define different imaging rules on partial surfaces of the organic light-emitting diode. A perspective is generally defined, on the one hand, by the convergence of image lines of parallel object lines (e.g.parallel edges of a cube) at a point on the horizon of the image plane (vanishing point) and on the other hand by the images becoming smaller with increasing distance of the object from the image plane (perspective foreshortening).

[0010] The term "main surface" is used below to characterize the planar nature of an organic light-emitting diode, as an organic light-emitting diode represents a surface emitter and can thus be used as a luminous surface. A main surface can be curved or flat along a preferred direction.

[0011] With the help of the structured layer and its line structure, an organic light-emitting diode can create a three-dimensional impression. Perspective imaging allows a perspective or a three-dimensional effect to be precisely adjusted according to design specifications. In contrast to conventional three-dimensional arrangements of several two-dimensional OLED segments, the three-dimensional impression is created with a single OLED, since the structured layer and the line structure are part of the organic light-emitting diode itself.

[0012] The structured layer comprises at least one metal layer, in particular an electrically conductive busbar and / or an electrical supply line.

[0013] The current supply and current flow within the organic light-emitting diode is influenced using an electrically conductive metal layer, for example a busbar or an electrical supply line. Such structures are often provided on an organic light-emitting diode and can unintentionally influence the visual impression of the diode. However, based on the perspective image, such structures can be specifically incorporated into the design or into a three-dimensional impression of the lighting arrangement without the need for further structures on the organic light-emitting diode or additional auxiliary structures outside the organic light-emitting diode. Furthermore, other parameters of the lighting arrangement can be influenced using the metal structure. By appropriately conducting current through the layer structure, for example, the brightness of the organic light-emitting diode can be influenced and incorporated into achieving the three-dimensional effect.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the line structure has at least one vanishing point. The vanishing point, or multiple vanishing points, are a suitable means of representational geometry, in particular central projection, for achieving a perspective or a three-dimensional effect. A vanishing point can also be emphasized and highlighted by other representational means, for example, by adjusting the brightness or color gradient, or by using line structures of varying widths.

[0015] The organic light-emitting diode is divided into several sub-areas by the line structure. Each of the sub-areas is at least partially framed by sections of the line structure, corresponding to the perspective image.

[0016] The sub-areas can be connected to each other by the line structure and / or form regular geometric shapes. However, in general, the sections of the line structure do not have to be connected to each other.

[0017] The relative arrangement of the sub-surfaces supports the three-dimensional impression created when viewing the lighting arrangement, which is geometrically defined by the perspective image. The term "geometric figure" is understood to mean a structure or combination of several structures consisting of straight lines, rectangles, triangles, polygons, and / or circles. However, complex subsets of regular or irregular geometric objects are also generally included.

[0018] For example, the organic light-emitting diode can be divided into a multitude of polygons, such as hexagons, of different sizes. A central hexagon can define a vanishing point from which the other hexagons group together, shrinking or enlarging depending on their distance from the center. Another example could be the honeycomb surface of a soccer ball.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the sections frame the partial surfaces according to regular geometric figures. In particular, the sections frame the partial surfaces according to regular planar geometric figures.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the partial surfaces are arranged at least partially concentrically to one another. For example, the line structure is defined by concentric circles that define the individual sections of the line structure, or by concentric rectangles. The concentric design results, for example, in a tunnel-like perspective. By appropriately defining one or more vanishing points, these sections or partial surfaces can define a preferred direction of the three-dimensional effect.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the sections of the linear structure become thinner or thicker along the linear structure or in sections according to the perspective image. In particular, the sections become thinner or thicker toward or away from the at least one vanishing point.

[0022] The three-dimensional effect achieved by the perspective arrangement of the line structure can be further enhanced by the thickness or width of the line structure itself. This is particularly the case when the line structure converts toward one or more vanishing points, i.e., its width tapers or widens toward the vanishing point. This can also be done in sections, so that parts of the line structure create a three-dimensional impression toward or away from the vanishing point.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the partial areas framed by the sections have a different luminance according to the perspective image and the line structure. In particular, the partial areas framed by the sections have a luminance gradient extending toward or away from the at least one vanishing point.

[0024] For example, using the line structure, for example in the form of a metallic layer, the organic light-emitting diode can not only be divided into sub-areas, but their brightness can also be influenced. This is particularly the case when the line structure or structured layer is designed as a busbar. The brightness progression is predetermined by the line structure and can, for example, change continuously from the inside to the outside (in relation to the area of ​​the organic light-emitting diode). The brightness transitions do not have to be continuous, but can also be discrete due to the geometry of the line structure. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the change from a bright sub-area to a darker sub-area is followed in turn by a brighter sub-area or vice versa.

[0025] Alternatively, brightness gradients can also be adjusted in ways other than directly with the line structure, for example by laterally different thickness or different conductivity of one or more (transparent) electrodes or by lateral stack variations.

[0026] The partial areas framed by the sections have at least one color gradient predetermined according to the perspective image and the line structure. In particular, the partial areas framed by the sections have at least one color gradient extending toward or away from the at least one vanishing point.

[0027] Similar to the brightness gradients in the individual areas, their colors can also be adjusted specifically and according to the perspective. For example, a well-designed color contrast can contribute to a three-dimensional impression, for example, through a gradient of different complementary colors.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the lighting arrangement comprises at least one further organic light-emitting diode with a further planar layer structure on the substrate. Each further layer structure has further first and second electrically conductive conductive layers. Furthermore, a further electroluminescent functional layer comprising an organic semiconducting material is provided between the conductive layers of each further layer structure. Each further layer structure likewise has a further structured layer with a further line structure, which is arranged on or in the vicinity of at least one of the conductive layers selected from the first and second conductive layers of the further layer structure. The arrangement is carried out in accordance with a perspective image of a three-dimensional object on or in the vicinity of at least the selected conductive layer.

[0029] Using one or more additional organic light-emitting diodes, more complex lighting arrangements can be realized. The three-dimensional effect extends to the entire lighting arrangement, i.e., the multiple organic light-emitting diodes and their respective line structures. In this way, for example, taillights for a motor vehicle with a three-dimensional effect can be achieved.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the organic light-emitting diodes form light-emitting diode segments of the illumination arrangement. The respective line structures of the segments are interconnected in such a way that they form a common line structure, which is arranged on or near at least one of the conductive layers in accordance with a perspective image of a three-dimensional object. The line structures of the segments can also be electrically connected, but this is not a requirement. They can also appear to be connected to one another, i.e., they can convey the optical impression of being connected to one another.

[0031] In principle, the structured layer or line structures of the individual organic light-emitting diodes can be defined independently of each other and by respective perspective images. However, the segments can be coordinated to enable a larger lighting arrangement with a common line structure and a common three-dimensional effect.

[0032] The above-described embodiments of the individual organic light-emitting diodes can be transferred analogously to the different segments, whereby these can be further emphasized by additional coordination, for example of the common line structure.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, the segments become thinner or thicker along the common line structure according to the perspective image. In particular, the segments become thinner or thicker toward or away from a common vanishing point.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, the segments have different luminances according to the perspective image and the common line structure. In particular, the segments have a luminance gradient extending at least toward or away from the common vanishing point.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, the segments have a color gradient that runs according to the perspective image and according to the common line structure. In particular, the segments have a color gradient that runs toward or away from the common vanishing point.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, the segments can each be individually controlled electronically.

[0037] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Identical, similar, or similarly functioning elements are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures and the relative sizes of the elements shown in the figures are not to scale. Rather, individual elements may be exaggerated for clarity and / or clarity.

[0038] They show: Fig. 1 an exemplary lighting arrangement with an organic light-emitting diode according to the proposed principle, Fig. 2 shows another exemplary lighting arrangement with an organic light-emitting diode according to the proposed principle, Fig. 3 shows another exemplary lighting arrangement with an organic light-emitting diode according to the proposed principle, Fig. 4 shows another exemplary lighting arrangement with three organic light-emitting diodes according to the proposed principle, and Fig. 5 shows another exemplary lighting arrangement with three organic light-emitting diodes according to the proposed principle.

[0039] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary lighting arrangement with an organic light-emitting diode according to the proposed principle.

[0040] The figure schematically shows an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)1 with a line structure 1 based on multiple busbars. The busbars divide the luminous area, i.e., the functional layer of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED)1, into different partial areas 2 or sub-luminous areas. The busbars form various sections 11, 12, 13, and 14, which are defined by concentric rectangles and at whose center is a vanishing point 3 of the illumination arrangement. Furthermore, additional busbar sections 15 are provided, each connecting the same corners of the concentric rectangles.

[0041] This creates a three-dimensional effect or perspective that creates a tunnel-like impression toward the vanishing point 3 when viewing the lighting arrangement. The presented structure of the line structure 1 is thus characterized by a perspective image that projects a tunnel-like object onto the two-dimensional surface of the organic light-emitting diode OLED1 used.

[0042] In addition to the presented linear structure 1, sections 11, 12, 13, 15, 15 of the structured layer can have different thicknesses. When using busbars, different thicknesses can be achieved by using a metal layer of different widths. To enhance the three-dimensional effect, busbars can be used, for example, that become thinner toward vanishing point 3 and thicker away from vanishing point 3 (not shown).

[0043] Furthermore, other geometric shapes besides concentric rectangles are conceivable. For example, triangles, polygons, circles, or ovals can be used.

[0044] Fig. 2 shows another exemplary lighting arrangement with an organic light-emitting diode according to the proposed principle.

[0045] In this embodiment, a three-dimensional effect is created by hexagons 40 of different sizes, each surrounding partial illuminated surfaces 41. A largest hexagon is provided at a vanishing point of the lighting arrangement. Adjacent to this central hexagon are six further smaller hexagons. The further smaller hexagons are in turn surrounded by further even smaller hexagons. This sequence is repeated until the resulting line structure 1 is terminated by an outer line. The individual hexagons are perspectively distorted.

[0046] To represent this honeycomb arrangement, a perspective image can be specified or the pattern can be constructed using, for example, a central projection. The line structures 1 are preferably realized by busbars, which, depending on the perspective and to enhance the three-dimensional effect, can also have different thicknesses toward or away from the vanishing point.

[0047] Fig. 3 shows another exemplary lighting arrangement with an organic light-emitting diode according to the proposed principle.

[0048] Shown is a lighting arrangement according to the Fig. 1. In addition to the line structure 1, which creates the three-dimensional effect, a brightness gradient is shown. In this case, this gradient is set so that partial areas 2 of the organic light-emitting diodes become darker from the outside to the vanishing point 3. The brightness gradient is essentially continuous and follows the course of the line structure 1.

[0049] If the line structure 1 is defined by busbars, these can be used to conduct current through the organic light-emitting diodes or their layered structure. The design of the busbars, for example, their height and thickness, allows the current density in the supply lines to be adjusted. Consequently, the corresponding sections of the busbars can adjust the brightness of the OLED emission. Furthermore, individual sections of the busbars can be individually controlled electronically, allowing brightness to be adjusted in this way as well.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the brightness progression or brightness gradient is oriented towards the vanishing point 3 defined by the geometry of the line structure 1. At the vanishing point 3, the brightness is at its lowest and at its strongest at an edge region of the organic light-emitting diode.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, additional or different brightness gradients can be set. For example, the brightness can be maximum at vanishing point 3 and minimum at the edge of the organic light-emitting diode (OLED1). As mentioned above, the line structure 1 is not restricted to a rectangular shape and can describe other geometric figures, such as triangles, polygons, circles, or ovals.

[0052] Fig. 4 shows another exemplary lighting arrangement with three organic light-emitting diodes according to the proposed principle.

[0053] The lighting arrangement comprises a first, second, and third segment (OLED1, OLED2, OLED3), each segment comprising an organic light-emitting diode according to the proposed principle. The surfaces of the respective segments are rectangular, but no right angles are provided at the respective corners. This allows the segments to be coordinated with each other and, simply by virtue of their surface area, create a three-dimensional impression by having their respective edges or side lines converge toward a vanishing point.

[0054] The three-dimensional effect defined by the convergence of the segment surfaces toward the vanishing point can be enhanced by the structured layer or the line structures 1 on the individual segments, according to the principles presented above. The line structures can also be adjusted such that they appear to converge toward the (common) vanishing point along a common line structure 17. Furthermore, each individual segment can be provided with an additional line structure 1 with a correspondingly adjusted three-dimensional effect (not shown).

[0055] Furthermore, the three-dimensional effect can also be enhanced by a brightness gradient between the segments. For example, the first segment is set to maximum brightness, the second segment is darker, and the third segment is even darker. Alternatively, the brightness gradient can be set in a different order, from dark to bright.

[0056] The individual segments are separated from each other by supply lines 16, which also represent a linear structure 1 in the sense presented. The three-dimensional effect can also be influenced by appropriate placement of the supply lines 16.

[0057] With the help of additional busbars on the respective segments OLED1, OLED2, OLED3, a brightness gradient can also be set within the segments as described above, so that, for example, a continuous brightness gradient is also possible between the segments without there being sharp brightness transitions between the segments.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows another exemplary lighting arrangement with three organic light-emitting diodes according to the proposed principle.

[0059] This embodiment also relates to a lighting arrangement consisting of three separate segments OLED1, OLED2, OLED3. The segments themselves are rectangular or square and similar to the Fig. 1 are arranged concentrically to one another. In this case, however, it is not sections of the linear structure 1 on an organic light-emitting diode that are arranged concentrically to one another, but rather the segments themselves, framed by supply lines 16. The center of the concentric arrangement is simultaneously a vanishing point 3 of the lighting arrangement. This, in turn, defines a three-dimensional effect.

[0060] The individual segments OLED1, OLED2, and OLED3 can be controlled individually, allowing for different brightness levels. The three-dimensional effect is enhanced by the varying brightness. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the individual segments can be controlled sequentially, creating a movement effect toward the vanishing point. List of reference symbols 1 Line structure Section 11 Section 12 Section 13 Section 14 Section 15 16 supply line 17 common line structure 2 subarea 3 Vanishing point 40 hexagon 41 subarea OLED1 organic light-emitting diode OLED2 organic light-emitting diode OLED3 organic light-emitting diode

Claims

[1] Lighting arrangement, in particular a luminous surface, comprising at least one organic light-emitting diode (OLED1) having a planar layer structure on a substrate, wherein - the layer structure comprises a first electrically conductive conduction layer and a second electrically conductive conduction layer, as well as an electroluminescent functional layer with an organic semiconducting material arranged in between, - the layer structure has at least one structured layer with a line structure (1), - the line structure (1) of the structured layer is arranged according to a perspective representation of a three-dimensional object on or near at least one of the conductor layers, selected from the first and second conductor layers, - the structured layer has at least one metal layer, - the line structure divides the organic light-emitting diode (OLED1) into several sub-areas (2), each of the sub-areas (2) being framed at least partially and according to the perspective representation by sections (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) of the line structure (1), and - the sub-areas (2) framed by the sections (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) have at least one color gradient corresponding to the perspective representation and the line structure (1). [2] Lighting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the structured layer is an electrically conductive busbar and / or an electrical supply line. [3] Lighting arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the line structure has at least one vanishing point (3). [4] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sections frame the sub-areas (2) according to regular geometric figures, in particular frame the sub-areas (2) according to regular planar geometric figures. [5] Lighting arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the partial surfaces (2) are arranged at least partially concentrically to each other. [6] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sections (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) become thinner or thicker according to the perspective image along the line structure (1). [7] Lighting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partial areas (2) framed by the sections (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) have at least one luminance different according to the perspective image according to the line structure (1). [8] Lighting arrangement according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the partial areas (2) framed by the sections (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) have at least one color gradient extending towards or away from the at least one vanishing point (3). [9] Lighting arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, comprising at least one further organic light-emitting diode (OLED2, OLED3) with a further planar layer structure on the substrate, wherein - each further layer structure comprises further first and second electrically conductive conduction layers and has a further electroluminescent functional layer arranged in between with an organic semiconducting material, - each further layer structure has at least one further structured layer with a further line structure (1) and - each further line structure (1) is arranged according to a perspective representation of a three-dimensional object on or near at least one of the conductor layers selected from the first and second conductor layers of the further layer structure. [10] Lighting arrangement according to claim 9, wherein - the organic light-emitting diode (OLED1) and each additional organic light-emitting diode (OLED2, OLED3) form segments of the lighting arrangement and - the line structures (1) of the segments are connected to each other in such a way as to appear to form a common line structure (17) which is arranged on or near at least one of the conductor layers in accordance with a perspective representation of a three-dimensional object. [11] Lighting arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the segments become thinner or thicker along the common line structure (17) according to the perspective image. [12] Lighting arrangement according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the segments have different luminances according to the perspective image according to the common line structure (17). [13] Lighting arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the segments have a color gradient corresponding to the perspective image and the common line structure (17). [14] Lighting arrangement according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the segments can each be individually controlled electronically.

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