Organic EL Device Electrode Taking-Out Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic EL device manufacturing methods face inefficiencies in forming electrode taking-out portions, particularly when using the roll-to-roll process, as they require complex patterning of anodes and light emitting layers.
Innovation Solution
The organic EL device design includes a first substrate with a first electrode layer, an organic layer, and a second electrode layer on a second substrate joined by an adhesive layer, where the organic layer is not formed in peripheral regions, allowing the second electrode layer to extend and be exposed through cutouts in the second substrate, forming electrode taking-out portions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the anode and light emitting layer are formed by patterning in complicated shapes to provide an electrode taking-out portion, then the electrode taking-out portion can be formed, but the device cannot be efficiently manufactured
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a light-emitting region where the organic layer is formed and a non-light-emitting peripheral region where the organic layer is not formed. This segmentation allows the electrode taking-out portion to be formed in the peripheral region without requiring complex patterning of the light emitting layer, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining device functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode taking-out portion is formed by extending the second electrode layer in a planar direction (another dimension) beyond the light-emitting region through the insulating layer. This dimensional extension allows the electrode to be accessed externally without complicating the vertical stacking structure of the light-emitting region, resolving the contradiction between taking-out functionality and manufacturing simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the second substrate and adhesive layer are removed in the peripheral region to expose the electrode layers, then electrode taking-out portions are formed for external connection, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The second substrate and adhesive layer are selectively removed only in the peripheral region where electrode taking-out is required, while being maintained in the central light-emitting region. This local quality change allows external electrode connection without compromising the structural integrity of the main device body, as the adhesive layer continues to bond the substrates in the critical light-emitting area.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer serves as an intermediary structure that supports the second electrode layer in the peripheral region where the adhesive layer is removed. This intermediary support enables the electrode to be exposed for external connection while maintaining structural stability, preventing the electrode from collapsing or short-circuiting.
Data Source
AI summary
An organic EL device includes a first substrate including a cathode layer (a first electrode layer), an organic layer formed on the cathode layer, an anode layer (a second electrode layer) formed on the organic layer, and a second substrate joined to the anode layer by an adhesive layer. The anode layer is provided so as to extend to an outer peripheral side of a region where the organic layer is present, the second substrate and the adhesive layer are not present in a portion which faces a region at an outer peripheral side of the extended anode layer, and the cathode layer and the extended anode layer are exposed from the second substrate to constitute a cathode taking-out portion and an anode taking-out portion, respectively.