U.S. patent application number 15/175617 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for vehicle lamp.
This patent application is currently assigned to Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.. The applicant listed for this patent is Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Toru ITO, Yoshiro ITO, Haruhiko IYODA, Yukihiro ONODA, Masaya SHIDO, Hironori TSUKAMOTO.
Application Number | 20160290586 15/175617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53478676 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160290586 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHIDO; Masaya ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
VEHICLE LAMP
Abstract
A vehicle lamp includes a planar light-emitting structure having
a substrate on which an organic EL emission element is provided, a
framing member that fixes the planar light-emitting structure
inside a vehicle-lamp light cabinet, and an elastic member that is
interposed between the planar light-emitting structure and the
framing member and that fixes the planar light-emitting structure
by its biasing force.
Inventors: |
SHIDO; Masaya;
(Shizuoka-shi, JP) ; ONODA; Yukihiro;
(Shizuoka-shi, JP) ; ITO; Toru; (Shizuoka-shi,
JP) ; ITO; Yoshiro; (Shizuoka-shi, JP) ;
IYODA; Haruhiko; (Shizuoka-shi, JP) ; TSUKAMOTO;
Hironori; (Shizuoka-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Koito Manufacturing Co.,
Ltd.
|
Family ID: |
53478676 |
Appl. No.: |
15/175617 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP2014/083879 |
Dec 22, 2014 |
|
|
|
15175617 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H05B 33/06 20130101;
F21S 43/145 20180101; F21Y 2115/15 20160801; H01L 2251/5361
20130101; F21S 45/47 20180101; H05B 33/08 20130101; H05B 33/14
20130101; F21S 43/195 20180101; H05B 33/24 20130101; F21S 45/10
20180101; F21S 45/37 20180101; B60Q 1/0483 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F21S 8/10 20060101
F21S008/10; H05B 33/08 20060101 H05B033/08; H05B 33/24 20060101
H05B033/24; H05B 33/06 20060101 H05B033/06; B60Q 1/04 20060101
B60Q001/04; H05B 33/14 20060101 H05B033/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 25, 2013 |
JP |
2013-267689 |
Feb 5, 2014 |
JP |
2014-020576 |
Feb 12, 2014 |
JP |
2014-024494 |
Sep 30, 2014 |
JP |
2014-199841 |
Claims
1. A vehicle lamp, comprising: a planar light-emitting structure
having a substrate on which an organic electroluminescent emission
element is provided; a framing member for fixing the planar
light-emitting structure inside a vehicle-lamp light cabinet; and
an elastic member interposed between the planar light-emitting
structure and the framing member, fixing the planar light-emitting
structure under the elastic member's biasing force.
2. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein: electrical
contacts for the supplying of electric power to the organic
electroluminescent element are provided in portions of a peripheral
margin of the planar light-emitting structure; and the elastic
member is disposed fronting on the electrical contacts, and is
configured such as to feed electric power via the electrical
contacts.
3. The vehicle lamp according to claim 2, wherein the elastic
member is disposed in a portion of a side of the framing member
fronting on the planar light-emitting structure.
4. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein the elastic
member is of conductive rubber.
5. The vehicle lamp according to claim 3, wherein a busbar for
supplying electric power to the elastic member is provided either
inside the framing member or on a side thereof confronting the
planar light-emitting structure.
6. The vehicle lamp according to claim 1, wherein the elastic
member is disposed such as to provide between the planar
light-emitting structure and the framing member a penetrating space
for passing air therethrough of temperature elevated by heat
emitted from the planar light-emitting structure.
7. A vehicle lamp, comprising: a planar light-emitting structure
having a first substrate on which an organic electroluminescent
emission element is formed, a single linear anode feeder element
and a single linear cathode feeder element electrically connected
to the organic electroluminescent emission element being provided
on a back surface along an outer periphery thereof; and a second
substrate connected to the planar light-emitting structure such as
to be in contact with the anode feeder element and the cathode
feeder element; wherein the anode feeder element is longer than the
cathode feeder element as gauged along the outer periphery of the
planar light-emitting structure.
8. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein the second
substrate is configured to make contact with two terminuses of the
anode feeder element, located on the outer periphery of the planar
light-emitting structure.
9. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein the anode feeder
element includes a section shaped in an annular form along the
outer periphery of the planar light-emitting structure.
10. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein: terminuses of
the anode feeder element and of the cathode feeder element are
provided such as to be located one-sidedly on the planar
light-emitting structure; and the second substrate is disposed
along the one side of the planar light-emitting structure such as
to make contact with all of the terminuses.
11. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, further comprising: a
fixing member that includes a concave portion supporting the outer
periphery of the planar light-emitting structure, and an underside
opposing the back surface of the planar light-emitting structure;
wherein the underside has a convex portion provided in a location
thereon corresponding to where either the anode feeder element or
the cathode feeder element is connected to the second
substrate.
12. The vehicle lamp according to claim 11, wherein: the second
substrate is connected to a lower-end side of the planar
light-emitting structure; and a hole is formed in the concave
portion in a portion thereof located on its lower-end side.
13. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein the second
substrate is a flexible circuit.
14. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein: a
current-carrying wiring formation in contact with either the anode
feeder element or the cathode feeder element, and a
non-current-carrying dummy formation are formed on the second
substrate; and the wiring formation and the dummy formation are of
substantially identical film thickness.
15. The vehicle lamp according to claim 7, wherein a Zener diode is
interposed between the anode feeder element and the cathode feeder
element.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-267689,
filed on Dec. 25, 2013, Japanese Patent Application No.
2014-020576, filed on Feb. 5, 2014, Japanese Patent Application No.
2014-024494, filed on Feb. 12, 2014, Japanese Patent Application
No. 2014-199841, filed on Sep. 30, 2014, and International Patent
Application No. PCT/JP2014/083879, filed on Dec. 22, 2014, the
entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to vehicle lamps including
planar light-emitting structures.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Vehicle lamps in which planar light-emitting structures,
such as organic EL panels, are used as light sources are known.
Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-45523 discloses a
technique for anchoring a planar light-emitting structure by
fitting it into a bracket (bezel) in the form of a frame shaped to
fit the outer peripheral geometry of the planar light-emitting
structure.
[0006] Currently, glass substrates are often used as substrates for
organic EL panels. Consequently, vehicular implementations in which
the organic EL panel is anchored by, for example, being tightened
down with screws risk damaging the substrate by the great stress
that vehicular vibrations produce in the substrate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention has been made to address such issues,
and is directed to providing a fixing technique by which stress
exerted on a substrate for a planar light-emitting structure is
reduced in a vehicle lamp provided with a planar light-emitting
structure.
[0008] A vehicle lamp according to an aspect of the present
invention includes a planar light-emitting structure having a
substrate on which an organic EL emission portion is provided, a
framing member that fixes the planar light-emitting structure
inside a vehicle-lamp light cabinet, and an elastic member that is
interposed between the planar light-emitting structure and the
framing member, where the elastic member fixes the planar
light-emitting structure by its biasing force.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings that are meant to be
exemplary, not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered
alike in several figures, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a schematic
configuration of an organic EL panel (planar light-emitting
structure) to be used in each of the embodiments of the present
invention;
[0011] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic sectional views of a light
source unit that includes an organic EL panel in a vehicle lamp
according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2C is a
front view of the light source unit, and FIG. 2D is a perspective
view of a framing member;
[0012] FIG. 3A is a schematic sectional view of a light source unit
that includes an organic EL panel in a vehicle lamp according to
another example, FIG. 3B illustrates an elastic member, and FIG. 3C
is a perspective view of a framing member;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an assembly diagram of a light source unit that
includes an organic EL panel in a vehicle lamp according to yet
another example;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the assembled light
source unit;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the light source unit taken
along the line C-C indicated in FIG. 5;
[0016] FIG. 7A is a plan view of an organic EL panel according to
another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a plan
view of brackets that fix the organic EL panel;
[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are sectional views of the brackets taken
along the line D-D and the line E-E, respectively, indicated in
FIG. 7B;
[0018] FIGS. 9A and 9B are sectional views illustrating a process
of mounting the organic EL panel into the brackets;
[0019] FIGS. 10A and 10B are sectional views of the organic EL
panel mounted to the brackets;
[0020] FIGS. 11A and 11B are illustrations for describing a method
of fixing an organic EL panel according to another example;
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a modification of the fixing
bracket;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing bracket
in which a feeder portion is embedded;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the fixing bracket
illustrated in FIG. 13 taken along a horizontal plane;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram for describing an
arrangement of fixing brackets configured to fit organic EL panels
of various outer shapes;
[0025] FIG. 16A is a perspective view for describing a method of
fixing an organic EL panel according to yet another example, FIG.
16B is a sectional view of a fixing member, and FIG. 16C
illustrates an arrangement of electrical connection portions in the
fixing member;
[0026] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate usage examples of the fixation
method illustrated in FIG. 16;
[0027] FIG. 18 illustrates another usage example of the fixation
method illustrated in FIG. 16;
[0028] FIG. 19 illustrates a connection between an electrical
connection portion and an organic EL panel;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a more detailed
structure of the electrical connection portion;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a sectional view of the electrical connection
portion taken along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal
axis;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle lamp
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 23A is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the
line F-F indicated in FIG. 22, and FIG. 23B is a longitudinal
sectional view taken along the line G-G indicated in FIG. 22;
[0033] FIG. 24A is a schematic plan view illustrating an
arrangement of feeder portions on the back surface of a planar
light-emitting structure according to a conventional technique, and
FIG. 24B is a schematic plan view illustrating a flexible circuit
to be bonded to feeder portions;
[0034] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of feeder
portions on the back surface of a planar light-emitting structure
according to the present embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 26 illustrates an example of a flexible circuit to be
bonded to the planar light-emitting structure illustrated in FIG.
25;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view illustrating another
exemplary arrangement of feeder portions on the back surface of the
planar light-emitting structure;
[0037] FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic configuration to be employed
when a plurality of planar light-emitting structures are installed
in a lamp cabinet for a vehicle lamp;
[0038] FIGS. 29A through 29C illustrate exemplary arrangements of
an anode feeder portion and a cathode feeder portion in planar
light-emitting structures of various shapes;
[0039] FIGS. 30A and 30B are enlarged views of a portion marked by
K in FIG. 23B;
[0040] FIG. 31A is a plan view of the back surface of a planar
light-emitting structure to be used in another vehicle lamp, FIG.
31B is a plan view of a flexible circuit to be bonded to the planar
light-emitting structure, and FIG. 31C illustrates a state in which
the planar light-emitting structure and the flexible circuit are
bonded to each other;
[0041] FIG. 32A is an enlarged view of the terminal disposition
portion of the flexible circuit illustrated in FIG. 31B, and FIG.
32B is a fragmentary sectional view thereof;
[0042] FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of a terminal disposition
portion of a flexible circuit according to another example;
[0043] FIG. 34A is an enlarged view of a terminal disposition
portion of a flexible circuit according to another example, and
FIG. 34B is a fragmentary sectional view thereof; and
[0044] FIG. 35A is a plan view of the back side of a planar
light-emitting structure according to yet another example, and FIG.
35B is a schematic illustrating a Zener diode reverse-bias
connected to the planar light-emitting structure (represented as a
diode) of FIG. 35A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] FIG. 1 is a sectional view illustrating a schematic
configuration of an organic EL panel (planar light-emitting
structure) to be used in each of the embodiments of the present
invention described hereinafter. An organic EL panel 10 has a
structure in which an anode layer 14, which is a transparent
conductive film (e.g., ITO), a micro-reflective metal layer 16, an
organic EL emission layer 18, and a cathode layer 20, which is a
rear-side conductive film, are stacked between a front glass
substrate 12 and a rear glass substrate 22.
[0046] The stacked layers of the anode layer 14 through the cathode
layer 20 may be formed by stacking these layers on the glass
substrate 12 or by stacking these layers on the glass substrate 22.
In other words, the organic EL emission layer 18, which is an
organic EL emission portion, may be formed over the glass substrate
12, or the organic EL emission layer 18, which is the organic EL
emission portion, may be formed over the glass substrate 22.
[0047] The micro-reflective metal layer 16 is disposed between the
anode layer 14 and the organic EL emission layer 18, and thus a
microcavity structure is formed. The distance between the
micro-reflective metal layer 16 and the cathode layer 20 is
selected in accordance with the wavelength of light emitted by the
organic EL emission layer 18. With this microcavity structure,
light emitted by the organic EL emission layer 18 is repeatedly
reflected between the micro-reflective metal layer 16 and the
cathode layer 20, and only a specific wavelength that resonates is
amplified. Thus, the luminance of the emission portion can be
increased. The organic EL panel 10 may be constituted without
providing a micro-reflective metal layer between the anode layer 14
and the organic EL emission layer 18.
Embodiment 1
[0048] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic sectional views of a light
source unit 30 that includes an organic EL panel in a vehicle lamp
according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along
the line A-A and the line B-B, respectively, indicated in FIG. 2C;
and FIG. 2C is a front view of the light source unit 30. The light
source unit 30 is fixed to a housing 46 inside a lamp cabinet for a
vehicle lamp (not illustrated). The light source unit 30 includes
an organic EL panel 32 such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1, a
framing member 36, and a rear cover 40.
[0049] The framing member 36 is configured to have the organic EL
panel 32 fitted thereinto. The inner periphery of the framing
member 36 is slightly larger than the outer periphery of the
organic EL panel 32.
[0050] FIG. 2D is a rear perspective view of the framing member 36.
As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the framing member 36 includes a
peripheral wall 36a forming a rectangular enclosure and an
extension portion 36b that extends from one end of the peripheral
wall 36a toward the inner side. A tightening portion 36c that
extends downwardly from the peripheral wall 36a and that is bent in
an L-shape is formed on the lower side of the framing member 36. A
bolt hole is formed in the tightening portion 36c, and the framing
member 36 is fixed to the housing 46 of the vehicle lamp with a
bolt 48. The tightening portion 36c may be provided on the upper
side of the framing member 36 or may be provided on the right or
left side of the framing member 36.
[0051] The rear cover 40 has a function of pressing the organic EL
panel 32 against the framing member 36 from the back side. A convex
portion 40a that abuts against the back surface of the panel 32 is
provided on the rear cover 40 on a side that faces the organic EL
panel 32. The convex portion 40a may be provided only on a
peripheral portion of the panel, as illustrated in FIG. 2, or may
be provided on another area.
[0052] A plurality of through-holes 40b are formed in the
peripheral portion of the rear cover 40, and the rear cover 40 is
fixed to the peripheral wall 36a of the framing member 36 by
coupling portions 42. The coupling portions 42 may be formed
through thermal caulking, welding, bonding, or the like. The rear
cover 40 may be fixed by using a lance structure or another member,
such as a screw, instead of by forming the coupling portions
42.
[0053] There is a conventional framing structure in which a
peripheral portion of an organic EL panel 32 directly abuts against
an extension portion 36b of a framing member 36. However,
currently, a hard glass substrate is often used as a substrate for
an organic EL panel. Thus, when the substrate directly abuts
against the extension portion 36b of the framing member 36, great
stress is exerted on the glass substrate, and the organic EL panel
can be damaged due to the vibrations generated while the vehicle is
running.
[0054] Accordingly, in the vehicle lamp according to the present
embodiment, an elastic member 38 is interposed between a peripheral
portion of the organic EL panel 32 on a side that faces the framing
member 36 and the extension portion 36b of the framing member 36.
The organic EL panel 32 is pressed by the biasing force of the
elastic member 38 and is thus fixed to the framing member. With
this configuration, the elastic member functions as a buffer
material, and the stress exerted on the substrate for the organic
EL panel while the vehicle is running can be reduced.
[0055] Desirably, a plurality of elastic members 38 are disposed at
appropriate intervals, as illustrated in FIG. 2C, instead of
providing an elastic member 38 across the entire peripheral portion
of the organic EL panel 32. A reason for this is as follows. When
an elastic member is present across the entire periphery of an
organic EL panel, stress exerted on the substrate for the organic
EL panel cannot be released, and the substrate can thus be easily
damaged due to the increased stress. Disposing the elastic members
in a manner illustrated in FIG. 2C can provide some play for the
organic EL panel to move, which can further reduce the stress
exerted on the substrate for the organic EL panel.
[0056] In addition, when the elastic members 38 are disposed so as
to be spaced apart from each other, a penetrating space 37 can be
formed between the organic EL panel 32 and the framing member 36,
and the air whose temperature has risen by heat emitted from the
organic EL panel when electricity is passed to the organic EL panel
can pass through the penetrating space 37. In this case, a vent
hole 36d for allowing the air to pass therethrough is formed in the
peripheral wall 36a of the framing member 36 at a portion where no
elastic member 38 is disposed. With this configuration, a
convection current of the air is produced as the air whose
temperature has risen by heat emitted from the organic EL panel
passes through the penetrating space 37 and the vent hole 36d.
Thus, the heat dissipation of the organic EL panel is facilitated,
which contributes to an extended lifetime and increased efficiency
of the panel.
[0057] When the organic EL panel 32 is to be disposed to stand
vertically, the elastic members 38 may be disposed such that the
penetrating space 37 extends in the vertical direction. When the
organic EL panel 32 is to be disposed at an angle to the vertical
direction, the elastic members 38 may be disposed such that the
penetrating space 37 extends in a direction substantially parallel
to a longitudinal side of the organic EL panel 32.
[0058] The elastic members may, for example, be made of an
elastomer or a gel material. An elastic member made of an elastomer
may be cut into pieces of an appropriate size in advance, and the
pieces may be bonded to the extension portion 36b of the framing
member 36 before an organic EL panel is fitted into the framing
member 36. The mounting surface of the elastomer and the mounting
surface of the extension portion 36b may be formed into
complementary shapes (e.g., saw-tooth shape, wavelike shape, etc.)
and may be mounted to each other without using an adhesive or the
like. When the elastic members are made of a gel material, the
elastic members may be potted into the extension portion 36b of the
framing member 36 before an organic EL panel is fitted into the
framing member 36.
[0059] The elastic members may be transparent. This allows the
elastic members to be less noticeable when the vehicle lamp is
viewed from the front side. In particular, it is preferable that
the elastic members be transparent when the framing member and the
rear cover are formed of a transparent resin or the like.
[0060] In FIG. 2, the elastic members are interposed between the
framing member 36 and the organic EL panel 32. In addition thereto
or instead thereof, the elastic members may be disposed between the
rear cover 40 and the organic EL panel 32.
[0061] FIG. 3A is a schematic sectional view of a light source unit
50 that includes an organic EL panel in a vehicle lamp according to
another example of the present embodiment. The light source unit 50
is fixed to a housing inside a lamp cabinet for a vehicle lamp (not
illustrated). The light source unit 50 includes an organic EL panel
32 such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1, a framing member 60, and
a rear cover 40.
[0062] The framing member 60 is configured to have the organic EL
panel 32 fitted thereinto. The inner periphery of the framing
member 60 is slightly larger than the outer periphery of the
organic EL panel 32.
[0063] FIG. 3C is a rear perspective view of the framing member 60.
As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the framing member 60 includes a
peripheral wall 60a forming a rectangular enclosure and an
extension portion 60b that extends from one end of the peripheral
wall 60a toward the inner side. A connector receiving portion 60c
that extends downwardly from the peripheral wall 60a and that is
bent in an L-shape is formed on the lower side of the framing
member 60. The connector receiving portion 60c may be provided on
the upper side of the framing member 60 or may be provided on the
right or left side of the framing member 60.
[0064] The rear cover 40 has a function of pressing the organic EL
panel 32 against the framing member 60 from the back side. A convex
portion 40a that abuts against the back surface of the panel 32 is
provided on the rear cover 40 on a side that faces the organic EL
panel 32. The convex portion 40a may be provided only on a
peripheral portion of the panel, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, or may
be provided on another area.
[0065] A plurality of through-holes 40b are formed in the
peripheral portion of the rear cover 40, and the rear cover 40 is
fixed to the peripheral wall 60a of the framing member 60 by
coupling portions 42. The coupling portions 42 may be formed
through thermal caulking, welding, bonding, or the like. The rear
cover 40 may be fixed by using a lance structure or another member,
such as a screw, instead of by forming the coupling portions
42.
[0066] In the present example, a busbar 56 is disposed on the
extension portion 60b of the framing member 60 on a side toward the
organic EL panel. This busbar 56 extends along the extension
portion 60b, and an end of the busbar 56 extends into a connector
hole 60d formed in the connector receiving portion 60c. This
extending portion functions as a connector pin, and electric power
can be supplied to the busbar 56 from the outside by inserting a
feeder connector of a predetermined shape into the connector
receiving portion 60c. The busbar 56 is formed, for example, by
cutting out a metal plate into a prescribed shape and bending the
cut-out piece.
[0067] A feeder portion 32a for supplying electric power to the
organic EL emission layer of the organic EL panel 32 is formed on a
peripheral portion of the organic EL panel 32 on a side that faces
the framing member 60.
[0068] A conductive elastic member 52 is interposed between the
feeder portion 32a on the organic EL panel 32 and the busbar 56 in
the framing member 60. The organic EL panel 32 is pressed by the
biasing force of the elastic member 52 and fixed to the framing
member. With this configuration, the elastic member functions as a
buffer material, and the stress exerted on the substrate for the
organic EL panel while the vehicle is running can be reduced.
[0069] Electric power is supplied to the feeder portion 32a from
the busbar 56 through the conductive elastic member 52. The
conductive elastic member 52 is in tight contact with the feeder
portion 32a by the biasing force, and thus electric power can be
supplied reliably. In addition, the busbar 56 is hidden by the
extension portion 60b and is invisible from the outside, and thus
the appearance of the vehicle lamp improves.
[0070] Desirably, a plurality of conductive elastic members 52 are
disposed at appropriate intervals in a similar manner to the one
illustrated in FIG. 2C instead of providing a conductive elastic
member 52 across the entire peripheral portion of the organic EL
panel 32. This can provide some play for the organic EL panel to
move, and the stress exerted on the substrate for the organic EL
panel can be further reduced.
[0071] In addition, when the elastic members 52 are disposed so as
to be spaced apart from each other, a penetrating space (not
illustrated) can be formed between the organic EL panel 32 and the
framing member 60, and the air whose temperature has risen by heat
emitted from the organic EL panel when electricity is passed to the
organic EL panel can pass through the penetrating space. In this
case, a vent hole (not illustrated) for allowing the air to pass
therethrough is formed in the peripheral wall 60a of the framing
member 60 at a portion where no elastic member 52 is disposed. With
this configuration, a convection current of the air is produced as
the air whose temperature has risen by heat emitted from the
organic EL panel passes through the penetrating space and the vent
hole. Thus, the heat dissipation of the organic EL panel is
facilitated, which contributes to an extended lifetime and
increased efficiency of the panel.
[0072] The elastic member may, for example, be made of an elastomer
or a gel material. An elastic member made of an elastomer may be
cut into pieces of an appropriate size in advance, and the pieces
may be bonded to the extension portion 60b of the framing member 60
before an organic EL panel is fitted into the framing member 60.
The mounting surface of the elastomer and the mounting surface of
the extension portion 60b may be formed into complementary shapes
(e.g., saw-tooth shape, wavelike shape, etc.) and may be mounted to
each other without using an adhesive or the like. When the elastic
members are made of a gel material, the elastic members may be
potted into the extension portion 60b of the framing member 60
before an organic EL panel is fitted into the framing member
60.
[0073] The conductive elastic member 52 is, for example, a
conductive rubber in which particulate conductors are dispersed in
rubber or a conductive rubber formed by winding a wire 52a around a
rubber (see FIG. 3B), but is not limited thereto. The conductive
elastic member 52 may be an anisotropic conductive rubber having
conductivity only in a direction connecting the feeder portion 32a
on the organic EL panel 32 and the busbar 56.
[0074] With reference to FIGS. 4 through 6, a vehicle lamp
according to yet another example of the present embodiment will be
described.
[0075] FIG. 4 is an assembly diagram of a light source unit 100
that includes an organic EL panel in a vehicle lamp. FIG. 5 is a
rear perspective view of the assembled light source unit 100. FIG.
6 is a sectional view of the light source unit 100 taken along the
line C-C indicated in FIG. 5.
[0076] The light source unit 100 is constituted by sandwiching an
organic EL panel 80 such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1 by a
framing member 70 and a rear cover 90. The framing member 70 and
the rear cover 90 have an identical outer shape, and the outer
shape of the organic EL panel 80 is slightly smaller than the outer
shape of the framing member 70 and the rear cover 90.
[0077] The framing member 70 is a member for fixing the organic EL
panel 80 inside a lamp cabinet for a vehicle lamp (not
illustrated). A mounting portion 76 having a bolt hole 76a for
mounting the light source unit 100 to the housing of the vehicle
lamp is formed on the lower side of the framing member 70.
[0078] The rear cover 90 has a function of pressing the organic EL
panel 80 against the framing member 70 from the back side. A convex
portion (not illustrated) that abuts against the back surface of
the panel 80 is provided on the rear cover 90 on a side that faces
the organic EL panel 80. The convex portion may be provided only on
the peripheral portion of the panel or may be provided on another
area.
[0079] A plurality of through-holes 94 are formed in the rear cover
90 at the four corners, and the rear cover 90 is fixed to the
framing member 70 by coupling portions that are passed through the
through-holes 94. The coupling portions may be formed through
thermal caulking, welding, bonding, or the like. The rear cover 90
may be fixed by using a lance structure or another member, such as
a screw, instead of by forming the coupling portions.
[0080] A plurality of feeder portions 82 for supplying electric
power to the organic EL emission layer of the organic EL panel 80
are provided on a peripheral portion of the organic EL panel 80 on
a side that faces the framing member 70. Providing the plurality of
feeder portions in this manner can make a uniform current flow
through the organic EL emission layer and suppress the luminance
unevenness of the emission portion.
[0081] Concave portions 72 are formed in the framing member 70 on a
side that faces the organic EL panel 80 at positions corresponding
to the feeder portions 82. Spring electric contacts 74 are disposed
in the respective concave portions 72. The electric contacts 74 are
electrically connected by a busbar (not illustrated) embedded
inside the framing member 70. The busbar is also electrically
connected to a connector 78 formed on the lower side of the framing
member 70. Electric power can be supplied to each of the electric
contacts 74 through the connector 78.
[0082] Each spring electric contact 74 partially projects from the
surface of the framing member 70 when the organic EL panel 80 is
not mounted to the framing member 70. Therefore, when the organic
EL panel 80 is pressed against and fixed to the framing member 70,
the electric contacts 74 impart a biasing force on the feeder
portions 82 on the organic EL panel 80. Consequently, electric
power can be supplied reliably to the feeder portions 82.
[0083] In addition, as illustrated in the sectional view in FIG. 6,
the biasing force of the spring electric contacts 74 is set such
that a slight gap remains between the framing member 70 and the
organic EL panel 80 in the assembled light source unit 100. With
this configuration, the organic EL panel 80 is fixed between the
framing member 70 and the rear cover 90 only by the biasing force
of the spring electric contacts 74. Accordingly, the spring
electric contacts 74 function as a buffer material, and the stress
exerted on the substrate for the organic EL panel while the vehicle
is running can be reduced.
[0084] The plurality of spring electric contacts 74 are disposed at
appropriate intervals, and this can provide some play for the
organic EL panel to move, and the stress exerted on the substrate
for the organic EL panel can be further reduced.
[0085] As described thus far, according to this embodiment, the
organic EL panel is fixed by the spring electric contacts disposed
on the back side of the framing member 70, and thus the organic EL
panel can be fixed without excessive stress exerted thereon. At the
same time, electric power can be supplied to the feeder portions
disposed on the peripheral portion of the organic EL panel. The
busbar is provided inside the framing member, and thus the
appearance of the vehicle lamp improves. The busbar may be disposed
on the surface of the framing member 70 that faces the organic EL
panel 80.
[0086] The present embodiment also includes the following
configurations.
[0087] A vehicle lamp according to an aspect of the present
invention includes a planar light-emitting structure having a
substrate on which an organic EL emission portion is provided, a
framing member that fixes the planar light-emitting structure
inside a lamp cabinet for the vehicle lamp, and an elastic member
that is interposed between the planar light-emitting structure and
the framing member and that fixes the planar light-emitting
structure by a biasing force.
[0088] According to this aspect, the planar light-emitting
structure is fixed by the biasing force of the elastic member, and
thus the elastic member serves as a buffer material, which makes it
possible to reduce stress exerted on the substrate for the planar
light-emitting structure while a vehicle is running.
[0089] Electrical contacts through electric power is supplied to
the organic EL emission portion may be provided in portions of a
peripheral margin of the planar light-emitting structure, and the
elastic member may be disposed fronting on the electric contacts,
and configured such as to feed electric power via the electrical
contacts. This configuration enables the elastic member to fulfill
both a function of fixing the planar light-emitting structure and a
function of supplying electric power to the planar light-emitting
structure.
[0090] The elastic member may be disposed in a portion of a side of
the framing member fronting on the planar light-emitting structure.
This configuration can provide some play for the planar
light-emitting structure to move, which makes it possible to
further reduce the stress exerted on the substrate for the planar
light-emitting structure.
[0091] A busbar that supplies electric power to the elastic member
may be provided either inside the framing member or on a side of
the framing member that confronts the planar light-emitting
structure. This configuration can hide the wiring, which improves
the appearance of the vehicle lamp.
[0092] The elastic member may be disposed such as to provide
between the planar light-emitting structure and the framing member
a penetrating space that allows air whose temperature has risen by
heat emitted from the planar light-emitting structure to pass
therethrough is provided. This configuration allows the air to be
convected through the penetrating space, which increases the heat
dissipation efficiency of the planar light-emitting structure.
Embodiment 2
[0093] As described in the background art section, when a planar
light-emitting structure is fixed to a bracket, a feeder cord for
the planar light-emitting structure is often housed inside the
bracket in order to improve the appearance of the lamp. This
configuration can, however, lead to an increased thickness of the
bracket relative to the thickness of the planar light-emitting
structure, resulting in an unfavorable appearance. In addition,
there is a problem in that wiring of the cord inside the bracket
can be troublesome.
[0094] Embodiment 2 addresses such issues and is directed to
providing a technique that facilitates mounting of a planar
light-emitting structure into a lamp cabinet for a vehicle
lamp.
[0095] FIGS. 7 through 10 are illustrations for describing a method
of fixing an organic EL panel according to Embodiment 2 of the
present invention.
[0096] FIG. 7A is a plan view of an organic EL panel 130 according
to the present embodiment. The organic EL panel 130 is
substantially rectangular, and projections 134 are formed on the
upper side and a projection 136 is formed on the lower side. These
projections can be formed on one or both of the front glass
substrate 12 and the rear glass substrate 22 illustrated in FIG. 1.
The stacked layers of the anode layer 14 through the cathode layer
20 may or may not be formed in the projections 134 and 136.
[0097] The projections 134 are formed, for example, on respective
ends of the upper side. A feeder portion 134a for supplying
electric power to the organic EL emission portion of the organic EL
panel 130 is formed at least at a tip of each projection 134. When
two projections 134 are provided, a feeder portion electrically
connected to the anode layer of the organic EL panel is disposed on
one of the projections 134, and a feeder portion electrically
connected to the cathode layer is disposed on the other projection
134. The number of projections 134 may be one or three or more. The
projection 134 is depicted as having a smoothly curved upper edge
in FIG. 7, but the projection 134 may have a different shape. A
three-layer MAM consisting of MoO.sub.3/Al/MoO.sub.3 is typically
used for the feeder portion, but other conductive materials, such
as MoO.sub.3/Ag/MoO.sub.3, may also be used.
[0098] The projection 136 on the lower side extends across
substantially the entire length of the lower side. This is for
stabilizing the organic EL panel 130 when the projection 136 is
plugged into a bracket 142, which will be described later. However,
the projection 136 on the lower side may be formed of two or more
parts, as in the projections 134 on the upper side. No feeder
portion is provided in the projection 136 in the example
illustrated in FIG. 7, but in addition to or in place of the
projections 134 on the upper side, a feeder portion may be formed
in the projection 136 on the lower side.
[0099] FIG. 7B is a plan view of a pair of brackets 140 and 142
serving as a fixing member that fixes the organic EL panel 130. The
projections 134 on the upper side of the organic EL panel 130 are
plugged into the upper bracket 140, and the projection 136 on the
lower side of the organic EL panel 130 is plugged into the lower
bracket 142. A feeder cord 146 for supplying electric power to the
feeder portion 134a of the projection 134 is connected to the upper
bracket 140.
[0100] The brackets 140 and 142 are mounted to an extension of a
vehicle lamp (not illustrated). The brackets 140 and 142 may also
be mounted to a housing or the like of a lighting device other than
a vehicle lamp.
[0101] FIGS. 8A and 8B are sectional views of the brackets 140 and
142 taken along line D-D and the line E-E, respectively, indicated
in FIG. 7B. As can be seen from FIGS. 8A and 8B, the lower bracket
142 has a uniform sectional shape with a concave portion formed
therein across its entire length. The upper bracket 140 also has a
uniform sectional shape with a concave portion formed therein
across its entire length, but an elastic contact portion 144
connected to the feeder cord 146 is disposed at a position on the
line E-E, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. The position of the elastic
contact portion 144 corresponds to the position of the projection
134 on the upper side of the organic EL panel 130. The elastic
contact portion 144 is, for example, a metal piece formed into a
spring but may be of a different material, such as a conductive
rubber.
[0102] The brackets 140 and 142 are mounted to an extension or the
like such that the distance L2 between the walls of the upper
bracket 140 and the lower bracket 142 on the left side (back side)
is slightly smaller than the length L1 (see FIG. 7A) of the organic
EL panel 130 in the longitudinal direction.
[0103] FIGS. 9A and 9B are sectional views illustrating a process
of mounting the organic EL panel 130 to the brackets 140 and 142,
taken along the line D-D and the line E-E, respectively, indicated
in FIG. 7B. When the organic EL panel 130 is mounted, the
projections 134 on the upper side of the organic EL panel 130 are
first plugged into the concave portion in the upper bracket 140. As
this point, as illustrated in FIG. 9B, the projections 134 on the
upper side depress the elastic contact portions 144 provided in the
concave portion in the upper bracket 140. Thus, the projections 134
are pushed deep inside the concave portion in the upper bracket
140, and the projection 136 on the lower side can then be plugged
into the lower bracket 142.
[0104] FIGS. 10A and 10B are sectional views illustrating the
organic EL panel 130 mounted to the brackets 140 and 142, taken
along the line D-D and the line E-E, respectively, indicated in
FIG. 7B. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, a gap is present between the
upper end of the organic EL panel 130 and the base of the concave
portion in the upper bracket 140 at the position on the line D-D.
As illustrated in FIG. 10B, a contact between the feeder portion
134a formed in the projection 134 on the upper side and the elastic
contact portion 144 is retained at the position on the line E-E.
The organic EL panel 130 is pressed against the lower bracket 142
by the biasing force of the elastic contact portions 144, and thus
the organic EL panel 130 can be firmly fixed.
[0105] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the elastic
contact portions that make contact with the feeder portions of the
organic EL panel are provided in the concave portion in the
bracket, which renders it unnecessary to wire a feeder cord in the
concave portion and facilitates mounting of the organic EL panel to
the brackets. In addition, the elastic contact portions are
provided with both a function of supplying electric power to the
organic EL panel and a function of fixing the organic EL panel, and
thus the structure of the brackets can be simplified. Accordingly,
the thickness of the brackets can be reduced.
[0106] FIG. 11 is an illustration for describing a method of fixing
an organic EL panel according to another example of the present
embodiment.
[0107] In the example described with reference to FIGS. 7 through
10, the upper bracket and the lower bracket need to be fabricated
in accordance with the outer peripheral shape of the organic EL
panel. For example, when the upper side or the lower side of the
organic EL panel is curved, the upper bracket or the lower bracket
needs to have a concave shape that fits the curve. When the organic
EL panel has a complex outer peripheral shape, it can be difficult
to plug the projections into the brackets.
[0108] Therefore, in this example, a method of fixing organic EL
panels of various shapes by using a plurality of fixing brackets
prepared as standard components is provided.
[0109] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an organic EL panel 150
according to the present example. A lance 151 is formed on each of
the upper side and the lower side of the organic EL panel 150. The
lances 151 have inclined surfaces that are inclined in the same
direction. The lances 151 can be formed on one or both of the front
glass substrate 12 and the rear glass substrate 22 illustrated in
FIG. 1. The stacked layers of the anode layer 14 through the
cathode layer 20 may or may not be formed in the lances 151.
[0110] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of fixing brackets 152
according to the present example. Each fixing bracket 152 includes
a concave portion 152a formed by two opposing walls, a mounting
portion 152b in which a mounting hole for mounting the bracket is
provided, and a lance hole 152c formed in the base of the concave
portion 152a. The width (width in the horizontal direction of the
drawing) of the lance hole 152c is slightly larger than the width
of the lance 151.
[0111] Two fixing brackets 152 of the same shape are mounted to an
extension of a vehicle lamp (not illustrated). At this point, the
fixing brackets 152 are mounted such that the distance L4 between
the bases of the concave portions in the upper and lower brackets
152 is slightly larger than the length L3 of the organic EL panel
150 in the longitudinal direction.
[0112] When the organic EL panel 150 is to be mounted to the
brackets 152, the organic EL panel 150 is slid in the direction
indicated by the arrow 154. When the lances 151 abut against the
fixing brackets 152, the brackets elastically deform slightly, and
the lances 151 are received into the lance holes 152c. In this
manner, the organic EL panel 150 can be fixed by the pair of fixing
brackets 152.
[0113] FIG. 12 illustrates a modification of the fixing bracket. In
this fixing bracket 156, slits 156b are formed at respective sides
of a lance hole 156a. With this configuration, when the organic EL
panel 150 is slid into the fixing bracket 156 and the lance 151
abuts against the bracket 156, a portion in which the lance hole
156a is formed elastically deforms easily in the upward direction,
and thus the organic EL panel can be mounted with less force.
[0114] One of both of the upper and lower brackets 152 illustrated
in FIG. 11B may be replaced with the fixing bracket(s) 156 having
the slits.
[0115] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a fixing bracket
160 in which an elastic contact portion is embedded, and FIG. 14 is
a sectional view of the bracket 160 taken along a horizontal
plane.
[0116] The fixing bracket 160 includes a concave portion 166
extending in the longitudinal direction, a lance hole 162, and a
terminal insertion portion 164 adjacent to the lance hole 162. In
the concave portion 166, a concave housing portion 164a is formed
in the wall underneath the terminal insertion portion 164, and a
spring elastic contact portion 168 is housed in the housing portion
164a. The elastic contact portion 168 is electrically connected to
the terminal insertion portion 164. The terminal insertion portion
164 has a shape that allows a feeder terminal of a predetermined
standard to be inserted thereinto.
[0117] When an organic EL panel 169 is slid along the concave
portion 166 in the bracket and a lance (not illustrated) engages
with the lance hole 162, a feeder portion 169a formed on the back
surface of the organic EL panel 169 makes electrical contact with
the elastic contact portion 168. In this manner, the single fixing
bracket 160 can fix the organic EL panel and can also supply
electric power to the organic EL panel. One of both of the upper
and lower brackets 152 illustrated in FIG. 11B may be replaced with
the fixing bracket(s) 160.
[0118] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram for describing an
arrangement of fixing brackets configured to fit organic EL panels
of various outer shapes. As illustrated in FIG. 15, a plurality of
lances 172 are formed on the outer periphery of an organic EL panel
170 having an outer shape that is not rectangular. Fixing brackets
are mounted on an extension 176 of the vehicle lamp such that the
same number of lance holes 174 as the number of the lances 172 are
disposed so as to match the positions of the lances 172. When the
organic EL panel 170 is slid in the direction indicated by the
arrow in FIG. 15, the four lances 172 engage with the respective
lance holes 174, and the organic EL panel 170 can be fixed.
[0119] FIG. 16A is a perspective view for describing a method of
fixing an organic EL panel according to yet another example of the
present embodiment. A fixing bracket 180 is mounted in a lamp
cabinet for a vehicle lamp (not illustrated). The fixing bracket
180 has a concave portion 184 formed therein for receiving the
lower side of an organic EL panel 200. In addition, as illustrated
in the sectional view in FIG. 16B, a plurality of through-holes 186
are formed in one of the walls forming the concave portion 184. As
illustrated in FIG. 16C, an electrical connection portion 192 is
disposed in the concave portion 184 in the fixing bracket 180. The
electrical connection portion 192 includes an elastic contact
portion (see FIG. 18).
[0120] The organic EL panel 200 is inserted into the concave
portion 184 in the fixing bracket 180. Thereafter, an adhesive is
injected into the concave portion 184 through the through-holes
186. Thus, the organic EL panel 200 is fixed to the fixing bracket
180.
[0121] As illustrated in FIG. 16, a portion of the organic EL panel
200 is fixed to the fixing bracket 180 with an adhesive, and thus
the organic EL panel can be fixed without providing the brackets on
the entire periphery of the organic EL panel.
[0122] FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate usage examples of the fixation
method illustrated in FIG. 16. In FIG. 17A, only two sides of a
square organic EL panel 230 are fixed to a fixing bracket 232 with
an adhesive, and the remaining two sides are left exposed. In FIG.
17B, only approximately one-third of the periphery of a circular
organic EL panel 240 is fixed to a fixing bracket 242 with an
adhesive, and the remaining peripheral portion is left exposed.
When an organic EL panel is fixed in this manner, the exposed
portion can look as if it is floating.
[0123] FIG. 18 illustrates another usage example of the fixation
method illustrated in FIG. 16. A fixing bracket 180 having a bent
portion 187 is fixed to a housing 190 of a lamp with a screw or the
like. An organic EL panel 200 is fixed to the fixing bracket 180
with an adhesive. Thus, the organic EL panel 200 can be disposed so
as to be inclined in a lamp cabinet 250 for a lamp. In this case,
in place of disposing an electrical connection portion 192 such as
the one illustrated in FIG. 16C in the concave portion in the
fixing bracket 180, a different feeder structure, such as soldering
fixation, may be used.
[0124] FIG. 19 illustrates a connection between the electrical
connection portion 192 and the organic EL panel. A feeder portion
202 electrically connected to the anode layer of the organic EL
panel and a feeder portion 204 electrically connected to the
cathode layer are formed on the back surface of the organic EL
panel 200, and the feeder portions 202 and 204 make contact with
the electrical connection portions 192 upon being inserted into the
concave portion 184 in the fixing bracket 180.
[0125] FIG. 20 is a perspective view illustrating a more detailed
structure of the electrical connection portion 192, and FIG. 21 is
a sectional view of the electrical connection portion 192 taken
along a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
[0126] The electrical connection portion 192 includes an elastic
contact portion 210 and a case 216. The elastic contact portion 210
is connected to a feeder cord 214 through, for example, a caulking
member 212. The elastic contact portion 210 is formed by bending a
metal plate so as to have a substantially f-shaped cross-section. A
plurality of slits are formed in one side of the elastic contact
portion 210, and portions 210b divided by the slits each function
as an independent spring.
[0127] The elastic contact portion 210 is housed in a concave
portion 218 formed in the case 216 and is fixed therein with an
adhesive or the like injected through an opening 220. Instead of
using the case 216, the elastic contact portion 210 may be directly
connected to a substrate, such as a flexible printed circuit
(FPC).
[0128] When the organic EL panel 200 is inserted into the concave
portion 184 in the fixing bracket 180, the feeder portions 202 and
204 provided on the organic EL panel 200 enter the interior of the
elastic contact portion 210. Thus, the feeder portions 202 and 204
become electrically connected to the elastic contact portion 210,
and the organic EL panel 200 is fixed by the biasing force of the
elastic contact portion 210.
[0129] As described thus far, according to the present embodiment,
the elastic contact portion constituted by a metal plate is used,
and thus electric power can be supplied reliably to the organic EL
panel. In addition, the elastic contact portion is invisible from
the outside because of the case 216, and thus the appearance of the
lamp improves.
[0130] In each of the foregoing embodiments, a single organic EL
panel is fixed by a single framing member. Alternatively, a
plurality organic EL panels disposed side by side can be fixed by a
single framing member.
[0131] In addition, rectangular organic EL panels have been
described above, but the shape of an organic EL panel is not
particularly limited, and any desired shape can be employed. In
such a case, a framing member or a rear cover is formed to fit the
outer shape of an organic EL panel.
[0132] The vehicle lamp according to each of the embodiments
described above can be used, for example, as a clearance lamp, a
daytime lamp, a turn-signal lamp, a tail lamp, a stop lamp, or the
like.
[0133] In each of the foregoing embodiments, a generally flat
organic EL panel has been described. Alternatively, an organic EL
panel may be curved or bent by using, instead of a glass substrate,
an ultrathin glass or a transparent resin that can accommodate to a
curved surface. When such an organic EL panel is inserted into the
fixing brackets described above, a resin or metal reinforcement may
be affixed to an end of the organic EL panel. The above-described
embodiments can also be applied to a planar light-emitting
structure other than an organic EL panel with any necessary
modifications made thereto.
[0134] The present embodiment also includes the following
configurations.
[0135] 1. A vehicle lamp, comprising:
[0136] a planar light-emitting structure having a substrate on
which an organic EL emission portion is provided; and
[0137] a fixing member that fixes the planar light-emitting
structure inside a lamp cabinet for the vehicle lamp,
[0138] a feeder portion for supplying electric power to the organic
EL emission portion being provided at a portion of a periphery of
the planar light-emitting structure, wherein
[0139] the fixing member includes
[0140] a concave portion that receives the portion of the planar
light-emitting structure where the feeder portion is provided,
and
[0141] an elastic contact portion that is provided in the concave
portion and that makes contact with the feeder portion.
[0142] 2. The vehicle lamp according to 1, wherein
[0143] the planar light-emitting structure is fixed inside the
concave portion by a biasing force of the elastic contact
portion.
[0144] 3. The vehicle lamp according to 1 or 2, wherein
[0145] a plurality of the fixing members of an identical shape are
provided, and
[0146] the plurality of fixing members are disposed inside the lamp
cabinet in accordance with an outer peripheral shape of the planar
light-emitting structure.
[0147] 4. The vehicle lamp according to 3, wherein
[0148] a lance is provided on an outer periphery of the planar
light-emitting structure, and
[0149] a lance hole that engages with the lance is provided in a
base of the concave portion in the fixing member.
[0150] 5. The vehicle lamp according to any one of 1 through 4,
wherein
[0151] the elastic contact portion is disposed in the concave
portion, and
[0152] the elastic contact portion is then fixed by injecting an
adhesive into the concave portion.
Embodiment 3
[0153] Vehicle lamps that include planar light-emitting structures,
such as organic electroluminescence (EL) panels, are known. For
example, JP2013-45523 discloses a vehicle lamp in which a flat
surface light source constituted by a flexible belt-like
light-emitting material is installed in a lamp cabinet formed by a
housing and a translucent cover.
[0154] Typically, an anode feeder portion and a cathode feeder
portion are disposed on the rear side of an organic EL panel along
the outer periphery of the panel, and an anisotropic conductive
adhesive film is used to couple these feeder portions to a flexible
circuit (FPC) that supplies electric power from the outside. With
this structure, however, the shape of the flexible circuit bonded
to the feeder portions becomes complex, leading to a problem in
that the reliability decreases due to the bonding being lost or the
material cost increases.
[0155] Embodiment 3 addresses such issues and is directed to
providing a technique by which the shape of a substrate, such as a
flexible circuit, for supplying electric power to a planar
light-emitting structure is simplified and the reliability of a
lamp increases in a vehicle lamp that includes a planar
light-emitting structure, such as an organic EL panel.
[0156] FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of a vehicle lamp
400 according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The vehicle
lamp 400 includes a planar light-emitting structure 10 such as the
organic EL panel illustrated in FIG. 1, a fixing member 330 that
fixes and supports the planar light-emitting structure inside a
lamp cabinet, and a flexible circuit 350 for supplying electric
power to the planar light-emitting structure 10.
[0157] An anode feeder portion (not illustrated) electrically
connected to the anode layer of the planar light-emitting structure
and a cathode feeder portion (not illustrated) electrically
connected to the cathode layer of the planar light-emitting
structure are formed on the back surface of the planar
light-emitting structure 10. A three-layer MAM consisting of
MoO.sub.3/Al/MoO.sub.3 is typically used for these feeder portions,
but MoO.sub.3/Ag/MoO.sub.3 may also be used. Since the feeder
portions of MAM cannot be soldered, the flexible circuit 350 is
bonded to these feeder portions by using an anisotropic conductive
adhesive film.
[0158] A rib 332 having a mounting hole formed therein for mounting
the fixing member 330 to a housing (not illustrated) for the
vehicle lamp is provided on the fixing member 330. The vehicle lamp
400 is used, for example, as a marker lamp, such as a clearance
lamp, a daytime lamp, a turn-signal lamp, a tail lamp, or a stop
lamp.
[0159] FIG. 23A is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the
line F-F indicated in FIG. 22, and FIG. 23B is a longitudinal
sectional view taken along the line G-G indicated in FIG. 22. The
fixing member 330 includes a concave portion 336 that extends along
the outer periphery of the planar light-emitting structure and that
supports the outer periphery and a base 334 that opposes the back
surface of the planar light-emitting structure 10. As illustrated
in FIG. 23B, one or a plurality of convex portions 338 and drain
holes 340 are formed in the concave portion 336 on the lower side.
These will be described later with reference to FIG. 30.
[0160] FIG. 24A is a schematic plan view illustrating an
arrangement of feeder portions on the back surface of a planar
light-emitting structure 360 according to a conventional technique,
and FIG. 24B is a schematic plan view illustrating a flexible
circuit 366 to be bonded to feeder portions.
[0161] As described above, a transparent conductive film having a
high resistance is typically used as an anode layer of a planar
light-emitting structure. Therefore, in order to make the current
density in an organic EL emission layer as uniform as possible and
to reduce the luminance unevenness, it is preferable that the area
of an anode feeder portion that supplies electric power to the
anode layer be as large as possible.
[0162] Conventionally, as illustrated in FIG. 24A, when the planar
light-emitting structure 360 is rectangular, for example, two anode
feeder portions 362 extending linearly are disposed on two opposing
sides, and two cathode feeder portions 364 extending linearly are
disposed on the remaining two sides. Furthermore, the terminals of
each anode feeder portion 362 are bent so that the anode feeder
portion 362 becomes longer than the cathode feeder portion 364, and
thus the area of the anode feeder portions is increased with
respect to the area of the cathode feeder portions.
[0163] The flexible circuit 366 needs to be in contact with the
terminal portions of both the anode feeder portions and the cathode
feeder portions. Thus, when the feeder portions are disposed as
described above, the flexible circuit 366 needs to be formed into a
complex shape that extends in a substantially U-shape along the
outer periphery of the planar light-emitting structure 360, as
illustrated in FIG. 24B. As can be seen from FIG. 24B, since the
thin flexible circuit is structured to extend along the outer
periphery of the planar light-emitting structure, the flexible
circuit easily peels off from the feeder portions, leading to a
problem in that electric power is fed poorly or the fabrication
cost of the flexible circuit increases.
[0164] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, the area of the
anode feeder portion of the planar light-emitting structure is
increased to reduce the luminance unevenness, and an arrangement of
feeder portions that increases the reliability of bonding with the
flexible circuit is provided.
[0165] FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of feeder
portions on the back surface of a planar light-emitting structure
according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 25, in
this example, a linear anode feeder portion 372 and a linear
cathode feeder portion 374 are provided along the outer periphery
of the back surface of the planar light-emitting structure 10.
Unlike the conventional example illustrated in FIG. 24, a single
anode feeder portion 372 and a single cathode feeder portion 374
are provided. The anode feeder portion 372 has a substantially
U-shape that extends along three sides of the outer periphery of
the rectangular planar light-emitting structure 10 and extends into
the remaining one side at the right and left ends thereof. The
cathode feeder portion 374 extends linearly along the remaining one
side. Consequently, two terminal portions 372a and 372b of the
anode feeder portion 372 and two terminal portions 374a and 374b of
the cathode feeder portion 374 are all located on the lower side of
the planar light-emitting structure 10.
[0166] When measured along the outer periphery of the planar
light-emitting structure 10, the anode feeder portion 372 is much
longer than the cathode feeder portion 374. As the anode feeder
portion is made longer than the cathode feeder portion in this
manner, the area of the anode feeder portion is further increased,
and the luminance unevenness of the planar light-emitting structure
can be reduced as compared to the conventional example.
[0167] FIG. 26 is a schematic plan view illustrating an example of
a flexible circuit 350 to be bonded to the planar light-emitting
structure 10 illustrated in FIG. 25. As described above, the two
terminal portions 372a and 372b of the anode feeder portion 372 and
the two terminal portions 374a and 374b of the cathode feeder
portion 374 are concentrated on the lower side of the planar
light-emitting structure 10, and thus the flexible circuit 350 to
be connected to the anode feeder portion 372 and the cathode feeder
portion 374 may have a simple linear shape that extends along the
lower side of the planar light-emitting structure. In other words,
the flexible circuit 350 is formed such that one end 350a of the
flexible circuit 350 connects to the terminal portion 372a of the
anode feeder portion 372 and the terminal portion 374a of the
cathode feeder portion 374 and the other end 350b of the flexible
circuit 350 connects to the terminal portion 372b of the anode
feeder portion 372 and the terminal portion 374b of the cathode
feeder portion 374. In this manner, by simplifying the shape of the
flexible circuit, the material cost and the fabrication cost of the
flexible circuit are reduced. In addition, the flexible circuit is
less likely to peel off since the bonding area is small.
Consequently, the reliability in supplying electric power
increases.
[0168] FIG. 27 is a schematic plan view illustrating another
exemplary arrangement of feeder portions on the back surface of the
planar light-emitting structure 10. In this example, in addition to
the anode feeder portion 372 illustrated in FIG. 25, a second anode
feeder portion 376 that extends along the lower side of the planar
light-emitting structure 10 is provided. In other words, the anode
feeder portions include a portion formed annularly along the outer
periphery of the planar light-emitting structure 10. With this
configuration, the area of the anode feeder portions is further
increased, and thus the luminance unevenness can be further
reduced. In this case as well, electric power can be supplied to
the planar light-emitting structure by using the flexible circuit
350 illustrated in FIG. 26.
[0169] FIG. 28 illustrates a schematic configuration to be employed
when a plurality of planar light-emitting structures 402, 404, and
406 are installed in a lamp cabinet for a vehicle lamp. As
illustrated in FIG. 28, flexible circuits 352, 354, and 356 are
bonded to the lower sides of the respective emitters, and wires
352a, 354a, and 356a to the power source are oriented in the same
direction. Thus, the flexible circuits can be bonded to one another
with ease.
[0170] By combining the plurality planar light-emitting structures
as described above to increase the illuminance, the planar
light-emitting structures can also be used as a headlamp.
[0171] In the foregoing, rectangular planar light-emitting
structures have been described, but the present embodiment can also
be applied to planar light-emitting structures having other shapes.
FIGS. 29A through 29C illustrate exemplary arrangements of an anode
feeder portion and a cathode feeder portion in planar
light-emitting structures of various shapes.
[0172] FIG. 29A illustrates a case in which a planar light-emitting
structure 380 is trapezoidal. As in the case of a rectangular
planar light-emitting structure, an anode feeder portion 382 and a
cathode feeder portion 384 are formed on the outer periphery of the
planar light-emitting structure 380 such that the terminal portions
of the anode feeder portion 382 and the cathode feeder portion 384
are located on the lower side. FIG. 29B illustrates a case in which
a planar light-emitting structure 390 has an irregular shape. In
this case as well, an anode feeder portion 392 and a cathode feeder
portion 394 may be formed on the outer periphery of the planar
light-emitting structure 390 such that the terminal portions of the
anode feeder portion 392 and the cathode feeder portion 394 are
normally located on the lower side. FIG. 29C illustrates a case in
which a planar light-emitting structure 410 is circular. In this
case, an anode feeder portion 412 and a cathode feeder portion 414
are formed on the outer periphery of the planar light-emitting
structure 410 such that the terminal portions of the anode feeder
portion 412 and the cathode feeder portion 414 are located in an
arc portion on the lower side (e.g., with a center angle of
90.degree.)
[0173] In any of the cases illustrated in FIGS. 29A through 29C,
the anode feeder portion can be formed annularly by providing an
additional anode feeder portion described with reference to FIG.
27.
[0174] As described thus far, when a single linear anode feeder
portion and a single linear cathode feeder portion that are
electrically connected to the anode layer and the cathode layer,
respectively, are provided on the outer periphery of the back
surface of a planar light-emitting structure, by making the anode
feeder portion longer than the cathode feeder portion, the
luminance unevenness of the planar light-emitting structure can be
reduced. In addition, by disposing the anode feeder portion and the
cathode feeder portion such that their terminal portions are as
close as possible, the shape of the flexible circuit can be
simplified, and thus the flexible circuit is less likely to peel
off. In addition, the fabrication cost of the flexible circuit is
reduced.
[0175] Hereinafter, a structure that makes a flexible circuit even
less likely to peel off will be described.
[0176] FIGS. 30A and 30B are enlarged views of a portion marked by
K in FIG. 23B. As described above, the feeder portions on the
planar light-emitting structure 10 and the flexible circuit 350 are
coupled on the lower side of the planar light-emitting structure.
The feeder portions on the planar light-emitting structure 10 and
the flexible circuit 350 are bonded with an anisotropic conductive
adhesive film 342. The drain holes 340 are formed at appropriate
intervals in the concave portion 336 in the fixing member 330 on a
side along the lower side. With this configuration, the possibility
that condensed water accumulates in the concave portion 336 and the
adhesive film 342 is soaked in the water to lose the bonding is
reduced.
[0177] In addition, it is preferable that the convex portion 338
having a flat top be formed on the base 334 of the fixing member
330 at a position corresponding to a position at which the adhesive
film 342 is bonded to a feeder portion on the planar light-emitting
structure. As this convex portion 338 presses the bonded portion,
the flexible circuit 350 is less likely to peel off, and the
reliability in supplying electric power increases. This convex
portion 338 may extend linearly in the horizontal direction along
the bonded portion, or a plurality short convex portions may be
provided at appropriate intervals.
[0178] As described above, typically, a planar light-emitting
structure and a flexible circuit are bonded with an anisotropic
conductive adhesive film interposed therebetween. The inventors of
the present application have devised the following two methods as
alternatives to the above method.
[0179] Method 1: Bonding surfaces of a feeder portion on a planar
light-emitting structure and of a flexible circuit are subjected to
surface treatment through Au plating, Sn plating, or Cu plating,
and the two bonding surfaces are bonded by soldering.
[0180] Method 2: Bonding surfaces of a feeder portion on a planar
light-emitting structure and of a flexible circuit are subjected to
surface treatment through Au plating, Sn plating, or Cu plating,
and the two bonding surfaces are bonded by using ultrasonic
vibrations.
[0181] In either case, it was confirmed that bonding that was
equally reliable to or more reliable than the bonding obtained when
an anisotropic conductive adhesive film was used was achieved. In
this case as well, as illustrated in FIG. 30B, providing the convex
portion 338 that presses a bonding portion 344 on the base 334 of
the fixing member 330 is effective in preventing peeling.
[0182] FIG. 31A is a schematic plan view of the back surface (i.e.,
surface opposite to the light-emitting surface) of another planar
light-emitting structure 486 to be used in a vehicle lamp. This
planar light-emitting structure 486 is fixed and supported in a
lamp cabinet for a vehicle lamp by a fixing member (not
illustrated), as in the planar light-emitting structure 10
described with reference to FIG. 1.
[0183] An anode feeder portion 482 electrically connected to the
anode layer of the planar light-emitting structure and a cathode
feeder portion 484 electrically connected to the cathode layer of
the planar light-emitting structure are provided on the back
surface of the planar light-emitting structure 486. A three-layer
MAM consisting of Mo--Al--Mo is typically used for these feeder
portions, but Mo--Ag--Mo, Cr--Al--Cr, or the like may also be
used.
[0184] As in the example described with reference to FIG. 25, in
FIG. 31A, the linear anode feeder portion 482 and the linear
cathode feeder portion 484 are provided along the outer periphery
of the back surface of the planar light-emitting structure 486. The
anode feeder portion 482 has a substantially U-shape that extends
along three sides of the outer periphery of the rectangular planar
light-emitting structure 486 and includes two terminal portions
482a that extend into the remaining one side at the right and left
ends thereof. The cathode feeder portion 484 extends along the
remaining one side. Consequently, the two terminal portions 482a of
the anode feeder portion 482 and the cathode feeder portion 484 are
located on the lower side of the planar light-emitting structure
486.
[0185] When measured along the outer periphery of the planar
light-emitting structure 486, the anode feeder portion 482 is much
longer than the cathode feeder portion 484. As the anode feeder
portion is longer than the cathode feeder portion in this manner,
the area of the anode feeder portion is further increased, and the
luminance unevenness of the planar light-emitting structure can be
reduced as compared to the conventional technique.
[0186] FIG. 31B is a schematic plan view of a flexible circuit 490
to be bonded to the planar light-emitting structure 486 illustrated
in FIG. 31A. The flexible circuit 490 is substantially T-shaped and
includes a linear terminal disposition portion 493 in which two
anode terminals 492 electrically connected to the respective
terminal portions 482a of the anode feeder portion 482 and a
cathode terminal 494 electrically connected to the cathode feeder
portion 484 are provided and a connection portion 491 in which a
conductor formation connecting the anode terminals 492 and the
cathode terminal 494 to an external power source connector 497 is
formed. Anisotropic conductive adhesive films are interposed
between the two terminal portions 482a of the anode feeder portion
482 and the anode terminals 492 and between the cathode feeder
portion 484 and the cathode terminal 494, and thus the planar
light-emitting structure 486 and the flexible circuit 490 are
bonded to each other as illustrated in FIG. 31C.
[0187] FIG. 32A is an enlarged view of the terminal disposition
portion 493 of the flexible circuit 490 illustrated in FIG. 31B. As
illustrated in FIG. 32A, the anode terminals 492 are disposed at
respective ends of the terminal disposition portion 493, and the
cathode terminal 494 is disposed around the intersection of the
terminal disposition portion 493 and the connection portion 491.
Conductor formations 496 are connected to the anode terminals 492,
and a conductor formation 498 is connected to the cathode terminal
494. The conductor formations 496 and 498 extend through the
terminal disposition portion 493 and the connection portion 491 of
the flexible circuit 490. The anode terminals, the cathode
terminal, and the conductor formations are formed as formations on
the flexible circuit through a well-known method.
[0188] The anode terminals 492 are provided so as to match the
positions of the terminal portions 482a of the anode feeder portion
482 that are disposed at respective ends of the lower side of the
planar light-emitting structure 486. Therefore, as can be seen from
FIG. 32A, a free area 495 in which no formation is constituted is
present between each anode terminal 492 and the cathode terminal
494.
[0189] FIG. 32B is a schematic sectional view taken along the line
H-H indicated in FIG. 32A, and illustrates a state in which the
flexible circuit 490 is affixed to the back surface of the planar
light-emitting structure 486 with the anisotropic conductive
adhesive film 483 interposed therebetween.
[0190] The surfaces of the anode terminals 492 and the cathode
terminal 494 formed as formations on the flexible circuit 490 are
higher than the surface of the free areas 495 in which no formation
is constituted. Thus, if pressure is applied (e.g., by using a
pressure-bonding head) in the direction indicated by the arrows in
FIG. 31B when the flexible circuit 490 is affixed to the planar
light-emitting structure 486, the pressure is not applied to the
anisotropic conductive adhesive film 483 uniformly due to the
projections of the anode terminals 492 and the cathode terminal
494. Consequently, the strength of bonding by the anisotropic
conductive adhesive film is weaker in the free areas 495 than in
the anode terminals 492 and the cathode terminal 494. An air space
is formed between the flexible circuit 490 and the planar
light-emitting structure 486 at a portion where the bonding
strength is weak. Moisture can enter this air space during a
high-temperature high-humidity test of a vehicle lamp or while the
vehicle is running, which can cause the flexible circuit to peel
off.
[0191] FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of a terminal disposition
portion 423 of a flexible circuit 420 improved to prevent the
peeling according to another example of the present embodiment.
[0192] As illustrated in FIG. 33, in the flexible circuit 420
according to the present example, a non-current-carrying dummy
formation 425 is constituted between each anode terminal 422 and a
cathode terminal 424. The dummy formations 425 are constituted as
formations simultaneously when the anode terminals 422 and the
cathode terminal 424 are constituted, but the dummy formations 425
are not electrically connected to conductor formations 426 and 428,
and thus electricity is not passed to the dummy formations 425.
[0193] If pressure is applied to the flexible circuit 420 when the
flexible circuit 420 is affixed to the back surface of the planar
light-emitting structure 486 with an anisotropic conductive
adhesive film interposed therebetween, the pressure can be applied
uniformly on the anisotropic conductive adhesive film because of
the dummy formations 425, and thus the anode terminals, the cathode
terminal, and the dummy formations are bonded uniformly to the
planar light-emitting structure. Therefore, an air space is less
likely to be formed between the flexible circuit and the planar
light-emitting structure. Consequently, a situation in which
moisture enters an air space during a high-temperature
high-humidity test of the vehicle lamp or while the vehicle is
running is prevented, and thus the flexible circuit can be
prevented from peeling off.
[0194] It is preferable that the formations be constituted
continuously so that no free area is present between the dummy
formations 425 and the anode terminals 422 and cathode terminal
424. The reason for this is that, if even a slight free area is
present, an air space is likely to be formed at that portion. In
addition, it is preferable that the dummy formations 425, the anode
terminals 422, and the cathode terminal 424 have substantially the
same film thickness. When there is a different in the film
thickness, an air space is likely to be formed at a portion where
the thickness changes. Furthermore, it is preferable that patterns
of the dummy formations 425, the anode terminals 422, and the
cathode terminal 424 have substantially the same pitch. This makes
it possible to eliminate a variation in the bonding strength caused
by a variation in pitch.
[0195] With a structure in which a planar light-emitting structure
and a flexible circuit are bonded with an anisotropic conductive
adhesive film such as the one described above, a breaking test
needs to be carried out after bonding in order to reliably check
whether feeder portions on the planar light-emitting structure and
terminals on the flexible circuit are electrically connected.
Therefore, a total inspection is not possible.
[0196] FIG. 34A is an enlarged view of a terminal disposition
portion 433 of a flexible circuit 430 improved for an inspection
according to another example of the present embodiment. As
illustrated in FIG. 34A, a pair of terminals 435 for checking the
connection is added to each anode terminal 432, and a pair of
terminals 437 for checking the connection is added to a cathode
terminal 434.
[0197] FIG. 34B is a schematic sectional view taken along the line
I-I indicated in FIG. 34A, and illustrates a state in which the
flexible circuit 430 is affixed to the back surface of the planar
light-emitting structure 486 with the anisotropic conductive
adhesive film 483 interposed therebetween. As can be seen from FIG.
34, the terminals 435 and 437 for checking the connection are
connected to some formations of the anode terminals 432 and the
cathode terminal 434, respectively, and penetrate through the
flexible circuit 430 so as to be exposed in a side opposite to the
terminals. Therefore, by trying to pass the electricity through the
terminals 435 and 437 for checking the connection, whether the
feeder portions on the planar light-emitting structure 486 and the
terminals on the flexible circuit 430 are electrically connected
can be inspected with ease. In this manner, according to the
present example, the planar light-emitting structure and the
flexible circuit that have been bonded can be inspected
nondestructively, and the inspection is simple. Thus, a total
inspection can be carried out.
[0198] The examples described with reference to FIGS. 33 and 34 can
be used in combination. Specifically, the dummy formation 425
illustrated in FIG. 33 may be formed between the anode terminal 432
and the cathode terminal 434 illustrated in FIG. 34.
[0199] In addition, the linear terminal disposition portions in
which the anode terminals and the cathode terminals are disposed
have been described in the examples described with reference to
FIGS. 33 and 34, but the terminals may partially have shapes other
than a straight line. For example, these examples can also be
applied to an arc-shaped flexible circuit that is electrically
connected to an anode feeder portion and a cathode feeder portion
such as those illustrated in FIG. 29C.
[0200] Vehicle lamps in which a light-emitting diode (LED) is used
as a light source is known to have a problem in that static
electricity that has accumulated in an outer cover or a projection
lens of a lamp can jump to the LED, causing the LED to malfunction.
Thus, to date, countermeasures have been taken by, for example,
grounding members, such as an extension, disposed around an
LED.
[0201] It is known that such a malfunction also occurs in a vehicle
lamp in which a planar light-emitting structure, such as an organic
EL panel, is used as a light source when static electricity jumps
to the planar light-emitting structure in a similar manner.
Typically, a planar light-emitting structure is comparatively
larger than an LED, and thus such countermeasures as those taken
against static electricity in an LED are considered to be
insufficient.
[0202] FIG. 35A is a schematic plan view of the back side (i.e.,
surface opposite from the light-emitting surface) of a planar
light-emitting structure 450 in which a countermeasure against
static electricity is taken according to another example of the
present embodiment.
[0203] An anode feeder portion 452 electrically connected to the
anode layer of the planar light-emitting structure and a cathode
feeder portion 454 electrically connected to the cathode layer of
the planar light-emitting structure are provided on the back
surface of the planar light-emitting structure 450. A flexible
circuit (not illustrated) is bonded onto the anode feeder portion
452 and the cathode feeder portion 454 with an anisotropic
conductive adhesive film interposed therebetween. Furthermore, a
thin metal film 468 is provided on the back surface of the planar
light-emitting structure 450 so as to cover a substantial portion
thereof, and the metal film 468 is either grounded (470) or
connected to a negative wire (472). With this configuration, a
malfunction of the planar light-emitting structure caused by static
electricity that has accumulated in a lens or the like can be
prevented. The metal film 468 covers a substantial portion of the
planar light-emitting structure and is thus particularly effective
as a countermeasure against static electricity.
[0204] The metal film 468 also helps to improve the heat
dissipation performance of the planar light-emitting structure 450.
The shape or the thickness of the metal film 468 may partially be
varied (e.g., the thickness is increased at a portion with higher
heat radiation) so that the temperature distribution on the surface
of the planar light-emitting structure 450 becomes uniform.
[0205] The metal film 468 can be formed by affixing a foil-like
metal film on the rear glass substrate 22 in the configuration of
the planar light-emitting structure illustrated in FIG. 1 or
through metal vapor deposition. In either case, the metal film can
be affixed or deposited after a flexible circuit is affixed to the
feeder portions on the planar light-emitting structure.
Accordingly, an increase in the fabrication cost can be
suppressed.
[0206] Aside from the anode feeder portion 452 and the cathode
feeder portion 454 to which the flexible circuit is bonded, another
pair of an anode feeder portion 462 and a cathode feeder portion
464 may be provided (e.g., on a side opposite to the planar
light-emitting structure), and a Zener diode 466 may be provided so
as to connect these feeder portions. The Zener diode 466 is
connected so as to be a reverse bias to the planar light-emitting
structure 450 (see FIG. 35B). With this configuration, static
electricity flows through the Zener diode 466 when a static
electricity voltage of a reverse polarity is applied to the planar
light-emitting structure 450, and thus a malfunction of the planar
light-emitting structure 450 can be prevented.
[0207] Instead of providing a Zener diode on the back surface of
the planar light-emitting structure, a Zener diode may be provided
on the flexible circuit that is bonded onto the anode feeder
portion 452 and the cathode feeder portion 454. With this
configuration, no separate feeder portion for a Zener diode needs
to be provided on the planar light-emitting structure, and thus the
cost can be reduced.
[0208] One or both of the metal film 468 and the Zener diode 466
described above may be provided. In addition, these structures can
also be applied to the other examples described above in a similar
manner.
[0209] In the foregoing embodiments, a configuration in which the
terminal portions of the anode feeder portion and the cathode
feeder portion are located on the lower side of the planar
light-emitting structure has been described, but such positions are
not limited to be on the lower side. For example, in the case of a
rectangular planar light-emitting structure such as the one
illustrated in FIG. 25 or FIG. 31, the positions of the anode
feeder portion 372 and the cathode feeder portion 374 may be
vertically inverted, and the terminal portions 372a and 372b of the
anode feeder portion 372 and the terminal portions 374a and 374b of
the cathode feeder portion 374 may be located on the upper side of
the planar light-emitting structure. In each of the examples
illustrated in FIG. 29 as well, the positions of the anode feeder
portion and the cathode feeder portion may be vertically inverted.
The anode feeder portion and the cathode feeder portion may be
located on a lateral side.
[0210] In the foregoing embodiments, a flexible circuit is used to
supply electric power to the planar light-emitting structure.
Alternatively, a substrate having an inflexible structure, such as
a printed circuit, may be used.
[0211] In the foregoing embodiments, a generally flat planar
light-emitting structure has been described. Alternatively, a
planar light-emitting structure may be curved or bent by using,
instead of a glass substrate, an ultrathin glass or a transparent
resin that can accommodate to a curved surface. In this case as
well, the arrangement of the anode wiring and the cathode wiring,
the use of the fixing members, the convex portions provided on the
base of the fixing members, and so on can be applied in a similar
manner to those in the case of a flat planar light-emitting
structure.
[0212] The present embodiment also includes the following
configurations.
[0213] 1. A Vehicle Lamp, Comprising:
[0214] a planar light-emitting structure having a first substrate
on which an organic EL emission portion is formed, a single linear
anode feeder portion and a single linear cathode feeder portion
electrically connected to the organic EL emission portion being
provided on a back surface along an outer periphery thereof;
and
[0215] a second substrate connected to the planar light-emitting
structure so as to make contact with the anode feeder portion and
the cathode feeder portion,
[0216] the anode feeder portion being longer than the cathode
feeder portion when measured along the outer periphery of the
planar light-emitting structure.
[0217] 2. The vehicle lamp according to 1, wherein
[0218] the second substrate is configured to make contact with two
terminal portions of the anode feeder portion located on the outer
periphery of the planar light-emitting structure.
[0219] 3. The vehicle lamp according to 1 or 2, wherein
[0220] the anode feeder portion has a portion that is formed in an
annular shape along the outer periphery of the planar
light-emitting structure.
[0221] 4. The vehicle lamp according to any one of 1 through 3,
wherein
[0222] terminal portions of the anode feeder portion and of the
cathode feeder portion are provided so as to be located on one side
of the planar light-emitting structure, and
[0223] the second substrate is disposed along the one side of the
planar light-emitting structure so as to make contact with all of
the terminal portions.
[0224] 5. The vehicle lamp according to any one of 1 through 4,
further comprising:
[0225] a fixing member that includes
[0226] a concave portion that supports the outer periphery of the
planar light-emitting structure, and
[0227] a base that opposes the back surface of the planar
light-emitting structure,
[0228] the base having a convex portion provided at a position
corresponding to a portion at which the anode feeder portion or the
cathode feeder portion is connected to the second substrate.
[0229] 6. The vehicle lamp according to 5, wherein
[0230] the second substrate is connected to a lower side of the
planar light-emitting structure, and
[0231] a hole is formed in the concave portion at a portion located
on the lower side.
[0232] 7. The vehicle lamp according to any one of 1 through 6,
wherein
[0233] the second substrate is a flexible circuit.
[0234] 8. The vehicle lamp according to any one of 1 through 7,
wherein
[0235] a current-carrying wiring formation that makes contact with
the anode feeder portion or the cathode feeder portion and that
passes electricity thereto and a non-current-carrying dummy
formation that does not pass electricity are formed on the second
substrate, and
[0236] the current-carrying wiring formation and the
non-current-carrying dummy formation have a substantially identical
film thickness.
[0237] 9. The vehicle lamp according to any one of 1 through 8,
wherein
[0238] a Zener diode is interposed between the anode feeder portion
and the cathode feeder portion.
DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0239] 10 organic EL panel (planar light-emitting structure); 12,
22 glass substrate; 30 light source unit; 32 organic EL panel; 32a
feeder portion; 36 framing member; 38 elastic member; 40 rear
cover; 50 light source unit; 52 conductive elastic member; 56
busbar; 60, 70 framing member; 80 organic EL panel; 90 rear cover;
100 light source unit; 112, 122 glass substrate; 130 organic EL
panel; 134 projection; 134a feeder portion; 136 projection; 140,
142 bracket (fixing member); 144 elastic contact portion; 380, 390,
410 planar light-emitting structure; 318 organic EL emission layer;
330 fixing member; 332 rib; 334 base; 336 concave portion; 338
convex portion; 340 drain hole; 342 anisotropic conductive adhesive
film; 350 flexible circuit; 372, 382, 392, 412 anode feeder
portion; 372a, 372b terminal portion; 374, 384, 394, 414 cathode
feeder portion; 374a, 374b terminal portion; 376 second anode
feeder portion; 400 vehicle lamp
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0240] According to the present invention, stress exerted on a
substrate for a planar light-emitting structure can be reduced in a
vehicle lamp provided with a planar light-emitting structure.
* * * * *