Organic light emitting device connection methods
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorsBruce Richard Roberts, James Michael Kostka
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A light panel includes a light source having a generally planar, light emitting surface and a perimeter edge. A backsheet is disposed in substantially parallel relation with the light emitting surface, and an electrical feed-through region extends through the backsheet at a location spaced inwardly from the perimeter. A generally planar, flexible connector cable extends over the backsheet from the perimeter to the electrical feed-through region for establishing electrical connection with the light source. Openings in conductive pads provided in the flexible cable permit a conductive material to be inserted there through and mechanically and electrically interconnect the cable and the light panel.
Claims20
A light panel comprising:
- a light source having a first generally planar, light emitting surface including a perimeter edge, a backsheet disposed in substantially parallel relation with the light emitting surface, and spaced, plural electrical feedthrough regions extending through the backsheet each at a location spaced inwardly of the perimeter;
- and
- a single generally planar, connector cable extending over the backsheet from the perimeter to each of the electrical feedthrough regions for establishing electrical connection at each feedthrough region with the light source.
A method of assembling a light panel comprising:
- providing a substantially planar light source having a light emitting surface, a backsheet extending in substantially parallel relation therewith, and spaced, plural electrical feedthrough regions in the backsheet each located inwardly from a periphery of the planar light source;
- positioning a single connector cable over the backsheet whereby a first portion of the connector cable extends outwardly of the light source periphery for connection with an associated drive circuit;
- and
- electrically connecting a second portion of the connector cable with each of the electrical feedthrough regions in the backsheet.
An organic light emitting diode panel comprising:
- a first substantially planar, flexible, light emitting surface formed of plural light devices and including a hermetically sealed perimeter around the light devices, a backsheet disposed in substantially parallel relation with the light emitting surface, and electrical feedthrough regions extending through the backsheet at a location spaced inwardly of the perimeter;
- a thin, generally planar, flexible single connector cable extending over the backsheet from the perimeter to each of the electrical feedthrough regions electrically connected with the light emitting surface, the connector cable including a conductive trace that is exposed only at the electrical feedthrough regions;
- and
- an insulator portion disposed over each electrical connection of the connector cable with the light emitting surface.
A method of assembling an organic light emitting diode light source comprising:
- Providing a substantially planar, flexible light source having a light emitting surface, a backsheet extending in substantially parallel relation therewith, and at least first and second electrical feedthrough regions in the backsheet located inwardly from a hermetically sealed periphery of the planar light source;
- positioning a single, thin, flexible connector cable over the backsheet whereby a first portion of the connector cable extends outwardly of the hermetically sealed periphery for connection with an associated drive circuit;
- electrically connecting a second portion of the single connector cable with the first and second electrical feedthrough regions in the backsheet, the electrically connecting step including providing an opening in the second portion of the connector cable and introducing a conductive material through the opening;
- and covering the connector cable second portion and the feedthrough regions with an insulator after the electrical connecting step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.