Organic lighting device and lighting equipment

Abstract

A glazing comprising a luminous means with a substrate having a first main surface, to which a first electrode is applied, a second electrode, and an organic layer stack within an active region of the substrate between the first and the second electrode, wherein the organic layer stack comprises at least one organic layer which is suitable for generating light, wherein the luminous means is arranged between two glass plates of the glazing of a window. Also, storage furniture is disclosed comprising a storage element shaped in planar fashion and having at least one storage surface and at least one radiation-emitting component, and at least one holding apparatus for holding the storage element.

Claims

1. A glazing comprising a luminous means comprising: a substrate having a first main surface, to which a first electrode is applied, a second electrode, and an organic layer stack within an active region of the substrate between the first and the second electrode, wherein the organic layer stack comprises at least one organic layer which is suitable for generating light, wherein the luminous means is arranged between two glass plates of the glazing of a window, one of the glass plates serving as encapsulation for the organic layer stack, the one glass plate being attached to the second electrode by an adhesive layer arranged on a side of the second electrode facing away from the substrate.

2. The glazing of claim 1, which has a main surface to which a louver is arranged parallel.

3. The glazing of claim 2, wherein the louver is embodied in reflective fashion.

4. The glazing of claim 1, wherein the first electrode is transmissive to a light emitted by the organic layer stack during operation, and wherein the second electrode is transmissive to a light emitted by the organic layer stack during operation.

5. The glazing of claim 1, wherein the substrate is formed by one of the glass plates of the window.

6. The glazing of claim 1, wherein the window is the windshield of a motor vehicle.

7. The glazing of claim 6, wherein the luminous means is configured to display information.

8. The glazing of claim 1, further comprising an additional film having a switchable haze which can be switched on and off electrically.

9. Storage furniture comprising: a storage element shaped in planar fashion and having at least one storage surface and at least one radiation-emitting component, and at least one holding apparatus for holding the storage element, wherein the storage element is a shelf and comprises a frame into which the at least one radiation-emitting component is integrated.

10. The storage furniture of claim 9, wherein the radiation-emitting component comprises: a first and a second electrode, and at least one active region arranged between the first and the second electrode, wherein the radiation-emitting component is an organic light-emitting diode having at least one organic layer.

11. The storage furniture of claim 9, wherein the storage element has at least two electrical contacts for making electrical contact with the radiation-emitting component.

12. The storage furniture of claim 9, wherein the holding apparatus has mount parts onto which the storage element can be mounted onto the holding apparatus by the holding elements of said storage element.

13. The storage furniture of claim 9, wherein the holding apparatus comprises at least one element from a group formed by: a rail, a holding bracket, a carrying arm, a strut, a post, and a furniture wall.

14. The storage furniture of claim 9, wherein the storage element has an n-gonal, circular or elliptical form or a combination thereof, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 3.

15. The storage furniture of claim 9, wherein the radiation-emitting component has at least one exit surface for the electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the exit surface is at least one part of an outer surface of the storage element.

16. The storage furniture of claim 15, wherein the outer surface is the storage surface.

17. The storage furniture of claim 9, wherein the holding apparatus is suitable for holding the storage element in such a way that at least partial regions of the storage surface are substantially parallel to a floor above which the storage element can be arranged.

18. The storage furniture of claim 9, wherein the holding apparatus is suitable for holding the storage element in such a way that at least partial regions of the storage surface are substantially perpendicular to a wall at which the storage furniture can be mounted or can be installed.

19. A glazing comprising a luminous means comprising: a substrate having a first main surface, to which a first electrode is applied, a second electrode, an organic layer stack within an active region of the substrate between the first and the second electrode, wherein the organic layer stack comprises at least one organic layer which is suitable for generating light, and a reflective louver, wherein the luminous means is arranged between two glass plates of the glazing of a window, and wherein the reflective louver is arranged parallel to a main surface of one of the glass plates, the louver being arranged outside the glazing on a side of one of the glass plates which faces away from the organic layer stack.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments and the associated figures.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional illustration of an organic layer stack between a first and a second electrode in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(3) FIG. 2A shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(4) FIG. 2B shows a schematic perspective illustration of an electrode in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(5) FIG. 2C shows a schematic sectional illustration along the line A-A′ in FIG. 2B,

(6) FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a thin-film encapsulation,

(7) FIG. 4A shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(8) FIG. 4B shows a schematic plan view of the substrate of the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 4A,

(9) FIG. 4C shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(10) FIG. 4D shows a schematic plan view of the substrate of a luminous means in accordance with FIG. 4C,

(11) FIG. 5A shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(12) FIG. 5B shows a schematic illustration of the construction of a light-transmissive luminous means,

(13) FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a door in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(14) FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a display window in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(15) FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective front view of a motor vehicle in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(16) FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a museum room in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(17) FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(18) FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a room with a room divider in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(19) FIG. 12A shows a schematic sectional illustration of a display with a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(20) FIG. 12B shows a schematic plan view of a television set,

(21) FIG. 13A shows a schematic perspective illustration of shelving in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(22) FIG. 13B shows an enlarged excerpt from FIG. 13A,

(23) FIG. 14 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a reflective display in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(24) FIG. 15 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(25) FIG. 16 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(26) FIG. 17A shows a schematic sectional illustration of a thin-film encapsulation in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(27) FIG. 17B shows a schematic sectional illustration of a reflective encapsulation in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(28) FIG. 17C shows a schematic sectional illustration through a thin-film encapsulation in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(29) FIG. 18A shows a schematic perspective illustration of a motor vehicle mirror in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(30) FIG. 18B shows a schematic perspective illustration of the motor vehicle mirror in accordance in FIG. 18A,

(31) FIG. 19 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a multi-part mirror in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(32) FIG. 20 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a multi-part mirror in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(33) FIG. 21 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a search mirror in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(34) FIG. 22 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a make-up mirror in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(35) FIG. 23 shows a schematic plan view of a decorative element in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(36) FIG. 24 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a mirror in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(37) FIG. 25 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a flexible luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(38) FIG. 26 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a flexible luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(39) FIG. 27 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(40) FIG. 28A shows a schematic plan view of a window with a louver in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(41) FIG. 28B shows a schematic sectional illustration through a slat of the louver in FIG. 28A,

(42) FIG. 29A shows a schematic view of a window covered by a curtain in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(43) FIG. 29B shows the curtain in accordance with FIG. 29A in a schematic sectional illustration,

(44) FIG. 29C shows a schematic sectional illustration of a curtain in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(45) FIG. 30 shows a schematic view of a window with a curtain in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(46) FIG. 31 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(47) FIG. 32 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an item of furniture in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(48) FIG. 33 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a flexible luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment in a rolled-up state,

(49) FIG. 34A shows a schematic sectional illustration of an illumination device in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(50) FIG. 34B shows a schematic sectional illustration of the illumination device in FIG. 34A along the sectional line A-A′,

(51) FIG. 35A shows a schematic plan view of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(52) FIG. 35B shows a schematic sectional illustration of the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 35A along the sectional line A-A′,

(53) FIG. 35C shows a schematic plan view of a multicolored luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(54) FIG. 36 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(55) FIG. 37 shows a further schematic sectional illustration of a multicolored luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(56) FIG. 38 shows a schematic plan view of first and second electrodes in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of a multicolored luminous means,

(57) FIG. 39 shows a schematic plan view of a multicolored luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(58) FIG. 40A shows a schematic plan view of an illumination device in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(59) FIG. 40B shows a schematic enlargement of an excerpt from FIG. 40A,

(60) FIG. 41 shows a schematic plan view of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(61) FIG. 42 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(62) FIG. 43 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a further luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(63) FIG. 44 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means in a schematic plan view,

(64) FIG. 45 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(65) FIG. 46 shows the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 45 in a schematic perspective illustration,

(66) FIG. 47 shows a schematic illustration of the CIE standard chromaticity diagram,

(67) FIG. 48A shows a schematic illustration of a flirtation indicator in accordance with one exemplary embodiment having a multicolored luminous means,

(68) FIG. 48B shows a schematic illustration of the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 48A together with a controller,

(69) FIG. 49 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(70) FIG. 50 schematically shows a further possibility for the use of a multicolored luminous means,

(71) FIG. 51 shows a schematic perspective illustration of the use of multicolored luminous means,

(72) FIG. 52 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(73) FIG. 53 shows a schematic illustration of a connection location in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, such as can be used for instance in the case of the luminous means in FIG. 52,

(74) FIG. 54 shows a further schematic perspective illustration of a connection location in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, such as can be used in the case of FIG. 52,

(75) FIG. 55 shows a schematic plan view of a connection location such as can be used in the case of the luminous means of the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 52,

(76) FIG. 56 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(77) FIG. 57 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(78) FIG. 58 shows a schematic plan view of a connection location in accordance with one exemplary embodiment such as can be used in the case of the luminous means in FIG. 57,

(79) FIG. 59 shows a further schematic plan view of a connection location in accordance with one exemplary embodiment such as can be used in the case of the luminous means in FIG. 57,

(80) FIG. 60 shows a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of the connection location such as can be used in the case of the luminous means in FIG. 55,

(81) FIG. 61 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(82) FIG. 62A shows a further schematic perspective illustration of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(83) FIG. 62B schematically shows an enlarged excerpt from FIG. 62A,

(84) FIG. 63A shows a schematic plan view of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(85) FIG. 63B shows a schematic enlargement of an excerpt from a connection location of the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 63A,

(86) FIG. 64 shows a schematic plan view of an illumination device in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(87) FIGS. 65 and 66 shows schematic perspective illustrations of an illumination device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(88) FIGS. 65 and 67 shows schematic illustrations of a further illumination device in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(89) FIG. 68 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(90) FIG. 69 shows a schematic illustration of a schematic circuit diagram in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(91) FIG. 70 shows a further schematic circuit diagram in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(92) FIG. 71 shows a schematic illustration of an illumination device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(93) FIG. 72 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(94) FIG. 73 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(95) FIG. 74 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(96) FIG. 75 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a display apparatus in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(97) FIG. 76 shows a schematic plan view of a coarse-grained display in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(98) FIG. 77 shows a schematic view of a bathroom in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(99) FIG. 78 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device comprising a luminous means and a second light source in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(100) FIG. 79 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device comprising a luminous means and a second light source in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(101) FIG. 80A shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(102) FIG. 80B shows a schematic sectional illustration of the illumination device in FIG. 80A,

(103) FIG. 81 shows a schematic plan view of an illumination device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(104) FIG. 82 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device comprising a luminous means and a second light source in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(105) FIG. 83 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device comprising a luminous means and a second light source in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(106) FIGS. 84A to 84C shows schematic illustrations of a storage element and storage furniture in accordance with one exemplary embodiment,

(107) FIG. 85 shows a schematic illustration of a storage element in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(108) FIG. 86 shows a schematic illustration of a storage element in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(109) FIG. 87 shows a schematic illustration of a storage element in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(110) FIG. 88 shows a schematic illustration of storage furniture in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment,

(111) FIGS. 89A to 89E shows schematic illustrations of storage furniture in accordance with further exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(112) In the exemplary embodiments and figures, identical or identically acting constituent parts are in each case provided with the same reference symbols. The elements illustrated should not be regarded as true to scale; rather, individual elements may be illustrated with an exaggerated size for the sake of a better understanding.

(113) FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional illustration of an organic layer stack 4 between a first electrode 2 and a second electrode 3 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The first electrode is embodied as transmissive to visible light and comprises a TCO (transparent conductive oxide), for example ITO (indium tin oxide). Furthermore, the first electrode 2 serves as an anode. The second electrode 3 serves as a cathode in the present case. It comprises an aluminum or silver, for example.

(114) An organic layer stack 4 having the following layers is applied on the first electrode 2, wherein the order of the layers that is presented below corresponds to their order within the organic layer stack starting from the cathode: a 1-TNATA layer (1-TNATA=4,4′,4″-tris(N(naphth-1-yl)-N-phenylamino)triphenylamine) having a thickness of approximately 40 nm, an sp-TAD layer (spTAD=2,2′,7,7′-diphenylamino-spiro-9,9′-bifluorene) having a thickness of approximately 20 nm, SEB-010:SEB020 layer having a thickness of approximately 10 nm, a TMM-004:Ir(ppy)3(15%) layer (Irppy=fac-tris(2-phenylpyridyl)iridium complex) having a thickness of approximately 10 nm and TMM-04:TER012 layer having a thickness of approximately 30 nm. The present organic layer stack is suitable for emitting white light.

(115) FIG. 2A shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The luminous means comprises a substrate 1 having a first main surface 101, to which the first electrode 2 is applied within an active region 5 of the substrate 1. Arranged on the first electrode 2 is an organic layer stack 4 having at least one layer 401 suitable for generating light, the second electrode 3 being applied to said stack. In the present case, the first electrode 2 on the substrate 1 is the anode and the second electrode 3 on the organic layer stack 4 is the cathode. The organic layer stack 4 has, on its outer side facing the cathode, a doped layer 402 comprising a dopant 410 that functions as an electron donor. The injection of electrons from the cathode into the organic layer stack is advantageously increased thereby. By way of example, cesium, barium or lithium fluoride can be used as dopant 410.

(116) Furthermore, the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 2A comprises a thin-film encapsulation 6. The active region 5 with the organic layer stack 4 is arranged within the thin-film encapsulation 6. The thin-film encapsulation 6 is applied directly to the second electrode 3. A thin-film encapsulation such as can be used for example in the case of the luminous means in FIG. 2A is described for example in conjunction with FIG. 3.

(117) The luminous means in accordance with FIG. 2A is embodied as transmissive to visible light, in particular to a light generated by the organic layer stack 4. For this purpose, the substrate 1 is embodied as transmissive to visible light. It can for example comprise glass or a plastic or consist thereof. By way of example, the substrate used can be a thin glass lamina or a flexible plastic film which comprises or consists of one of the plastic materials presented in the general part of the description.

(118) The first electrode 2 on the substrate is also embodied as transmissive to visible light. The first electrode 2 can for example consist of or comprise a TCO. The organic material of the organic layer stack 4 is generally embodied as transmissive to visible light. In particular, in the present case the doped layer is embodied as transmissive to visible light. The organic layer stack 4 can comprise for example the layers of the organic layer stack in FIG. 1. The second electrode 3 is likewise embodied as transmissive to visible light, in particular to a light generated by the organic layer stack 4. The second electrode 3 is preferably embodied as the cathode. The latter can comprise a metallic layer, for example, which contains aluminum or silver and has a thickness of approximately 30 nm.

(119) Furthermore, an electrode 2, 3 embodied as transmissive to visible light can comprise a conductive organic material or consist thereof. In this case, by way of example, PEDOT:PSS is suitable as organic electrode material. In this case, PEDOT:PSS can form the anode, for example. In the case of a suitable conductivity doping, however, it is also possible for the cathode to consist of PEDOT:PSS or to contain this material.

(120) Should the conductivity of the electrode material, in particular of the organic material, not suffice to inject enough charge carriers into the organic layer stack, then thin metal tracks can be arranged between the electrode and the organic layer stack.

(121) FIG. 2B shows a schematic perspective illustration of an electrode 2 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment, which has a layer comprising organic conductive material and thin metal tracks 201 which are arranged between the organic electrode layer 202 and the organic layer stack 4. FIG. 2C shows a schematic sectional illustration along the line AA′ in FIG. 2B.

(122) The metal tracks 201 are embodied in the form of a grid in the case of the present exemplary embodiment. The thickness of the metal tracks is preferably a few mm. The distance between directly adjacent grid points is in this case preferably between 1 mm and 100 mm, inclusive of the limits.

(123) Furthermore, the electrically conductive tracks 201 have a multilayer construction, for example comprising three metallic tracks, as shown in FIG. 2C. The two outer tracks 2011, 2012 are protective layers for the middle layer 2013, for instance against corrosion. They can for example comprise chromium, molybdenum, copper or silver or consist of one of these materials. The middle layer 2013 of the multilayer construction can for example comprise aluminum or consist of aluminum.

(124) In this case, the multilayer construction has a thickness of preferably at least 50 nm and at most 100 nm.

(125) Furthermore, the thin-film encapsulation 6 of the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 2A is also embodied as transmissive to visible light, in particular to a light generated by the organic layer stack 4. A schematic sectional illustration through a thin-film encapsulation 6 such as can be used for example in accordance with FIG. 2A is shown in FIG. 3. The thin-film encapsulation 6 comprises here in each case two first barrier layers 601, which comprise silicon oxide or consist of silicon oxide, and two second barrier layers 602, which comprise silicon nitride or consist of silicon nitride. In this case, the first barrier layers 601 and the second barrier layers 602 of the thin-film encapsulation 6 are arranged alternately with regard to their material composition. The thin-film encapsulation 6 preferably has a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm, inclusive of the limits.

(126) The barrier layers can for example be vapor-deposited, sputtered or deposited by means of a plasma-enhanced process such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on the second electrode. The barrier layers preferably have a thickness of in each case at least 30 nm to at most 300 nm. Particularly preferably, an individual barrier layer is approximately 100 nm thick. Preferably, a thin-film encapsulation comprises at least two to at most eight barrier layers. Typically, the thin-film encapsulation comprises three or four barrier layers.

(127) The thin-film encapsulation can furthermore comprise polymer interlayers such as are described further below in the text with reference to FIG. 17.

(128) Furthermore, a protective lacquer layer 603 is applied to the barrier layers. The protective lacquer layer 603 can be applied for example by means of spin-coating, spraying, blade coating, screen-printing or similar techniques. After application, the protective lacquer layer 603 is cured by supplying heat or UV radiation. Suitable materials for the protective lacquer layer 603 include acrylates, polyacrylates, polyimides and similar materials. The thickness of the protective lacquer layer is for example between at least 30 and at most 40 mm.

(129) The luminous means in FIG. 2A is suitable for emitting light simultaneously from a top side and from an underside lying opposite the top side, since the light generated in the organic layer stack 4, on the way to the top side and to the underside, only passes through elements which are embodied as transmissive to visible light.

(130) FIG. 4A shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. The luminous means in accordance with FIG. 4A has a substrate 1 having an active region 5, to which a first electrode 2 is applied. Arranged on the first electrode 2 is an organic layer stack 4 having at least one layer 401 suitable for generating light. A further, second electrode 3 is arranged on the organic layer stack 4. The substrate, the first electrode and the second electrode and also the organic layer stack are in the present case embodied as transmissive to visible light, in particular to a light generated by the organic layer stack 4, as already described for example with reference to FIG. 2A.

(131) The active region 5 of the substrate 1, on which the organic layer stack 4 is arranged between the first 2 and the second 3 electrode, is surrounded by a fixing region. Within the fixing region 8, the substrate 1 comprises electrically conductive leads 9 which are electrically conductively connected to the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3. The leads 9 to the first electrode 2 can be for example structures of the first electrode 2 which are lengthened right into the fixing region 8. In this case, the electrical leads 9 generally comprise the same material as the first electrode 2. In the present case, the leads 9 to the second electrode 3 are electrically conductively connected to a further electrode structure 901, which is electrically insulated from the first electrode 2, within the active region 5 of the substrate 1, for example by the leads 9 likewise being formed by lengthening of the further electrode structure 901 into the fixing region 8. The second electrode 3 on the organic layer stack 4 is electrically conductively connected to the further electrode structure 901 for example by means of a plated-through hole 900.

(132) Within the fixing region 8, an adhesive layer 610 is arranged above the electrical leads 9, said adhesive layer being used to fix a cap, serving as encapsulation 6, on the substrate. The cap has a cavity above the active region 5 in which the active layer stack 4 is arranged. In the present case, the cap is not in direct contact with the second electrode 3. Furthermore, the cap, like the substrate 1, the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3 and also the organic layer stack 4, is likewise embodied as transmissive to visible light, in particular to a light generated by the organic layer stack 4. It can be formed for example from glass or one of the light-transmissive plastics already mentioned in connection with the substrate 1 in the general part of the description.

(133) A getter layer 611 is applied on the inner side of the cap facing the organic layer stack, said getter layer being embodied as transmissive to visible light. By way of example, one of the materials described above can be used as getter material. In particular, particles of a getter material—for example calcium oxide—which are embedded into a transparent matrix are suitable for a transparent getter layer 611. By way of example, solvent-free, curable plastic materials are suitable for the matrix. The getter layer 611 preferably has a thickness of at most 300 mm, particularly preferably between at least 50 and at most 100 mm.

(134) The electrical leads 9 on the substrate 1 are electrically conductively connected to a controller 11 in the present case.

(135) FIG. 4B shows a schematic plan view of the substrate 1 in accordance with FIG. 4A. The first electrode 2 and the further electrode structure 901 are arranged within the active region 5. Electrical leads 9 are in each case situated laterally with respect to the active region 5 within the fixing region 8, said electrical leads being embodied in grid-type fashion in the present case. The electrical leads on one side of the substrate 1 are continuations of the further electrode structure 901, while the electrical leads 9 on the other side of the substrate are continuations of the first electrode 2. The electrical leads in the present case comprise a TCO, for example ITO.

(136) Furthermore, it is also possible for the electrical leads 9 to comprise a metal or to consist thereof. By way of example, the leads 9 contain or consist of at least one of the following materials or material combinations: Cr/Al/Cr, Cu/Cr, Mo/Al/Mo; Cr, Cu, Al, Ag, Au, Pt.

(137) If the electrical leads 9 comprise a metal, then the degree of filling of the grid is generally chosen to be so low that the electrical leads are not perceived by an observer. In this way, the electrical leads 9 can advantageously be embodied as transmissive to visible light. In this case, the degree of filling of the grid is preferably less than 10%, particularly preferably less than 2%.

(138) The electrical leads 9 are electrically conductively connected to electrical connection locations 70, in the present case pins 75, which are arranged laterally with respect to the substrate 1. By means of the pins 75, the luminous means can be electrically contact-connected to a socket or, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, be connected to the controller 11.

(139) FIG. 4C shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means 100 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. FIG. 4D shows a schematic plan view of the substrate of the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 4C. The luminous means 100 corresponds to the luminous means in FIGS. 4A and 4B apart from the differences described below.

(140) In contrast to the luminous means in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the organic layer stack 4 has no plated-through hole. Furthermore, the substrate comprises no further electrode structure.

(141) Instead, the first electrode 2 is embodied over the whole area below the organic layer stack 4 within the active region 5 on the substrate 1. Electrical leads 9 which are electrically conductively connected to the first electrode 2 are arranged on one side of the active region 5 within the fixing region. These electrical leads 9 can be for example continued structures of the first electrode 2. On the other side, electrical leads 9 which are not electrically connected to the first electrode 2 are fitted on the substrate 1. Furthermore, the electrical leads on this side comprise a bonding pad 903, on which is arranged a bonding wire 902 that is electrically conductively connected to the second electrode 3.

(142) FIG. 5A shows a schematic illustration through a luminous means 100 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. The luminous means 100 comprises a window glazing as substrate 1. A first electrode 2 is applied on the substrate, and an organic layer stack 4 having at least one layer 401 suitable for generating light is furthermore applied to said first electrode. The organic layer stack 4 can be for example a layer stack 4 such as has already been described with reference to FIG. 1. A second electrode 3 is applied to the organic layer stack 4. As encapsulation 6, the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 5A comprises a second window glazing, which is adhesively bonded onto the second electrode 3 by means of an adhesive layer 610. A suitable adhesive is a transparent adhesive, for example. This adhesive is preferably likewise embodied as transmissive to visible light. Examples of suitable adhesives include Nagase or Three-Bond.

(143) Substrate 1, electrodes 2, 3, encapsulation 6, organic layer stack 4 and adhesive layer 610 are embodied as transmissive to visible light. The luminous means 100 is therefore suitable for emitting light from its top side 100A and its underside 100B. Furthermore, an observer can see through the luminous means 100 when it is not in operation. The luminous means is therefore suitable for being used as glazing for example in doors, windows, room dividers, furniture or the like, wherein the glazing can serve as an illumination source.

(144) FIG. 5B shows a schematic illustration of the construction of a luminous means 100 which is embodied such that it is substantially transmissive to visible light and is integrated into the glazing. In the present case, a glass pane having an active region 5, to which a first electrode 2 is applied, serves as the substrate 1. In the present case, the electrode is likewise embodied as transmissive to visible light and comprises a TCO, for example ITO. In order to represent specific forms, for example a lettering or a logo, the first electrode 2 is structured in accordance with the desired form, in the present case in the lettering “Info 1”.

(145) Within the active region, an organic layer stack 4, for example such as has already been described in FIG. 1, is applied to the first electrode. A second electrode 3, which is likewise transmissive to visible light and in the present case serves as a cathode, is applied to the organic layer stack. The second electrode 3 is applied to the organic layer stack 4 over the whole area. It is furthermore also conceivable, however, for the first electrode 2 to be applied to the substrate over the whole area and for the second electrode 3 to be applied to the organic layer stack 4 in the form which is intended to embody the luminous surface of the luminous means. A second glass pane as encapsulation 6 is applied to the second electrode 3. In this case, the dimensions of the encapsulation 6 are preferably chosen to be identical to the dimensions of the substrate 1. This gives rise to a glazing having a luminous means 100 whose luminous surface is embodied in the desired manner, for example in the form of a lettering or a logo.

(146) The second glass pane, serving as encapsulation 6, can be fixed on the substrate for example by means of an adhesive layer 610 that is transmissive to visible light. In this case, the adhesive layer 610 can be applied to the substrate and to the second glass pane over the whole area, or only within a fixing region 8 outside the active region 5.

(147) Contact can be made with the active region 5 for example by means of electrically conductive leads 9 such as have been described with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4D.

(148) FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a door 300 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The door 300 has two door leaves 301 embodied as transmissive to visible light. They comprise glass for example or are formed from glass. A luminous means 100 embodied as transmissive to visible light is integrated into each door leaf 301. With the aid of the luminous means 100, which in the present case each have a luminous surface that respectively forms an inscription, it is possible to integrate luminous signs in doors 300. Such doors 300 having luminous signs can be used for example in museums, conference centers, hotels or the like. In the present case, the luminous means can either be integrated into the door 300, as already described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, or the luminous means 100 can also be flexible luminous means which are embodied as transmissive to visible light and are fitted on the door by means of an adhesive layer, for example. A flexible luminous means suitable for being adhesively attached is described for example in conjunction with FIG. 9.

(149) If the luminous means 100 are integrated into the door 300, then electrical leads 9 such as have already been described for example in conjunction with FIGS. 4A to 4D can be applied on the substrate 1, that is to say the window glazing on which the first electrode 2 is applied. The electrical leads 9 can be electrically conductively connected for example to connection locations 70 which are embodied as parts of the door hinges, wherein the electrically conductive parts run within the door hinges. For their part, the door hinges can be connected to electrical cables running within the door frame.

(150) Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows emergency lighting 395, which comprises a luminous means 100 described here or an illumination device 1000 described here. The emergency lighting 395 is activated in the event of a power failure, for example, and comprises an autonomous power supply or is supplied with the necessary operating current by an emergency power unit. The luminous means 100 and illumination devices 1000 described here are particularly well suited to use as emergency lighting since they can generate light of sufficient brightness with a relatively low power consumption.

(151) FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a display window in accordance with one exemplary embodiment comprising four luminous means 100 which are embodied as transmissive to visible light. With the luminous means it is possible to display trade names “Trademark 1” and “Trademark 2” and logos “Logo 1” and “Logo 2”. As already described in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B, the luminous means 100 can be luminous means which are integrated into the glazing of the display window, or a flexible luminous means which is adhesively bonded onto the inner side of the glazing by means of an adhesive layer.

(152) FIG. 8 shows a schematic front view of a motor vehicle 310 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. In this case, two luminous means 100 are integrated into a window 20, for example the windshield, said luminous means being embodied as transmissive to visible light and being suitable for representing information “Info 1” and “Info 2” for the driver. As an alternative, it is also possible—as already described in connection with FIGS. 7 and 6—for the two luminous means 100 to be embodied in flexible fashion and to be adhesively bonded onto the windshield from inside.

(153) FIG. 8 furthermore shows motor vehicle interior lighting 396. The motor vehicle interior lighting is formed for example by a luminous means 100 described here or an illumination device 1000 described here.

(154) FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a museum room, the ceiling elements 320 of which comprise a glazing. The glazing of a ceiling element has, over part of the area or over the whole area, a luminous means 100 or an illumination device 1000 which is transmissive to visible light. The glazing can be for example a glazing having an integrated luminous means 100 such as has already been described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. As an alternative, the luminous means can also be applied to the inner side of the glazing, for example by adhesive bonding.

(155) The glazing of the ceiling elements of the museum room in accordance with FIG. 9 is therefore suitable for enabling the room to be illuminated by means of daylight during the day. Under poor light conditions, for example during the night, the luminous means 100 of the glazing can be used as additional light sources for the room.

(156) The glazing of the ceiling elements of the museum room in FIG. 9 can furthermore be configured in milky fashion. For this purpose, either the glazing serving as substrate or the glazing serving as encapsulation or both is or are embodied in milky fashion.

(157) FIG. 10 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means 100 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. In the case of the luminous means 100 in accordance with FIG. 10, encapsulation 6 and substrate 1 are embodied as glazing, as for example in the case of the luminous means in accordance with FIGS. 5A and 5B. Such a glazing can serve for example as a window pane of a window 20, but also of a door 300 or of an item or furniture. During the day, such a glazing can be used as a window 20, that is to say that visible light from outside can penetrate into the room unhindered. At night, the luminous means 100 can be activated, such that the glazing serves as an illumination source for the room. Furthermore, on the outer side of the glazing a mirrored louver 22 is provided which serves for protecting the private sphere and which prevents uninvited looks from outside from being able to penetrate. In addition, the mirrored louver 22 is suitable for reflecting light emitted by the luminous means 100. The degree of utilization of the light emitted by the luminous means 100 is advantageously increased on account of the back-reflection by the mirrored louver 22. Furthermore, it is also possible for the louver 22 to be a traditional louver or a PDLC shutter. Other types of glass which can be darkened by applying an electrical voltage are also appropriate in addition to a PDLC shutter.

(158) FIG. 11 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a room with a room divider in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The room divider 330 has two room divider elements 331 comprising a glazing within a frame, wherein the glazing comprises a luminous means 100 embodied as transmissive to visible light. The luminous means 100 is either integrated into the glazing, as described for example in conjunction with FIGS. 5A and 5B, or adhesively bonded onto the glazing. On account of their illumination function, the room divider elements 331 can advantageously be used to illuminate room regions which are separated by the room divider.

(159) In the present case, the room divider 330 is constructed in modular fashion. It comprises two room divider elements 331, which can be connected to one another by plug connections. For this purpose, the frame of the room divider element comprises a sleeve 332 on one of its side surfaces, said sleeve being embodied for example in the manner of a cylinder. That side surface of the frame which lies opposite the side surface with the sleeve 332 is provided with pins 333 embodied in such a way that they can be fitted into the sleeves 332. By inserting the pins of one room divider element into the sleeves of a further room divider element, it is possible for two room divider elements 331 respectively to be connected to one another. In this case, in particular, an electrical connection of the room divider elements 331 by means of the sleeves 332 and the pins 333 is also possible. The room divider 330 forms a large-area illumination device.

(160) FIG. 12 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a display in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The display 335 can be for example the display of a television, of an LCD screen, of an OLED screen, or of a plasma screen. The front glass pane of the display is used as a substrate 1 for a luminous means embodied as transmissive to visible light. The first electrode 2 is applied to the front glass pane, which first electrode comprises a TCO and is therefore embodied as transmissive to visible light. An organic layer stack 4 such as has been described for example with reference to FIG. 1 is applied on the first electrode 2. A second electrode 3, in the present case likewise comprising a TCO, is applied to said organic layer stack.

(161) By way of example, one of the following TCO materials is particularly suitable as TCO for the cathode: ITO, ATO, zinc oxide.

(162) A further glass plate as encapsulation 6 is applied to the second electrode 3. It can be adhesively bonded onto the second electrode 3 by means of an adhesive layer 610, for example. In the present case, the organic layers are embodied in such a way that the emission from the organic layer stack is predominantly effected through the encapsulating glass pane. In the present case, the luminous means 100 integrated into the front pane of the display 335 can be used as an illumination source in the switched-off state of the display. For this purpose, the luminous means is preferably embodied in dimmable fashion. In the switched-off state of the luminous means, the content of the display 335 can be perceived by an observer since the luminous means is embodied as transmissive to visible light.

(163) FIG. 12B shows a schematic plan view of a television set 336 comprising a display 335 such as has been described in conjunction with FIG. 12A.

(164) FIG. 13A shows a schematic perspective illustration of shelving 340 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13B shows an excerpt from FIG. 13A. The shelving 340 comprises two side parts having rods 83 which are embodied as hollow in the interior and comprise electrical cables. The side parts having the rods 83 form a rod system such as is also described with reference to FIG. 68, for example. Said rods 83 are provided for carrying shelves 341 of the shelving. For this purpose, the shelves 341 of the shelving each comprise mounts 342 which are correspondingly shaped at the sides. In the present case, in a manner corresponding to the rods of the side parts of the shelving, said mounts are embodied after the manner of a cut-open cylinder. However, it is also conceivable for the rods 83 and the mounts 342 to be embodied in cornered fashion. The shelves 341 of the shelving in the present case comprise a frame 343 into which is introduced a glazing comprising a luminous means 100 transmissive to visible light. For making electrical contact, the mounts 342 of the shelves of the shelving comprise in the present case a pin 71 which is inserted into an electrically conductive cutout 73 within the rods 83, as illustrated in FIG. 13B. The rods 83 of the side parts are preferably embodied in hollow fashion. Thus, the cables used for making contact with the plugs can be guided within the rods. Shelves of shelving as exhibited by the shelving 340 in accordance with FIG. 13B can for example also be used in display cabinets or other items of furniture and storage furniture.

(165) FIG. 14 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a reflective display 335. A reflective display 335 comprises a reflective element 337, on which pixels 338 are arranged, on its rear side. Reflective displays 335 do not require backlighting, but rather reflect ambient light on account of the reflective element 337 in such a way that the display content can be represented. Therefore, reflective displays 335 are dependent on the ambient light. They can no longer be read in the dark. A luminous means transmissive to visible light, as described with reference to FIG. 5A, for example, is applied to the radiation-emitting front side 335A of the reflective display 335. Said luminous means is embodied in the present case in such a way that it predominantly emits radiation in the direction of the reflective element. For better color rendering, the luminous means 100 can be slightly colored, for example in the color of a light magenta. For this purpose, by way of example, the encapsulation 6 or the substrate 1 or both is or are colored in the desired color. The luminous means is preferably fitted with an index matching material on the front side 335a of the reflective display in order to avoid reflections. If the luminous means can be varied in color, for example in such a way that the color space RGB is covered, and if the reflective display 335 can furthermore be switched rapidly enough, time-sequential operation in RGB is also possible. During this time-sequential operation, the display is preferably operated with frequencies of at least 70 Hz, particularly preferably at least 100 Hz.

(166) FIG. 15 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means 100 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The electrodes 2, 3, the substrate 1, the encapsulation 6 and the organic layer stack 4 are embodied as transmissive to visible light, in particular to the light generated by the organic layer stack 4. A reflective element 337, which is a reflective layer sequence in the present case, is applied to the outer side of the substrate 1, which can be formed by a glass plate, for example. The reflective layer sequence comprises a copper layer 337b, a silver layer 337a and a protective lacquer layer 337c, wherein the silver layer 337a is applied to the substrate 1, the copper layer 337b is applied to that side of the silver layer 337a which is remote from the substrate, and the protective lacquer layer is applied to the copper layer 337b. Since the reflective layer sequence is formed along the underside 100b of the luminous means 100, the luminous means 100 can no longer emit light from the underside, but rather only from its top side 100a. Furthermore, the reflective element reflects light that passes through the first electrode 2 and the substrate 1 in the direction of the top side 100a of the luminous means 100.

(167) As an alternative to the above-described layer sequence comprising a silver layer, a copper layer and a protective lacquer layer, the reflective element 337 used can also be for example a dielectric mirror which like the layer sequence above is applied to the outer side of the substrate.

(168) The reflective element 337, such as a reflective layer sequence or a dielectric mirror, can for example furthermore be applied on the outer side of the encapsulation 6 or be applied between substrate 1 and first electrode 2 and between encapsulation 6 and second electrode 3. If the reflective element is arranged on the outer side of the encapsulation 6 or between encapsulation 6 and second electrode 3, then the luminous means 100 emits light from its underside 100b.

(169) A luminous means 100 such as is illustrated in FIG. 15 permits, in particular, this luminous means to serve as a mirror when the luminous means is deactivated and as an illumination source during the operation of the luminous means 100. In the case of such a luminous means 100, the entire light-emitting front side 100a can either serve as illumination or serve as a mirror. Furthermore, it is also possible for the entire light-emitting front side 100a to serve as illumination and as a mirror. Furthermore, the light-emitting front side 100a can also be divided into regions, such that one part of the light-emitting front side 100a serves as a mirror and a further part serves as an illumination source.

(170) By way of example, the luminous means can, however, also be embodied in such a way that it emits light both from its front side 100a and from its rear side 100b. Using the so-called cavity effect, for example, it is possible for light having different light properties to emerge from different sides of the luminous means in this case. A luminous means of this type is described for example in German patent application 102006046196.7, the disclosure content of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

(171) FIG. 16 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a luminous means 100 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. The following elements of the luminous means 100 are embodied as transmissive to visible light: encapsulation 6, substrate 1, first electrode 2 and organic layer stack 4. The substrate 1 used can be for example a glass plate or a plastic film which is embodied as transmissive to visible light.

(172) The first electrode 2 can be formed from a TCO, for example.

(173) The organic layer stack 4 can be a layer stack such as has already been described with reference to FIG. 1.

(174) The encapsulation 6 can be for example a glass cap, a glass plate, a plastic cap or a plastic plate.

(175) Furthermore, a getter material can be applied on the inner side of the cap or plate that faces the organic layer stack 4, said getter material likewise being embodied as transmissive to visible light. Furthermore, the encapsulation 6 can be a thin-film encapsulation having at least one barrier layer. The barrier layer can for example consist of SiOx or SiNx or comprise one of these materials. Furthermore, the thin-film encapsulation 6 can also have first and second barrier layers 601, 602, which alternate with regard to their material composition. Polymer interlayers, for example, can be arranged between the alternating barrier layers; in this respect, also see FIG. 3, for example.

(176) FIG. 17a shows a schematic sectional illustration of a thin-film encapsulation 6 comprising alternating barrier layers 601, 602, wherein a polymer interlayer 604 is fitted in each case between two adjacent barrier layers having different material compositions. The barrier interlayers can be for example two barrier layers 601 comprising SiOx and two barrier layers 602 comprising SiNx, such as have already been described in conjunction with FIG. 3. As in the case of the exemplary embodiment in accordance with FIG. 3, the barrier layers 601, 602 are arranged in alternating fashion with regard to their material composition, that it to say that first barrier layers 601 alternate with second barrier layers 602 within the thin-film encapsulation 6, wherein the first and the second barrier layers 601, 602 have different material compositions. In contrast to the thin-film encapsulation 6 in accordance with FIG. 3, however, the barrier layers 601, 602 are separated from one another by polymer interlayers 604.

(177) As an alternative to the use of a separate reflective element 337, such as, for example, of the above-described reflective layer sequence or of the dielectric mirror, the second electrode 3 of the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 16 is embodied as reflective to visible light. For this purpose, the second electrode 3 comprises aluminum or silver for example or consists of one of these materials. A luminous means of this type is likewise suitable for being used as a mirror and/or an illumination source, like the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 15.

(178) In order to obtain a luminous means which can serve as a mirror and/or as an illumination source and does not have an additional reflective element, it is also possible for the second electrode 3 to be embodied as transmissive to visible light, for example by a TCO being used as electrode material, and for the encapsulation 6, the substrate 1 or the first electrode 2 to be embodied in reflective fashion instead.

(179) A reflective encapsulation 6 can be a polished metal cap, for example.

(180) FIG. 17B shows a schematic sectional illustration through a reflective encapsulation 6 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. This involves a cap which has either already been embodied in reflective fashion, for example by being formed from a polished metal, or a cap which is not embodied in reflective fashion. A reflective element 337, for example a reflective layer, is applied to the inner side of the cap that faces the organic layer stack 4. The reflective layer on the inner side of the cap can be for example a metallic layer which for instance comprises silver or consists of silver. Furthermore, the reflective layer can also have a plurality of layers. Furthermore, a getter layer 611 composed of a getter material embodied as transmissive to visible light is applied on the reflective layer.

(181) FIG. 17C shows a schematic sectional illustration through a thin-film encapsulation 6 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. Like the thin-film encapsulation 6 in accordance with FIG. 17A, the thin-film encapsulation 6 has alternating barrier layers 601, 602 separated from one another by polymer interlayers 604. In contrast to the thin-film encapsulation 6 in accordance with FIG. 17A, the thin-film encapsulation 6 in accordance with FIG. 17C has a reflective element 337, for example a reflective layer sequence such as has already been described with reference FIG. 15. The reflective layer sequence comprises a silver layer 337a applied to the outermost barrier layer 602. A copper layer 337b is applied to the silver layer 337a, and a protective lacquer layer 337c is in turn arranged on said copper layer. On account of the reflective layer sequence, the thin-film encapsulation is embodied in reflective fashion and can be used as a reflective encapsulation.

(182) A further possibility for embodying a luminous means 100 in which it is possible to switch back and forth between mirror function and illumination function consists in the substrate 1 being embodied in reflective fashion, while the other elements of the luminous means, through which the light generated in the organic layer stack 4 has to pass on the way to the light-emitting front side 100a, in particular the second electrode 3, the organic layer stack 4 and the encapsulation 6, are embodied as transmissive to visible light. A reflective substrate 1 can for example comprise metal or consist of a metal. By way of example, a metal film, such as a high-grade steel film, can be used as the reflective substrate 1. In particular, a mirror can be used as the substrate. Furthermore, a laminate composed of plastic films onto which a metal film—for example composed of aluminum—is laminated is suitable as a reflective substrate. Furthermore, the substrate can be a glass substrate coated in reflective fashion.

(183) As an alternative or in addition to a reflective substrate 1, the first electrode 2 can also be embodied in reflective fashion. Such an electrode can for example comprise one of the following materials or consist thereof: aluminum, silver.

(184) Furthermore, it is also possible for the thin-film encapsulation 6 per se to form a dielectric mirror or a Bragg mirror. The material of the first and the second barrier layers 601, 602 and also the thickness of these layers are then chosen accordingly.

(185) FIG. 18A shows a perspective schematic illustration of a motor vehicle mirror 315 comprising a luminous means 100 in the case of which it is possible to change over between the illumination function and mirror function, as described for example in conjunction with FIGS. 15 to 17C. In the present case, the luminous means has a luminous surface embodied in accordance with the lettering “Info 1”. For this purpose, one of the electrodes 2, 3 can be structured, as described with reference to FIG. 5B. In contrast to FIG. 5B, however, the luminous means 100 in accordance with FIG. 18A has a reflective element 337, for example an additional reflective layer sequence. Furthermore, one of the elements of the luminous means 100, for example one of the electrodes 2, 3, the substrate 1 or the encapsulation 6, can also be embodied in reflective fashion, as described above. In this way, logos, symbols or other information can be displayed in luminous fashion as desired against the background of a mirror surface. With the aid of these luminous means 100, for example warnings, such as distance messages when parking, for instance, could be inserted in the motor vehicle mirror 315.

(186) FIG. 18B shows a schematic perspective illustration of the motor vehicle mirror 315 in accordance with FIG. 18A. A mirror is used as the substrate 1 in the case of the motor vehicle mirror. The substrate 1 is connected to a holder. A first electrode 2 is applied within an active region 5 on the substrate. The first electrode 2 is embodied as transmissive to visible light, for example by being formed from a TCO. Furthermore, the first electrode 2 is structured in accordance with the lettering “Info 1”. An organic layer stack 4 is applied to the structured first electrode 2, said stack being transmissive to visible light. Furthermore, the second electrode 3 is applied to the organic layer stack 4, said second electrode likewise being embodied as transmissive to visible light. A glass plate is used as encapsulation 6, said glass plate being fitted above the second electrode. The organic layer stack 4 and the second electrode 3 are applied over the whole area within the active region 5. In order that the luminous means 100 has a luminous surface which is structured in accordance with a lettering, it is sufficient to structure the first electrode 2. The use of a mirror as the substrate 1 permits the luminous means to be integrated into the motor vehicle mirror 315 in a simple manner.

(187) FIG. 19 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a multi-part mirror 345 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. Such a mirror can be used for example as a bath or wardrobe mirror. The mirror 345 comprises a central part 345a and two pivotable side wings 345b (indicated by arrows in the figure) arranged laterally with respect to the central part. The side wings 345b each comprise a luminous means 100 in the case of which it is possible to change over between reflective and illuminating function and the luminous surface of which fills the surface of the side wing virtually over the whole area in each case. Under good light conditions, the side wings 345b can be used as normal mirrors. Under poor light conditions, for example in the dark or at twilight, one of the two side wings or both side wings 345b of the mirror can be switched on as an illumination source in order to illuminate the observer. Furthermore, the illuminated side wings 345b can serve as a decorative illumination element.

(188) Like FIG. 19, FIG. 20 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a multi-part mirror 345 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. This mirror is likewise a three-part mirror comprising a central part 345a and two side wings 345b which are arranged laterally with respect to the central part and into which luminous means 100 are introduced in the case of which it is possible to switch back and forth between mirroring and illuminating function. Such a mirror can also be used for example as a bath or wardrobe mirror.

(189) FIG. 21 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a search mirror 350 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. The search mirror 350 comprises a mirror element 351 and a holding element 352, to which the mirror element is fixed. In this case, the holding element 352 is embodied in bent fashion in order to be able to use the mirror element 351 to inspect locations that are difficult to access. Such a search mirror can be a dental mirror, for example.

(190) The search mirror 350 comprises, on its mirror element 351, a luminous means 100 in the case of which it is possible to switch back and forth between reflective and illuminating function. The luminous means can comprise a part of the mirror surface or virtually the entire mirror surface. It therefore affords the possibility of simultaneously illuminating and inspecting locations that are difficult to access. Such a mirror can also be used in the domestic sector, for example for searching for lost articles behind/under furniture that is difficult to move.

(191) FIG. 22 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a make-up mirror in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. In the present case, the make-up mirror is integrated into a cosmetic set, such as a powder contact. Furthermore, the make-up mirror comprises a luminous means in the case of which it is possible to switch back and forth between mirroring and illuminating function. Under poor visibility conditions, the luminous means can be activated. Under low light, therefore, the make-up mirror 355 can be used simultaneously as a cosmetic mirror and as face illumination. The luminous means 100 can comprise a part or virtually the entire mirror surface.

(192) FIG. 23 shows a schematic plan view of a decorative element 360 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. In the present case, the decorative element 360 is embodied as a flashing Christmas star. A basic surface of the star is embodied in mirroring fashion, wherein luminous means in the case of which it is possible to switch back and forth between reflective and illuminating function are introduced into partial regions of the star. These luminous means can for example also be embodied in colored fashion. In this case, multicolored luminous means 100 can also be involved, in particular, such as are described further below.

(193) FIG. 24 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a mirror 365 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. In the present case, the mirror 365 is provided for use in the domestic wet sector. In the present case, the mirror has an outer region provided with a luminous means 100 in the case of which it is possible to switch back and forth between illuminating and mirroring function.

(194) FIG. 25 shows, in a schematic sectional illustration, a luminous means 100 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of a luminous means described here.

(195) The luminous means 100 illustrated in FIG. 25 is a flexible luminous means. The luminous means 100 embodied in flexible fashion is distinguished, inter alia, by the fact that it can be bent to a certain degree without being damaged by the bending. Preferably, the luminous means embodied in flexible fashion can be bent repeatedly without being damaged in the process. The luminous means is then suitable, therefore, for withstanding a plurality of bending cycles without being damaged.

(196) The luminous means 100 in FIG. 25 comprises a substrate 1. The substrate 1 is a flexible, metallic substrate 1. The metallic substrate 1 contains or consists of one of the following materials: aluminum, high-grade steel, gold, silver. Preferably, the substrate 1 is in this case embodied as a metal film having a thickness of at most 1 mm, particularly preferably at most 0.5 mm. It is furthermore possible for the flexible, metallic substrate 1 to be embodied as medium sheet metal having a thickness of at least 3 mm and at most 4.75 mm or as fine sheet metal having a thickness of at most 3 mm.

(197) A first electrode 2 is applied directly to the first main surface 101 of the substrate 1. The first electrode 2 is a cathode of the luminous means 100, for example.

(198) The cathode is suitable for impressing electrons into the organic layer stack that succeeds the cathode. For this purpose, the cathode comprises a material which is distinguished by a low work function for electrons. In this case, the cathode contains or consists preferably of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals. Furthermore, the cathode can comprise one or a plurality of layers which consist of silver, aluminum and/or platinum or contain at least one of these metals.

(199) The organic layer stack 4 is preferably applied directly to the cathode. The organic layer stack 4 comprises at least one layer 401 which is suitable for generating light during operation of the luminous means 100.

(200) The organic layer stack 4 can comprise further organic layers such as, for example, a hole conducting layer 409 or an electron conducting layer 408. The electron conducting layer preferably directly adjoins the cathode. The hole conducting layer is arranged on that side of the light-generating layer 401 of the layer stack 4 which is remote from the cathode, and preferably adjoins the anode of the luminous means 100.

(201) A second electrode 3 is preferably arranged directly on the organic layer stack 4. The second electrode 3 is an anode of the luminous means 100, for example.

(202) The anode is provided for injecting holes into the organic layer stack. The anode comprises a material which has a high work function for electrons. Indium tin oxide (ITO), for example, is a suitable material for forming the anode.

(203) A planarization layer 7 is preferably applied directly to the second electrode 3. The planarization layer 7 consists of or contains an organic material.

(204) In accordance with the exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 25, additional scattering centers 701 are introduced into the planarization layer. The scattering centers 701 can be for example particles of at least one of the following materials: luminescence conversion material, color filter material, diffuser material. By way of example, the materials already mentioned in the general part of the description can serve as luminescence conversion materials.

(205) Color pigments dispersed in a matrix material are suitable for example as color filter materials. The matrix material involves for example transparent plastics such as acrylate, polyacrylate or polyimide. A color filter material transmits only light of a specific color—for example green, red or blue light.

(206) The diffuser material involves for example light-scattering particles such as titanium oxide, silicon oxide or particles of the above-described luminescence conversion materials which can be embedded into a matrix.

(207) An encapsulation 6 is preferably applied directly to the planarization layer 7. The encapsulation 6 is formed by a plurality of barrier layers which preferably contain an inorganic material. The barrier layers, as part of a thin-film encapsulation, form the flexible encapsulation of the luminous means. By way of example, first and second barrier layers 601, 602 are applied alternately to the planarization layer 7. In this case, the first barrier layers 601 consist of a silicon oxide, and the second barrier layers 602 then consist of a silicon nitride; in this case, also see FIG. 3, in which such a thin-film encapsulation is elucidated in greater detail.

(208) Overall, a flexible luminous means 100 comprising a metallic substrate 1 is described in conjunction with FIG. 25.

(209) The luminous means in accordance with FIG. 25 is provided for emitting light from its top side 100a. For this purpose, the elements through which the light generated in the organic layer stack has to pass on its way to the top side 100a, in particular the organic layer stack 4 itself, the second electrode 3 and the encapsulation 6, are embodied as transmissive to visible light. Furthermore, the planarization layer 7 is likewise embodied as transmissive to visible light.

(210) The first main surface 101 of the surface 1 of the luminous means 100 can be embodied such that it is reflective to the light generated in the organic layer stack 4, by polishing the main surface 101. The luminous means described in conjunction with FIG. 25 is then a flexible, reflective luminous means.

(211) FIG. 26 shows, in a schematic sectional illustration, an exemplary embodiment of a luminous means described here.

(212) The luminous means 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 26 is a flexible luminous means. In this case, the flexible luminous means 100 is preferably embodied in flexible fashion in such a way that—without being damaged in the process—it can be rolled up onto a roll and can be unrolled from a roll.

(213) The luminous means 100 comprises a substrate 1. The substrate 1 is embodied as a plastic film. That is to say that the substrate 1 has a thickness of at most 1 mm, preferably at most 0.5 mm, particularly preferably of between at least 50 and at most 500 mm, for example 250 mm, and contains or consists of a plastic. Suitable plastics include, inter alia, PE, polyimide and similar plastics.

(214) A first electrode 2 is preferably applied directly to the first main surface 101 of the substrate 1, said first electrode preferably being transmissive to visible light. That is to say that the first electrode 2—as described further above—is embodied such that it is at least partly transmissive to the light generated by the luminous means during operation. For this purpose, the first electrode 2 can consist of a light-transmissive material and/or be embodied in grid-shaped fashion.

(215) The organic layer stack 4 is preferably applied directly to the first electrode 2. The organic layer stack 4 comprises at least one light-generating organic layer 401. Furthermore, the organic layer stack 4 comprises an outermost organic layer 402, which for example directly adjoins the second electrode 3. The outermost organic layer is doped with a dopant 410. Preferably, the dopant 410 of the doped layer—as explained further above—involves the largest possible atoms or molecules which are suitable for releasing electrons—n-type dopant—or holes—p-type dopant. Furthermore, the dopant has a low diffusion constant within the organic layer stack 4. For this purpose, the dopant is formed from the largest possible atoms or molecules. Cesium, for example, proves to be a suitable dopant in this case.

(216) The second electrode 3 is preferably applied directly to the organic layer stack 4. The second electrode 3—as described further above—is embodied in light-transmissive fashion. That is to say that the second electrode 3 is formed from a light-transmissive material and/or embodied in grid-shaped fashion.

(217) A light-transmissive encapsulation 6 is preferably applied directly to the second electrode 3. The encapsulation 6 is preferably formed by a light-transmissive plastic film. In this case, the light-transmissive encapsulation 6 can be formed from the same material as the substrate 1. However, it is also conceivable for the encapsulation to be formed from one or a plurality of barrier layers such as have been described for example in conjunction with FIG. 3. In this case, the encapsulation 6 is embodied as a flexible thin-film encapsulation.

(218) Overall, a light-transmissive, flexible luminous means 100 is described in conjunction with FIG. 26. In particular on account of the particularly flexible substrate 1 embodied as a plastic film, and the particularly flexible encapsulation 6 embodied as a plastic film or thin-film encapsulation, the luminous means 100 is so flexible that it can be rolled up onto a roll and can be unrolled from a roll, without being damaged in the process.

(219) FIG. 27 shows an exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here, in a schematic sectional illustration.

(220) The luminous means 100 elucidated with the aid of FIG. 27 is a flexible luminous means. The flexible luminous means 100 in FIG. 27 is distinguished, inter alia, by the fact that it can be bent to a certain degree without being damaged in the process. Preferably, the luminous means embodied in flexible fashion can be bent repeatedly without being damaged in the process. The luminous means is then suitable, therefore, for withstanding a plurality of bending cycles without being damaged. In this case, the luminous means 100 can be embodied in flexible fashion in such a way that the luminous means—without experiencing a negative impairment in the process—can be rolled up onto a roll and can be unrolled from a roll.

(221) The luminous means 100 comprises a substrate 1. The substrate 1 is a flexible laminate substrate. That is to say that the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100 is embodied as a laminate.

(222) The laminate comprises a first layer 104, which is formed from a plastic. The laminate furthermore comprises a second layer 103, which is formed from a glass. The laminate furthermore comprises a third layer 104, which is in turn formed from a plastic. By way of example, the layers of the laminate are adhesively bonded to one another. However, it is also possible for the second layer 103 of the laminate, which is formed from a glass, to be coated with a plastic. The substrate 1 of the luminous means 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 27 is embodied in flexible fashion and can furthermore also be light-transmissive. By comparison with a simple plastic film, a laminate is for example particularly well suited to keeping moisture away from the electrodes and the organic layer stack 4.

(223) A first electrode 2 is preferably applied directly to the first main surface 101 of the substrate 1. The organic layer stack 4 succeeds the first electrode 2, said stack comprising at least one light-generating organic layer 4.

(224) The second electrode 3 is applied directly to the organic layer stack.

(225) The encapsulation 6 of the luminous means 100 succeeds the second electrode 3. The encapsulation can be a thin-film encapsulation, which, as described further above, comprises one or a plurality of barrier layers. Furthermore, the encapsulation can be a film—for example a plastic or metal film. Furthermore, it is possible for the encapsulation to be embodied as a laminate in the same way as the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100.

(226) FIG. 28A shows a window 20 covered by a louver 22, in a schematic plan view in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

(227) FIG. 28B shows a schematic sectional illustration through a slat 21 of the louver 22 as illustrated in FIG. 28A. The slat 21 of the louver 22 is embodied as a flexible luminous means 100, in a manner similar to that described for example in conjunction with FIG. 25.

(228) Preferably, this luminous means 100 comprises a substrate 1 embodied in light-opaque fashion. The substrate 1 can be for example a metallic substrate 1 or a plastic substrate. In particular the slat of a conventional louver can be used as the substrate 1 in this case.

(229) A layer sequence comprising at least a first electrode 2, an organic layer stack 4, a second electrode 3 and an encapsulation 6 is then applied to the slat as the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. The encapsulation is preferably embodied in light-transmissive fashion.

(230) With the louver 22 closed, the slats 21 of the louver 22 are preferably oriented relative to the window 20 in such a way that the light-opaque substrate 1 is directed outward and the light-transmissive encapsulation is directed inward—that is to say into the room. In this way, the louver embodied in such a manner can be used as an illumination device for the room.

(231) For this purpose, the organic layer stack 4 is preferably suitable for generating white light similar to daylight. The organic layer stack 4 can be constructed for example as explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. An illumination which is similar to daylight in terms of emission direction, emission characteristic and light impression is advantageously realized in this way. The room darkened by the louver 22 can in this way be illuminated with a light having a particularly natural appearance. With the aid of such a louver, therefore, a room can for example be outwardly protected from inquisitive looks and at the same be illuminated. Furthermore, it is also possible for the organic layer stack 4 to be suitable for generating colored light. Such a louver can also have a decorative function for example in addition to the darkening function.

(232) FIG. 29A shows, in a schematic plan view, a window 20 covered by a curtain 23 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

(233) FIG. 29B shows the curtain 23 in a schematic sectional illustration.

(234) The curtain is embodied for example as a flexible luminous means 100 such as has been described in conjunction with FIG. 26 or FIG. 27. That is to say that the curtain 23 comprises a flexible substrate 1 formed by a plastic film or a laminate. The substrate 1 is preferably embodied in light-opaque fashion.

(235) The encapsulation of the luminous means 100 is embodied as a light-transmissive film, as a light-transmissive laminate or as a light-transmissive thin-film encapsulation. In this case, the light-opaque substrate is directed toward the window. The light-transmissive encapsulation 6 is directed into the room, away from the window 20.

(236) The curtain 23 can be connected to a power supply 10 for example by a rod 24 or a cable and can be energized by said power supply. A curtain 23 formed in this way enables a room to be illuminated with light which can be very similar to daylight with regard to emission direction, emission characteristic and color.

(237) A further exemplary embodiment of a curtain 23 is described in a schematic sectional illustration in conjunction with FIG. 29C. In this exemplary embodiment, a luminous means 100 is applied to a textile carrier, for example a conventional textile curtain 25. In this case, the luminous means 100 is preferably embodied as a flexible and, if appropriate, light-transmissive luminous means 100 such as has been described for example in conjunction with FIG. 26 or FIG. 27. In this case, the textile material of the curtain 25 faces the window 20, and the luminous means 100 is remote from the window 20.

(238) The luminous means 100 is fixed on the curtain 25 preferably by means of a hook-and-loop connection. For this purpose, a hook-and-loop fastening is for example adhesively bonded on the second main surface 102 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100—in this respect also cf. the exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here that is described in conjunction with FIG. 49. In this way, the luminous means 100 can readily be detached from the textile curtain 25 in order, for example, to wash the textile curtain or to replace a defective luminous means 100 in a particularly simple manner. For the case where the luminous means is embodied in light-transmissive fashion, it advantageously emerges that the curtain remains visible through the luminous means.

(239) FIG. 30 shows, in a schematic plan view, a window 20 covered by a textile curtain 25.

(240) In contrast to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 29C, the luminous means 100 in this exemplary embodiment do not completely cover the textile material, but rather are applied to the curtain in the form of individual smaller applications. In this way, it is possible, for example, to apply luminous means 100 of predeterminable size and form to the textile curtain 25. In this case, the luminous means can form for example stylized stars, moons, hearts or else letterings. A curtain 25 formed in this way is particularly well suited as a nightlight in a child's/children's room, as Christmas lighting or for advertising purposes in a display window. The luminous means 100 is preferably a flexible luminous means embodied in reflective and/or multicolored fashion.

(241) Contact can be made with the individual luminous means 100 via conductor tracks 26. For this purpose, the conductor tracks 26 are fixed to the textile curtain 25 or woven into the curtain 25. The luminous means 100 can in turn be energized via a cable or a rod 24 which is connected to a power supply 10. Furthermore, it is possible for the luminous means 100 each to bear an autonomous power supply such as a battery, for example.

(242) FIG. 31 shows, in a schematic sectional illustration, an exemplary embodiment of a luminous means described here. The luminous means 100 is for example a flexible luminous means 100 such as has been described in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 25, 26 and 27.

(243) An adhesive layer 30 is applied to the second main surface 102 of the substrate 1, remote from the first main surface 101 of the substrate 1. The adhesive layer is covered by a protective film 31. The protective film can be stripped from the adhesive layer 30, such that the adhesive layer 30 can be uncovered by stripping away the protective film 31. As a result, a luminous means 100 is realized which, after simple stripping away of the protective film 31, can be fixed to a predetermined location by being stuck on in the sense of a transfer.

(244) FIG. 32 shows, in a schematic perspective illustration, an item of furniture 33, for example a table, shelving, or generally storage furniture, to which a self-adhesive luminous means 100 in accordance with FIG. 31 is adhesively attached.

(245) On account of the flexibility of the luminous means 100, the luminous means 100 can also be adhesively bonded around edges, rounded portions or rims of the item of furniture 33. As a result of the flexible, self-adhesive luminous means 100 being adhesively attached to the item of furniture 33, an item of furniture is realized which functions as an illumination device 1000.

(246) A flexible luminous means as illustrated in FIG. 31, for example, is shown in the rolled-up state in the schematic perspective illustration in FIG. 33. That is to say that the luminous means 100 is embodied in flexible fashion in such a way that it can be rolled up to form a roll and can be unrolled from a roll 32 in the direction of the arrow 32. This enables, in addition to particularly space-saving storage of the luminous means 100, a particularly simple use of the luminous means 100 for example for adhesive attachment to items of furniture, stair landings, walls, tiles, flags or sanitary fixtures.

(247) FIG. 34A shows an exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 described here, in a schematic plan view.

(248) FIG. 34B shows the illumination device 1000 in a schematic sectional illustration along the sectional line AA′.

(249) The illumination device 1000 in accordance with FIGS. 34A and 34B is a flexible illumination device. In this case, the flexibility of the illumination device 1000 is achieved by virtue of the fact that rigid luminous means 100, that is to say luminous means 100 which have no flexibility per se since they have for example a rigid substrate 1 and/or a rigid encapsulation 6, are embedded into a flexible matrix 40.

(250) The illumination device 1000 comprises two flexible carriers 42, 43, between which the rigid luminous means 100 and the material of the matrix 40 are arranged. At least the carrier 43, through which the luminous means 100 emit the light generated during operation, is light-transmissive. The other carrier 42 can be formed from a light-opaque material, embodied for example in reflective fashion, for instance of a metal film.

(251) The space between the two carriers 42, 43 is filled with the rigid luminous means 100 and a flexible matrix material 40. The light-transmissive matrix material can contain particles of at least one of the following materials: luminescence conversion material, color filter material, diffuser material.

(252) Suitable matrix material includes for example zeonex, polystyrene, polycarbonate or other plastics which can preferably be processed by means of injection molding.

(253) The flexible carrier 42, 43 is for example a plexiglass plate, a plastic film or a plastic-glass-plastic laminate.

(254) In this case, the rigid luminous means 100 can be arranged so close together that—if appropriate through diffuser particles contained in the matrix material—a homogeneous light impression of the illumination device 1000 results. That is to say that individual luminous means 100 are then no longer perceptible by the observer, rather the illumination device 1000 has a single, homogeneous luminous surface.

(255) As an alternative, it is possible for the luminous means 100 to be arranged in a manner spaced far apart from one another such that webs are perceptible between the luminous means. In this case, the space between individual luminous means can be filled with a matrix material comprising light-absorbing particles. The light-absorbing particles can be for example carbon black or particles of dyes.

(256) The conductor tracks 41 connecting the individual luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000 to one another are arranged in the matrix material. This ensures the flexibility of the illumination device. The conductor tracks 41 are formed by thin, metallic springs or thin wires laid in meanders.

(257) The carriers 42, 43 of the illumination device 1000 can be chosen to be load-bearing such that the illumination device 1000 withstands loadings by weights of up to a few hundred kilograms without being damaged. A use of the illumination device 1000 as a floor covering is possible in this way.

(258) In a further exemplary embodiment of the illumination device 1000 as described in conjunction with FIGS. 34A and 34B, at least one of the two carriers of the illumination device 1000 is embodied in rigid fashion. The rigid carrier can have a predeterminable curvature, for example, thus resulting in a three-dimensionally shaped illumination device 1000 which is invariable in its form, that is to say rigid.

(259) All of the luminous means 100 described here can be used for the luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000 as described in conjunction with FIGS. 34A and 34B. In this way, colored, light-transmissive, reflective or multicolored, flexible illumination devices can be produced particularly simply and cost-effectively.

(260) FIG. 35A shows a schematic plan view of a luminous means 100 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here.

(261) FIG. 35B shows a schematic sectional illustration of the luminous means 100 in FIG. 35A along the sectional line AA′.

(262) The luminous means described in conjunction with FIGS. 35A and 35B is a multicolored luminous means.

(263) As illustrated schematically in the plan view in FIG. 35A, the luminous means comprises first and second color subregions arranged laterally alongside one another. The first 50 and second 51 color subregions are suitable for emitting light of different colors. The first color subregion 50 is suitable for emitting light of a first color. The second color subregion 51 is suitable for emitting light of a second color. The first color differs from the second color in this case.

(264) In the exemplary embodiment of the luminous means as described in conjunction with FIG. 35A, the first and second color subregions 50, 51 are arranged in a checkered pattern with respect to one another. That is to say that the first and second color subregions 50, 51 are arranged at the grid points of a square grid in such a way that each first color subregion 50 which is not arranged at the edge of the luminous means 100 has four second color subregions 51 as closest neighbors which laterally adjoin the first color subregion 50. The same correspondingly holds true for the second color subregions 51.

(265) In this case, the color subregions 50, 51 are formed in the manner of pixels of a display. The size of each color subregion is preferably at least 1 mm.sup.2.

(266) As is illustrated in the schematic sectional illustration in FIG. 35B, first and second color subregions 50, 51 can comprise different luminescence conversion materials or different color filter materials which are responsible for the different color impression of the first and second color subregions. Thus, the first color subregions 50 comprise for example a first luminescence conversion material and/or a first color filter material 52. The second color subregions 51 then comprise a second luminescence conversion material and/or a second color filter material 53.

(267) In this case, the luminescence conversion materials and/or the color filter materials can be arranged in a layer of the luminous means which runs parallel to the first main surface 101 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100 and which is arranged in such a way that at least a large part of the electromagnetic radiation generated in the organic layer stack 4 during operation passes through said layer.

(268) In the exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 35B, the luminous means 100 comprises a substrate 1, to which a first electrode is applied. The organic layer stack 4 is applied to that side of the first electrode 2 which is remote from the substrate, said stack comprising at least one organic layer provided for generating light. A second electrode 3 succeeds the organic layer stack 4 on its side remote from the first electrode 2.

(269) The layer comprising the first 52 and second 53 luminescence conversion materials and/or the first and second color filter materials is arranged on that side of the second electrode 3 which is remote from the organic layer stack 4. The luminous means 100 is hermetically encapsulated from the surroundings by an encapsulation 6.

(270) By means of corresponding structuring of the first electrode 2 and/or second electrode 3, it is possible that the color subregions can be driven independently of one another.

(271) The luminous means 100 can be constructed in particular as in one of the other exemplary embodiments described. Flexible, light-transmissive and/or reflective luminous means which have at least two color subregions can thereby be realized in a particularly simple manner.

(272) The materials described further above are suitable for example as first and/or second luminescence conversion materials.

(273) The materials described further above are suitable for example as first and second color filter materials.

(274) For reasons of a simplified illustration, only two different color subregions are illustrated in the exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with FIGS. 35A and 35B. It is possible, however, for the luminous means 100 to have a larger number of different color subregions which are suitable for generating light of different colors in pairs.

(275) In the extreme case, the color of the light of each color subregion differs from the color of the light of any other color subregion of the luminous means. This is illustrated schematically in FIG. 35C, which elucidates a further exemplary embodiment of a multicolored luminous means 100 described here, on the basis of a schematic plan view. In this exemplary embodiment, the luminous means has five different color subregions 50a to 50e which each generate light of different colors in pairs.

(276) FIG. 36 shows a schematic sectional illustration through a luminous means 100 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 as illustrated for example in the schematic plan view in FIG. 35A.

(277) The luminous means described in conjunction with FIG. 36 is a multicolored luminous means.

(278) In the exemplary embodiment of the luminous means 100 in FIG. 36, the materials—that is to say the first 52 and second 53 luminescence conversion materials and/or the first and second color filter materials—are arranged in the encapsulation 6 of the luminous means 100. By way of example, the encapsulation 6 of the luminous means 100 can be formed by a plate or flexible film into which the materials are embedded.

(279) This enables a luminous means 100 in the case of which the desired color impression of the luminous means 100 can be set by the choice of the encapsulation 6. With regard to the remaining elements of the luminous means, the luminous means 100 can be constructed as in one of the exemplary embodiments discussed further above or further below. Flexible, light-transmissive and/or reflective luminous means which have at least two color subregions can thereby be realized in a particularly simple manner. The functional components of the luminous means such as, for example, the first electrode 2 and second electrode 3 and also the organic layer stack 4 can be produced independently of the encapsulation 6.

(280) FIG. 37 shows a schematic sectional illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of a multicolored luminous means 100 described here. In the present case, the active region of the substrate comprises subregions which each correspond to a color subregion. In this exemplary embodiment, the different color subregions 50, 51 of the luminous means 100 are realized by different emitter materials in the organic layer stack. That is to say that the organic layer stack is structured in a lateral direction. First and second color subregions differ at least with regard to an organic layer provided for generating light. The first color subregion 50 comprises a first emitter material, for example, and the second color subregion 51 then comprises a second emitter material, which differs from the first emitter material. With regard to the remaining elements of the luminous means, the luminous means 100 can then be constructed as in one of the other exemplary embodiments. Flexible, light-transmissive and/or reflective luminous means which have at least two color subregions can thereby be realized in a particularly simple manner.

(281) FIG. 38 shows, in a schematic plan view, the first and second electrodes 2, 3 for a further exemplary embodiment of a multicolored luminous means 100. As can be gathered from FIG. 38, the first and second electrodes 2, 3 are each embodied in strip-shaped fashion. In this way, the individual color subregions 50, 51 can be driven independently of one another. In this case, the luminous means 100 is constructed in the manner of a passive matrix display apparatus. The individual color subregions 50, 51 are driven by means of a controller 11, which can be arranged outside the luminous means 100 or is integrated into the luminous means 100. The luminous means 100 is energized by the power supply 10 via the controller 11.

(282) FIG. 39 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a multicolored luminous means 100 described here, in a schematic plan view. In this exemplary embodiment, all the first color subregions 50 and all the second color subregions 51 are in each case connected to one another by electrical connections 54 and 55, respectively. That is to say that, by way of example, all the first color subregions 50 can be driven jointly and simultaneously in this way. Likewise, all the second color subregions 51 can be driven jointly and simultaneously. By contrast, the first and the second color subregions 50, 51 can be driven separately from one another. A luminous means 100 embodied in this way therefore has four operating states: the luminous means can be switched off, such that none of the color subregions generates light, that is to say that none of the color subregions is luminous; all the first color subregions 50 of the luminous means 100 are luminous, and the second color subregions 51 are not luminous, all the second color subregions 51 of the luminous means 100 are luminous, and the first color subregions 50 are not luminous, and the first and the second color subregions 50, 51 are luminous, such that the luminous means 100 emits light of the first and of the second color.

(283) FIG. 40A shows, in a schematic plan view, an exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 described here. The illumination device 1000 comprises a plurality of multicolored luminous means 100 as described for example in conjunction with FIG. 35A, 35B, 35C, 36, 37 or 39.

(284) As can be gathered from the enlargement of the excerpt in FIG. 40B, each luminous means of the illumination device 1000 comprises four color subregions 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d:

(285) The first color subregion 50a is suitable for example for emitting light of green color during the operation of the illumination device 1000.

(286) The second color subregion 50b is suitable for emitting light of red color during the operation of the illumination device 1000.

(287) The third color subregion 50c is suitable for emitting light of blue color during the operation of the illumination device 1000.

(288) The fourth color subregion 50d is suitable for emitting white light during the operation of the illumination device 1000.

(289) In this case, the color subregions of each luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000 can be driven separately and independently of one another. For this purpose, the illumination device 1000 comprises a controller 11, which can contain a microcontroller, for example. The controller 11 is energized by means of the power supply 10.

(290) Optionally, an optical element 60 is disposed downstream of the luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000 at their light-emitting front side 100a. The optical element 60 is preferably a diffuser plate. That is to say that light which radiates through the optical element 60 is scattered by the optical element 60. In this way, during the operation of the illumination device 1000, the individual color subregions are no longer perceptible as separate elements by the observer, rather the illumination device 1000 appears as though it has a single, homogeneous luminous surface. In this case, the luminous surface of the illumination device 1000 is composed of the light-emitting front sides of the luminous means of the illumination device.

(291) The optical element 60 is furthermore preferably suitable for mixing the light generated by the color subregions 50a, 50b, 50c, 50d of the individual luminous means 100. In this way, the illumination device 1000 is suitable for generating not only light of the colors of the individual subregions but also mixed light composed of two or more of these colors. Overall, an illumination device which can be used in a particularly flexible manner and which is suitable in a simple manner for generating light of a multiplicity of different colors is realized in this way.

(292) If the luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000 additionally have at least one color subregion 50d which is suitable for generating white light, then the brightness of the light emitted by the illumination device 1000 can also be set in a particularly simple manner by the energization of this color subregion.

(293) FIG. 41 shows, in a schematic plan view, a further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here. The luminous means 100 has at least two color subregions 51 and 50. The color subregions can be arranged for example in a manner corresponding to the color subregions of the multicolored luminous means described in conjunction with FIGS. 35A, 35B, 35C, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40A, 40B.

(294) In the case of the luminous means 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 41, the first and second color subregions 50, 51 are reverse-connected in parallel with one another. That is to say that if the luminous means 100 is energized in a first direction, for example the first color subregions 50 are connected in the forward direction, such that they generate light of the first color. The second color subregions 51 are then connected in the reverse direction, such that no light is generated in the second color subregions.

(295) By simple reversal of the current direction, in a next time step the second color subregions 51 can be energized in the forward direction, such that light of the second color is generated. The first color subregions 50 are then connected in the reverse direction, such that no light is generated in the first color subregions 50.

(296) In this case, the color subregions 50 can be integrated onto a common substrate. Furthermore, it is also possible for the color subregions to be individual, small luminous means that are reverse-connected in parallel with one another.

(297) Such a luminous means 100 is preferably driven by means of a controller 11 into which a pulse width modulation circuit 12 is integrated. The pulse width modulation circuit 12 is suitable for generating for first time periods current which has a first current direction. For second time periods, the pulse width modulation circuit 12 is suitable for generating current which has a second current direction, which is directed opposite to the first current direction.

(298) The controller 11 of the luminous means 100 can either be integrated into the luminous means 100 or it is arranged outside the luminous means. The luminous means 100 is energized by a power supply 10 via the controller 11.

(299) FIG. 42 shows, in a schematic sectional illustration, a luminous means 100 in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here.

(300) The substrate of the luminous means 100 comprises an active region 5. The active region comprises at least a first electrode 2, an organic layer stack 4 and a second electrode 3.

(301) A photodetector 65 is arranged on the substrate at a distance from the organic layer stack.

(302) The photodetector 65 can be produced for example jointly with the organic layer stack and the electrodes on the active region 5. The photodetector 65 comprises at least a first electrode, a second electrode 3 and a photodetecting layer sequence 66 arranged between the two electrodes. The photodetecting layer sequence 66 comprises an organic material. The photodetecting layer sequence 66 therefore comprises at least one layer which contains an organic material.

(303) In this case, it is possible, in particular, for the photodetector 65 to be constructed in just the same way as the organic layer stack between the two electrodes of the luminous means 100.

(304) The photodetector 65 is provided for detecting the brightness and/or the color locus of the light generated by the active region 5. For this purpose, the photodetector 65 can be connected to a controller 11 comprising a corresponding evaluation circuit. The controller 11 is preferably likewise arranged on the first main surface 101 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. As an alternative, it is possible for the controller 11 to be arranged outside the luminous means 100.

(305) As illustrated in the schematic sectional illustration in FIG. 42, the photodetector 65 and the organic layer stack can be encapsulated by a common encapsulation 6. The encapsulation is one of the encapsulations presented in connection with the luminous means 100 described further above. That is to say that the encapsulation 6 is formed for example by a glass, a plastic film, a plastic-glass-plastic laminate, a metal film, a metallic sheet, a cap or a thin-film encapsulation. The encapsulation 6 and/or the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100 are embodied in light-transmissive fashion.

(306) In conjunction with FIG. 43, a further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means described here is explained with reference to a schematic sectional illustration.

(307) In this exemplary embodiment, a controller 11 is arranged jointly with the organic layer stack of the luminous means 100 on the first main surface 101 of the substrate 1. In this case, the controller 11 can contain an organic material, for example. The controller can then advantageously be produced by means of the same production methods as the active region 5. This enables the luminous means 100 to be produced in a particularly cost-effective manner. The controller 11 is electrically conductively connected to the organic layer stack of the luminous means 100 either via additional electrical leads 9 such as, for example bonding wires 902 or by means of the first and second electrodes 2, 3. The controller 11 is suitable for energizing the active region 5 of the luminous means 100 in a predeterminable manner.

(308) In particular, it is also possible that the controller 11 can be set externally—for example by a user of the luminous means 100. That is to say that a user can set a specific operating state of the luminous means 100 via the controller 11. As is furthermore shown in FIG. 43, the controller 11 and the organic layer stack of the luminous means 100 are encapsulated by a common encapsulation 6. The encapsulation 6 is one of the encapsulations 6 presented in connection with the luminous means 100 described further above. That is to say that the encapsulation 6 is formed for example by a glass, a plastic film, a plastic-glass-plastic laminate, a metal film, a metallic sheet, a cap or a thin-film encapsulation. The encapsulation 6 and/or the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100 are embodied in light-transmissive fashion.

(309) FIG. 44 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here, in a schematic plan view. In this exemplary embodiment of the luminous means, both a photodetector 65, such as was explained in conjunction with FIG. 42, and a controller 11, such as was described in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 43, are arranged jointly on the first main surface 101 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. This enables a particularly compact and autonomous luminous means 100. The photodetector is preferably connected to the controller 11, which is suitable for energizing the organic layer stack of the luminous means 100 depending on measured values determined by the photodetector 65. The measured values can be for example the brightness and/or the color locus of the light generated by the organic layer stack 4 of the luminous means 100. Furthermore, it is possible for the photodetector 65 additionally or alternatively to be provided for detection of the ambient light. In this case, the organic layer stack is also energized in a manner dependent on the ambient brightness.

(310) In the exemplary embodiment of the luminous means 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 44, it is possible, in particular, for the organic layer stack, the photodetector 65 and the controller 11 to contain at least one organic material in each case. These elements of the luminous means 100 can be produced by the same production methods. This enables the luminous means 100 to be produced in a particularly simple and cost-effective manner.

(311) A further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here is explained in conjunction with the schematic sectional illustration in FIG. 45.

(312) In accordance with the exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 45, the organic layer stack 4 comprises—in contrast to some of the exemplary embodiments of the luminous means described further above—a plurality of layers 403, 404, 405 provided for generating light.

(313) Each of these layers provided for generating light forms a color subregion of the luminous means 100. That is to say that the color subregions of the luminous means are arranged vertically one above another in this exemplary embodiment. The different layers provided for generating light preferably differ with regard to their emitter material. The layers are therefore suitable for generating light of mutually different colors during operation of the luminous means. By way of example, the first layer 403 provided for generating light is suitable for generating red light. The second layer 404 is then suitable for generating green light. The fourth layer 405 provided for generating light is suitable for generating blue light.

(314) The following emitter materials are suitable for example for generating light of the specified color:

(315) blue: DPVBi=4,4′-bis(2,2-diphenylethen-1-yl)-diphenyl

(316) blue: SEB-020

(317) green: Irppy=fac-tris(2-phenylpyridyl)iridium complex

(318) red: TER-012

(319) red: DCM2: 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(julolidine-4-ylvinyl)-4H-pyran

(320) The remaining elements of the luminous means 100 such as, for example, the substrate 1, the first electrode 2, the second electrode 3 and the encapsulation 6 are embodied in accordance with one of the other exemplary embodiments of luminous means 100.

(321) FIG. 46 shows the luminous means 100 illustrated in conjunction with FIG. 45, in a schematic perspective diagram. The luminous means is connected to a controller 11 suitable for setting the color of the light generated by the luminous means 100. For this purpose, the controller 100 preferably comprises a pulse width modulation circuit 12. Depending on the electric field strength established upon energization of the luminous means 100 between the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3 in the layer stack 4, it is possible to control the recombination of the charge carriers in the organic layer stack 4 in such a way that the recombination predominantly takes place in a specific, predeterminable layer provided for generating light. That is to say that in this way it is possible for example to effect a setting that the recombination takes place principally in the layer 404 provided for generating light. In this way, predominantly green light is then generated by the luminous means 100.

(322) In this case, the field strength in the organic layer stack 4 can be set by the pulse width modulation circuit 12 of the controller 11. The electric field strength can be regulated for example by means of the pulse duration and the pulse height of the pulse-width-modulated signal.

(323) As illustrated schematically in FIG. 47, the color in the CIE standard chromaticity diagram of the light generated by the luminous means 100 is dependent on whether the pulse width modulation circuit 12 generates a pulse-width-modulated signal having a short pulse duration 20 or the luminous means 100 is energized by means of a continuous current 1210.

(324) In this case, the pulse height of the pulse-width-modulated signal essentially determines the brightness of the light generated by the luminous means 100. That is to say, in summary, that the color and brightness of the light generated by the luminous means 100 can be set by means of the pulse width modulated circuit 12.

(325) The controller 11 can additionally be connected to a photodetector 65. The photodetector 65 is suitable for example, as described in conjunction with FIGS. 42 and 43, for detecting the color locus and/or the brightness of the light generated by the luminous means 100. The setting of a specific color locus of the light generated by the luminous means 100 is then possible by regulation in a manner dependent on the values determined by the photodetector 65. That is to say that the controller 11 comprises a regulating circuit that can set a specific color locus of the light generated by the luminous means 100. In this case, the desired color locus can preferably be predetermined by a user from outside the luminous means.

(326) In conjunction with FIG. 48A, one possibility for use of a multicolored luminous means 100 such as has been described in conjunction with one of the previous exemplary embodiments is explained with reference to a schematic plan view.

(327) In this exemplary embodiment, the luminous means 100 is applied to a textile garment 27. The luminous means 100 is fixed to the garment 27 for example by means of a hook-and-loop fastening 34 arranged at the second main surface 102 of the substrate of the luminous means; in this respect, also see FIG. 49.

(328) As illustrated in a schematic illustration in FIG. 48B, the luminous means 100 is connected to a controller 11, which can comprise a pulse width modulation circuit, for example. The wearer of the garment 27 can set the brightness and color of the light generated by the luminous means 100 by means of the controller 11. Furthermore, it is possible for the controller 11 to be provided for setting the brightness and/or color of the light generated by the luminous means 100 in a manner dependent on measured values determined by the sensor 67.

(329) determining body temperature, pulse rate and/or skin resistance of the wearer of the garment 27.

(330) An increased body temperature can be signaled for example by the generation of red light by the luminous means 100. A low temperature can be signaled by the generation of blue light by the luminous means 100.

(331) Overall, the garment 27 together with the luminous means 100 forms an illumination device in the case of which the garment 27 is provided as the carrier. The power supply 10 of the luminous means 100 can be effected for example by a battery integrated into the garment 27 or the luminous means 100.

(332) The luminous means 100 is used for example as a flirtation indicator. The wearer of the garment 27 comprising the luminous means 100 can then signal his/her willingness to flirt via the setting of the color of the light generated by the luminous means 100.

(333) Furthermore, a use of such a garment 27 comprising luminous means 100 in medical or military applications is also conceivable. The luminous means 100 enables a simple monitoring of specific body functions such as body temperature, skin resistance and pulse rate of the wearer of the garment 27.

(334) FIG. 49 shows, in a schematic sectional illustration, an exemplary embodiment of a luminous means described here. The luminous means 100 is for example a flexible and/or multicolored luminous means 100 such as has been described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments explained further above.

(335) A hook-and-loop fastening 34 is applied to the second main surface 102 of the substrate 1, remote from the first main surface of the substrate 1. The hook-and-loop fastening 34 is for example adhesively bonded onto the second main surface 102 of the substrate 1, remote from the first main surface of the substrate 1. With the hook-and-loop fastening 34, the luminous means 100 is mechanically connected to a textile material, for example a garment 27 or a curtain 25.

(336) In conjunction with FIG. 50, a further possibility for use of a multicolored luminous means such as has been described for example in connection with one of the above figures is explained with reference to a schematic perspective diagram. In this case, the luminous means 100 is fixed to an item 33 of furniture, for example on a table top. The fixing of the luminous means 100 can be effected by means of an adhesive layer for example as explained in conjunction with FIG. 32. The color of the light emitted by the luminous means 100 can be set depending on the user's desire. Such an item 33 of furniture can be used not only for use domestically but also for product presentations.

(337) FIG. 51 shows, in a schematic perspective diagram, the use of multicolored luminous means 100 as room lighting, for example as ceiling or wall luminaires.

(338) Depending on the user's desire, in this way the room can be illuminated with light of a specific color and/or a specific color temperature. In this case, it is possible, in particular, for the multicolored luminous means 100 to be a flexible, light-transmissive and/or reflective luminous means 100.

(339) FIG. 52 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here.

(340) Substrate 1, electrodes 2, 3, organic layer stack 4 and encapsulation 6 of the luminous means 100 are embodied in accordance with any other luminous means described here.

(341) In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 52, electrical connection locations 70 are formed at the second main surface 102 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. In the exemplary embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 42, the connection locations 70 are embodied as connection locations which project from the substrate. The connection locations 70 are connected to the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3 of the substrate for example by means of the electrical leads described further above and serve for making electrical contact with the luminous means 100 from outside the luminous means 100.

(342) Furthermore, the connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 52 serve for mechanical fixing of the luminous means 100 to another luminous means 100 or on a carrier.

(343) FIG. 53 shows a first possibility for the embodiment of the connection locations 70 in the exemplary embodiment of the luminous means 100 as described in conjunction with FIG. 52. In this case, the connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100 are embodied as connection pins 71. The connection pins are embodied in cylindrical fashion, for example. The connection pins are pressed into corresponding connection holes for the contact-connection and fixing of the luminous means 100. Preferably, in this case in addition to the electrical contact-connection, a mechanical fixing of the luminous means 100 also takes place by means of an interference fit.

(344) In conjunction with FIG. 54, a further possibility of the configuration of the connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100 in FIG. 52 is shown in a schematic perspective diagram. In this case, the connection locations 70 are embodied as connection plugs 72. The connection plug in FIG. 54 is embodied in the manner of a jack plug. The connection plug 72 has a first electrically conductive region 76a, which is electrically conductively connected for example to the first electrode 2 of the luminous means 100. Furthermore, the connection plug 72 has a second electrically conductive region 76b, which is electrically conductively connected to the second electrode 3 of the luminous means 100. Electrically insulating regions 77 isolate the two electrically conductive regions 76a, 76b from one another.

(345) In conjunction with FIG. 55, a further possibility of configuration for the connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100 as illustrated in FIG. 52 is shown in a schematic plan view. In this case, the connection location 70 is embodied as a connection plug 72, wherein the electrically conductive regions 76a, 76b are arranged laterally alongside one another. In this case, the conductive regions 76a, 76b are embodied in cylindrical fashion.

(346) An exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here is explained in greater detail with reference to the schematic perspective diagram in FIG. 56.

(347) In contrast to the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 52, in this exemplary embodiment the connection locations 70 are arranged at the side surfaces 105 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. In this case, the connection locations 70 can be embodied as explained in conjunction with FIGS. 53, 54 and 55. That is to say that the connection locations are embodied as connection pins or connection plugs.

(348) The arrangement of the connection locations 70 at the side surfaces 105 of the luminous means as shown in FIG. 56 enables, in a particularly simple manner, the connection and electrical contact-connection of a plurality of luminous means 100 embodied in the same way to form an illumination device having an extended luminous surface. In this case, the luminous surface of the illumination device is composed of the light-emitting front sides of the luminous means of the illumination device.

(349) A further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 is described in conjunction with the schematic perspective diagram in FIG. 57. In this exemplary embodiment, the connection locations 70 are formed at the second main surface 102 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. In this case, the connection locations 70 are formed by cutouts or perforations in the substrate 1.

(350) FIG. 58 shows, in a schematic plan view, a first possibility for the configuration of the connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100 in FIG. 57. In this case, the connection location 70 is embodied as an electrically conductive cutout 73 or contact hole. By pressing in a connection pin as shown in FIG. 53, for example, the luminous means 100 can be electrically contact-connected and mechanically fixed via the electrically conductive cutout.

(351) The schematic plan view in FIG. 59 shows a further exemplary embodiment for the connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 57. In this case, the connection locations 70 are embodied as connection sockets 74. Each connection socket 74 has two electrically conductive regions 76a, 76b which are connected to a respective electrode 2, 3 of the luminous means 100. By way of example, such a connection socket 74 can be electrically contact-connected by means of a connection plug 72 as shown in FIG. 54.

(352) FIG. 60 shows, in a schematic plan view, a further embodiment of the connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100 in FIG. 57. In this case, the electrically conductive regions 76a, 76b are embodied as electrically conductive—for example metallic—coatings of a connection socket which are arranged in the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. In this case, the electrically conductive regions 76a and 76b are arranged laterally alongside one another. By way of example, such a connection socket 74 can be electrically contact-connected by means of a connection plug 72 as shown in FIG. 55.

(353) The schematic perspective diagram in FIG. 61 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here. In contrast to the luminous means described in conjunction with FIG. 57, the connection locations are embodied as cutouts in the side surfaces 105 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. In this case, the concrete configuration of the connection locations 70 can be effected in accordance with the connection locations 70 described in conjunction with FIGS. 58, 59 and 60.

(354) FIG. 62A shows, in a schematic perspective diagram, a further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here. In this exemplary embodiment, the electrical contact-connection and the mechanical fixing of the luminous means are realized by mutually separate elements. The mechanical fixing of the luminous means is effected by means of mechanical connectors 78. In the exemplary embodiment in FIG. 62A, the mechanical connectors are arranged at the second main surface 102 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. The mechanical connectors 78 are embodied as clips which engage into corresponding cutouts in order to fix the luminous means 100.

(355) FIG. 62B shows, in a schematic perspective illustration, a pin connection 75 in an excerpt enlargement.

(356) For the electrical contact-connection of the luminous means, the luminous means 100 has a pin connection 75, which is likewise arranged at the second main surface 102 of the substrate 1. The pin connection 75 comprises a plurality of pins 75a. At least one of the pins 75a makes contact with the first electrode 2, and at least one second pin 75b makes contact with the second electrode 3. Further pins 75c can be provided for example for making contact with a controller 11 integrated into the luminous means 100.

(357) In conjunction with FIG. 63A, a further exemplary embodiment of a luminous means 100 described here is elucidated in a schematic plan view. In this exemplary embodiment, too, the mechanical connectors 78 are arranged separately with respect to the electrical connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100. Both the mechanical connectors 78 and the electrical connection locations 70 are arranged at the side surfaces 105 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100. The excerpt enlargement in FIG. 63B shows a connection location 70. The connection location has for example an electrically conductive cutout 73—for example a contact hole—and also a connection pin 71 such as had been explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 58 and 53, respectively.

(358) FIG. 64 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 described here. The illumination device 1000 comprises at least two luminous means 100. The luminous means 100 have connection locations which are arranged at the side surfaces 105 of the substrate 1 and which are embodied alternately as electrically conductive cutouts 73 and contact pins 71. The contact pins 71 of a first luminous means engage into corresponding electrically conductive cutouts 73 of a second luminous means. The connection of contact pins 71 and electrically conductive cutouts 73 produces both an electrical and a mechanical connection between the luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000.

(359) The mechanical connection between two respective luminous means 100 is imparted by an interference fit, for example. For this purpose, the diameter of each contact pin 71 is chosen to be equal to or greater than or equal to the diameter of each electrically conductive cutout 73. By press-fitting the contact pin 71 into the corresponding electrically conductive cutout 73, a mechanical connection is imparted which can be released again only by a large mechanical force being applied.

(360) As an alternative, the connection locations can be embodied as contact plugs—such as have been described in conjunction with FIGS. 54 and 55—and as corresponding connection sockets—such as have been described in conjunction with FIGS. 59 and 60. This enables an electrical and mechanical connection of the luminous means 100. In this case, the mechanical connection of the luminous means 100 can be released by a relatively low mechanical force being applied. This permits a particularly simple replacement of a defective luminous means 100 from the illumination device 1000.

(361) In conjunction with FIGS. 66 and 65, a further exemplary embodiment of the illumination device 1000 is described with reference to schematic perspective diagrams. In this exemplary embodiment, the luminous means 100 are applied to a carrier embodied as a carrier grid 81. The carrier grid 81 has connection locations 82 embodied as contact holes, for example, such as have been described in greater detail in conjunction with FIG. 58. As an alternative, the contact locations 82 can be embodied as connection sockets such as have been explained in greater detail in conjunction with FIGS. 59 and 60.

(362) Contact pins 71 or contact plugs 72 such as have been described in conjunction with FIGS. 53, 54 and 55 form the connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100. The connection locations 70 engage into corresponding connection locations 82 of the carrier grid 81. Preferably, a multiplicity of luminous means 100 are electrically contact-connected and mechanically fixed on the carrier grid 81. The illumination device 1000 is supplied with the operating current required for operation of the luminous means 100 by a power supply 10.

(363) A further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 described here is explained in conjunction with FIGS. 69 and 65. In this exemplary embodiment, the illumination device 1000 has a carrier plate 80 comprising a multiplicity of connection locations 82. Corresponding connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100 engage into the connection locations 82 of the carrier plate 80. For the case where the connection locations 70 of the luminous means are embodied as connection pins 71 or connection plugs 72, the connection locations 82 of the carrier plate are embodied as electrically conductive cutouts 73 or connection sockets 74. For the case where the connection locations 70 of the luminous means 100 are embodied as electrically conductive cutouts 73 or connection sockets 74, the connection locations 82 of the carrier plate 80 are embodied as connection pins 71 or connection plugs 72.

(364) The illumination device 1000 such as has been described in conjunction with FIGS. 67 and 65 is energized by a power supply 10.

(365) In conjunction with FIG. 68, a further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 described here is elucidated in a schematic perspective illustration. The illumination device 1000 has a carrier embodied in the form of a cable or rod system. The cable or rod system comprises at least two cables or rods 83 which are composed of an electrically conductive material and which run substantially parallel to one another. The luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000 are energized via the cables or rods 83.

(366) For the mechanical fixing and electrical contact-connection at the cables or rods 83, the luminous means 100 has two connection locations embodied as connection rails 84, which are arranged at mutually opposite side surfaces 105 of the substrate 1 of the luminous means 100.

(367) The connection rails 84 are embodied in the manner of cut-open cylinders. The connection rails 84 extend over the entire length of the side surface 105 of the substrate 1 to which they are fixed.

(368) The connection rails 84 engage into the cables or rods 83 of the carrier of the illumination device 1000 preferably so loosely that the luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000 can be displaced along the cables or the rods 83 by application of a relatively low mechanical force. A particularly simple positioning of the luminous means 100 along the cables or rods 83 is possible in this way. The luminous means 100 can even be displaced along the cables or rods 83 during operation of the illumination device 1000. Overall, this permits an illumination device 1000 which can be used particularly flexibly.

(369) In conjunction with FIG. 69, an exemplary embodiment for the interconnection of luminous means 100 of an illumination device 1000 described here is explained with reference to a schematic circuit diagram. In this exemplary embodiment, the luminous means 100 are connected in parallel with one another. The luminous means 100 are supplied with operating voltage for example by a voltage source 10. In this case, it is possible for the luminous means 100 each to comprise an integrated controller 11.

(370) In conjunction with FIG. 70, a further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 described here is explained with reference to a schematic circuit diagram. In this case, the luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000 are connected in series with one another. In this case, the luminous means 100 are supplied with the necessary operating current by a current source 10. In this case, it is possible for the current source 10 to be suitable for the self-identification of the number of luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000. The luminous means 100 can furthermore comprise an integrated controller 11 such as has been described further above.

(371) The identification of the luminous means 100 can be effected for example by a measurement of the current intensity or voltage. In this case, the possible failure of one or a plurality of luminous means 100 can also be detected during operation.

(372) A further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 described here is explained in conjunction with FIG. 71. In this case, the luminous means 100 are equipped with a controller 11 such as has been described further above. A further controller 11a of the illumination device 1000 supplies the luminous means 100 with the required operating current and also control signals for the controllers 11 of the luminous means 100.

(373) In conjunction with FIG. 72, a further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 described here is explained with reference to a schematic perspective illustration. The illumination device 1000 has a multiplicity of luminous means 100 which are either directly connected to one another by means of the connection and connecting techniques described above or which are applied to a carrier in the manner described above and are electrically connected thereto.

(374) An optical element 60 is disposed downstream of the luminous means 100 at their light-emitting front side, said optical element being formed by a diffuser plate, for example. The optical element can be formed for example by a light-transmissive plate—for example a glass plate—into which light-scattering particles are introduced. As an alternative, it is possible for the surface of the radiation-transmissive plate to be roughened, such that a diffuse scattering of the light passing through takes place on account of light refraction in the course of passing through the plate. The light from the luminous means 100 is scattered by the diffuser plate in such a way that the individual luminous means are no longer separately perceptible by the observer. A large-area illumination device 1000 having a particularly large, homogeneous luminous surface is realized in this way. In this case, the luminous surface of the illumination device is composed of the light-emitting front sides of the luminous means of the illumination device.

(375) In conjunction with FIG. 73, a further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 is illustrated with reference to a schematic perspective diagram. The illumination device 1000 can be used for example as a sealing luminaire. The illumination device 1000 comprises a plurality of luminous means 100, which either are electrically and mechanically connected to one another by connection locations at the side surfaces 105 of the substrates 1 of the luminous means 100 as described above or which are fixed and electrically contact-connected by means of rods or cables 83.

(376) A further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 is described in conjunction with the schematic perspective illustration in FIG. 74. The illumination device 1000 comprises a base in which the power supply 10 and also a driving apparatus 11 are integrated. The luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000 are mechanically fixed and electrically contact-connected by means of rods 83. The luminous means described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments above can once again be used as luminous means 100.

(377) The illumination device 1000 described in conjunction with FIG. 74 is particularly well suited as a standard or table lamp.

(378) In conjunction with FIG. 75, a display apparatus 1010 is explained in greater detail with reference to a schematic perspective illustration. The display apparatus 1010 comprises an illumination device 1000 as backlighting for an imaging element 90. The imaging element 90 is an LCD panel, for example. The LCD panel is backlit directly by the illumination device 1000. That is to say that the imaging element 90 is disposed downstream of the illumination device 1000 in such a way that a large part of the light generated by the illumination device 1000 during operation impinges on the imaging element 90 and backlights the latter.

(379) The illumination device 1000 used here as a backlighting apparatus is embodied for example in accordance with one of the other exemplary embodiments described here. In this case, the illumination device comprises at least two luminous means 100 as described here.

(380) For homogenizing the light provided for backlighting, it is furthermore possible for an optical element 60 to be arranged between the imaging element 90 and the light-emitting front side of the luminous means 100 of the illumination device 1000, said optical element then preferably being embodied as a diffuser plate. The optical element can be formed for example by a light-transmissive plate—for example a glass plate—into which light-scattering particles are introduced. As an alternative, it is possible for the surface of the radiation-transmissive plate to be roughened, such that a diffuse scattering of the light passing through takes place on account of light refraction in the course of passing through the plate. The light from the luminous means 100 of the illumination device is scattered by the diffuser plate in such a way that the individual luminous means are no longer imaged separately onto the imaging element 90. A large-area illumination device 1000 having a particularly large, homogeneous luminous surface for backlighting the imaging element 90 is realized in this way.

(381) In conjunction with FIG. 76, an exemplary embodiment of a coarse-grained display 95 is explained in greater detail with reference to a schematic plan view. The coarse-grained display is embodied as an illumination device comprising a carrier plate 80, to which a plurality of luminous means 100 are applied. The luminous means 100 are arranged for example in the manner of a seven-segment display. By energizing specific luminous means 100, a coarse-grained display 95 suitable for representing numerals is realized in this way.

(382) FIG. 77 shows a bathroom with luminous means 100 embodied as tiles. The luminous means 100 are embodied for example in accordance with one of the exemplary embodiments described further above. They are adhesively bonded by the second main surface 102 of the substrate 1 onto conventional sanitary tiles, by way of example. A power supply of these luminous means can be effected by means of induction, for example. In this case, it is possible to dispense with electrical conductor tracks for the connection of the luminous means 100. Therefore, these luminous means are particularly well suited to use in the sanitary sector since the risk of a short circuit on account of moisture is reduced.

(383) A luminous means which is energized by means of induction is disclosed for example in the document DE 102006025115, the disclosure content of which with regard to the construction of such a luminous means is hereby incorporated by reference.

(384) FIG. 78 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device 1000 comprising a luminous means 100 and a second light source 370 in accordance with one exemplary embodiment. In the present case, the second light source 370 used is an incandescent lamp that is introduced into a mount of a carrier 371. A halogen lamp, for example, could also be used instead of an incandescent lamp as the second light source 370. The incandescent lamp is embodied in such a way that it emits white light having a color locus in the warm white region of the CIE standard chromaticity diagram during operation. By contrast, the luminous means is embodied in such a way that it emits light from the cold white region of the CIE standard chromaticity diagram during operation. In the present case, the luminous means 100 is embodied such that it is flexible and transmissive to visible light. The luminous means 100 is arranged as a cylindrical lampshade around the incandescent lamp in such a way that a large part of the light emitted by the second light source passes through the luminous means. In this way, mixed-colored light comprising light from the luminous means 100 and light from the second light source 370 is emitted during operation of the illumination device.

(385) Furthermore, the luminous means 100 and the second light source 370 are embodied in dimmable fashion, such that the proportion of the light from the incandescent lamp and the proportion of the light from the luminous means 100 in the mixed-colored light can be varied. Depending on the proportion of the light from the incandescent lamp and of the light from the luminous means, the color locus can be regulated from cold white to warm white by means of a regulator 372 in the mount of the illumination device. The illumination device in accordance with FIG. 78 is therefore a color-variable illumination device.

(386) FIG. 79 shows a schematic perspective illustration of a further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 comprising a luminous means 100 and a second light source 370. The illumination device is provided for being fixed to the wall. The second light source 370 is a lava lamp. The lava lamp comprises wax introduced into a carrier liquid. During operation of the lava lamp, wax and carrier liquid are heated from one side, generally from below, such that the carrier liquid circulates in the lamp on account of convection. Furthermore, the wax forms decorative shapes within the carrier liquid on account of the heating. The carrier liquid generally has a different color than the wax, such that the lava lamp emits mixed-colored light comprising components of the color of the wax and components of the color of the carrier liquid.

(387) In the present case, the lava lamp is embodied in substantially cylindrical fashion and is fixed to the wall. The luminous means 100 is embodied in flexible fashion and is arranged as a half cylinder jacket around the lava lamp in such a way that the light which is emitted by the lava lamp and which does not radiate to the wall essentially passes through the luminous means. The luminous means 100 furthermore preferably emits light of a color which is not comprised by the light from the lava lamp. The luminous means can furthermore be embodied in dimmable fashion, for example, such that the hue of the light which is emitted by the illumination device can be altered in color by dimming the luminous means. In this way, a color-variable illumination device is obtained which can bring about particularly impressive color effects. Furthermore, it is possible for the lava lamp also to be dimmable.

(388) FIG. 80A shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device in accordance with a further exemplary embodiment. FIG. 80B shows a sectional illustration of the illumination device in FIG. 80A.

(389) The illumination device in accordance with FIGS. 80A and 80B is likewise a color-variable illumination device 1000. The latter comprises a plurality of LEDs 380, mounted onto a carrier 381, as further, second light sources 370. The LEDs 380 emit light of a first color. Arranged above the LEDs is a milky glass pane as optical element 60, through which the light from the LEDs passes during the operation of the illumination device in such a way that the milky glass pane emits colored scattered light of the first color from its front side. Preferably, the milky glass pane scatters the light from the LEDs in such a way that an observer positioned in front of the glass pane perceives a uniform luminous surface.

(390) The milky glass pane furthermore serves as a substrate 1 for a luminous means 100 which emits light of a further, second color, which is different from the first color, and is embodied as transmissive to visible light. The milky glass pane has an active region, to which is applied a first electrode, which is transmissive to visible light.

(391) The organic layer stack 4, which is likewise embodied as transmissive to visible light, is applied to the first electrode 2. The organic layer stack 4 emits light of a second color, which is different from the first color. A second electrode 3, which is likewise transmissive to visible light, is applied on the organic layer stack 4. First and second electrodes 2, 3, which are transmissive to visible light, have been described for example with reference to FIG. 2A. A glass pane as encapsulation 6 is applied to the second electrode 3, for example by adhesive bonding. The glass pane serving as encapsulation 6 is embodied in clear fashion, in contrast to the glass pane serving as substrate 1.

(392) An illumination device in accordance with FIGS. 80A and 80B can be used for example as floor lighting in bars or of dance floors. Furthermore, such color-variable illumination devices embodied as color-variable light tiles can also be used for medical purposes in light therapy.

(393) FIG. 81 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000, in the case of which at least one further light source is used alongside a luminous means 100. In the present case, the luminous means 100 is embodied in rigid and planar fashion. Two cold cathode lamps are arranged as second light sources 370 centrally within the front side of the luminous means. Such an element can be used as a ceiling element, for example.

(394) FIG. 82 shows a further exemplary embodiment of an illumination device 1000 comprising a luminous means and a second light source. In the present case, the luminous means 100 is embodied in rigid fashion like the luminous means in accordance with FIG. 81. An LED module 390 is arranged centrally in the front side of the luminous means, said LED module comprising a carrier element, on which four light-emitting diodes 380 are arranged. Advantageously, in the case of the illumination device 1000, point light sources—namely the LEDs of the LED module 390—are combined with a planar light source—the luminous means 100. In this way, the user of the illumination device 1000 can choose between different operating states and combine them with one another.

(395) FIG. 83 shows a schematic perspective illustration of an illumination device 1000 comprising a luminous means 100 and a second luminous source. In the present case, the luminous means 100 is embodied as transmissive to visible light and emits light of a first color. An organic light-emitting diode, which emits light of a second color, is used as the second light source 370. The organic light-emitting diode has a radiation-emitting front side, on which the luminous means is arranged. During the operation of the illumination device, the light from the organic light-emitting diode penetrates through the luminous means 100, such that the illumination device 1000 emits mixed-color light comprising light from the luminous means and light from the second light source. In the present case, the luminous means 100 and the organic light-emitting diode are controlled by a common controller 11.

(396) FIGS. 84A and 84B show an exemplary embodiment of a storage element AM100 and FIG. 84C shows an exemplary embodiment of storage furniture AM1000 comprising the storage element AM100. In this case, FIGS. 84A and 84B show two schematic sectional illustrations of the storage element AM100. In this case, the illustration in FIG. 84A is a sectional illustration of the storage element AM100 along the sectional plane A2 in FIG. 84B, as seen from the side having the layer AM5, while the illustration in FIG. 84B is a sectional illustration of the storage element AM100 along the sectional plane A1 in FIG. 84A. FIG. 84C shows a schematic sectional illustration of the storage furniture AM1000, wherein the sectional plane shown in the illustration corresponds to that sectional plane in FIG. 84B. For the sake of a better overview, the arrangement of the storage element AM100 in the storage furniture AM1000 is identified by the dashed region in FIG. 84C. The following description relates equally to all the FIGS. 84A to 84C.

(397) In accordance with the exemplary embodiment shown, the storage element AM100 of the storage furniture AM1000 can have a substrate AM1, on which a radiation-emitting component embodied as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) AM11 is applied. The radiation-emitting component can also be, in particular, a luminous means according to at least one of the exemplary embodiments described here.

(398) On the side lying opposite the OLED AM11, the substrate has a storage surface AM10. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous if the substrate AM1 has a sufficient thickness and strength, such that the storage element AM100 has a sufficient stability and strength when articles are arranged on the storage surface AM10. For this purpose, it may additionally be advantageous if the substrate AM1 furthermore comprises supporting structures that can be used to achieve an increase in the stability and strength.

(399) The OLED AM11 has a first electrode AM3 on the substrate AM1. A layer sequence AM2 comprising at least one organic layer can be formed on the first electrode AM3, wherein the layer sequence AM2 has an active region suitable for emitting electromagnetic radiation by means of electroluminescence during operation. A second electrode AM4 is applied above the layer sequence AM2. By way of example, in this case the first electrode AM3 can be embodied as an anode and the second electrode AM4 as a cathode. A further layer AM5 can be applied above the second electrode, which further layer can serve as encapsulation of the OLED AM11, for example. In particular, the substrate AM1 and the layer AM5 can ensure protection of the OLED AM11 against damaging influences from outside such as, for instance, moisture or oxygen or mechanical impairments. As an alternative, in the case of this and also in the case of the following exemplary embodiments, the radiation-emitting component can be embodied as an inorganic electroluminescent film.

(400) The substrate AM1 and the first electrode AM3 can preferably be embodied in transparent fashion, such that the electromagnetic radiation generated by the active region of the layer sequence AM2 can be emitted via the storage surface AM10. For this purpose, the substrate AM1 can preferably comprise glass or be composed of glass. As an alternative or in addition, the substrate AM10 can comprise a transparent plastic or be composed of transparent plastic or comprise or be a layer sequence or a laminate composed of glass and/or transparent plastic layers. The transparency of the substrate AM1 and of the first electrode AM3 enables articles placed on the storage surface AM10 to be illuminated from below, that is to say from the storage surface AM10.

(401) As an alternative or in addition, the second electrode AM4 and the layer AM5 can also be embodied in transparent fashion, such that that side of the layer AM5 which is remote from the OLED AM11 can be embodied as an exit surface for the electromagnetic radiation. As a result, it can be possible, for example, for articles which are arranged below the storage element AM100 to be illuminated from above, for example articles which are situated on a further storage element arranged below this storage element AM100. In this case, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, the first electrode AM3 and the second electrode AM4 can be embodied in planar fashion, such that a large-area emission of the electromagnetic radiation can be made possible. For this purpose, the layer AM5 can preferably comprise glass and/or transparent plastic or be composed of glass or transparent plastic and can furthermore also be embodied as a laminate or layer sequence comprising glass and/or transparent plastic layers.

(402) Furthermore, the storage element AM100 has electrical contacts AM31, AM41, which can be electrically conductively connected respectively to the first and second electrodes AM3, AM4 respectively by means of electrical lines AM32, AM42. Furthermore, the regions AM9 can be embodied as holding elements in the form of bearing surfaces which, as shown here, comprise the electrical contacts AM31, AM41.

(403) The storage furniture AM1000 furthermore has holding apparatuses AM7, which can have holding parts AM6 embodied as backing surfaces. The holding parts AM6, together with the holding elements AM9 of the storage element AM100, said holding elements being embodied as bearing surfaces, for example, can enable a mountability of the storage element AM100 at the holding apparatus AM7. In this case, the holding apparatus AM7 can be embodied for example as cupboard or shelving walls, supporting posts, or struts, or as parts thereof, which have suitable holding parts AM6. In particular, the holding parts AM6 can comprise electrical lead contacts AM8, which are electrically conductively connected to the electrical contacts AM31, AM41 of the storage element AM100. The electrically conductive connection between the electrical contacts AM31, AM41 and the electrical lead contacts AM8 can be made possible for example by the mechanical contact of the electrical contacts AM31, AM41—embodied as plane surfaces in each case—and electrical lead contacts AM8. As an alternative or in addition, the electrical contacts AM31, AM41 and/or the electrical lead contacts AM8 can be embodied for example as spring elements or plug connections in order to enable an improved electrically conductive connection. The storage element AM10 and the holding apparatuses AM7 can additionally have still further holding elements and holding parts, respectively, such as, for instance, screw connections or clamps (not shown), for example, in order to ensure an increased stability of the storage furniture AM1000.

(404) By means of the electrical lead contacts AM8 integrated into the holding parts AM6, the first electrical contacts AM31, AM41 can be connected to a current and/or voltage supply. Further electronic or electrotechnical elements for the start-up and control of the OLED AM11 can be integrated in the holding apparatuses 7, for example.

(405) By means of the integration of the OLED AM11 into the storage element AM100 by means of the arrangement of the OLED AM11 between the substrate AM11, which simultaneously has the storage surface AM10, and the layer AM5, it is thus possible to realize storage furniture AM1000 comprising a storage element AM100 which, in conjunction with a compact design, enables a large-area emission surface via the storage surface AM10 and/or via that side of the layer AM5 which lies opposite the OLED.

(406) As an alternative or in addition, the OLED AM11 can comprise further layers such as, for instance, a suitable carrier substrate. As a result, it can be possible, for example, that the OLED AM11 with the first and second electrodes AM3, AM4 and the layer sequence AM2 is applied on the carrier substrate and can be arranged together with the carrier substrate on the substrate AM1.

(407) As an alternative, the layer AM5 can also comprise a carrier substrate, to which the OLED is applied.

(408) The exemplary embodiment of a storage element AM200 as shown in FIG. 85 represents a modification of the exemplary embodiment in accordance with the preceding figures and shows an organic light-emitting component in the storage element AM200 comprising a first electrode AM3 embodied in planar fashion with two electrical contacts AM311, AM312, which are electrically conductively connected to the first electrode AM3 by means of electrical lines AM321, AM322. Furthermore, the second electrode is structured as parallel strips AM401, AM402 arranged alternately above the active layer sequence AM2, wherein the parallel strips AM401 are electrically conductively connected to the electrical contact AM411 by means of the electrical line AM421 and the parallel strips AM402 are connected to the electrical contact AM412 by means of the electrical line AM422. The second electrode can thus have partial regions AM401 and AM402 with which contact can be made independently of one another. In particular, it can thereby be made possible that the regions of the active region of the layer sequence AM2 of the OLED AM11 which are respectively arranged between the partial regions AM401, AM402 of the second electrode and of the first electrode AM3 can emit electromagnetic radiation independently of one another. In this case, by way of example, the active region of the OLED AM11 can also be structured, such that that partial region of the OLED AM11 which is arranged between the partial region AM401 of the second electrode and the first electrode AM3 can emit an electromagnetic radiation having a first spectrum and that partial region of the OLED which is arranged between the partial region AM402 of the second electrode AM4 and the first electrode AM3 can emit an electromagnetic radiation having a second spectrum, wherein the first and the second spectrum can be different. By applying a current and/or a voltage between at least one of the electrical contacts AM311, AM312 and in each case one of the electrical contacts AM411 and AM412 or both, three different operating states with different luminous impressions can thus be made possible for an observer. By way of example, the first spectrum can have one or a plurality of wavelengths in the blue spectral range and the second spectrum can have one or a plurality of wavelengths in the yellow or orange spectral range, such that by means of the three operating states for example a blue, a yellow or orange and also, upon superimposition of the blue with the yellow or orange luminous impression, a white-colored luminous impression can be made possible for an observer.

(409) As an alternative, the first electrode can also be structured while the second electrode can be embodied in planar fashion, or both electrodes are shaped as large-area electrode surfaces. In particular, an electrode can have any desired and suitable structuring, for example also in the form of pictograms, in order to enable not only the luminous impression but also a pictorial impression for an observer.

(410) Particularly preferably, the storage element AM200 has holding elements (not shown) comprising the electrical contacts AM311, AM312, AM411, AM412. Such holding elements can be for example bearing surfaces, openings, holes and parts of screw, plug, or clamping connections. A suitable holding apparatus can then have corresponding holding parts which, in particular, can also advantageously have electrical lead contacts.

(411) The exemplary embodiment of a storage element AM300 as shown in FIG. 86 shows as further modification with respect to the preceding exemplary embodiments for a storage element not only the second electrode structured into partial regions AM401, AM402 comprising parallel strips but also the first electrode structured into partial regions AM301, AM302 comprising parallel strips. In this case, the partial regions AM301, AM302 can respectively be electrically conductively connected to electrical contacts AM311, AM312 by means of electrical lines AM321, AM322. In this case, the first electrode can have parallel strips AM301, AM302, which are for example perpendicular to the parallel strips AM401, AM402 of the second electrode. The OLED can thus have for example pixel-like partial regions which are given by parallel-connected crossover points of the electrode partial regions AM301, AM302 and AM401, AM402. In particular, in the case of this exemplary embodiment, the layer sequence AM2 or at least the active region of the layer sequence AM2 of the OLED can be structured such that, by applying a current and/or a voltage between one or both partial regions AM301, AM302 of the first electrode and one or both partial regions AM401, AM402 of the second electrode, by means of different emission spectra and the mixed spectra thereof, different operating states with different luminous impressions can be realized for an observer. By way of example, by applying a voltage and/or a current respectively between the electrical contacts AM311 and AM411, AM312 and AM411, AM311 and AM412 and AM312 and AM412, a checkered luminous impression can respectively be made possible for an observer, whereas by applying a voltage and/or current between the electrical contacts AM311 and AM312 and one of the electrical contacts AM411 and AM412 and between one of the electrical contacts AM311 or AM312 and the electrical contacts AM411 and AM412, an observer can be given in each case a luminous impression of pixel-like partial regions arranged in a line-like manner. By applying a voltage and/or a current between all the contacts of the first and second electrodes, a planar luminous impression can be made possible for an observer.

(412) Furthermore, by way of example, a diffuser plate can also be disposed downstream of the organic radiation-emitting component in the beam path of the emitted electromagnetic radiation, such that a more homogeneous and more planar luminous impression of the different operating states described above can be made possible for an observer.

(413) In particular the form, the size and the distance between the structured partial regions of the first and second electrodes in each case can be chosen in accordance with the desired luminous impression and is shown purely by way of example in the exemplary embodiments above.

(414) The exemplary embodiment of a storage element AM400 in accordance with FIG. 87 shows for example a plan view of the storage element comprising an organic radiation-emitting component comprising first electrodes AM301, AM302 and second electrodes AM401, AM402 and a layer sequence AM2 having an active region, which are arranged only in edge regions of the substrate AM1. As a result, by way of example, articles which are arranged on the storage surface AM10 and/or below the storage element AM400 can be illuminated from the side. In particular, an emission surface for this purpose can additionally have optical structures by means of which the electromagnetic radiation can preferably be emitted into the spatial region between the partial regions AM301, AM401 and AM302, AM402 of the first and second electrodes.

(415) The exemplary embodiments of a structuring of the first and/or of the second electrode which are shown in the preceding figures, in particular those in FIGS. 85 to 87, should be understood to be purely by way of example and non-limiting. In particular, the first and/or the second electrode can comprise more than two partial regions AM301, AM302 and/or AM401, AM402, respectively, and accordingly also more than two electrical contacts AM311, AM312 and/or AM411, AM412, respectively. In particular, the form and arrangement of the electrical contacts and/or of the holding elements can also deviate from the forms and arrangements shown.

(416) FIG. 88 shows an exemplary embodiment of storage furniture AM2000 comprising storage elements AM101, AM102. In this case, for the sake of an overview, the storage elements AM101, AM102 are only indicated by the dashed regions and can be embodied for example in accordance with one of the preceding exemplary embodiments.

(417) The storage furniture AM2000 has four holding apparatuses AM7 embodied as vertical posts or struts. Furthermore, in further exemplary embodiments of the invention, the holding apparatuses AM7 can also be parts of furniture walls. The holding apparatuses AM7 can have holding parts AM6 suitable for mounting the storage elements AM101, AM102 onto the holding apparatuses AM7. In this regard, the storage elements AM101, AM102 can have holding elements suitable for this purpose (not shown in FIG. 88). Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the holding parts AM6 comprise electrical lead contacts (not shown in FIG. 88) which enable electrical contact to be made with the organic radiation-emitting components of the storage elements AM101, AM102 by means of the electrical contacts AM311, AM312, AM411, AM412 thereof (not shown in FIG. 88).

(418) The exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 89A to 89E show, in a plan view, examples of the number and arrangement of electrical contacts and/or holding elements on storage elements AM101 and of electrical lead contacts and/or holding parts in holding apparatuses AM7 for storage furniture. In this case, the arrows identify the type of arrangement of the storage elements AM101 in the holding apparatuses AM7, which, for the sake of clarity, are illustrated as spatially separated from one another. By way of example, the arrows can represent the fact that the storage element is pushed into the relevant holding apparatus, in which case, if appropriate, a fixed mounting can then additionally be effected. In this case, the reference symbols AM51 to AM55 can identify both electrical contacts, holding elements and also holding elements which comprise electrical contacts. Likewise, the reference symbols AM711 to AM715 can identify both electrical leads, holding parts and also holding parts which comprise electrical leads. Furthermore, sizes, distances, positions and number of the electrical contacts and/or holding elements AM51 to AM55 and of the electrical lead contacts and/or holding parts AM711 to AM715 are shown purely by way of example.

(419) A holding apparatus AM7 can be for example one or a plurality of furniture walls, a frame, vertical or horizontal struts, wall-mountable struts, wall-mountable holding frames, or parts thereof, which can be suitable for holding a storage element AM101 in such a way that the storage surface of the storage element AM101 is substantially parallel to a floor on which the holding apparatus AM7 can be installed, or substantially perpendicular to a wall at which the holding apparatus can be fitted or mounted.

(420) By way of example, holding elements AM51, AM52 and/or holding parts AM711, AM712 can be embodied as rails or parts of a rail system, as shown in FIG. 89A. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 89B, by way of example, a further holding element AM53 can be embodied as a bearing surface and a further holding part AM713 can be embodied as a backing surface. If the holding elements AM51, AM52, AM53 comprise electrical contacts and the holding parts AM711, AM712, AM713 comprise electrical lead contacts, the exemplary embodiment shown can be suitable for example for a storage element AM400 in accordance with FIG. 87. The further exemplary embodiments in accordance with FIGS. 89C to 89E show further possibilities comprising at least four holding elements/electrical contacts and/or at least four holding parts/electrical lead contacts.

(421) In particular, it is possible for some holding parts and/or holding elements to have electrical contacts and/or electrical lead contacts, respectively, and for others not to have them.

(422) The invention is not restricted by the description on the basis of the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses any new feature and also any combination of features, but in particular comprises any combination of features in the patent claims, even if these features or this combination itself is not explicitly specified in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments.

(423) Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.