Plasma display panel

A plasma display panel. A first substrate and a second substrate are provided opposing one another with a predetermined gap therebetween. Address electrodes are formed on the second substrate. Barrier ribs are mounted between the first substrate and the second substrate, the barrier ribs defining a plurality of discharge cells and a plurality of non-discharge regions. Phosphor layers are formed within each of the discharge cells. Discharge sustain electrodes are formed on the first substrate. The non-discharge regions are formed in areas encompassed by discharge cell abscissas and ordinates that pass through centers of each of the discharge cells. Further, each of the discharge cells is formed such that ends thereof increasingly decrease in width along a direction the discharge sustain electrodes are formed as a distance from a center of the discharge cells is increased along a direction the address electrodes are formed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korea Patent Applications No. 2003-0000088 filed on Jan. 2, 2003, No. 2003-0045202 filed on Jul. 4, 2003, No. 2003-0045200 filed on Jul. 4, 2003, No. 2003-0050278 filed on Jul. 22, 2003, No. 2003-0052598 filed on Jul. 30, 2003, and No. 2003-0053461 filed on Aug. 1, 2003, all in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the contents of which are both incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also related to:

(a) commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/746,540 entitled “Plasma Display Panel” filed on Dec. 23, 2003, which claims priority to and the benefit of Korea Patent Applications No. 2003-0000088 filed on Jan. 2, 2003 and No. 2003-0045202 filed on Jul. 4, 2003; and

(b) commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/746,541 entitled “Plasma Display Panel” filed on Dec. 23, 2003 which claims priority to and the benefit of Korea Patent Application No. 2002-0084984 filed on Dec. 27, 2002, Korea Patent Application No. 2003-0050278 filed on Jul. 22, 2003 and Korea Patent Application No. 2003-0052598 filed on Jul. 30, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a plasma display panel (PDP), and more particularly, to a plasma display panel having a barrier rib structure between two substrates that defines discharge cells into independent units.

(b) Description of the Related Art

A PDP is typically a display device in which ultraviolet rays generated by the discharge of gas excite phosphors to realize predetermined images. As a result of the high resolution possible with PDPs (even with large screen sizes), many believe that they will become a major, next generation flat panel display configuration.

In a conventional PDP, with reference toFIG. 25, address electrodes101are formed along one direction (axis X direction in the drawing) on rear substrate100. Dielectric layer103is formed over an entire surface of rear substrate100on which address electrodes101are located such that dielectric layer103covers address electrodes101. Barrier ribs105are formed on dielectric layer103in a striped pattern and at locations corresponding to between address electrodes101. Formed between barrier ribs105are red, green, and blue phosphor layers107.

Formed on a surface of front substrate110facing rear substrate100are discharge sustain electrodes114. Each of the discharge sustain electrodes114includes a pair of transparent electrodes112and a pair of bus electrodes113. Transparent electrodes112and bus electrodes113are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to address electrodes101of rear substrate100(axis Y direction). Dielectric layer116is formed over an entire surface of front substrate110on which discharge sustain electrodes114are formed such that dielectric layer116covers discharge sustain electrodes114. MgO protection layer118is formed covering entire dielectric layer116.

Areas between where address electrodes101of rear substrate100and discharge sustain electrodes114of front substrate110intersect become areas that form discharge cells.

An address voltage Va is applied between address electrodes101and discharge sustain electrodes114to perform address discharge, then a sustain voltage Vs is applied between a pair of the discharge sustain electrodes114to perform sustain discharge. Ultraviolet rays generated at this time excite corresponding phosphor layers such that visible light is emitted through transparent front substrate110to realize the display of images.

However, with the PDP structure in which discharge sustain electrodes114are formed as shown inFIG. 25and barrier ribs105are provided in a striped pattern, crosstalk may occur between adjacent discharge cells (i.e., discharge cells adjacent to one another with barrier ribs105provided therebetween). Further, since there is no structure provided between adjacent barrier ribs105for dividing the discharge cells, it is possible for mis-discharge to occur between adjacent discharge cells within adjacent barrier ribs105. To prevent these problems, it is necessary to provide a minimum distance between discharge sustain electrons114corresponding to adjacent pixels. However, this limits efforts at improving discharge efficiency.

In an effort to remedy these problems, PDPs having improved electrode and barrier rib structures have been disclosed as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27.

In the PDP structure appearing inFIG. 26, although barrier ribs121are formed in the typical striped pattern, discharge sustain electrodes123are changed in configuration. That is, discharge sustain electrodes123include transparent electrodes123aand bus electrodes123b, with a pair of transparent electrodes123abeing formed for each discharge cell in such a manner to extend from bus electrodes123band oppose one another. U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,500 discloses a PDP with such a configuration. However, in the PDP structured in this manner, mis-discharge along the direction that barrier ribs121are formed remains a problem.

In the PDP structure appearing inFIG. 27, a matrix structure for barrier ribs125is realized. In particular, barrier ribs125include vertical barrier ribs125aand horizontal barrier ribs125bthat intersect. Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. Heisei 10-149771 discloses a PDP with such a configuration.

However, with the use of such a matrix barrier rib structure, since all areas except for where the barrier ribs are formed are designed as discharge regions, there are only areas that generate heat and no areas that absorb or disperse heat. As a result, after a certain amount of time has elapsed, temperature differences occur between cells in which discharge occurs and in which discharge does not occur. These temperature differences not only affect discharge characteristics, but also result in differences in brightness, the generation of bright afterimages, and other such quality problems. Bright afterimages refers to a difference in brightness occurring between a localized area and its peripheries even after a pattern of brightness that is greater than its peripheries is displayed for a predetermined time interval then returned to the brightness of the overall screen.

Further, in the PDP having barrier ribs125of such a matrix structure, either the phosphor layers are unevenly formed in corner areas that define the discharge cells, or the distance from the phosphor layers to discharge sustain electrodes127is significant enough that the efficiency of converting ultraviolet rays into visible light is reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a plasma display panel is provided that optimizes a structure of electrodes and discharge cells that effect discharge to thereby maximize discharge efficiency, and increase efficiency of converting vacuum ultraviolet rays to visible light such that discharge stability is ensured.

Further in accordance with the present invention, a plasma display panel is provided in which sections of barrier ribs that define discharge cells are formed in a stepped configuration to allow easy evacuation of the plasma display panel during manufacture of the same.

In one embodiment of the present invention a plasma display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate opposing one another with a predetermined gap therebetween. Address electrodes are formed on the second substrate. Barrier ribs are mounted between the first substrate and the second substrate, the barrier ribs defining a plurality of discharge cells and a plurality of non-discharge regions. Phosphor layers are formed within each of the discharge cells. Discharge sustain electrodes are formed on the first substrate. The non-discharge regions are formed in areas encompassed by discharge cell abscissas and ordinates that pass through centers of each of the discharge cells. The discharge cell abscissas typically pass through centers of adjacent discharge cells and discharge cell ordinates typically pass through centers of adjacent discharge cells. The non-discharge regions may be respectively centered between the discharge cell abscissas that pass through centers of adjacent discharge cells and the discharge cell ordinates that pass through centers of adjacent discharge cells. Each of the non-discharge regions may be formed by the barrier ribs in a manner having an independent cell structure. The non-discharge regions are formed by barrier ribs separating adjacent discharge cells. The non-discharge regions may also be formed by barrier ribs separating diagonally adjacent discharge cells. Also, the non-discharge regions formed into independent cell structures may be divided into a plurality of individual cells. In effect, a non-discharge region may be divided into a plurality of non-discharge sub-regions by at least one partition barrier rib located within the non-discharge region. Pairs of the discharge cells adjacent in a direction the discharge sustain electrodes may be formed sharing at least one barrier rib.

In one embodiment, a plasma display panel is provided in which if a length of the discharge cells is along a direction the address electrodes are formed, each of the discharge cells is formed such that ends thereof increasingly decrease in width along a direction the discharge sustain electrodes are formed as a distance from a center of the discharge cells is increased.

In one embodiment both ends of each of the discharge cells along a direction the address electrodes are formed have an increasingly decreasing depth as a distance from a center of the discharge cells is increased, the depths being measured from an end of the barrier ribs adjacent to the first substrate in a direction toward the second substrate.

Both ends of each of the discharge cells along a direction the address electrodes are formed may have a configuration substantially in the shape of a trapezoid, may be wedge-shaped, or may be arc-shaped. Barrier ribs shared by each pair of discharge cells adjacent along a direction the discharge sustain electrodes are formed are formed in parallel.

In one embodiment, a plasma display panel is provided in which the non-discharge regions are formed in areas encompassed by discharge cell abscissas and ordinates that pass through centers of each of the discharge cells, and the barrier ribs forming the discharge cells include first barrier rib members, which are parallel to a direction the address electrodes are formed, and second barrier rib members, which are not parallel to the direction the address electrodes are formed. In one embodiment the second barrier rib members intersect the direction the address electrodes are formed.

The first barrier rib members and second barrier rib members may have different heights. The first barrier rib members may be higher or lower than the second barrier rib members.

In one embodiment, a plasma display panel is provided in which the non-discharge regions are formed in areas encompassed by discharge cell abscissas and ordinates that pass through centers of each of the discharge cells, if a length of the discharge cells is along a direction the address electrodes are formed, each of the discharge cells is formed such that ends thereof increasingly decrease in width along a direction the discharge sustain electrodes are formed as a distance from a center of the discharge cells is increased, and the discharge sustain electrodes include bus electrodes that extend such that a pair of the bus electrodes is provided for each of the discharge cells, and protrusion electrodes formed extending from each of the bus electrodes such that a pair of opposing protrusion electrodes is formed within areas corresponding to each discharge cell.

Proximal ends of the protrusion electrodes where the protrusion electrodes are connected to and extend from the bus electrodes decrease in width in the direction the bus electrodes may be formed as the distance from the center of the discharge cells is increased, and the proximal ends of the protrusion electrodes may be formed corresponding to the shape of the ends of the discharge cells.

A distal end of each of the protrusion electrodes opposite proximal ends connected to and extended from the bus electrodes may be formed including an indentation, and a first discharge gap and a second discharge gap of different sizes are formed between distal ends of opposing protrusion electrodes. In one embodiment the indentation is formed substantially in a center of the distal ends of each of the protrusion electrodes along the direction the bus electrodes are formed. Also, a protrusion may be formed to both sides of the indentations of each of the protrusion electrodes, and in one embodiment edges of the indentations of each of the protrusion electrodes are rounded with no abrupt changes in angle.

The protrusion electrodes may be transparent.

In one embodiment, the discharge cells are filled with discharge gas containing 10% or more Xenon (Xe). In another embodiment, the discharge cells are filled with discharge gas containing 10˜60% Xe.

Ventilation paths are formed on the barrier ribs defining the non-discharge regions. The ventilation paths are formed as grooves in the barrier ribs to communicate the discharge cells with the non-discharge regions.

The grooves have substantially an elliptical planar configuration or a rectangular planar configuration.

In another embodiment, the discharge sustain electrodes include scan electrodes and common electrodes provided such that one scan electrode and one common electrode correspond to each row of the discharge cells, the scan electrodes and the common electrodes including protrusion electrodes that extend into the discharge cells opposing one another. The protrusion electrodes are formed such that a width of proximal ends thereof is smaller than a width of distal ends of the protrusion electrodes. The address electrodes include line regions formed along a direction the address electrodes are formed, and enlarged regions formed at predetermined locations and expanding along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the line regions to correspond to the shape of protrusion electrodes of the scan electrodes.

The enlarged regions of the address electrodes are formed to a first width at areas opposing the distal ends of the protrusion electrodes, and to a second width that is smaller than the first width at areas opposing the proximal ends of the protrusion electrodes.

In yet another embodiment, the discharge sustain electrodes include scan electrodes and common electrodes provided such that one scan electrode and one common electrode correspond to each row of the discharge cells. Each of the scan electrodes and common electrodes includes bus electrodes extended along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction the address electrodes are formed, and protrusion electrodes that extend into the discharge cells from the bus electrodes such that the protrusion electrodes of the scan electrodes oppose the protrusion electrodes of the common electrodes.

One of the bus electrodes of the common electrodes is mounted between adjacent discharge cells of every other row of the discharge cells, and the bus electrodes of the scan electrodes are mounted between adjacent discharge cells and between the bus electrodes of the common electrodes.

Further, the protrusion electrodes of the common electrodes are extended from the bus electrodes of the common electrodes into discharge cells adjacent to opposite sides of the bus electrodes, and the bus electrodes of the common electrodes have a width that is greater than a width of the bus electrodes of the scan electrodes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a sectional exploded perspective view of a plasma display panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention withFIG. 2being a partial plan view of the plasma display panel ofFIG. 1.

A plasma display panel (PDP) according to the first embodiment includes first substrate10and second substrate20provided substantially in parallel with a predetermined gap therebetween. A plurality of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B in which plasma discharge takes place is defined by barrier ribs25between first substrate10and second substrate20. Discharge sustain electrodes12and13are formed on first substrate10, and address electrodes21are formed on second substrate20. This basic structure of the PDP will be described in greater detail below.

A plurality of address electrodes21is formed along one direction (direction X in the drawings) on a surface of second substrate20opposing first substrate10. Address electrodes21are formed in a striped pattern with a uniform, predetermined interval between adjacent address electrodes21. A dielectric layer23is formed on the surface of second substrate20on which address electrodes21are formed. Dielectric layer23may be formed extending over this entire surface of second substrate20to thereby cover address electrodes21. In this embodiment, although address electrodes21were described as being provided in a striped pattern, the present invention is not limited to this configuration and address electrodes21may be formed in a variety of different patterns and shapes.

Barrier ribs25define the plurality of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, and also non-discharge regions26in the gap between first substrate10and second substrate20. In one embodiment barrier ribs25are formed over dielectric layer23, which is provided on second substrate20as described above. Discharge cells27R,27G, and27B designate areas in which discharge gas is provided and where gas discharge is expected to take place with the application of an address voltage and a discharge sustain voltage. Non-discharge regions26are areas where a voltage is not applied such that gas discharge (i.e., illumination) is not expected to take place therein. Non-discharge regions26are areas that are at least as big as a thickness of barrier ribs25in a direction Y.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, non-discharge regions26defined by barrier ribs25are formed in areas encompassed by discharge cell abscissas H and ordinates V that pass through centers of each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, and that are respectively aligned with direction Y and direction X. In one embodiment, non-discharge regions26are centered between adjacent abscissas H and adjacent ordinates V. Stated differently, in one embodiment each pair of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B adjacent to one another along direction X has a common non-discharge region26with another such pair of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B adjacent along direction Y. With this configuration realized by barrier ribs25, each of the non-discharge regions26has an independent cell structure.

Discharge cells27R,27G, and27B adjacent in the direction discharge sustain electrodes12and13are mounted (direction Y) are formed sharing at least one of the barrier ribs25. Also, each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B is formed with ends that reduce in width in the direction of discharge sustain electrodes12and13(direction Y) as a distance from a center of each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B is increased in the direction address electrodes21are provided (direction X). That is, as shown inFIG. 1, a width Wc of a mid-portion of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B is greater than a width We of the ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, with width We of the ends decreasing up to a certain point as the distance from the center of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B is increased. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B are formed in the shape of a trapezoid until reaching a predetermined location where barrier ribs25close off discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. This results in each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B having an overall planar shape of an octagon.

Barrier ribs25defining non-discharge regions26and discharge cells27R,27G, and27B in the manner described above include first barrier rib members25athat are parallel to address electrodes21, and second barrier rib members25bthat define the ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B as described above and so are not parallel to address electrodes21. In the first embodiment, second barrier rib members25bare formed extending up to a point, then extending in the direction discharge sustain electrodes12and13are formed to cross over address electrodes21. Therefore, second barrier rib members25bare formed in substantially an X shape between discharge cells27R,27G, and27B adjacent along the direction of address electrodes21. Second barrier rib members25bcan further separate diagonally adjacent discharge cells with a non-discharge region therebetween.

Red (R), green (G), and blue (B) phosphors are deposited within discharge cells27R,27G, and27B to form phosphor layers29R,29G, and29B, respectively. This will be described in more detail with reference toFIG. 3, which is a sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 2.

With reference toFIG. 3, a depth at both ends of discharge cells27R along the direction of address electrodes21decreases as the distance from the center of discharge cells27R is increased. That is, a depth de at the ends of discharge cells27R is less than a depth dc at the mid-portions of discharge cells27R, with the depth de decreasing as the distance from the center is increased along direction X.

As a result of such a formation of depths de and dc of discharge cells27R, distances between phosphor layers29R and discharge sustain electrodes12and13are decreased at the ends of discharge cells27R. Since the strength of gas discharge is relatively low at the ends of discharge cells27R, this configuration increases the efficiency of converting vacuum ultraviolet rays to visible light in these areas. Discharge cells27G and27B of the other colors are formed identically to discharge cells27R and therefore operate in the same manner.

With respect to first substrate10, a plurality of discharge sustain electrodes12and13is formed on the surface of first substrate10opposing second substrate20. Discharge sustain electrodes12and13are extended in a direction (direction Y) substantially perpendicular to the direction (direction X) of address electrodes21. Further, dielectric layer14is formed over an entire surface of first substrate10covering discharge sustain electrodes12and13, and MgO protection layer16is formed on dielectric layer14. To simplify the drawings, dielectric layer14and MgO protection layer16shown inFIG. 3are not shown inFIGS. 1 and 2.

Discharge sustain electrodes12and13respectively include bus electrodes12band13bthat are formed in a striped pattern, and protrusion electrodes12aand13athat are formed extended from bus electrodes12band13b, respectively. For each row of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B along direction Y, bus electrodes12bare extended into one end of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, and bus electrodes13bare extended into an opposite end of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. Therefore, each of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B has one of the bus electrodes12bpositioned over one end, and one of the bus electrodes13bpositioned over its other end.

That is, for each row of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B along direction Y, protrusion electrodes12aoverlap and protrude from corresponding bus electrode12binto the areas of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. Protrusion electrodes13aoverlap and protrude from the corresponding bus electrode13binto the areas of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. Therefore, one protrusion electrode12aand one protrusion electrode13aare formed opposing one another in each area corresponding to each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B.

Proximal ends of protrusion electrodes12aand13a(i.e., where protrusion electrodes12aand13aare attached to and extend from bus electrodes12band13b, respectively) are formed corresponding to the shape of the ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. That is, the proximal ends of protrusion electrodes12aand13areduce in width along direction Y as the distance from the center of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B along direction X is increased to thereby correspond to the shape of the ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B.

Protrusion electrodes12aand13aare realized through transparent electrodes such as ITO (indium tin oxide) electrodes. In one embodiment, metal electrodes are used for bus electrodes12band13b.

FIG. 4is a partial plan view of a modified example of the plasma display panel ofFIG. 1. Partition barrier ribs24are formed in direction X passing through centers of non-discharge regions26. Partition barrier ribs24may be formed by extending first barrier rib members25a. With the formation of partition barrier ribs24, non-discharge regions26are divided into two sections26aand26bforming non-discharge sub-regions. It should be noted that non-discharge regions26may be divided into more than the two sections depending on the number and formation of partition barrier ribs24.

In the following, PDPs according to second through eighth embodiments of the present invention will be described. In these PDPs, although the basic structure of the PDP of the first embodiment is left intact, the barrier rib structure of second substrate20and the discharge sustain electrode structure of first substrate10are changed to improve discharge efficiency. Like reference numerals will be used in the following description for elements identical to those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5is a partial plan view of a plasma display panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the drawing, in the PDP according to the second embodiment, a plurality of non-discharge regions36and a plurality of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B are defined by barrier ribs35. Non-discharge regions36are formed in areas encompassed by discharge cell abscissas and ordinates that pass through centers of each of the discharge cells37R,37G, and37B, and that are aligned respectively with directions X and Y as in the first embodiment.

Ends of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B are formed reducing in width in the direction of discharge sustain electrodes17and18(direction Y) as a distance from a center of each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B is increased in the direction that address electrodes21are provided (direction X). Such a configuration is continued until reaching a point of minimal width such that the ends of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B are wedge-shaped. Therefore, discharge cells37R,37G, and37B have an overall planar shape of a hexagon.

Discharge sustain electrodes17and18include bus electrodes17band18b, respectively, that are formed along a direction (direction Y) that is substantially perpendicular to the direction address electrodes21are formed (direction X), and protrusion electrodes17aand18a, respectively. For each row of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B along direction Y, bus electrodes17bare extended in the same direction overlapping one end of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B, and bus electrodes18bare extended overlapping an opposite end of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B. Therefore, each of the discharge cells37R,37G, and37B has one of the bus electrodes17bpositioned over one end, and one of the bus electrodes18bpositioned over its other end.

Further, for each row of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B along direction Y, protrusion electrodes17aoverlap and protrude from corresponding bus electrode17binto the area of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B. Protrusion electrodes18aoverlap and protrude from corresponding bus electrode18binto the area of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B. Therefore, one protrusion electrode17aand one protrusion electrode18aare formed opposing one another in each area corresponding to each of the discharge cells37R,37G, and37B.

Proximal ends of protrusion electrodes17aand18a(i.e., where protrusion electrodes17aand18aare attached to and extended from bus electrodes17band18b, respectively) are formed corresponding to the wedge shape of the ends of discharge cells37R,37G, and37B.

FIG. 6is a partial plan view of a modified example of the plasma display panel ofFIG. 5.

Partition barrier ribs34are formed in direction X passing through centers of non-discharge regions36. Partition barrier ribs34may be formed by extending first barrier rib members35aof barrier ribs35. With the formation of partition barrier ribs34, non-discharge regions36are divided into two sections36aand36b. It should be noted that non-discharge regions36may be divided into more than two sections depending on the number and formation of partition barrier ribs34.

FIG. 7is a partial plan view of a plasma display panel according to a third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawing, in the PDP according to the third embodiment, a plurality of non-discharge regions46and a plurality of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B are defined by barrier ribs45. Non-discharge regions46are formed in areas encompassed by discharge cell abscissas and ordinates that pass through centers of each of the discharge cells47R,47G, and47B, and that are aligned respectively with directions X and Y as in the first embodiment. With lengths of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B being provided along a direction of address electrodes21(direction X), ends of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B are rounded into an arc shape.

Discharge sustain electrodes12and13include bus electrodes12band13b, respectively, that are formed along a direction (direction Y) that is substantially perpendicular to the direction address electrodes21are formed (direction X), and protrusion electrodes12aand13a, respectively. For each row of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B along direction Y, bus electrodes12bare extended in the same direction overlapping one end of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B, and bus electrodes13bare extended overlapping an opposite end of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B. Therefore, each of the discharge cells47R,47G, and47B has one of the bus electrodes12bpositioned over one end, and one of the bus electrodes13bpositioned over its other end.

Further, for each row of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B along direction Y, protrusion electrodes12aoverlap and protrude from corresponding bus electrode12binto the area of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B Also, protrusion electrodes13aoverlap and protrude from corresponding bus electrode13binto the area of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B. Therefore, one protrusion electrode12aand one protrusion electrode13aare formed opposing one another in each area corresponding to each of the discharge cells47R,47G, and47B.

Proximal ends of protrusion electrodes12aand13a(i.e., where protrusion electrodes12aand13aare attached to and extended from bus electrodes12band13b, respectively) are formed in a wedge-shape configuration. That is, the proximal ends of protrusion electrodes12aand13areduce in width along direction Y as the distance from the center of discharge cells47R,47G, and47B along direction X is increased to thereby realize their wedge shape.

FIG. 8is a partial plan view of a modified example of the plasma display panel ofFIG. 7. Partition barrier ribs44are formed in direction X passing through centers of non-discharge regions46. Partition barrier ribs44may be formed by extending first barrier rib members45aof barrier ribs45. With the formation of partition barrier ribs44, non-discharge regions46are divided into two sections46aand46b. It should be noted that non-discharge regions46may be divided into more than two sections depending on the number and formation of partition barrier ribs44.

FIG. 9is a sectional exploded perspective view of a plasma display panel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 10is a partial plan view of the plasma display panel ofFIG. 9, andFIG. 11is a sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG. 10. In the plasma display panel (PDP) according to the fourth embodiment, barrier ribs55that define non-discharge regions56and discharge cells57R,57G, and57B include first barrier rib members55athat are parallel to address electrodes21, and second barrier rib members55bthat define ends of discharge cells57R,57G, and57B, are not parallel to address electrodes21, and intersect over address electrodes21. Second barrier rib members55bare formed in substantially an X shape between discharge cells57R,57G, and57B that are adjacent in the direction the address electrodes are formed (direction X). Each of the non-discharge regions56is defined by a pair of second barrier rib members55badjacent in the direction discharge sustain electrodes12and13are formed (direction Y), and by a pair of first barrier rib members55aadjacent in the direction address electrodes21are formed (direction X). Non-discharge regions56are therefore formed into independent cell structures.

Further, first barrier rib members55aand second barrier rib members55bforming barrier ribs55may have different heights. In the fourth embodiment, height h1of first barrier rib members55ais greater than a height h2of second barrier rib members55b. As a result, with reference toFIG. 11, exhaust spaces E are formed between first substrate10and second substrate20to thereby enable more effective and smoother evacuation of the PDP during manufacture. It is also possible for height h1of first barrier rib members55ato be less than height h2of second barrier rib members55b.

All other aspects of the fourth embodiment such as the shape of discharge cells57R,57G, and57B, and/or of discharge sustain electrodes12and13, and the positioning of discharge cells57R,57G, and57B relative to non-discharge regions56are identical to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12is a sectional exploded perspective view of a plasma display panel according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the plasma display panel (PDP) according to the fifth embodiment, barrier ribs65that define non-discharge regions66and discharge cells67R,67G, and67B include first barrier rib members65athat are parallel to address electrodes21, and second barrier rib members65bthat define ends of discharge cells67R,67G, and67B, are not parallel to address electrodes21, and intersect over address electrodes21. First barrier rib members65aare formed in a striped pattern in the direction address electrodes21are formed, and each extends a length of the PDP in the same direction. Second barrier rib members65bare formed in substantially an X shape between discharge cells67R,67G, and67B that are adjacent in the direction the address electrodes are formed (direction X). Each of the non-discharge regions66, including sections66aand66b, is defined by a pair of second barrier rib members65badjacent in the direction discharge sustain electrodes12and13are formed (direction Y), and by one of the first barrier rib members65a, which pass through centers of non-discharge regions66in the direction address electrodes21are formed (direction X).

Further, first barrier rib members65aand second barrier rib members65bforming barrier ribs65may have different heights. In the fifth embodiment, a height of first barrier rib members65ais greater than a height of second barrier rib members65b. This allows for more effective and smoother evacuation of the PDP during manufacture. It is also possible for the height of first barrier rib members65ato be less than the height of second barrier rib members65b.

All other aspects of the fifth embodiment such as the shape of discharge cells67R,67G, and67B, and/or of discharge sustain electrodes12and13, and the positioning of discharge cells67R,67G, and67B relative to non-discharge regions66are identical to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13is a sectional exploded perspective view of a plasma display panel according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the plasma display panel (PDP) according to the sixth embodiment, barrier ribs75that define non-discharge regions76and discharge cells77R,77G, and77B include first barrier rib members75athat are parallel to address electrodes21, and second barrier rib members75bthat define ends of discharge cells77R,77G, and77B, are not parallel to address electrodes21, and intersect over address electrodes21. First barrier rib members75aare formed in a striped pattern in the direction address electrodes21are formed, and each extends a length of the PDP in the same direction. Second barrier rib members75bare formed in substantially an X shape between discharge cells77R,77G, and77B that are adjacent in the direction the address electrodes are formed (direction X). Each of the non-discharge regions76is defined by a pair of second barrier rib members75badjacent in the direction discharge sustain electrodes12and13are formed (direction Y), and by one of the first barrier rib members75a, which pass through centers of non-discharge regions76in the direction address electrodes21are formed (direction X).

Further, first barrier rib members75aand second barrier rib members75bforming barrier ribs75may be formed have different heights. In the sixth embodiment, a height of first barrier rib members75ais greater than a height of second barrier rib members75b. This allows for more effective and smoother evacuation of the PDP during manufacture. It is also possible for the height of first barrier rib members75ato be less than the height of second barrier rib members75b.

All other aspects of the sixth embodiment such as the shape of discharge cells77R,77G, and77B, and/or of discharge sustain electrodes12and13, and the positioning of discharge cells77R,77G, and77B relative to non-discharge regions76are identical to the second embodiment.

FIG. 14is a sectional exploded perspective view of a plasma display panel according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the plasma display panel (PDP) according to the seventh embodiment, barrier ribs85that define non-discharge regions86, including sections86aand86b, and discharge cells87R,87G, and87B include first barrier rib members85athat are parallel to address electrodes21, and second barrier rib members85bthat define ends of discharge cells87R,87G, and87B, are not parallel to address electrodes21, and intersect over address electrodes21. First barrier rib members85aare formed in a striped pattern in the direction address electrodes21are formed, and each extends a length of the PDP in the same direction. Second barrier rib members85bare formed in substantially an X shape between discharge cells87R,87G, and87B that are adjacent in the direction the address electrodes are formed (direction X). Each of the non-discharge regions86is defined by a pair of second barrier rib members85badjacent in the direction discharge sustain electrodes12and13are formed (direction Y), and by one of the first barrier rib members85a, which pass through centers of non-discharge regions86in the direction address electrodes21are formed (direction X).

Further, first barrier rib members85aand second barrier rib members85bforming barrier ribs85may have different heights. In the seventh embodiment, a height of first barrier rib members85ais greater than a height of second barrier rib members85b. This allows for more effective and smoother evacuation of the PDP during manufacture. It is also possible for the height of first barrier rib members85ato be less than the height of second barrier rib members85b.

All other aspects of the seventh embodiment such as the shape of discharge cells87R,87G, and87B, and/or of discharge sustain electrodes12and13, and the positioning of discharge cells87R,87G, and87B relative to non-discharge regions86are identical to the third embodiment.

FIG. 15is a sectional exploded perspective view of a plasma display panel according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the plasma display panel (PDP) according to the eighth embodiment, discharge sustain electrodes92and93respectively include bus electrodes92band93bthat are formed along a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction address electrodes21are formed, and respectively include protrusion electrodes92aand93athat extend from bus electrodes92band93b, respectively, into areas corresponding to discharge cells27R,27G, and27B.

Distal ends of protrusion electrodes92aand93aare formed such that center areas along direction Y are indented and sections to both sides of the indentations are protruded. Therefore, in each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, first discharge gap G1and second discharge gap G2of different sizes are formed between opposing protrusion electrodes92aand93a. That is, second discharge gaps G2(or long gaps) are formed where the indentations of protrusion electrodes92aand93aoppose one another, and first discharge gaps G1(or short gaps) are formed where the protruded areas to both sides of the indentations of protrusion electrodes92aand93aoppose one another. Accordingly, plasma discharge, which initially occurs at center areas of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, is more efficiently diffused such that overall discharge efficiency is increased. The distal ends of protrusion electrodes92aand93amay be formed with only indented center areas such that protruded sections are formed to both sides of the indentations, or may be formed with the protrusions to both sides of the indentations extending past a reference straight line r formed along direction Y. Further, protrusion electrodes92aand93aproviding the pair of the same positioned within each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B may be formed as described above, or only one of the pair may be formed with the indentations and protrusions. Regardless of the particular configuration used, in one embodiment edges of the indentations and protrusions of protrusion electrodes92aand93aare rounded with no abrupt changes in angle.

All other aspects of the eighth embodiment such as the shape of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, and the positioning of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B relative to non-discharge regions26are identical to the first embodiment.

Discharge sustain electrodes92and93are positioned with first and second gaps G1and G2interposed therebetween to thereby reduce a discharge initialization voltage Vf. Accordingly, in the eighth embodiment, the amount of Xe contained in the discharge gas may be increased and the discharge initialization voltage Vf may be left at the same level. The discharge gas contains 10% or more Xe. In one embodiment, the discharge gas contains 10˜60% Xe. With the increased Xe content, vacuum ultraviolet rays may be emitted with a greater intensity to thereby enhance screen brightness.

The relation between the Xe content in discharge gas and first and second gaps G1and G2will be described with reference to Table 1 below andFIG. 16.

In Table 1, with A established as the sum of a size of gap G1and a size of gap G2, there are shown results obtained through experimentation of different A values in which driving is possible with a suitable discharge initialization voltage Vf depending on changes in the Xe content. It is to be noted that satisfactory driving of the PDP was not possible when the discharge gas contained 60% or more Xe.

In Table 1 below, F(A+Xe) is the sum of the A values with the Xe content values. That is, the A values were simply added to the Xe values and no conversion in the units of micrometers for the A values and the units of percentage for the Xe content values were made before the addition operations. Further, the discharge efficiencies measured for the different Xe content values in the discharge gas are based on a value of 1 for the discharge efficiency obtained when the discharge gas contains 5% Xe.

As shown in Table 1, when the size of first and second discharge gaps G1and G2is reduced as the Xe content in the discharge gas is increased from 5% to 60%, driving of the PDP is possible with a suitable discharge initialization voltage Vf and discharge efficiency is improved. In particular, when the instances in which the Xe content is 10% or more are compared to when it is 5%, it is clear that a significant improvement in discharge efficiency is realized. Accordingly, the PDP of the eighth embodiment realizes an increase in discharge efficiency by the formation of the protrusion electrodes as described above and by the Xe content of 10% to 60% in the discharge gas.

FIG. 16is a graph showing changes in the discharge initialization voltage Vf as a function of F(A+Xe).

When the Xe content is between 10 and 60% and the F(A+Xe) value is in the range of 167˜240, driving occurs in the range of 180˜210V. In the PDP field, this is considered to be an appropriate drive voltage range. Accordingly, the PDP of the eighth embodiment includes discharge gas that contains 10˜60% Xe and a discharge sustain electrode formation in which the F(A+Xe) value is in the range of 167˜240.

FIG. 17is a partial exploded perspective view of a plasma display panel according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 18is a partial plan view of the plasma display panel ofFIG. 17.

In the plasma display panel (PDP) according to the ninth embodiment, barrier ribs25that define non-discharge regions26and discharge cells27R,27G, and27B include first barrier rib members25athat are parallel to address electrodes21, and second barrier rib members25bthat define ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, are not parallel to address electrodes21, and intersect over address electrodes21.

Ventilation paths40are formed on second barrier rib members25b. Ventilation paths40allow for more effective and smoother evacuation of the PDP during manufacture. Further, ventilation paths40are formed as grooves on second barrier rib members25bsuch that non-discharge regions26and discharge cells27R,27G, and27B are in communication.

When viewed from above, the grooves forming ventilation paths40may be substantially elliptical as shown inFIGS. 19A and 19B, or may be substantially rectangular as shown inFIGS. 20A and 20B. However, the grooves are not limited to any one shape and may be formed in a variety of ways as long as there is communication between non-discharge regions26and discharge cells27R,27G, and27B.

In the PDP having ventilation paths40as described above, air in the PDP including air in discharge cells27R,27G, and27B may be easily evacuated to thereby result in a more complete vacuum state within the PDP. Further, although a pair of ventilation paths40is shown inFIG. 18as being formed for each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, a greater or lesser number of ventilation paths40may be formed as needed.

Ventilation paths40may be applied to PDPs having various barrier rib structures based on the structure of the first embodiment.

FIG. 21is a partial plan view of a modified example of the plasma display panel ofFIG. 17.

Auxiliary ventilation paths42are formed on second barrier rib members25bthat define non-discharge regions26. Auxiliary ventilation paths42communicate non-discharge regions26adjacent along direction Y. Further, auxiliary ventilation paths42further enable easy evacuation of the PDP during manufacture. Auxiliary ventilation paths42may be substantially elliptical or rectangular when viewed from above as with ventilation paths40.

Auxiliary ventilation paths42may be applied to various barrier rib structures in addition to the barrier rib structure shown inFIG. 21.

FIG. 22is a partial exploded perspective view of a plasma display panel according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 23is a partial enlarged view ofFIG. 22.

In the plasma display panel (PDP) according to the tenth embodiment, barrier ribs25define non-discharge regions26and discharge cells27R,27G, and27B as in the first embodiment. Further, discharge sustain electrodes12and13are formed along a direction (direction Y) substantially perpendicular to the direction address electrodes24are formed. Discharge sustain electrodes12are common electrodes, and discharge sustain electrodes13are scan electrodes. Scan electrodes13and common electrodes12include bus electrodes13band12b, respectively, that extend along the direction address electrodes24are formed (direction Y). Scan electrodes13and common electrodes12also include protrusion electrodes13aand12a, respectively, that are extended respectively from bus electrodes13band12b.

For each row of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B along direction Y, bus electrodes12bare extended along one end of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, and bus electrodes13bare extended into an opposite end of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. Therefore, each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B has one of the bus electrodes12bpositioned over one end, and one of the bus electrodes13bpositioned over its other end. Protrusion electrodes12aoverlap and protrude from corresponding bus electrode12binto the areas of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. Also, protrusion electrodes13aoverlap and protrude from the corresponding bus electrode13binto the areas of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. Therefore, one protrusion electrode12aand one protrusion electrode13aare formed opposing one another in each area corresponding to each of the discharge cells27R,27G, and27B.

Proximal ends of protrusion electrodes12aand13a(i.e., where protrusion electrodes12aand13aare attached to and extend from bus electrodes12band13b, respectively) are formed corresponding to the shape of the ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. That is, the proximal ends of protrusion electrodes12aand13areduce in width along direction Y as the distance from the center of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B along direction X is increased to thereby correspond to the shape of the ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B.

In the tenth embodiment, address electrodes24include enlarged regions24bformed corresponding to the shape and location of protrusion electrodes13aof scan electrodes13. Enlarged regions24bincrease an area of scan electrodes13that oppose address electrodes24. In more detail, address electrodes24include line regions24aformed along direction X, and enlarged regions24bformed at predetermined locations and expanding along direction Y corresponding to the shape of protrusion electrodes13aas described above.

As shown inFIG. 23, when viewed from a front of the PDP, areas of enlarged regions24bof address electrodes24opposing distal ends of protrusions13aof scan electrodes13are substantially rectangular having width W3, and areas of enlarged regions24bof address electrodes24opposing proximal ends of protrusions13aof scan electrodes13are substantially wedge-shaped having width W4that is less than width W3and decreases gradually as bus electrodes13bare neared. With width W5corresponding to the width of line regions24aof address electrodes24, the following inequalities are maintained: W3>W5and W4>W5.

With the formation of enlarged regions24bat areas opposing scan electrodes13of address electrodes24as described above, address discharge is activated when an address voltage is applied between address electrodes24and scan electrodes13, and the influence of common electrodes12is not received. Accordingly, in the PDP of the tenth embodiment, address discharge is stabilized such that crosstalk is prevented during address discharge and sustain discharge, and an address voltage margin is increased.

FIG. 24is a partial plan view of a plasma display panel according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

In the plasma display panel (PDP) according to the eleventh embodiment, barrier ribs25define non-discharge regions26and discharge cells27R,27G, and27B as in the first embodiment. Further, discharge sustain electrodes are formed along a direction (direction Y) substantially perpendicular to the direction address electrodes24are formed. The sustain electrodes include scan electrodes (Ya, Yb) and common electrodes Xn (where n=1, 2, 3, . . . ). Scan electrodes (Ya, Yb) and common electrodes Xn include bus electrodes15band16b, respectively, that extend along the direction address electrodes24are formed (direction Y), and protrusion electrodes15aand16a, respectively, that are extended respectively from bus electrodes15band15bsuch that a pair of protrusion electrodes15aand16aoppose one another in each discharge cell27R,27G, and27B. Scan electrodes (Ya, Yb) act together with address electrodes24to select discharge cells27R,27G, and27B, and common electrodes Xn act to initialize discharge and generate sustain discharge.

Letting the term “rows” be used to describe lines of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B adjacent along direction Y, bus electrodes16bof common electrodes Xn are provided such that one of the bus electrodes16bis formed overlapping ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B in every other pair of rows adjacent along direction X. Further, bus electrodes15bof scan electrodes (Ya, Yb) are provided such that one bus electrode15bof scan electrodes Ya and one bus electrode15bof scan electrodes Yb are formed overlapping ends of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B in every other pair of rows adjacent along direction X. Along this direction X, scan electrodes (Ya, Yb) and common electrodes Xn are provided in an overall pattern of Ya-X1-Yb-Ya-X2-Yb-Ya-X3-Yb- . . . -Ya-Xn-Yb. With this configuration, common electrodes Xn are able to participate in the discharge operation of all discharge cells27R,27G, and27B.

Further, bus electrodes15band16brespectively of scan electrodes (Ya, Yb) and common electrodes Xn are positioned also outside the region of discharge cells27R,27G, and27B. This prevents a reduction in the aperture ratio by bus electrodes15band16bsuch that a high degree of brightness is maintained. In addition, bus electrodes16bof common electrodes Xn are formed covering a greater area along direction X than pairs of bus electrodes15bof scan electrodes (Ya, Yb). This is because bus electrodes16bof common electrodes Xn absorb outside light to thereby improve contrast.

In the PDP of the present invention described above, non-discharge regions are formed between discharge cells, the discharge cells are formed to maximize discharge efficiency, and the phosphor layers are formed closer to the discharge sustain electrodes to realize improved efficiency in converting vacuum ultraviolet rays to visible light.

In addition, each of the discharge cells is formed into independent spaces so that crosstalk between adjacent discharge cells is prevented. Also, the first barrier rib members, which are aligned with the address electrodes, and the second barrier rib members, which intersect over the address electrodes, are formed to different heights to thereby allow smooth and efficient evacuation of the PDP during manufacture.